Eco Friendly Family Vehicles: Urban Legend?
Adding a third child into our family presents a number of physical and emotional challenges — at least that will be the case unless I can grow an extra set of arms over the next few months. But along another round of sleepless nights, having child #3 definitely puts a strain on the wallet. We’re not so much worried about the baby gear, since at this point in our parenting lives, we know exactly what we need and what we don’t. And with plenty of consignment shops, thrift stores, and generous friends, we’ve already got more clothes and toys than we’ll probably need.
But nothing puts a hurting on a budget than a new car and an eco-friendly one at that.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we need to buy a brand new car. I’m just saying that we’re going to need to invest in something big enough to fit two car seats and a booster. Well, legally anyway, because no matter how much my daughter begs me to ride on the roof, I just don’t foresee that in her future.
And we’re trying as hard as we can not to have kiss our freedom from car payments good-bye. It certainly helps when we’re paying $4/gallon for gas.
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Thanks to the folks at GM and Volvo, I’ve had the opportunity to try out a few different cars, including GM’s Acadia and Tahoe Hybrid, and Volvo’s V-70 Wagon. But even those fairly reasonably priced cars (okay, except the Hybird — WHOA!), may not be feasible. Then add in the fact that my husband and I really want something that’s eco-friendly and doesn’t have the word “VAN” in it and we’ve got ourselves quite a dilemma.
Of course, doing less driving is always a fantastic option, but considering we live in a suburb of a city where you do really have to drive to get anywhere, it’s not the greatest one, at least for a mom with three kids under four (wow, that’s still really hard for me to get my own mind around!).
So aside from continuing to research all our options, I’ve invited Jody DeVere, the Founder/CEO of Ask Patty, to join me on my parenting podcast Wednesday, July 2 from 9-9:30pm EST to discuss eco and family friendly cars. Her website offers fantastic resources specific to women and cars, and I’m sure she’ll offer a myriad of helpful suggestions.
I’d love to hear from eco-conscious families of five plus — what car are you driving and what do you think about it? Leave your answer in the comments or share them on the Motherhood Uncensored podcast from 9-9:30pm EST by calling in (646-915-8634) or chatting at Blog Talk Radio.
More Related Posts on Cars:
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How Many Hours Do You Have to Work to Fill Your Gas Tank?
According to Jody Devere from http://www.askpatty.com, there are a lot of crossovers (that are safer than minivans) that get around 28 mpg… Mazdas are something to check out.
Also, another idea is getting a fuel efficient smaller car and then a family sized car that may not be as great, but can at least fit your whole family if you need to lug everyone around.
We are in the exact same situation. Ours are 6, 5, &4. We have a Mercury Sable Wagon. We can fit all three in it. We average about 27mpg. Since the first two were 10 months apart, we need a car that could accommodate the double stroller and the grocery shopping at the same time. This fit the bill.
We are now at our next obstacle, the 4yo is about 40lbs and about to surpass the weight limit on the five point harnesses. Our center seat is a lap belt, which can’t be used with a booster.
Since spacewise the wagon works, I took the rear hip dimensions and have been comparing them with every car on the market. In New Hampshire, the law has changed that boosters are required until 4′9″ tall, that took effect recently so we are back to the drawing board.
For God’s sake, do not buy those cars driving on bio-diesel. Bio-diesel may be eco-friendly, but it is disasterous for the hungry poor inhabitants of this earth that experience rising food prizes because the cropland is used to produce fuel.
[...] Eco-Friendly Family Vehicles: Urban Legend? [...]
Commenting usually isnt my thing, but ive spent an hour on the site, so thanks for the info
Kristen,
Follow up a year later. Sorry for the delayed response.
Did you ever make a choice on a safe, high MPG vehicle for your family?
I nearly forgot to reply about long-term repair costs concerns.
I ask after making a hard change in our families vehicle after 10 years.
Should we share stories here? Your bloggers may find it exciting to see what Enviro pros did in the ‘cash for junk’ during the hardest economic times our nations has faced in generations.
Why is was our families best and worst choice…