I currently have a 2009 Cayenne Turbo S. I bought the car new in 2008 and have been using it for longer distance family trips and grocery shopping. Since I bough it the car has amassed 53,000 miles. So now my dilemma. I currently have two children, the Cayenne easily fits us and my wife, however, I am now expecting a third child and don't think it will do anymore, especially for long trips. My kids say they're "comfortable" with a car seat but I personally don't see how. I'm trying to decide what to do as far as keeping the car and getting something like a Suburban for longer trips, or selling it (wasn't planning a replacement for a few more years) and getting a top of the line 3rd rower like a GL-class AMG. What do you guys think? And while I'm at it, any 3rd-rower suggestions?

 

GL550/63, amazing truck!

 

Not as sporty, but I am really pleased with my Toyota Sequoia. Three rows and plenty of space for luggage, strollers etc even with all 3 rows in place.

 

I'd consider the Q7 or even the new X5... I prefer Audi/Porsche over the rest... The GL of course is pretty amazing too, but like the Q7 you're starting to get rather large and I'd again take Audi over Mercedes, but that's just me.

I really wanted that 3rd row seat as well... but once I drove my GTS I knew I had to have it and the girlfriend said "F the kids"... so that was that.

 

I bought a loaded Infiniti QX 56 a year ago and I'm very happy with it. Dale

 

I ditto the fact that the Cayenne isn't practical at all for a family of 5. For that reason, the wife and I bought a new Audi Q7 last year which we use for family excursions. There seems to be an adequate amount of space, never had an issue. I kept the GTS around though, for some spirited alone time and weekend driving!

Also, if your family takes trips requiring additional baggage, get a Thule for the roof and store it above!

 

I will tell you what I did. I am on my second honda odyssey. You can fit 3 car seats in the second row. Of course it drives like a van. You cannot beat the amount of cargo and passenger carrying capacity of a minivan. I just let my wife drive it!

Save the $ that you did not spend on the GL and get a little sports car for yourself and drive that to work.

 

a brand new odyssey or sienna with leather and navi, etc runs mid-high $30's to high 40's to 50k for the top of the range versions. a few of my friends wives have them and I cant get over how expensive they are for a Japanese minivan. any 3 row suv will likely not be that comfortable. as mentioned above, the car seat will be in the second row and the 3rd row seat even in a suburban is not very comfortable. the third row in a gl, x5 or q7 is a joke unless your a little kid under 4 feet. most 3 row suv/vans also have limited boot space, unless its a suburban. if I had to go the minivan route, the nicest, best driving mini van ive ever driven has to be the discontinued Mercedes R class, they even had an all captains chair option and made a R63 in very limited numbers.

 

09 CTTS with 53K is a nice truck what color is it?

 

Yeah vans are probably the most practical but I just don't know if I can bring myself to owning one, I just find them hideous. Plus I already have an XK convertible for myself

Gray w/ black interior and red calibers.

 

I vote Honda Odyssey Touring Elite. You absolutely can't beat the versatility, ease of entry, and spaciousness of a Minivan.

 

Then spend the $ on watches, wine, cigars, vacations, custom tailoring....

 

+1 ....I agree with the Q7 + the roof top storage

How about picking up a pre-owned Q7 and keeping the CTTS!

 

I think I'm going to try out several cars. Honestly, my wife tends to pick this car she did with the Cayenne and the MB before that.

 

Sorry to the guys that have them,...DO NOT buy a MiniVan, that just screams "P-Whipped". (You know darn right that a MiniVan is a wife's idea)

Get a rooftop box and use the CTTS or go with a Q7!