SUV's with FOLD FLAT seats?

[MusicMan]

Whats up everyone. I've been saving up as much as possible to get myself a nice detail vehicle. I'm pretty set on getting a van of some sort, either a Safari or Astro on the small side or an Express or Savanah on the large side. I kinda want to keep 4 seats in and just get rid of the back seats. I mean i have a lot of stuff, but I'm able to fit it all in a ford Taurus right now, im sure i could easily fit it all into the back of a van.



I really only have a couple more big sized items to get, a pressure washer, electric and im trying to go as small as possible, and maybe a generator. I dont really think i want to do the whole water tank thing...its nice and all if you do a lot of washes, but I'm aiming for doing more paint polishing than washing.



SO, as a possible auxiliary option, i was wondering what SUVS (and about what year did they start including them) have fold down flat seats for both the 3rd and middle row? I don't THINK i'm going the SUV route, but wanted to entertain the idea just to be sure. A van set up with everything i need is what i hope for but, I'm open to other ideas



thanks.

 

[SeaJays]

You are able to fit all your detailing stuff in a Ford Taurus right now?! Wow that's some talent!



I currently have a 2010 HHR SS. It's what I use as my mobile rig and my rear seats fold down flat and leaves me with a lot of room in the rear. It's small and is great on gas (30 mpg on the highway about 24 around town).



I stuff it full and am actually considering pulling out my rear seats to make some more room. I seem to keep buying more equipment and want to buy more in the near future (air compressor, maybe a generator, my pressure washer is going to crap out soon too). I too am not planning on going the water tank route.



Are you looking to buy a used van something that won't cost you an arm & a leg but will be reliable? Looking newer or older? A lot of local mobile detailers have the Astro vans from the late 90's around here. The ones with AWD since winter can be a PITA with a rear wheel drive van.



If your looking for a brand new one, I'd suggest looking into the Ford Transit or the new Nissan they just came out with that is similar to the Ford Transit.

 

[MusicMan]

You are able to fit all your detailing stuff in a Ford Taurus right now?! Wow that's some talent!



I currently have a 2010 HHR SS. It's what I use as my mobile rig and my rear seats fold down flat and leaves me with a lot of room in the rear. It's small and is great on gas (30 mpg on the highway about 24 around town).



I stuff it full and am actually considering pulling out my rear seats to make some more room. I seem to keep buying more equipment and want to buy more in the near future (air compressor, maybe a generator, my pressure washer is going to crap out soon too). I too am not planning on going the water tank route.



Are you looking to buy a used van something that won't cost you an arm & a leg but will be reliable? Looking newer or older? A lot of local mobile detailers have the Astro vans from the late 90's around here. The ones with AWD since winter can be a PITA with a rear wheel drive van.



If your looking for a brand new one, I'd suggest looking into the Ford Transit or the new Nissan they just came out with that is similar to the Ford Transit.

Well the trunk is pretty big and the back seats actually fold down in the taurus so it allows the trunk to be 'extended' into the back seat which helps some....other than that I have a very specific spot for most everything, took a minute to get but it works



HHRs are nice little rides, thats great mileage. Any photos of the back of it all folded down? That would be cool to see



I'm looking at something used yes. I'm hoping for a 2004 or newer if possible, im more so concerned about the MILES than the actual year. If i found a 2000 with under 70,000 miles id grab it if the price was right. I wouldn't take a Transit if someone gave it to me lol...those things are just ugly lol. I can at least make a van look nice, thats why i like the Express and the Savanah because they are decent looking body wise, the Fords are kinda ugly too..most anyway.

 

[Accumulator]

My GM full-size SUVs have all had removable 3rd-row seats. While the 2nd-row ones do fold down, I usually remove the driver's side one as it makes for better dog-hauling. Easy enough to do, so you could take all the seats out of one of those if you'd rather have a SUV than a van (sure not implying that'd be a good idea...).

 

[MusicMan]

My GM full-size SUVs have all had removable 3rd-row seats. While the 2nd-row ones do fold down, I usually remove the driver's side one as it makes for better dog-hauling. Easy enough to do, so you could take all the seats out of one of those if you'd rather have a SUV than a van (sure not implying that'd be a good idea...).

Yeah i knew they were removable, but i just dont have any place to store the damn things, and i wouldn't want to just let them sit out since eventually i'd be reselling it, which is why i liked the idea of the fold flat ones, then they just stay right there in the truck till i need em again If i had the space though then it wouldn't be a problem to do as you suggested.

