What size car is your family car?

[sydneybubhub]

With petrol prices on the rise, the cost of getting around in the family car is escalating out of proportion. And parents, especially those with older children, will testify that ‘normal life’ includes ferrying kids, at least once a week, to and from sporting activities, training and similar extra curricular activities that logistically can’t be safely achieved by using public transport.

What size car is the most common driven by families on our roads today? Vote in our poll and let’s see if we think size really does matter.

What sort of car you drive vs the size of your family? Based on the current economic climate, are you are considering upgrading or downgrading your engine size when you next buy a vehicle? If yes, to what? And if no, why not?

[preciousbabyboy]

yay im first to vote :D

i wish we could get away with our little 4 cylinder hatch that we had. so economical and easy :yes:

[DramaQueen]

We drive a 7 seat pathfinder. It now costs us about $100 to fill the tank.

With another baby on the way we will have to upgrade to an 8 seater vehicle, probably a Toyota Prado. I am guessing it will be the same fuel consumption wise.

I guess I don't really have the right to have a whinge about petrol prices and a large car, because I am the one who has chosen to have a large family. I guess I just have to live with it. We do however, limit the "unnecessary" trips. :)

[jaydensmum]

We just bought a 95 model of holden commodore sedan its 6 cylinder.

[Bo0tifuL]

We have a Commodore station wagon. Was costing !00 to fill. But luckily my Man works for a gas fitting service called LPGas1. So now we have converted to gas and we fill the car for 30. Gas will always be cheaper then petrol no matter what, So even if petrol gets to $2 then your still looking at under $1 for gas!

[our little treasures]

We have a 6 cylinder 8 seat (factory fitted) ford station wagon. ATM I have had to stop visiting my family due to the cost of fuel:crying: Thats really the only thing I have had to stop and that is the hardest thing! The good thing is we have the bigger car and know the costs so any extra children we may have will all fit:D Until it's time to upgrade

[our little treasures]

We have a Commodore station wagon. Was costing !00 to fill. But luckily my Man works for a gas fitting service called LPGas1. So now we have converted to gas and we fill the car for 30. Gas will always be cheaper then petrol no matter what, So even if petrol gets to $2 then your still looking at under $1 for gas!

We wanted to convert but after every mechanic telling us not to, we have decided that we won't be. Apparently it is not a good thing to do to the car:no:

[Nellsy]

We had a Toyoto Seca (4 cylinder hatchback) when it was just one child, and I found it very economical to run. When we had our second, we upgraded to a Toyota Camry sedan (6 cylinder) which was much more roomy, but that now costs $93+ to fill!!!! The only prob is with 2 kids, you need more boot space for the '2 of everthings' > 2 bikes, etc, so we are looking at getting a wagon or (eek!) a small 4wd just to fit us all on holidays!!

[Bo0tifuL]

Nothing wrong with Gas. Heaps of cars have it these days. i dont know why everyone doesnt have it lol. But you get the rebate back too so you dont pay anything or maybe a litte to convert it to CHEAP gas!

[canberramomma]

We have one six cylinder car (station wagon) for our whole household. There are six of us and we fill up once a month unless we go to the coast or something (but that doesn't happen very often.

DD#1 and DH usually catch the bus and the three littlies and I walk a lot, so apart from our weekly shop (that I often put off to fortnightly) and getting to and from sporting practice and games, we don't use the car heaps.

[IVFcrazylady]

We have 2 cars......Both 6 cyls. A holden calais and a ford XR6 ute. When we have bubba we will be traiding in the calias and getting a new car. No sure yet.....my :fingerscrossed: for a Range Rover...... :D

Petrol prices are part of life and we just go with the flow. :yes:

[mumma sienna]

we had a holden commodore (partners car) and we used Holden commodore staion wagon (My car) for family outings, which was chewing the petrol! we have just traded my partners car for a toyota camry altise (4 cylinder) and using that as the family car. its fantastic, its big enough but uses 1/3 of the ptrol the wagon does. very happy with the change!!!:D

[CJJHRA]

we have a big 6.. landcruiser (need it for the 8 seats!) fuel wise, it is really no difference to when we had our 4cylinder tarago..

though, we are on LPG, but still use about $20 of petrol every 3-4 weeks. we get about 300km per tank of gas that lasts a week, costs around $45-50 to fill. when we were on pertrol (about 18months back now) was costing us $70 a week (and that wasnt even to FILL it) and we limited our driving as much as we could, but still did about 180km a week.

I happily go to my mums almost everyday now (15mins each way), where as before, it was lucky to be twice a week.

theres nothing we can downgrade too, like I said, even the tarago we had before this one, went through pretty much the same amount of fuel.

[chunkydunks]

We have a 4 cyclinder subaru liberty station wagon. The only time we'll be getting something else is if we have more than 3 kids.

[Chickadee]

4 cylinders. A 1.9L Polo diesel TDI. Pretty small, but it's go-fast-red. :laughing: Only one child in our family so we can get away with a smaller car.

[Yummy Mummy of 5]

We have a 4 cylinder Holden Zafira for our family of seven. We only use the car then we have to as we live with in walking distance of the main street and school. I can't wait for the day we have family sized electric cars :cloud9:

[MummaBear03]

I've only ever had a 4 cylinder car. Have a camry and that was my last car too. Can't afford to extra cost of a larger car, not just fuel consumption but also rego and insurance.

[LittleButton]

4 Cylinder Hatch!!! ;) Just a small one!

[kayla Lilyz mum]

i drive a hyundai excel, its very cheap to run costs around $45 to fill! i only have one child but pick friends up and can fit a 3 wheeler and groceries in the boot and it fits in the smallest of parking spaces! Will never go much bigger than his coz small cars are so much more economical, looking at upgrading in a years time to a brand new nissan micra, or something small and new.

[Lastcenturymum]

Got a 4cl Golf. It's great. Have had a 6 cylinder in the past. I think families CAN manage with smaller cars often.

Probably not the place as it's a poll question, but advantags of diesel? We had a diesel hire car and the smell nearly made me sick

[SorenLorensen]

4 cyclinder, subaru liberty wagon....LOVE IT.
cost me very little to run and has plenty of room for the kiddies (and the million accessories that go with them)

[LatinPrincess]

i have holden commodore SV6 six-cylinder and for me to fill it up from empty it cost me $120 but that can last me about 9-10 days now that im not working anymore

[PAILER]

We have a 6 cyclinder Pajero which basically only gets used for DP to go to work and back (or for him to go fly his planes, he needs the room) my car is a 4cyl Honda Civic hatch. Enough room to fit as all in comfortably.

[chrissa28au]

I voted 6cylinda but i have a V6 dont know if its any different tho :laughing:

[~*clairesmum*~]

i have a 4 cyclinder, dp has a work car n its only 3 lol but they pay for it n we have a really old hilux ute thats 4 cyclinder as well but alot heaver on fuel then mine that only gets used for trips, four wheel driving.... etc....

[markandjacksmum]

We have a Commodore sedan, and want to convert to gas, but there's just no way I can fit a gas bottle plus a pram plus any shopping I may have in the boot. :( Looks like we'll have to wait til DS2 is out of a pram.

'Our Little Treasures' - What have you been told about gas coversion being bad? Is it just in relation to your model of vehicle? (My Mum has a converted AU Falcon)

[WinstonA3]

Our family car is a 4 cylinder Toyota Corolla. Having only 1 child at the moment, it is big enough. But if (when) baby number 2 comes along, we'll need to get a bigger car.
What I am finding annoying is the lack of choice among medium sized wagons. There are only a few available, and they tend to be base models. I need a bit more room than in the Corolla, but I also would like some luxury features.
However, many manufacturers offer luxury SUVs that have the desired features, but they use more fuel, and don't handle as well as a car. I personally don't really like the high driving position either.
We'll probably go for a European mid-sized wagon, but they often require premium fuel, increasing the cost.
BTW having a 4 cylinder engine doesn't necessarily make a car economical. I also own a 4 cylinder Porsche, and it uses twice as much fuel as the Corolla.

[JordansMummy]

We have two 6's. A commodore and a jeep renegade. We are looking at selling the jeep cos on a single income $110 (perhaps more) to fill up each tank (DH drives to site and back everyday in one), we are spending quite alot of $$ on petrol, and it is costing us an absolute fortune. We are looking at buying a 4 cyclinder Mazda3.

[YoungMumSteph]

We have a V6 Commodore. Atm we're spending about $80 a week on fuel but I have to drive DH to work n home every day and that stops next week (he's working closer to home so riding a bike LOL!) so it'll drop soon. We're still going to convert to gas in the next few months tho.

[SpaghettiMummy]

We currently have a 6 cylinder Commodore but we will be downgrading engine size to a 4 cylinder and upgrading our seat numbers from 5 to 7 close to the end of the year or even early in the new year.

[Bron]

I have a 4 cylinder Holden Astra. Great little car, I love it. It isn't just petrol prices that are an issue, but rather a desire to cut down on emissions wherever possible. Unless I somehow end up with 4 children (and the next baby would need to be triplets for that to happen!) I won't be driving a big car.

I desperately want a Prius though.

[the dargonfly faery]

We have a 6 cylinder Ford Fairlane. We know when we upgrade we will more then likely get a hybrid car, that will be in 2 yrs at the earliest due to the loan.

To fill to up completely it costs us over $100 and that dosn't last long when df drives to and from work plus home for lunch everyday. We have only one car, to go back to his dads 1hr away it cost us a return trip of $50.

[Lolliesmum]

We have a 4 cyclinder Mazda 6 deisel station wagon, which uses about 7.8L/100km! Which is about a third of what our Jeep was using. I only fill up about once a month (well I usually bribe DH to do it). Another plus is its easy to get the pram in and out, and even the dog fits with the pram!

I would definately recommend this car.

[Angelmist♥]

We just sold our fuel guzzler and bought a new 4cyl Nissan Xtrail :D Definitely worth it IMO. We've got two 4cyl cars now.

[taliistheword]

we have a 6cyl ford xd falcon which was my hubby's granddad's car soon it in great cond, hubby whats to put a v8 in it

[blackdog]

I don't know what it's like in other states, but we also have to pay more rego for a 6cyl car, so I have never wanted one. I am too tight!:D I have a 2.2litre 4cyl Camry, and before that I had a Corolla.

I'm not into having a car as a statement or a status symbol - to me it is just a tool.

The Camry used to cost me $50 a fortnight in petrol at the beginning of the year. Now it's more than twice that, because I also have to drive to work! :( I fill up once a week now instead of once a fortnight, and the tank costs $70 instead of $50:(

[chameleon]

We have a V6. We are wanting to get a bigger car though (with boot space for the dog) but maybe only a 4 cylinder (an X-trail hopefully:fingerscrossed:)

[OopsieDaisy]

4cyl, toyota tarago.

[Lollie86]

We have a 4cyl mitsubishi lancer.

[MamaKoala]

I guess I don't really have the right to have a whinge about petrol prices and a large car, because I am the one who has chosen to have a large family. I guess I just have to live with it. We do however, limit the "unnecessary" trips. :)

Kia has brought out some 4 cyl SUVs which are supposed to be economic to run. Also with the newer 6 cyl the efficiency is becoming closer to a 4 cyl. Just have a shop around and you can have both your large family and your economic family car.

