Have you tried to get to the 3rd row to put 2 kids into car seats and buckler and tighten them like you need to? In an SUV there isn’t a ton of room back there. You’ll do that once, then go buy a minivan, just so much more space and headroom.
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I’m with you 100% , i don’t want one either . It’s interesting to hear the arguments for mini vans though , and I do see the practicality of them , I just can’t get myself in a mindset where I am willing to buy / lease one . For me it’s comparable to wearing sweatpants all day , very comfortable , but just doesn’t feel right when you’re leaving the house 
Well we know this is wrong since minivans make up about 2% of the American market.
I’d rather go everywhere in two cars than drive a minivan. It’s personal preference.
I’m sure OP’s wife would love splitting cars everytime they go out in the family of 5.
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Lol that wasn’t the point of the comment but ok. He posted for advice on full size suvs because that’s what he wants. He specifically stated he was not looking for a minivan yet the echo chamber piled on about minivans anyhow.
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No matter how many times someone asks what the best hammer to drive a screw is, the answer will always been to get a screw driver.
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Here you go. Problem solved… German badge coolness and fits 3 toddlers, 2 60lb dogs, current wife, ex-wife plus 2 au pairs. Parks within any 30 foot driveway and garage.
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And yet we see plenty more SUV’s on the road than we do minivans. Because it is a matter of personal preference.
The OP is not asking about what the best option is for his needs. He’s asking about the best way to negotiate for what he is looking for which is a full size suv and not a minivan. So the premise of your analogy is wrong here.
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Add a Hummer instead of Bentley and say save gas instead of HOV lane & maybe you’re in the ball park.
Lol i can wear sweatpants all day inside & outside of the house.
Personal comfort has higher priority then what someone might think if i walk out in a sweatpants which at the end of the day the underlying issue in the battle of Minivan vs 3 row Full Size SUVs.
This debate can go on forever, as OP doesn’t want a minivan at all, the discussion is fruitless.
Back to the OP’s original issue at hand,
Not true, brokers can help you purchase a vehicle too.
In the current market, it will hard job.
Reach out to the brokers who’ve posted deals for a brand you looking for & they should be happy to help.
Good luck!!
Out of curiousity since you already pretty much know the direction your going, is the question more is their a magic wand that you can wave that will make this more cost effective / economical? It sounds like you’ve made up your mind and if it’s a $1000 month then, it is what it is.
The three row American made full size SUV’s weren’t all that hackable pre-pandemic and judging by the several private schools I drive by on occasion at pickup time, certainly no shortage of people willing to drop $90,000 on a Yukon XL Denali.
Let us know how you do and obviously enjoy the ride!
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I think the analogy is clear. A Bentley driver can just as easily get a Toyota but chooses to get the Bentley. The same way an SUV driver can just as easily get a minivan but wants the SUV instead. Get it now?
Right, affordability v capability…
But i digress
I guess not.
Bentley driver needs a car. Bentley driver has a choice. Get a Bentley or get a Prius. Prius will give Bentley driver the added benefit of HOV access. Bentley driver can afford both. Bentley driver chooses to forego “capability” and go with what he wants, which is a Bentley! No question of affordability here. OP wants SUV, doesn’t care about the capability of minivan, wants what he wants. Thanks for playing.
I used to work with a guy who had 26 cars and two Bentley’s. He sold them all and bought a Prius.
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As an owner of an Excursion (2005 that I keep around for towing), no current full size suv can compete with a minivan for kid duty.
Minivan is larger, more comfortable, better mph, handles better, easier to park, easier to get the kids in and out, and more “trunk” space than a current Suburban or Expedition…at almost half the price.
The only reason I have my Excursion is to tow the travel trailer/boat/car trailer while packing the kids, grandma and dog. If it wasn’t for the toys the family would be back in a minivan in an instant… especially if the kids were still in car seats. I miss our Odyssey…it just doesn’t tow 10k lbs.
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Sounds like someone who made a choice based on personal preference! What a concept!
True, but those 2% are much happier than the others when you have 3 kids under 6!
Just get a minivan and be done with it.
You can always get a sports car or fun car for “date night” with the wifey or when you need to go out alone etc.
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“Fun” and “Date Night” are mutually exclusive.
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