Need to buy TWO cars

[centralaustinite]

A Prius will hold three kids in the back seat -- but probably not more than one car seat. My older kids carpool in the Prius, and three kids between 10-7 sit comfortably in the back. Few deals on them though. I wish they made a four seater Smart! Love the two-seater.

[mm57553]

Seeing as you'll have 2 carseats and a booster, you'll probably need to go the minivan or SUV route for at least one of the cars.

When you go look at cars, you need to try to get all three into the back. You will be amazed at how many cars can't accomodate them, especially if any of them are rear facing (if you add to the family, one will be rear-facing for a least a year). For example, my sister-in-law could not fit her ONE car seat, rear-facing, in her '08 Accord (4-door). She had to go buy a different car seat (after spending $250 on the first one). And a friend of mine just had to sell her beloved Outback because she had a third child and couldn't get all three in the back. My guess is they wouldn't fit in a Jetta either.

I would also consider used. Even a one-year-old car will cost tons less, and you will still get a warranty and financing. You can get amazing deals on used SUV's right now, but you have to consider the gas cost. A lot of local dealers list their used cars on autotrader.com. Also check out craigslist.org - you would just have to get financing through your bank if you buy from a private owner.