[snapcracklepop]

We have a 6 cyl ford station wagon, we put $50 in it a week and it does what we need it to. We are lucky as DF works 900m away from our house, so he doesnt use that much fuel. We travel into Port Macquarie twice a week atm for antenatal checkups and a spot of shopping.
We use to have a 3 cyl swift, in the days before children, $50 would have the tank over flowing.

[PinkAngel]

We have a 4cyl BMW 1 series... costs about $65 a tank... should be interesting squeezing a car seat in it soon :yes:

[StormAngel]

We drive a nissan patrol, it's on deisal, usually pretty good on fuel, but with the price of deisal at the moment, we are limiting the trips (not easy with older kids).
We wont be down grading as we are farmers & it's practical on the farm

[Sharoo]

I drive a v6 commodore. I have p plate restrictions so I can't drive v8s. If I could I would have on...

[ThomasMum]

For our family car ours is Volkswagen's Jetta TDI (Diesel series), environmentally friendly plus easy on petrol we always forgot that we need to fill up our tank because we hardly buy em :laughing:

We also have a lil 2 doors hatchback just for me, not bad with petrol, hardly drive it only for emergency when DH is overseas for work etc because I dont like to drive much

[izziesmum]

Used to have a cute little Focus before Missy Moo can along....now drive a Mitsubishi Magna (the last of the series)....a little bit more expensive to run but then again I'm not going that far now days....

[Mumof3Princesses]

We drive a six-seater 1996 V6 Commodore. Within the next year, we will probably have to upgrade, but as yet undecided on what to get.

It is costing us $80+ to fill at the moment. :(

[Bluemist]

WOW...I must be the odd one out. We relied on public transport for over ten years. Did this right up until October 2007 (DD was two- trains and walking everywhere up till then) and I was pregnant with #2...we bought a Honda Jazz....which I just :smiliedance: love.
It's economical to run and is like a Tardis inside...(except the Dr isn't in there LOL).
I felt bad when I bought it because of environmental reasons but it is a necessity now.

[Sammilee]

We have a 4 cyl hatchback, and with 1 kiddy it's just about right. Boot space is a lil' tight but you gain some amazing 'organisation' skills 'coz you have to pack the boot right to make everything fit :laughing:.

If (and when) number #2 comes along we'll have to find a bigger car purely for the boot space, but haven't really thought about that just yet. Either way, definitely want something economical. I refuse to waste unnecessary money on fuel.

We also have a 2nd car, my trusty ol' 3 cyl Suzuki Swift which I've had since I was 17!!! :D She's a great lil' back-up car (mostly DH uses it if I need to use the other car which has the car seat for DS). Now I remember the days when I could fill up my lil' swift for about $25, no kiddin'!!!

[Sammilee]

We use to have a 3 cyl swift, in the days before children, $50 would have the tank over flowing.

Go the Swift!!! Gotta love a 3 cyl car... do they make 3 cyl cars anymore? :rolleyes: LOL I still have my Swift, she may be old but still a goodie :yes: :D :laughing:

[GirlGerms]

I drive a 2004 Corolla. It's perfect for us currently but if #2 comes along, we'll have to get a small wagon...

Our family car is a 4 cylinder Toyota Corolla. Having only 1 child at the moment, it is big enough. But if (when) baby number 2 comes along, we'll need to get a bigger car.
What I am finding annoying is the lack of choice among medium sized wagons. There are only a few available, and they tend to be base models. I need a bit more room than in the Corolla, but I also would like some luxury features.

We are in exactly the same situation! It's a shame Corolla and Lancer are no longer available as wagons. Apparently there is no market for it. What the..??

However, many manufacturers offer luxury SUVs that have the desired features, but they use more fuel, and don't handle as well as a car. I personally don't really like the high driving position either.

Once again, I'm with you. Also, the 'small' SUV's often use quite a bit of fuel - around 30 - 50% more than Corollas. I can't justify it.

We'll probably go for a European mid-sized wagon, but they often require premium fuel, increasing the cost.

I really like the Passat wagon, but I'm actually leaning towards a Skoda. Just want to see how popular they end up in Australia because the risk you run is that if they're not very popular, resale value will be poor.

BTW having a 4 cylinder engine doesn't necessarily make a car economical. I also own a 4 cylinder Porsche, and it uses twice as much fuel as the Corolla.

That's very true. The reverse also applies - 6 Cylinders don't always consume heaps of fuel, as long as they are SMALL 6 cylinder engines.

FYI apparently the Hyundai i30 is going to be available early next year as a wagon. From what I understand, it's a really good car and I'll consider it, even if I'm a little shy when it comes to Hyundai as a brand.

Cheers,
GG

[subaruforestermum]

Our family car, my beasty baby, Miss Suby Ruby is a 4 cyclinder TURBO Subaru Forester.....:valentine::valentine::flowerz:

Its an AWD, and is quite good on fuel if you drive it conservatively...lol...

Handling is great, sticks well to corners, and was the safest car on the road in its year....

I love it, and being an AWD it handles better than a front wheel drive, and better than a rear wheel drive...

Takes $60-$70 in fuel to fill her up, depending on price of fuel.....and usually gets me to brisbane and back twice, gatton and back, and kindy and back in the week..... so quite good, if I drive it conservatively and dont hoon in it....

[Mamalicious]

I would not have a clue how many cylinders!! :laughing:

It has 5 seats though, I think...I haven't actually seen it yet. :o:p

[subaruforestermum]

I would not have a clue how many cylinders!! :laughing:

It has 5 seats though, I think...I haven't actually seen it yet. :o:p

LMAO too funny...

