I May Have Killed my Mazda

[PSPookie]

Poor gal . . . 2004 Mazda 3 hatchback. She has served me well but I was in an accident on Tuesday and I just got the estimate back from the repair shop. The total for repairs is just about equal to the value of the vehicle, so it looks like I might be in the market for a new car.

I'd like to get a wagon since I'm not a big fan of the way SUVs/Crossovers handle and a 3rd row of seats would be nice since I've got kids. Obviously, I will need enough cargo capacity to haul my gear and it would be nice if I could do so without folding down the back seats (this involves removing & replacing two kid seats). Any suggestions?

My initial thoughts are a Subaru Outback or maybe a Ford Flex if the wife insists upon the extra seating.

[kjpollo]

My experience is that when you are dealing with 3 rows of seating, the storage area in the "way-back" is not really big. Depending on what you're taking to the gig, folding that last seat might be unavoidable.

If you have a Phil Jones amp and a Steinberger, you're probably OK. Anything more than that-its time to move the car seats!

More importantly- if the accident was bad enough to total the car, how are YOU??

[Yerf Dog]

If there's that much damage you probably wouldn't want it back.

[PSPookie]

Originally Posted by kjpollo

My experience is that when you are dealing with 3 rows of seating, the storage area in the "way-back" is not really big. Depending on what you're taking to the gig, folding that last seat might be unavoidable.

If you have a Phil Jones amp and a Steinberger, you're probably OK. Anything more than that-its time to move the car seats!

More importantly- if the accident was bad enough to total the car, how are YOU??

Well, I figure I could keep the kid seats in the 2nd row so folding down the 3rd row wouldn't be a big deal, but you make a good point. The 3rd row is more for a few years down the road when soccer/ballet/etc. starts to kick in.

I made it out without a scratch but there's a pair of undies that will never be the same again.

[iamlowsound]

If you really liked the 3, check out the 6 hatchback. A friend of mine just bought an 08 and it is very nice. I also recommend checking out a new Kia.

lowsound

[aborgman]

Originally Posted by iamlowsound

If you really liked the 3, check out the 6 hatchback. A friend of mine just bought an 08 and it is very nice. I also recommend checking out a new Kia.

lowsound

If you're looking for something bigger, a Mazda 5 has three rows of seats - although the rear are pretty tiny.

I drive a Ford Freestyle (the current version is the Ford Flex), and it has three full size rows of seating - and it get 30mpg at 70mph on the highway.

I put my entire bands PA, my gear, and my wifes drum kit in it.

This is what I did to my Mazda a couple years ago: