Used Cars: small family vehicles, rav 4, fuel mileage

Question
What are some of your ideas on buying nice not so big family cars/other vehicles that aren't too big?

Answer
It can depend on the size of the family as to how large the vehicle needs to be.  When I was growing up there were 4 of us (my parents, my sister, and I) and we got along just fine in everything from mid-sized wagons, to compact 4 door sedans & hatchbacks... If you travel a lot a wagon/hatchback can save you a lot on space... and they usually have the same storage or close as an SUV (which very few people actually need an SUV), a compact 4 door would be fine in most cases for a family of 4... a midsized would do alright for 5 (but the seating would be cramped in the back), If you need seating for more than that you may wish to consider a minivan, due to the popularity of SUV's minivans are relatively cheap and offer more space and better fuel economy than SUV's...  Crossovers or CUV's (like the rav-4, ford escape/edge) are nothing more than a taller wagon... with poorer fuel mileage and less stability... (and a higher price tag)... I am very fond of small sedans and coupes that offer plenty of room for a small family and come with great reliability and prices, I also like minivans because while people my not like the stereotype - for those who can suck up the ego and buy one - they get a great value for the money.  If you want idea's on specific models, let me know how many people this will be seating and I will try to help you out as much as possible.  Thanks!