I just sold my old car on Sunday and the chick (her boyfriend was buying it) said, can I check the VIN, so I gave her the paper that had the VIN on it, and told her where it was and she said.... "I'm only a girl, I have no idea what I'm looking for..."...cracked me up.....

What type of car is it?? Has he told you that???

[Mamalicious]

LMAO too funny...

I just sold my old car on Sunday and the chick (her boyfriend was buying it) said, can I check the VIN, so I gave her the paper that had the VIN on it, and told her where it was and she said.... "I'm only a girl, I have no idea what I'm looking for..."...cracked me up.....

What type of car is it?? Has he told you that???

Only a girl...lol that's silly...I just don't do car stuff :D

I think he has, but I can't remember what he said...I *think* it's one of those hatchback things, who knows!!!

I don't even know what a VIN is!!! DH looks after the car, when I get one he's just going to paint it pretty for me and make the inside all nice...I just have to look pretty in it. :o:laughing:

[subaruforestermum]

Only a girl...lol that's silly...I just don't do car stuff :D

I think he has, but I can't remember what he said...I *think* it's one of those hatchback things, who knows!!!

I don't even know what a VIN is!!! DH looks after the car, when I get one he's just going to paint it pretty for me and make the inside all nice...I just have to look pretty in it. :o:laughing:

LOL..... as long as he doesnt put frangapani stickers all over it.....then you'll be right;), and you can look pretty in it.... (eta sorry, just seen your avatar, I didnt realise prior....they are just too over-used on chicks cars tis all.....)

A VIN is the 'Vehicle Identification Number' (in case you wanted to know)...

As long as you know how to change a tyre, and fill the tyres with air and all that jazz. Or even better join up to a RACQ, or NRMA car club, with roadside assistance....Gives you even bigger opportunity to just look pretty in it...

Oh yeah your DH is a spray painter.....Hmmm my Bonnet scoop needs a respray soon....***wink wink..nudge nudge..*** lol...

[Mum23DDs]

We have a holden Aclaim Station Wagon...Lots a room for the troops :). We just got rid of my old commodore and this one is heaps better on petrol. I guess it's the new technology (whatever that may be I have no idea when it comes to cars):D.

[Mum&bubs]

We have a 03 VY Holden Commodore that has 6 cylinders. It costs up about $90 to fil the tank up.

[Mamalicious]

LOL..... as long as he doesnt put frangapani stickers all over it.....then you'll be right;), and you can look pretty in it.... (eta sorry, just seen your avatar, I didnt realise prior....they are just too over-used on chicks cars tis all.....)

A VIN is the 'Vehicle Identification Number' (in case you wanted to know)...

As long as you know how to change a tyre, and fill the tyres with air and all that jazz. Or even better join up to a RACQ, or NRMA car club, with roadside assistance....Gives you even bigger opportunity to just look pretty in it...

Oh yeah your DH is a spray painter.....Hmmm my Bonnet scoop needs a respray soon....***wink wink..nudge nudge..*** lol...

:laughing: I'll let him know :p

LMAO about the frangipanis...hahahahah no I wasn't going to have flowers on it, it's going to be hot pink with sparkles or pearl in it hehe :D

[Bubble*Crazy]

I drive a 2004 6cyl petrol Pajero (aka fuel guzzler :rolleyes:). I really want a new Commodore thinking it may just save us a 'bit', but DH won't be in it (he says I can buy myself one when we win lotto ... not fair :hissy: ... I want one now!!!)

[mummymg]

We've got a volvo station wagon. It can become a 7 seater with the fold up seats in the back which is handy if we have little friends over. :)

It's not too good on petrol though!:no:

[mumtojoshandsam]

Currently have a Magna but with this forthcoming baby will need to get a bigger car and hopefully it will be on gas.

[fra99le]

We've got a 6 cylider. Had to get a BIG car to fit 3 car seats accross the back and the big 3 wheel pram in the back. And living out of town there is no public transport so doesn't really leave you much choice! It's a 1998 Ford Explorer.
I hate putting fuel in it, it goes soooo quickly. I love living where we do, but having to drive to get into town to get anything can be annoying I'd love to walk more, but 25km one way is a bit far!!! (maybe I should, might lose the extra couple of tyres around the middle! LOL) and it cost about $120 to fill and that would last a fortnight, DH had a little 4cyl corolla, but even in that he goes through 3-4 tanks of fuel a fornight (travels to work) so we spend about $350 a fortnight on petrol!!!!!!

[westketeers]

Hi,
I drive a 2002 Magna, we chose this car for the bootspace as we had to fit a twin pram in. Well, it fits great plus a whole heap more ! The boot is huge ! It drives great and it costs me about $90 to fill up which last between a 10 days to a fortnight depending on how often we travel to town(perth CBD area/airport)

[Hunt&Deeg'sMUMMY]

Ive got a 99 vectra
its a nice size Big boot
not bad on pertrol about $60-70 to fill up 9 it has a big tank) that would last a fortnight or more

[BrAins]

i have a ford laser with 3kids all in car seats. we fit, its not spacious but it is comfortable. the boot can fit 2prams plus shopping. atm i dont see need to get a bigger car, but if we end up having more then we will get a bigger car.
just my opinion, but if i can fit 3 babies in a small car, why does everyone see the need to have big massive cars?

[bumblytumbly]

We have a Mazda CX-7 and a Mazda 3. Both are 4 cyl although the CX-7 is about $85 a week to fill. The 3 is very economical though.