 

[Accumulator]

Yeah, having those seats sitting around, needing protection, etc. etc. certainly *is* a hassle

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

You are able to fit all your detailing stuff in a Ford Taurus right now?! Wow that's some talent!

Remember, Scottwax has been detailing out of Accords/Maximas for years now







One thing I will say about a van or an SUV is this: get one with barn doors instead of a liftgate or dutch doors. Much nicer to work out of for a working rig, and you can put racks to hang stuff on the doors. If you are looking for an Astro/Safari passenger model van (as opposed to a cargo van) most will have the dutch doors, it's harder to find the barn doors but they do exist.

 

[MusicMan]

Remember, Scottwax has been detailing out of Accords/Maximas for years now







One thing I will say about a van or an SUV is this: get one with barn doors instead of a liftgate or dutch doors. Much nicer to work out of for a working rig, and you can put racks to hang stuff on the doors. If you are looking for an Astro/Safari passenger model van (as opposed to a cargo van) most will have the dutch doors, it's harder to find the barn doors but they do exist.

lol good to know im not the only one. Now that you say that i totally agree...for a few reasons. A: My pops is a van guy, had a Safari with the hatch on the back and the two smaller doors under (is that the dutch doors?)....I'm 6'3....i nailed my head on that thing all the time going in and out of the back for ...whatever.

B. He NOW has a Chevy Express...with the 2 big doors (barn doors? moo?) and i love it, they swing a full 180 degrees so you have LOT of room...so that is a major major plus and something i'll have to strongly consider when looking at vans. Just those big V8's DRINK gas...i hope i can find a V-6 in an express...

 

[C. Charles Hahn]

lol good to know im not the only one. Now that you say that i totally agree...for a few reasons. A: My pops is a van guy, had a Safari with the hatch on the back and the two smaller doors under (is that the dutch doors?)....I'm 6'3....i nailed my head on that thing all the time going in and out of the back for ...whatever.

B. He NOW has a Chevy Express...with the 2 big doors (barn doors? moo?) and i love it, they swing a full 180 degrees so you have LOT of room...so that is a major major plus and something i'll have to strongly consider when looking at vans. Just those big V8's DRINK gas...i hope i can find a V-6 in an express...

Yeah, the half-hatch/half-doors are referred to as dutch doors, and the two side-by-side doors are barn doors. My dad owned two Safaris and both had the barn doors -- he would have had the same problem with hitting his head on the hatch.



The half-ton Express vans are available with the same 4.3L in them as the Astro, but keep in mind that once you're loaded down with a bunch of equipment that V6 is going to have to work harder to get the van moving from a dead stop. If you're in much stop-and-go traffic the V8 might prove to actually be more efficient. Just go for a 4.8L or 5.3L instead of the 6.0L and you'll do fine on gas. The 4.3 was never all that efficient anyway, it's basically just an old-school 350ci V8 with two cylinders chopped off.

 

[CarCrazy]

Ford Flex.

 

[MusicMan]

Yeah, the half-hatch/half-doors are referred to as dutch doors, and the two side-by-side doors are barn doors. My dad owned two Safaris and both had the barn doors -- he would have had the same problem with hitting his head on the hatch.



The half-ton Express vans are available with the same 4.3L in them as the Astro, but keep in mind that once you're loaded down with a bunch of equipment that V6 is going to have to work harder to get the van moving from a dead stop. If you're in much stop-and-go traffic the V8 might prove to actually be more efficient. Just go for a 4.8L or 5.3L instead of the 6.0L and you'll do fine on gas. The 4.3 was never all that efficient anyway, it's basically just an old-school 350ci V8 with two cylinders chopped off.

Hm ok i'll keep that in mind. My stuff isn't TOO weighty, not like im haulin a water tank or generator around..but it does still add up some...but i wouldn't think much more than a cpl 100 lbs (depending on what all im doing that day). The freeways out here in Az are set up pretty nice so i can usually cruise on them and avoid a lot of stop go traffic, unless i hit rush hour on the way home. I sometimes borrow a family members Safari van and it handles the load with no problem and it has a 6...still get close to 20 MPG at the end of a tank. If i found a van like your dads id probably go for it

Ford Flex.

