need nanny-mobile recommendations

[Buster]

Our nanny uses her own vehicle for moving our kids around (that was part of the deal). But it's a 2006 MAzda3 with 250k on it. So I'm a bit unhappy with the safety aspects, and general reliability.

So we're thinking about adding a car to the fleet which she can use for her duties. We'd leave the car at our house, she would get there, and then use the car.

But I have no idea what to get. Was thinking something 2-3 years old, maybe with some warranty. This isn't something I'm going to drive or use, so luxury isn't important. Safety and practicality are paramount, however. I don't have a specific budget, but it looks like $12k - $15k buys you some good cars. I was tihnking something like a Honda Fit or a Versa.

Has anyone been shopping in this space that can recommend something?

[shakalaka]

Aren't Volvo's up there in safety ratings if that's the main concern?

[Buster]

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Aren't Volvo's up there in safety ratings if that's the main concern?

Ya, I meant more in the subcompact, economy car class. I think they're all probably equivalent.

[TomcoPDR]

Vw gti

[ExtraSlow]

Depending on size of kids, careseat and stroller situation, those may be too small. When I had a nanny, let her drive our odessey.

[max_boost]

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Vw gti

Too baller for thE nanny but i'd suggest the base Golf

[Buster]

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Depending on size of kids, careseat and stroller situation, those may be too small. When I had a nanny, let her drive our odessey.

Our kids are out of car seats. We even let our 9 year old ride in front. So we can go pretty compact and get all three kids in. Our 4th spot in the garage isn't full size either.

[ExtraSlow]

Cool, being out of car seats makes everything better. Mine are finally both in boosters, and that's a big help by itself.

Honda Fit. Spend 15k, get something practical, reliable, and decently fun to drive of your three main cars are in the shop.

/thread.

[adam c]

Mazda 5? Seems like the ultimate nanny mobile

[ee2k]

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Our nanny uses her own vehicle for moving our kids around (that was part of the deal). But it's a 2006 MAzda3 with 250k on it. So I'm a bit unhappy with the safety aspects, and general reliability.

So we're thinking about adding a car to the fleet which she can use for her duties. We'd leave the car at our house, she would get there, and then use the car.

But I have no idea what to get. Was thinking something 2-3 years old, maybe with some warranty. This isn't something I'm going to drive or use, so luxury isn't important. Safety and practicality are paramount, however. I don't have a specific budget, but it looks like $12k - $15k buys you some good cars. I was tihnking something like a Honda Fit or a Versa.

Has anyone been shopping in this space that can recommend something?

How does insurance work out for a car that you buy but let someone else use? Is there special insurance you need to get in order to have her use it for her duties? Work related insurance? How does this insure your kids in the event of an accident? Also, what's the safety standards for the Honda Fit and the Versa you speak of?

[ExtraSlow]

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How does insurance work out for a car that you buy but let someone else use? Is there special insurance you need to get in order to have her use it for her duties? Work related insurance? How does this insure your kids in the event of an accident? Also, what's the safety standards for the Honda Fit and the Versa you speak of?

The insurance isn't complex. It's a simple add-on, or it was when we did it.

[killramos]

G class?

[Buster]

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G class?

was going to go with hot pink bentley...unless someone comes up with a better idea.

[killramos]

How cheap can those golf sport wagons be had for?

Practical, awd, safe as they come.

[SkiBum5.0]

Used Outback/Impreza might be a good, cheap, safe option as well.

[rage2]

Toyota RAV4 is the Civic of nanny cars.

[NissanFanBoy]

Before buying my first house, in order to clear cars off my line of credit, I bought 2 2004 Mazda 3s, drove them while they were in their mid 200,000s km... they're pretty reliable cars, I'm not aware of any catastrophic problems, I'd buy one again if I needed a cheap reliable car.

Can't really comment on their safety ratings but they're pretty modern cars and in an era where most cars were...

[dirtsniffer]

Minivan.. great people hauler.

[craigcd]

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Minivan.. great people hauler.

I would agree with this. You aren't driving it anyway so why not get something a little bit bigger like a Sienna.

I keep on eyeing up Fit's for a commuter but they seem so small for some reason(right or wrong and with no evidence) I question how they would hold up in a accident.

[ExtraSlow]

If only someone would publish crash test data for various automobiles!!!!

Alas, all we can do is guess.