[charlis_mum]

We have just bought a 2003 Commodore wagon - so 6cyl. Have had a 4cyl outback for years now, but with the thought of TTC #3 int he future, I wanted a car that could fit a capsule/convertible carseat and 2 maxi-riders accross the back seat - not too many small cars will do that, and I want the security of having them in the safest carseats. The Outback can barely fit my 7yo nephews bottom in between the car seats, no way his little booster would fit (and it he were my kid, he'd still be in a maxi-rider anyway) I know some of the vans that fit lots of seats on them are 4cyl and probably not as thirsty as a commodore, but after having the space of a wagon for years, i can't go back!

[Owen&Noah's_mum]

we don't have a car, we walk and catch public transport instead :yelclap:

[mrsmamo]

I have a MAzda 3, love it to bits. More economical than my pulsar i had. Bigger car and bigger engine.

It's actually the same size (measurement wise) as the older commodores, so we will be sticking with this unless we have 3 kids.

Hubby has a 6cyl Ford Telstar and its a GREAT car, not too much more than my car to feed.

When working out how much something is to run petrol wise, you cant go by what it costs to Fill up as you may not fill up the same amount of litres every time. So when you do fill up, take note of how many litres you put in to the car and how many kms u did since u last filled it. That will give you a more accurate picture on what it's costing :)

I was reading an article and the average fuel bill has only risen by about $20 per tank. I dont think that is a great deal personally.

[madhousemum]

4cyl, toyota tarago.


same here ... awsome car very fuel efficient and easy to drive and we need the space

[Nomsie]

DP is of course, a car lover. (Just my luck).

So it couldn't be anything less than a Statesman than we drive... Thankfully I managed to talk him out of a V8 one, and we have a V6 Supercharged one instead. It only influences the fuel when he drives, as he has a lead food. I don't think he cares about my disapproving stares, either. :no:

If it were up to me, I would have found a way to make the twins fit in my 4 cyl lancer! :yes:

[banana]

with our 1st child i drove my 5door holden barina but once we had our 2nd we bought a magna wagon.
2 kids with car seats, pram and weeks shopping just didnt fit in the barina.

[ANonnyMouse]

Well, my "family" is still baking, but I'll be keeping my car cause I only just bought it! It's a zippy little Honda Jazz and I love it to bits! Very economical, I've moved house with it and been amazed at how much **** I can fit in the boot, and it's a breeze to drive and park. My only concern is being not being able to put a baby seat in the centre of the back seat cause of the "ridge" there.

[Nic71]

Another one with a 4cyl Toyota Tarago.

[maisymum]

We have a 6 cyl Camry costs about $75 to fill, we are trying for number 4 so we will soon need to look around at a 7 or 8 seater. No idea what yet but it will be fun looking ( well for hubby anyway ).
Maisymum :flowerz:

[Miraclebub1]

DH has a 2002 Subaru Liberty and I have a 2003 Daihatsu Charade which will be gone hopefully this week as we have used it as a trade in for a 2008 Hyundai Elantra (4 cyl).

We only did this because DH travels a bit for work with the Subaru and my charade is a two door which makes it hard to get bubby in and out of a convertible carseat.

[maybe1more]

I used to have a beautiful Hyundai s coupe 4 cylinder when i had my first baby but it was too hard getting him in and out of a 2 door:eek: it was an awesome car and cheap on petrol.
Now i drive a Holden Jackaroo 6 cylinder that costs $120.00 to fill and lasts about 9 + days depending on how much i drive.
My DF drives a very old old model Holden Astra 1984 4 cylinder and it costs him $50.00 a week.

[WarriorMummy]

we have a 2006 tiida

if we get another car it'll be 1 that runs on water or something or we'll go bigger for another kid

[floodprincess]

Being a full time working family plus school aged child we've got two cars (three if you count my mothers because she lives with us).

We've got the practical 6 cyl station wagon for the around the town stuff (which will become more practical now that bub #2 is on the way); and we also have the no so practical 6 cyl 4wd dual cab ute (which is great for the camping weekends and house moves, but not so great for fitting a baby seat in)...

Both cars are reasonably economical...getting around 700kms to a tank of petrol (mind you that tank costs DH with the station wagon about $100 to fill and me with the 4wd about $130 to fill).

Not considering changing vehicles atm because of the kms/litres ratio - most family sized cars run on around 10 - 12 litres per 100kms of combined driving.

[oconky]

we have a v6 commodore 03 model and a 2000 mazda 121. I love my 121 but my pram does not fit with the straps of the car seat, so essentially we have swapped cars. hubby works in Sydney so it is more economical that way anyway. not really sure about our spending as only just getting into a routine and hubby is on hols at the moment. he is planning to catch the train up home (central coast) when not working.

would love a forester, but own both our cars so can't justify a loan at the moment. public transport very ordinary in our area and I need a car for work so 2 car family we will stay for when I go back to work.

[Ffrenchstar]

We have a 6cyl Pajero which costs over $120 to fill the tank....a full tank lasts us less than a week.

[1MUM1]

hey im wanting to know if anyone has on 04-06 model Mitsubishi Lancer Im wanting to get out but my partner says its going to be too small. can anyone help me convince him its not.

[1MUM1]

hey im wanting to know if anyone has on 04-06 model Mitsubishi Lancer Im wanting to get one but my partner says its going to be too small. can anyone help me convince him its not.
http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/images/misc/progress.gif

[cookiesa]

We have 2 cars. Land Rover Discovery (7 seat family) and my wife has an Excel for running to and from work.

Not cost, there is a common pereception portrayed by the media of "tank 4x4's" well sorry to ruin it for them but we use 9L per 100 km, driven gentler that drops to 8.

