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USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 10:23:11 AM EDT
 Very excited that #5 is in the way. We bought our Highlander for #3. It’s now extremely cramped with 4 kids. While technically feasible with 5, it would be very unpleasant. The rub is that my wife is absolutely opposed to a minivan. Silly, I know, but you gotta hold on to some of those promises you made yourself in youth.  Seems a bit premature for the 15 passenger van. Wondering what else people with large families are driving? Preferably something that can be had for <$30k used.
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AL, USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 10:27:35 AM EDT
[#1]
Mini van dad here with 4 kids. I don't know of any option for you but a suburban.
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Posted: 1/15/2024 10:47:48 AM EDT
[#2]
2001 Honda Odyssey. Bought is used in 2005 and drove it till 2021. I put over 200k miles on it. Great vehicle for hauling kids, junk, plywood, etc.
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Posted: 1/15/2024 10:57:40 AM EDT
[#3]
Nissan NV 3500
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MI, USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 11:09:37 AM EDT
[#4]
Only have 3, but transported 5 several times in our suburban. Friends have 5 and have a minivan and a Ford Expedition.
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Posted: 1/15/2024 11:12:06 AM EDT
[#5]
We have 4 kids (3 older and one newborn) and my wife is anti mini van.
We are looking at highlanders and pilots at the moment. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 1:02:59 PM EDT
[#6]
We bought a GX460. We only have 3 kids but always are toting an extra or two
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Posted: 1/15/2024 2:53:15 PM EDT
[#7]
Yukon XL. We swore long ago to never get a minivan but those AWD/4WD larger vans (Mercedes/Ford Transit etc) would likely be much easier the bigger the kids get. Need 4WD capability up here.
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Posted: 1/15/2024 3:15:27 PM EDT
[#8]
Suburban is what we drove.
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USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 3:17:39 PM EDT
[#9]
4 kids here
Honda Odyssey and Yukon XL Denali |
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Posted: 1/15/2024 3:32:58 PM EDT
[#10]
Surburban is what my mom drive four of around In.
She still drives one to this day even though we are all grown. |
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OK, USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 3:45:57 PM EDT
[Last Edit: Ndenway1twicetimes]
[#11]
When i was a kid, f250, gran torino, full sized d150 van.
My 1st son was born, I had a f150 xlt, then k15, then multiple Lincoln town cars, mark 7s & caprices, multiple c20s, c25s, c30s, couple of frontiers, couple of broncos, multiple grand wagoneers & Cherokees, one each tacoma, matrix, mazda323 and montero. Have 5 kids, so I've always had a vehicle that would carry us, they're all grown now. always wanted a van like my pop's 83' d150 he customized into a sweet shaggin' ass party wagon, I borrowed it a lot in high school (my 1st son was born a month after i graduated hs). But I've never ran across one affordable enough to buy that i could customize like he did. |
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Posted: 1/15/2024 3:47:50 PM EDT
[#12]
Armada
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Posted: 1/15/2024 6:05:30 PM EDT
[#13]
As a grandparent, whatever you do, have lots of doors so you can access every seat/car seat.
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IL, USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 6:36:35 PM EDT
[#14]
We liked the Ford Expedition more than the Toyota Sequoia. The Toyota was more comfortable with more options, but the Ford had more cargo space behind the rear seats.
My wife also swore she would never drive a minivan. We kind of inherited a Toyota Sienna and now she loves having a minivan. We took several trips with both SUVs loaded with my 2 youngest and my brother's 4 (one in car seat). Both worked well and were comfy, but when you have that many kids you also have that many bags for clothes and toys, plus cooler(s) for food and snacks, plus cases of water bottles, and don't forget your roadside emergency kit with jumper cables, breaker bar with proper socket for your lugs, emergency blankets, etc, plus first aid kits. On our last big road trip with the minivan we took our 2 youngest and dog to visit our oldest boy. We removed 1 middle seat and 1 rear seat, and rented a small trailer to haul all the extra stuff (plus 1 of the seats we had removed). That system worked well. I wish they had a minivan or an SUV chassis with 4wd or AWD. We're currently looking at Expedition vs Suburban vs Sienna. Expeditions have had a ton of recalls. Suburbans are known to have major AC problem (a friend recently bought one new and went through that hassle). The Siennas are headed down the hybrid and electric path, which we don't want to mess with. Tough decisions on new/used vehicles now-a-days. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 7:21:52 PM EDT
[#15]
If she thinks she's too cool for a van, she's not.
Nothing cooler than 30mpg and kids not kicking the back of your seat. We're on our second. Toyota Sienna. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 1/15/2024 8:36:37 PM EDT
[#16]
You’re into suburban or Sequoia territory. Maybe an Excursion if they’re still around.
