- Jan 16, 2012
- 217
Here is my dilema. We have 4 boys (10, 9, 8 and 2), which makes 6 in total with me and the wifey. You can probably see where this is going....as the TB only has seating for 5. Short of shoving the naughiest kid in the trunk (which may well be me on most occasions
), we can't carry that many people.
I have seen a company online that manufacures 3rd row seating for regular SUV's, but at $1,000 for the model with shoulder belts and head rests, this is not inconsiderable. My debate is whether I should dump a grand into a 10 year old vehicle with 132K on the clock. Logic says no, get a vehicle that better matches our needs. But, I could potentially lose more than that in the trade-up shuffle. Of course I would prefer a vehicle that is meant to have the 3rd row seat option, but money is a bit tight for anything much newer than what we already have.
On the plus side, out TB seems to be pretty happy and pretty reliable. Gas mileage is pretty decent by TB standards too.
Finances will be better in 3 years time when the youngest goes to free daycare (school) and frees up a decent chunk of change. What to do until then..?? Put a bit of cash in the old gal and limp along for 3 years..?? I don't like the idea of taking 2 cars everywhere, and stayinhg at home and going nowhere is no fun for growing kids either.
Alternatively, I could try and sell the TB privately, then hunt for a good deal on a 3rd row seat vehicle. Could take time and no guarantee of either a decent price for ours or a deal when buying.
What would you do..??
Thanks. Dave.

I have seen a company online that manufacures 3rd row seating for regular SUV's, but at $1,000 for the model with shoulder belts and head rests, this is not inconsiderable. My debate is whether I should dump a grand into a 10 year old vehicle with 132K on the clock. Logic says no, get a vehicle that better matches our needs. But, I could potentially lose more than that in the trade-up shuffle. Of course I would prefer a vehicle that is meant to have the 3rd row seat option, but money is a bit tight for anything much newer than what we already have.
On the plus side, out TB seems to be pretty happy and pretty reliable. Gas mileage is pretty decent by TB standards too.
Finances will be better in 3 years time when the youngest goes to free daycare (school) and frees up a decent chunk of change. What to do until then..?? Put a bit of cash in the old gal and limp along for 3 years..?? I don't like the idea of taking 2 cars everywhere, and stayinhg at home and going nowhere is no fun for growing kids either.
Alternatively, I could try and sell the TB privately, then hunt for a good deal on a 3rd row seat vehicle. Could take time and no guarantee of either a decent price for ours or a deal when buying.
What would you do..??
Thanks. Dave.