So although it costs $140 to fill that is good for over 1000km. We use it for travelling and our kids spend as little time as possible in front of the playstation or tv watching documentaries, they are out there seeing it for themselves and running through the bush! (feral! lol)

Petrol 4x4's are generally dearer to run, though most mid sized wagons use about the same as a commodore or falcon. BUT most of these are now available in diesel and auto. Several of the compact 4x4's are also now available in diesel including the X-trail and Tucson. Don't be shy of Hyundai, they make great vehicles (along with equipment like ships and excavators!) The new diesel powered vehicles are very different to the diesels of 5 years ago. Comparing current ones to those of 5 or so years ago is like comparing fuel injected petrol cars with carbys! If your looking make sure you drive a couple of them as a comparison

And by the way the Prius is no where near as environmentally friendly as we are led to believe when the total life of the vehcile is taken in to consideration. They have a much shorter life expectancy also. In most actual test of simulated normal driving the VW golf and similar diesels have been proven to use less fuel!

But at the end of the day don't feel you have to justify what you drive! Drive it because it is what you want and it does what you need it to do!

[Cwazywabbit]

With petrol prices on the rise, the cost of getting around in the family car is escalating out of proportion. And parents, especially those with older children, will testify that ‘normal life’ includes ferrying kids, at least once a week, to and from sporting activities, training and similar extra curricular activities that logistically can’t be safely achieved by using public transport.

What size car is the most common driven by families on our roads today? Vote in our poll and let’s see if we think size really does matter.

What sort of car you drive vs the size of your family? Based on the current economic climate, are you are considering upgrading or downgrading your engine size when you next buy a vehicle? If yes, to what? And if no, why not?

I only have two at home now and yes I drive a Tarago. why when I only have two? Kayacks, football friends, bikes and so forth .........maybe I need a UTE? At least that would cut down on the friends I have to ferry around.:D I have to admit It's never had a service because I work on it myself (and it's self tuning thank god) but it's been the cheapest car I've had in the long run and more versitile.

[Jells]

We have a Falcon Sedan - dedicated LPG only...no petrol at all!! It costs me around $45 to fill and lasts around 520km's/roughly 10days. We also have a 1991 VN SS V8 - DH's pride and joy which only gets driven on the weekends as he has a company supplied vehicle.

There is only the 3 of us atm, and as for our next car.....in a couple of years, we would be looking at something like a Ford Territory - again, LPG, but it the $$$$ allowed it, I'd be going a Holden SS Wagon....LPG where possible.

[Ys_Woman]

There are six of us and yet we drive a 5-seat petrol guzzling Ford SR station wagon. Dh wants us to trade up to a 7-seat Ford Territory but in three weeks time we will finally own our wagon outright:smiliedance: (bought it new six years ago). I don't want us going into debt again, would rather buy a block of land with the extra money.
I did think about getting a seat fitted into the back of the wagon but they don't seem terribly safe to me.
Dh suggested he start riding his motorbike to work to save petrol but I am so scared of him being on that contraption.
Can't seem to find a happy middle ground.

Amy:)

[QuackinDuck]

We have 2 Commodores, my wagon 2005 VZ (V6) and DH's 1998 VT (V6) BUT.... DH's car is modified so costs a huge amount in fuel, I use around $80 a week in fuel, he uses about the same but does 1/4 the amount of driving I do.

[QuackinDuck]

And to add (sorry bit of a car freak family here)
We wanted to convert but after every mechanic telling us not to, we have decided that we won't be. Apparently it is not a good thing to do to the car:no:

It all depends on what system you put into your car. There is one, more expensive system which is better for your car. LPG is not really "bad" for your car, but most of the time you end up loosing a bit of "power". Take a look at Taxi's for example.... they all have LPG and look at how many kms they do before being retired. There have been some studies done that will actually tell you that LPG can make your engine last longer.

If you really want me to go into it I can but it may seem confusing. lol

To me LPG is pointless.... and in fact you save near nothing, and loose some performance.

Higher consumption with LPG, in my old car... (2001 VX Commodore)

LPG= 400kms city driving
ULP= 480kms city driving

I worked it out quite thoroughly before purchasing our next car, to decide weather or not to find a new car already on LPG or just ULP.

I was filling up my LPG at least once a week, when ULP I was only filling once a fortnight, not to mention the fact it takes twice as long to fill with LPG.

With LPG you will also have to part with Traction Control in most cases, which then ad's another safety risk.

If you do allot of country driving then go for it, you will save heaps, but city driving ULP is the way to go.

[cookiesa]

There are some flaws in your points there.....

YES gas is NOT good for your engine, that's why Ford make a "dedicated" gas version of the "Barra" engine (one currently fitted to falcon/Territory etc)

Basically Gas does not have the lubrication qualaties and burns "hotter" than petrol (keeping things simple here) however here are ways to minimise the damage it does (and we are talking over thousands of kilometres here) Basically most of the damage is done to the valve seats. You may need to rebuild the top end of the engine particualry earlier than in a petrol only version.. all things like servicing being equal! But again this is more likely to be an issue for the next owner or the one after them!

Gas can be quite suited to fitment to MOST vehciles... but some are just a no no. The best way is to talk to a few different gas places NOT just fitters, look around for workshops that specialise in working on converted vehicles. They will give you an unbiased opinion based on the work they do.

And like most things.. you get what you pay for. There is the "cheap" gas conversions, generic systems.. best avoided. Then there are systems designed for particular models of vehciles. These are dearer but are a MUCH better system. Again speak to some hgas companies about the different ones they offer for your model. When they start saying we do this one because it does any vehicle your better speaking to someone else. Gas systems are NOT all the same and well worth the research!

The latest systems are called Gas Vapour they are the rolls royce of gas systems but for some vehicles they are the only real option unless you want to be continually fixing your vehicle and replacing expensive parts (things like airflow metres etc)

Taxi's are not a good example for wear as most damage is done to a vehicle starting and stopping... something Taxi's avoid doing. They are almost always at the ideal temp and running (even waiting for a fare the engine is still "warm" when they start and head off again.) They are also rarely loaded up and having to work, something the average family car is asked to do... and often when cold too. They are used very differently to your normal car, but even they break down.