Last gen sequoia with a bench seat can fit 8 adults. Rear fold up bench is legit good for adults and still has room for some cargo (paper grocery bags deep, better than most). Sequoias run forever. Can’t speak to suburbans but there are a lot of older ones on the road. Other option friends with 6 kids use is Mercedes Sprinter van. That’s fairly popular in this area. |
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Posted: 2/13/2024 2:02:26 AM EDT
[#17]
If she's concerned with how a minivan looks, try the Kia Carnival. It looks less like a minivan but still has sliding doors.
I like my Odyssey. Otherwise Suburban or Ford Expedition Max. Don't get a Tahoe or regular expedition, because they are smaller. |
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Posted: 2/13/2024 2:33:23 AM EDT
[#18]
I had a Suburban when my boys were young. The correct answer these days would be a Toyota Sienna. |
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Posted: 2/13/2024 4:55:25 AM EDT
[#19]
Highlander 2 > Armada 3 > Expedition Max 4
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WY, USA
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Posted: 2/13/2024 11:36:46 AM EDT
[#20]
We started with
regular cab pickup, Jeep Cherokee, Grand Caravan, Suburban, 15 passenger Econoline, and 4 years ago the Transit extended, high roof. Almost full, but so nice. 6'9" inside so almost anyone can stand up. Better than the econoline because it has side curtain airbags, every seat has shoulder belts and the seats can come out if we want them to. |
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Posted: 2/13/2024 11:45:02 AM EDT
[#21]
4 wheel drive Yukon XL ( Suburban) with 3 inch lift and 33 x 12.50 mud grips. A family ride without the grandma look. I told the wife if Im driving this its going to look manly.
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Posted: 2/13/2024 12:11:45 PM EDT
[Last Edit: jhereg]
[#22]
Originally Posted By Milsurpninja: Very excited that #5 is in the way. We bought our Highlander for #3. It's now extremely cramped with 4 kids. While technically feasible with 5, it would be very unpleasant. The rub is that my wife is absolutely opposed to a minivan. Silly, I know, but you gotta hold on to some of those promises you made yourself in youth. Seems a bit premature for the 15 passenger van. Wondering what else people with large families are driving? Preferably something that can be had for <$30k used. |
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Posted: 2/13/2024 12:21:13 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By HBARLeatherneck: We started with regular cab pickup, Jeep Cherokee, Grand Caravan, Suburban, 15 passenger Econoline, and 4 years ago the Transit extended, high roof. Almost full, but so nice. 6'9" inside so almost anyone can stand up. Better than the econoline because it has side curtain airbags, every seat has shoulder belts and the seats can come out if we want them to. https://uniim1.shutterfly.com/render/00-S1C6u1JpJ8zTlcO2IVKtioQDNHNr8ExXqmWVtd53LO0Nx700639Ge3LtBLNvXrEMqCe7ffHDJpwno-pEcjtJnw?cn=THISLIFE&res=medium&ts=1598126654 I'm not going to lie... Your Yoder Toter is pretty awesome. Do you have the slider door on the other side? I love the fuck-you bar on the front. |
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WI, USA
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Posted: 2/13/2024 12:32:54 PM EDT
[#24]
Burban. kids all grown, now a Yukon for the fur missiles
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WY, USA
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Posted: 2/13/2024 12:33:03 PM EDT
[#25]
Slider is on the passenger side only. They did have a rare one with sliders on both sides. It needs a lift bad. We have 15 miles of dirt road and another 15 of pavement to town. It is AWD, but I should have probably ordered it and had it sent to Quigley for the lift and true 4x4 work. Now, I will lift it and go up a couple of tire sizes. Unfortunately nobody has worked out a great lift for these yet. Thats why I havent lifted it. We also have tons of deer, antelope, cows and coyotes. Nearly everyone here has destroyed a front end hitting one. So, I added the guard.
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Posted: 2/13/2024 12:40:26 PM EDT
[#26]
I only have 3…but they’re LARGE. Oldest is now 6’8, middle is 6’4, 12 year old daughter is 5’8 and growing (I’m 6’5)
It was mostly suburbans for us…I got a Mercedes sprinter van conversion during Covid that was the favorite. That was when the oldest (and tallest) was in high school and it was by far the best family van we ever had. My wife’s best friend has 8 kids and they have a ford transit conversion that works great for them |
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Posted: 2/13/2024 2:31:48 PM EDT
[#27]
6 kids, Honda Odyssey and Yukon XL.
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Posted: 2/13/2024 3:11:55 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By 87GMC4X4: Mini van dad here with 4 kids. I don't know of any option for you but a suburban. We reluctantly accepted the minivan, but have fully embraced it now. It may not look good, but its a great family vehicle. That said, Suburbans, Sequoia, or some other full sized SUV may be an option |
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IN, USA
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Posted: 2/13/2024 3:51:14 PM EDT
[Last Edit: O1gagt]
[#29]
We upsized to a Chevy Express 12 passenger shortly after our 5th was born. The Express is a 2006, but was clean and only had 76,000 miles. For $11k it fits our needs without a car payment.
