Suggestions or reviews for new (large) vehicle

Right now we have a minivan that seats 8 but has only 6 shoulder belts. We have 6 kids, and in another year we're going to need another shoulder belt (one kid will outgrow the car seat that is in a position with only a lap belt). We are getting rid of our other vehicle (a car) in about a month.

So... do we replace the car with a really big van, or another minivan, that has 8 seats/shoulder belts? Here are some issues we are considering:
-Cost is a big concern to us (we have not had a car payment in over 5 years!). Not only the upfront cost, but gas and repairs.
-Safety of course also - I've heard that some of the cargo vans are prone to tipping over.
-If we get another minivan, it will be (sort of) obsolete if we have another baby
-I don't waaaaaant to drive a big huge van on all my errands, and I probably won't be able to park it in the garage either.

Any ideas? I would love to hear from other mothers suggestions on vehicles to look into.

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 12 2009 Posts: 13203

12 seaters aren't so bad. And they don't use up much more gas than the Astros, which have 8 belts. Can't tell you about Suburbans, etc.
I don't know if you live in or OOT. I couldn't see driving one in town. But OOT, not a biggie. As far as parking, I try not to park myself in. I pull through, or back in if there are a few spaces next to each other.
I've heard, if you're looking at Ford 12 seaters, that the 350s are more expensive to repair. The 150s don't usually come with a back seat but it's perfectly legal to put them in.
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