Anyway gas can be a good way to save money, but you need to do your sums and talk to a few different companies about the best option for you.

Gas doesn't effect Traction control at all, it can change the stability control in some vehicle's. Again speak with fitters about your specific vehicle.

[kytysmum]

we have a vt commodore v6
cost around $100 to fill :thumbsdown:

[WarriorMummy]

wow- i gotta say i love our nissan tiida- about $40 a fortnight and thats with driving out to the beach and stuff too

[finalcountdown!]

we drive a v8 diesel 200 series landcruiser...costs about $200 to fill !!!!
:thumbsdown:

[stephcaitmum]

car what car? I have my trusty foot falcon, in other words walk everywhere, it's much cheaper and kids are fit, but hey I'd drive everywhere if i did have a car and i'd get a 4 cylinder. I reckon I would be at the coast every week if I had one.:sunshine: and be very very broke :laughing:

[StellasMummy]

I use to have 2005 pink suzuki swift but sold it when i found out i was pregnant as the boot wasnt very big to say the least! there was noooo way i would fit a pram in there So i got a nissan tiida.super roomy and super comfy.with rising petrol prices it cost about $70 to fill and that last me about 2 weeks. I have been taking the pram out and walking to the shops lately,tryin to do my bit for the enviroment.the hills nearly kill me tho.:laughing::laughing::laughing:

[baylismum]

i did have a 2000 mitsubishi magna v6 sedan. i loved that car, but it needed heaps of front end work timing belts and such, and was nearing 210,000kms, i felt it wouldve been better just to upgrade . (plus bub2 is on the way)

i researched HEAPS of cars, and bought a 2005 mazda 6 sports wagon (4cyl)....i LOVE it (big understatement) it is both auto and manual, 6 stacker cd player, cruz control, climate control, 16inch alloys (thinking of putting 18s on it :o) and omg there is so much space!!! I could fit 3 prams, a portacot, bags, and kiddie stuff in the boot alone!!! hehe yes i love my new car! :laughing:

[mum23girls]

We have just downgraded from an 05 Magna to a 03 Mirage :cloud9: it is only a 2 door but the girls shuffle in and out without a problem. They fit in nicely with a booster for the youngest and half booster for the middle child. It is sooooo economical. $40 will get me 500k's :smiliedance: HEAPS better than the magna. We don't go away, don't have to carry round baby stuff anymore so don't have a problem with it being so small.

[cookiesa]

Yeah we use the excel for just the "running" around.. sometimes it pays to look at your driving patterns too and just see if perhaps running a "cheap" 2nd or even third sometimes small car is a better option. Obviously you have to also take in to account rego, insurance etc too but the other thing to for those who use their vehicles to go away a bit is it helps cut back on the amount of km's you rack up in that vehicle... could mean you keep it a lot longer and minimise the loss of trading up on a regular basis.

[lulu 2]

We have a pajero (petrol) and a few 4 cylinder cars which is not too bad as I only use the big car for trips with the kids otherwise dh and I drive the small cars to work. As for gas its ok if you have the room for it ,in a station wagon the gas bottle goes behind the second row seat so it can limit your room and in some sedans it can use up most of the boot.

[kymmy]

Well we havea 6. We need a bigger car with #4 due soon. But the environment is a concern.As is finances.

[NewMe]

we have 2 6 cylinders(dh's territory - company car - but we own the company so still pay everything for it and my commodore). Soon we need to upgrade the commodore. If money grew on trees I'd have the Lexus RX400 Hybrid, so I'm stuck for what else might suit my needs - maybe a 4cyl Mazda 6 wagon, but just depends on how it fits my car seats and the safety features.

[muminshock]

I have a 2005 RAV4 Sport. I LOVE my car...BUT. Baby number 3 is on the way and you'd be lucky to fit a koala bear between the 2 car seats so getting a third car seat in is NOT possible. We want to have 4 kids so we probably need to find a 7 seater now, save us buying another one later on down the track... oh ****!

[loulousmum]

We have two kids with twins due in a few weeks. We've recently traded our Honda Accord for a lovely new 6 cyl Kia Grand Carnival! It's got sliding doors on both sides and best of all, you can completely remove any of the seats in the second row to allow easy access to back row! The other thing I like about it is that you can actually walk from driver's seat to back row inside the car. The Grand version also has massive boot space - needed if 6 people are going on holiday!

[JJBS]

We have a Honda Jazz and love love love love love it!!! Fill up for about $60 a fortnight (we do alot of walking too - and hubby cycles to work), but we get about 6L/100km.And it's a low emissions vehicle (less interest on the loan! Woohoo!) Two seats in the back no worries, pram and all the shopping in the boot which is WAY bigger than it looks - definitely a TARDIS car (wish the doctor was in there too!). I would love to keep this car forever, but I want bubba number 3 even more! Just have to figure out what will fit 3 baby seats across the back.....

[thatgirl]

I have a 6cyl 5 seater land rover free lander...It costs me atleast $120 to fill.

[kccmylife]

I drive a Honda Odyssey. 7 seater as we have a 6 member family. It costs roughly $100 to fill and I limit driving to school drop offs, pick-ups, grocery shopping once a week and one outing a week, fuel last a fortnight just doing that.

I miss the days when we fitted in a 5 seater, 4 cylinder car. But then again back then fuel was so much cheaper anyway.

[HarvestMoon]

I have a disel I30. I fill it up once every 4 weeks for around $70-$80.

