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People are recommending the Flex, Explorer, CX-9, etc. They are all good vehicles, but they are also short on cargo room with the third row in place. In most of those you are looking at no more than a couple suitcases in total cargo room. The recommendation for a Mazda 5 wasn't bad on the surface, except you'd be hard pressed to fit more than a couple bags of groceries in the cargo area with the third row in use.
Honestly, I would stick with the van. Don't know how many seats you need overall, but a (mini)van with mid-row buckets and a rear bench will be your best bet. Getting folks in and out of a 3rd row all the time is a PITA, plus pretty much all 3rd row seating is a joke size-wise (full size SUVs probably being the exception, but it's been a while since I sat in one).
That being said, if you want to break away from the minivan, I would also recommend taking a look at the Flex. The 3rd row is a bit on the small side (anyone over 6' will have a hard time in it for long periods of time), but the 2nd row is ridiculously large. The cargo area with the 3rd row up is decent size, maybe enough to hold a couple bags of golf clubs. And if you're a fan of power, the EcoBoost is a NICE option. Lots of extra power on tap without sacrificing fuel economy or having to run premium.
Mom is soon getting a Buick Enclave, it has the 3rd row. Also the Ford Explorer has the 3rd row seat and you can get a lower trim level model in the high 20s or low $30K range. A loaded up 4wd can easily top $50K on any of these. Also the Hyundai Veracruz offered 3rd row and has a great warranty.
As far as vans, the only on appealing to me is the new Honda van, most run in the $30K range, but can top $40K for loaded up top level models like the EX-L with navigation or the Touring model.
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