We still have a Toyota Sienna, but with 247,000 miles it rarely gets driven these days. It was also getting tight with all 5 kids. A van and a small trailer will haul about everything that I will ever need to haul. |
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Posted: 2/24/2024 12:14:58 PM EDT
[#30]
I've got 6 kids, so family of 8
currently we drive a 2012 ford expedition, plenty of room room for passengers, but cargo is limited unless you go with the EL I've been looking at the new suburbans lately, they look roomy also |
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Posted: 2/24/2024 12:18:55 PM EDT
[#31]
Chevy Suburban...
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Posted: 3/9/2024 9:05:42 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By jmb95023: Nissan NV 3500 It's what we use. |
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MO, USA
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Posted: 3/9/2024 9:13:00 PM EDT
[#33]
7 kids aged 18-5 and 2 parents stuffed in a 2000 Ford Excursion.
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MO, USA
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Posted: 4/2/2024 11:25:55 PM EDT
[#34]
I have 7 kids, and we all (barely) fit in a 2000 Ford Excursion with a bench front seat... 3 in each row. I used to have an old squarebody Chevy Suburban with the 6.0 diesel, that got 30 mpg and still fit 8-9. Miss those rigs...
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Posted: 4/2/2024 11:31:00 PM EDT
[#35]
Minivan. We only had 3 kids and that was the only answer that made sense. Unless you are towing or going off road then it's a minivan for a family that size
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OK, USA
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Posted: 4/2/2024 11:49:06 PM EDT
[#36]
Ford Excursion with the V10 hauled my family around for over 10 years.
One of the best trucks I've ever owned. Roomy and reliable. |
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Posted: 4/2/2024 11:53:35 PM EDT
[#37]
If money wasn't a factor I would buy a Denali Yukon Diesel. But since it is, I bought a Ford Expedition to haul all the grandkids in. We have 3 in big car seats, two in boosters and a moody teenager.
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Posted: 4/2/2024 11:56:26 PM EDT
[#38]
Chevy Express
Bullet proof. |
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Posted: 4/3/2024 1:01:12 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Daggertt]
[#39]
My parents hauled us 5 kids around in this daily driver.
 After i started to drive, my mom couldn't wait to move into something more compact, and this became MY daily driver and she bought a minivan since now she was only hauling 4 kids normally and if we needed to take everyone, we still had the big van. Not very stylish, but lots of room for activities. Eta: you can fit 5 kids into something smaller like sardines, but my parents realized the kids need a buffer zone to avoid constant turmoil while driving. Also, hauling kids around often means "and their friends" or "and all the stuff we need for the activities we are going to do" and 7 people crammed into a 7-seater vehicle without much room left over for storage was painful for everyone. We even rigged up a plywood stand for a tv/vcr combo that we adapted to 12v cigarette lighter for a cross-country trip one summer. This was before you could buy cars with a tv that folds down from the ceiling. |
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Posted: 4/3/2024 1:07:40 AM EDT
[Last Edit: SuperStormBryan]
[#40]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Daggertt: My parents hauled us 5 kids around in this daily driver. https://www.cars.com/i/large/in/v2/stock_photos/de8ae852-b1d1-4f16-a229-63def1ef566b/9482dcee-d1c8-4bdd-95ae-84a6ec8b0fe2.png After i started to drive, my mom couldn't wait to move into something more compact, and this became MY daily driver and she bought a minivan since now she was only hauling 4 kids normally and if we needed to take everyone, we still had the big van. Not very stylish, but lots of room for activities. That's what I'm talking about baby! V-8. 7mpg. You buy that when you have four kids and get to work filling it up lol. I drove one as a kid. Hated it to no end. I wish I had it back now though. Alas, OP, I only got 5 and the wife got fixed. So something like a traverse or explorer fits the bill for us. |
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Posted: 4/3/2024 1:16:52 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By SuperStormBryan: That's what I'm talking about baby! V-8. 7mpg. You buy that when you have four kids and get to work filling it up lol. I drove one as a kid. Hated it to no end. I wish I had it back now though. Alas, OP, I only got 5 and the wife got fixed. So something like a traverse or explorer fits the bill for us. My wife almost died with each of our boys so we called it early unfortunately and we'll never need a big van.  |
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Posted: 4/3/2024 2:00:52 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By VoodooChile: Minivan. We only had 3 kids and that was the only answer that made sense. Unless you are towing or going off road then it's a minivan for a family that size I also have 3 little devils. My wife and I both have crew cab trucks. Waaaaay better than the Toyota Sienna she had. We find it easier to lift the kids up and in rather than having to stoop over moving around in the van, getting them buckled in and so on. |
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