[rowiechb]

6 cylinder

[NatalieG]

We have a Honda Jazz and love love love love love it!!! Fill up for about $60 a fortnight (we do alot of walking too - and hubby cycles to work), but we get about 6L/100km.And it's a low emissions vehicle (less interest on the loan! Woohoo!) Two seats in the back no worries, pram and all the shopping in the boot which is WAY bigger than it looks - definitely a TARDIS car (wish the doctor was in there too!). I would love to keep this car forever, but I want bubba number 3 even more! Just have to figure out what will fit 3 baby seats across the back.....

We're similar to you. We have a Mazda2 (bought it only 4 weeks ago!) and we LOVE it. So cheap to fill the tank and much bigger than it looks. Right now we have only one child - a 3 year-old - but we are TTC'ing #2 and reckon we'll be able to fit a baby capsule in on the other side no probs. Carting around all the newborn paraphernalia might be a slight challenge - especially when you start talking about travel cots when we go to visit the grandparents who live in the country and the like - but that's going to happen so infrequently that it's worth the small inconvenience to have a year-round low-cost, fuel-efficient car.

Our other car is an 8 year-old Hyundai Elantra... also 4 cylinder but a 2.0litre engine as opposed to the 1.5 litre Mazda.

[MumtoChloe]

We have 2 x 6-cylinder cars. 1 x commodore (mine) and 1 x pajero (his). Our fuel bill is $200 per week :eek: I hate how much it costs us, but there's very little we can do. We live 25km out of town, DD works on a farm an hr away and needs his 4wd because when it rains he can't get to work without it... Although he'll tell you he NEEDS his 4wd to go 4wding :rolleyes: Fuel would have to go up a lot more before we looked at changing cars...

[crazyaboutbubs]

I don't have a family yet.. But i brought a new Hyundai i30 about 3 months ago. I made sure when i was buying i was thinking about family.. the boot is quite large for a small car.. enough to fit a pram and other things. Its quite roomy inside.. and It's 4 cyclinder diesel. So it's about 800ks to a tank.. i only fill up every 2 weeks. :yelclap: So it's about $35 a week to run. The insurance is quite low on it.. And it's got a 5 year warranty. I don't plan on a big family.. If we were to go anywhere about 2 children.. i think we would look at a bigger car.

[lovbemummy!]

We have a ford XR6 and a ford Ranger turbo diesel (yes we love fords, and no we're not bogans!), it the first time in our lives we haven't had a V8, and that is because my husband has difficulty getting into them due to spinal surgery earlier in the year. We found V8s have very similar fuel consumption to V6 and the difference is negligable. We will probably in the new year be upgrading to a Ford Territory so my husband can get in and out of the car easier. It will use more fuel as its heavier, but it doesn't bother us that much.

Our family car will never be a 4 cyclinder because they don't have the power to haul around 4 adults, and I like to go up hills when the car is fully loaded with ease and not struggle.

[Havana]

We are having firts baby..we have 3 door hyundi getz..super cheap to run..also 3 door jeep wrangler and 3 door studibaker...see are theme..no back doors..ahhhhh..we are looking into a 5 door with big boot...mazda 2 or 3 i like...

[proudmama]

we have a mazda 3 and highly recommend it - spacious, big boot, economical and just generally safe IMO

we are lookin at a bigger car but withthe way money is nowadays we might wiat for a better time - the mazda is great for the moment and with how we want to time the kids all three (whent he other 2 are born hehehe) should be able to fit in the back

[Sissy]

VroomVroom I drive a V8 :D

Holden SS Crewman Thunder.

We are leasing it at the moment, and when the lease expires we will buy it for DH car, and then we will lease a Ford Territory for me to drive :yelclap:

[familyof10]

we have a toyota landcruiser 8 seater but we really need a 10 seater any suggestions would be greatly appreciated it will have to be second hand. 2 adults, 8 children[13,12,11,9,8,5,2 and 7 months].

[Freya]

6 Cylinder. We currently have a Mitsubishi Pajero but just sold it for a VX commodore wagon.

[MummyCharmzy]

I dont know how many cylinders ours is, its a Ford Transit 12 seater,

Familyof10 - we recently upgraded as I was never going to get 5 carseats into the people mover we had which was only 7 seater and I babysit 2 kids up to 5 days a week so really needed something bigger!

I love my Transit, yes its a beast of a thing but it means we have plenty of space for our massive grocery shops, it means we can go on family driving holidays without the kids all confined next to one another etc etc not to mention it costs $100 to fill up and does on average 550km to a tank... my people mover was costing $100 to fill and only doing 350 (transit is on diesel, ppl mover was unleaded)

[lovelymum]

Hi we have a mazda 3 sedan and its great. We have 2 car seats in the back at the moment and easily fit our phil & teds pram in the boot plus a bit of shopping as well. It costs me around $20 a week to run as I only really do local driving. We are TTC and I have just returned from Baby Bunting as we are working out car seat confirguration and it looks like we should get three car seats in the back - we will have to buy 3 new car seats but it sure beats buying a new car!!:laughing: If anyone else has a small car & three seats in the back could you let me know how it is working out & what seats you purchased. Thanks:cool:

[jimmysmummy]

Ours is a 5-cyl Land Rover Discovery turbo diesel. It's fantastic to drive and has awesome fuel economy.

We go 4wding quite often and have a great time in it.

[ixnay]

We have a 2001 Toyota Prado 8 cylinder. I love it, easy to drive and plenty of room in the boot. I live in the country so its good for traveling up to the city and going to Esperance to do a big food shop. We do 4WD and it guzzles fuel but I still love it!

[countrymumtobe]

We have a 4 cylinder Toyota Camry station wagon. It's very economical but has heaps of room in the back and we can fit the dog in too