Fuel Efficient Vehicle with 3rd Row

[broski499]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

You mean the full-size Transit or the Connect? The Connect has roughly the same footprint of previous generations of the traditional American minivan, yet it's slightly taller.

The connect. They have a wagon version that has a 3rd row. Seems like a great little car. Pretty affordable even new starting at 27k.

I really do need to compare the footprint because if it’s the same as a normal Honda or Toyota minivan then I would lean going larger.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by broski499

They have a wagon version that has a 3rd row.

The only one I have seen in my hometown is of that version, and it was used by the local U.S. Consulate.

I really do need to compare the footprint because if it’s the same as a normal Honda or Toyota minivan then I would lean going larger.

Its footprint is smaller than current generations of minivans, either from the American or Japanese automakers, but it's comparable to some minivans from the '90s which were still quite mini

[JSH]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

You mean the full-size Transit or the Connect? The Connect has roughly the same footprint of previous generations of the traditional American minivan, yet it's slightly taller.

Transit Connect LWB

[Isaac Zachary]

I guess in my mind the Transit Connect is the modern Chevy Astro and Ford Aerostar. Maybe that's a far fetched comparison. It always seemed the Astro and Aerostar were closer to minivans in size but got full sized van fuel mileage.

[redpoint5]

I kept joking that a used limo would make the most sense as a family hauler, but I'm joking less and less these days. Would be sweet to find a stretch Prius with privacy glass so the noise can be confined in back.

Pacifica plug-in is on my radar since in Oregon it qualifies for up to $10k in subsidies. I went on a road trip with friends and thought it was nice.

CyberTruck looks interesting as a 6-seater, but I've never spent more than $16k on a vehicle before. Hard to justify spending 3x that amount on a vehicle.

Probably most realistic for me when the time comes is a used Tesla Model S.



Maybe the Model X will come down in price someday.

[Isaac Zachary]

Ditto on the Model S design.

I'm not sure I'd want another electric car though any time soon.

[JSH]

I don't know your purchase window but used car prices are crazy right now. The Transit Connect is due for a redesign next year. It is moving to the C2 platform and production is moving from Spain to Mexico. (It will share a platform and assembly plant with the Bronco Sport and Maverick)

When the 3rd gen launches that might drop the price on the 2nd gen vans (2014 - 2022) The Transit Connect got a refresh and new 2.0L engine paired to an 8-speed auto for 2019. That bumped the combined fuel economy from 22 to 26 mpg with a big boost to city mileage (19 -> 24 mpg)

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary

I guess in my mind the Transit Connect is the modern Chevy Astro and Ford Aerostar.

Not as overbuilt as the Astro and Aerostar may seem at a first glance.

[broski499]

Originally Posted by JSH

I don't know your purchase window but used car prices are crazy right now. The Transit Connect is due for a redesign next year. It is moving to the C2 platform and production is moving from Spain to Mexico. (It will share a platform and assembly plant with the Bronco Sport and Maverick)

When the 3rd gen launches that might drop the price on the 2nd gen vans (2014 - 2022) The Transit Connect got a refresh and new 2.0L engine paired to an 8-speed auto for 2019. That bumped the combined fuel economy from 22 to 26 mpg with a big boost to city mileage (19 -> 24 mpg)

No rush. We only have two kiddos now, I just like planning ahead. Knowing how much I need to save. I like buying with cash. If one of our cars decides to die then I like to know what my options are. Would rather just buy a larger car knowing I’ll need to space in a year or two. I keep cars a long time.

[JSH]

Originally Posted by broski499

No rush. We only have two kiddos now, I just like planning ahead. Knowing how much I need to save. I like buying with cash. If one of our cars decides to die then I like to know what my options are. Would rather just buy a larger car knowing I’ll need to space in a year or two. I keep cars a long time.

I'm a cash buyer too - I start saving for the next car the month after I buy a car.