blacksc400

iTrader: (4)

MB E350 wagon with third row rear facing seat!

wasjr

I would highly recommend an Acura MDX Advance. Great all around SUV. I am on my third. And with the third row will come in handy as the kids get bigger and you are also hauling their friends. While I have not looked at the new generation (2014), my 2011 Advance is worth the step up with the Active Damper suspension system, Blind Spot Monitor, etc.

pbm317

Tesla Model S 60 with rear facing seat! Could squeak in under your budget after all the tax incentives

NewSpace

And I really want a *mean* wagon! Best is probably E63 AMG, but not too fond of German cars or the $$$$.

Yes! The Jeep SRT and the Porsche Cayenne are really appealing. Everytime I see a Cayenne GTS, my head swivels. Time to go do some test driving (while wifey has baby duty)!

Superb choices and I think realistically, Hybrid Highlander is the most practical choice. It's just that I want something *FUN* too. Will I have to battle it out with my better half to get two cars? One practical and one not so much?

I drove the Rover Sport V6 and was thoroughly unimpressed. I'm sure the supercharged V8 is a blast, but it didn't feel "worth the money" to me. And I'm in love with the looks, so it was a real let down.

TRUTH. Spoken like a man with kids! It's not just the three car seats, but all the associated STUFF. Strollers are especially necessary and cumbersome.

NewSpace

Me like. And in brown!

NewSpace

So I'm seriously considering the Model X CUV, which is supposed to come out next year. I'm already thoroughly impressed with the Model S. It's incredibly practical, roomy, and would serve me well on my commute. Plus it's a hoot to drive, and would satisfy the performance itch. My concerns: Reliability, long term resale, and road-tripping. But all of that aside, the X could be THE ONE. I know it is likely to surpass my $75K budget, but factoring in gas and maintenance, it works...I have a confession, guys: I already put down a deposit for SN #8500. It's still fully refundable, but I wanted to hold a place in line.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

because a cayenne gts will be under your $75k max all in. probably $95k with options 'all in'

the 'hybrid' extra cost will never pay for itself, but it's a nice vehicle for sure.

if you do that your cost again is likely to go way over $75K.

you're conflicted and all over the map.

friend of mine was in the same boat. he bought a bmw M5 wagon. fast as hell and 'practical'. sounds good right? he had it for a couple of years and realized he couldn't use any of its performance unless alone in it, and it wasn't all that roomy anyway.

so if you want truly fun and practical in one vehicle, be prepared to cough up a lot of $$.

J.P.

I would not want to stuff 3 infant \ toddler seats in most of the cars \ suv's listed.

GMC Yukon or Yukon XL with second row buckets

With the 3 kids seats also comes all the stuff to move the kids around and keep them alive, more room the better.

NewSpace

Added to the list. The Yukon Denali XL with all the improvements for 2015? If I keep the Camry Hybrid for DD commuting, might be an interesting option.

NewSpace

You're right, I'm all over the map, but that's part of the fun, right?

Perhaps a used GTS would fit the budget?

And as for hybrid payback period: Technically you are of course correct. But driving the Camry Hybrid for the last few years, I realize that the benefits are - fewer visits to the pump, longer range, lower cost to operate especially with a long commute, quiet operation in EV mode. So the hybrid in my mind is still worth the premium. But to each his own!

LexFather

I honestly would consider one of the larger SUVs as J.P stated with 3 kids. I think the 3rd row would truly come in handy and a REAL third row, not these 3rd rows good for marketing purposes that cut people's legs off where they bleed to death in the back seat

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Ford Expedition has some of the best third row legroom in the segment. It's been given a facelift and new EcoBoost 3.5L V6 for the latest model year.

J.P.

We will replace our 4runner limited with a Yukon Denali XL next year likely. I am tall and like room, I don't want the kids kicking my seat, I want room for stroller(s) and everything you need to carry for the kids on local and long trips, the REAL 3rd row is nice, towing for boats etc is a plus for me. The 6.2 engine I have In my denali truck and it sounds amazing and runs pretty fast for a big *** truck, enough to take the lead over an is250 or a4 believe it or not...........

Yes minivan for 3 kids is ideal, but if not a van, then a large suv is the only thing I would consider with kids your age. The bucket seats also allow for someone to be in-between the 2 kids with access to the 3rd which is nice as I am sure you have had someone jump in the back before to take care of things.

The 2015 is a big upgrade over the 2014 inside and out. 4wd with the touring package they discount these suv's pretty nice, prob pick one up sub 70k without any haggle and hold value pretty nice, at least around here they do.... 2wd maybe as low as 65-67k

GQD_GS4

Get the tesla model s. definitely enough room inside, and the kids will graduate to the 3rd row seats. Also, tesla will offer a trade in program for the model x. I put in my deposit for the model s last week

NewSpace

Hadn't heard anything about a trade in program! Do you have a link?