With a baby due in a few months, Mr. FSL & I have been realizing that a 2 door car is not a terrific idea. Getting a baby in and out of a car seat will not be easy. It does not sound fun to squeeze a bulky infant carrier behind a folded down front seat. I used to gag at the word practical. This new addition has me thinking a little more clearly.
My husband salivates at the idea of us owning a station wagon and/or minivan. I on the other hand dry heave (no disrespect to any of you that own either). It’s just not my cup of tea. I’d rather drive a 4 door sedan or an SUV.
The other day, Mr. FSL pulled this puppy into our driveway and told me that I could test drive it for the day. Sweet!
It was a Nissan Murano. I loved to look of it, I even liked the way it drove. I’m used to zooming around town in my 2 door Honda, so I wasn’t expecting to feel comfortable driving something so big.
I checked out the super roomy interior. So far so good! I was really liking it. A couple of car seats could fit back here and still have tons of room in the hatch back for groceries, bikes, random items I pick up off the curb and think I’m going to upcycle one day. You know the usual 😉
I drove it to the gym and to Target. I had some trouble parking comfortably. I felt like I was going to side swipe every car near me. Not cool.
When I came home, it took me a few minutes to pull into the garage. When I say a few minutes I mean like 10 minutes. Inch. By. Inch. Scary close to the garage opening. *thumbs down* Yes, that’s a mustache covering the license plate.
I talked myself into thinking it would be a perfect choice for us. It would definitely take some getting used to, but I thought it might be doable. I felt safe while driving, it was spacious, and there was room to grow.
Until I tried to back it out of the garage. Even the super fancy reverse video thigamabobber knew the car was too big for our garage!
Look at those red lines! Scariest reverse job EVER! I can’t imagine doing this every day with a baby in the car. I’d be too scared to hit the house. Plus I’d be late going places because I’d have to allow for 25 minutes to pull out of my garage and to park this tank.
This car went back to the dealer lot. The hunt continues!
What do you drive? What is a safe car for someone with a baby on the way and is afraid of really large SUV’s? Help a sistah out!
Ha! We had a Mustang for almost 2 years after our oldest son was born. It was a pain but we did it. Then about 6 months after baby #3 was born and squeezing them all into the backseat of a Pontiac G6 we finally got an SUV. I also didn’t want a minivan and didn’t want anything too huge but it had to hold all 5 of us comfortably. We got an awesome deal on an Acura MDX and I admit I was nervous about driving it at first since it is bigger (has 3 rows) but I love it now. Good luck with the car search…it’s one of my least favorite things to do.
I love the Acura mdx. I can’t imagine everyone piles in the stang lol!
I drive a Ford Fusion and i love it, but i have the same issue with my car and the garage as you do, so i only park it in the garage when its snows in the winter. You should look into a Ford Escape, i think if you test drive one and i think you will like it alot.
They are really nice too. If I can pull it in and out of my garage, it’s safe and comfy to drive, I’ll take it
I am no help here! I have a cute little Honda civic coupe that I absolutely love AND just paid off. With a baby coming in November, I know my two door has to go, but i’m having trouble accepting that 🙂 My husband drives a jeep grand Cherokee and I really like it so we might just switch for a while so I don’t have to part with my car right away.
I have the same car as you lol! My husband drives a pick up truck which doesn’t help the baby issue. It’s nice for yard stuff and furniture 😉
Love my CRV. You can fit it in any spot! Good luck.
I love the CRV. We were looking into buying one of those as well. Thanks for stopping by Sarah!
Too bad this car wasn’t the perfect fit, but hopefully you’ll find something you love soon! We have a Mazda 3 (the hatchback) and we love it. It might be too small for what you’re looking for, but it’s definitely a great car!
We recently purchased the Honda Pilot and I LOVE IT!!! It doesn’t feel to big and it has plenty of room. The third seat is awesome and we have actually used all 8 seats and everyone loved it.
( I had a Honda Accord too- haha! that car lasted many good times in College )
We’re thinking Honda CRV or something like the pilot. Yes, the good old civics & accords are tough to beat.
* Too big..opps
I was worried that you were looking at mini-vans! Yikes!! ;P
I have a Jeep Liberty. Nate has a Jeep Grand Cherokee. I LOVE my Liberty. I like the Grand Cherokee too but it’s a little bigger. Good luck!