I was WONDERING if the flex had fold flat seats..those are pretty cool SUVs...i think anyway...dunno how spacious they are though

 

[SeaJays]

I was WONDERING if the flex had fold flat seats..those are pretty cool SUVs...i think anyway...dunno how spacious they are though

The seats in the Ford Flex do fold down flat and there is a lot of room in those (more than my HHR). The only thing is with the Ford Flex is that they are expensive. They first came out in 2007-2008 and Ford tend to hold their retail value pretty well.



I'd definitely go with a cargo van if you can find one for a reasonable price. I'd check craiglist and local classified. People are always selling their cargo vans for decent money around here.



Here's a pic of an HHR with the seats folded down. The other rear seat folds down as well to make it completely flat. I can fit an 8 ft ladder in my car with no issues (when I'm detailing an RV or something). This pic isn't of mine, but same set up.

I really cram it full though with everything I bring with me, but it certainly works well.



This is my daily driver as well, so I wanted something more than just a cargo van. If your planning on only using it for working out of I'd go with a cargo van of some sort.

 

[Accumulator]

"Yeah" :xyxthumbs on the Barn Doors, simply love 'em on the Tahoe.



And yeah#2, the Flex is one of the few vehicles I'm actually tempted by these days.



But thinking about this, ya just can't beat a van (mini, regular...) for some things.

 

[MusicMan]

The seats in the Ford Flex do fold down flat and there is a lot of room in those (more than my HHR). The only thing is with the Ford Flex is that they are expensive. They first came out in 2007-2008 and Ford tend to hold their retail value pretty well.



I'd definitely go with a cargo van if you can find one for a reasonable price. I'd check craiglist and local classified. People are always selling their cargo vans for decent money around here.



Here's a pic of an HHR with the seats folded down. The other rear seat folds down as well to make it completely flat. I can fit an 8 ft ladder in my car with no issues (when I'm detailing an RV or something). This pic isn't of mine, but same set up.

I really cram it full though with everything I bring with me, but it certainly works well.



This is my daily driver as well, so I wanted something more than just a cargo van. If your planning on only using it for working out of I'd go with a cargo van of some sort.

Pretty nice amount of space for the little guy. I agree the Flex's are probably gonna be pricey. The thing is its gonna be my DD AND my work vehicle. On the one hand, id like something more 'sporty' to drive around in when im just driving to go where ever. On the other hand, i can justify wrapping a van much easier than i can wrapping a nice looking car like a Flex or HHR or whatever. If i got just a plain ole van...even if the paint is jacked...and just wrap it...it stays looking nice and advertises my business no matter WHERE i go. I know it'll cost 2-3 grand but hey get a few jobs and it will pay for itself very quickly. Plus...tax write off!

"Yeah" :xyxthumbs on the Barn Doors, simply love 'em on the Tahoe.



And yeah#2, the Flex is one of the few vehicles I'm actually tempted by these days.



But thinking about this, ya just can't beat a van (mini, regular...) for some things.

Tahoe's are probably one of my favorite SUVs along with the Yukons. Wish Chevy would put fold flat seats in the tahoe, but oh well.



The Flex is a pretty cool car...it would match my flex buffer lol . But the van does have a lot of pluses...they're so wide. I like the INTERIORS of

mini-vans, but you couldn't PAY me to drive one. Nor put a gun to my head or threaten my first born, nope, not driving one! BUT if the interior of a min-van

was combined with the body of a Chevy Express...now THAT would be a van!

 

[Accumulator]

Pretty nice amount of space for the little guy. I agree the Flex's are probably gonna be pricey. The thing is its gonna be my DD AND my work vehicle. On the one hand, id like something more 'sporty' to drive around in when im just driving to go where ever..

I bet the Flex drives pretty good and that a little upgrading would make it plenty sporty.

Tahoe's are probably one of my favorite SUVs along with the Yukons. Wish Chevy would put fold flat seats in the tahoe, but oh well. ..

What surprised me was that I like the old style Tahoe at least as well as the newer-model Yukon Denali that I used to have, which should have been a completely "better" vehicle :nixweiss

The Flex is a pretty cool car...it would match my flex buffer lol . But the van does have a lot of pluses...they're so wide. I like the INTERIORS of

mini-vans, but you couldn't PAY me to drive one. Nor put a gun to my head or threaten my first born, nope, not driving one! BUT if the interior of a min-van

was combined with the body of a Chevy Express...now THAT would be a van!

Eh, I even had a blast driving my minivan! Invisible to LEOs too, absolutely ticket-proof. These days most anything will drive so well that your fun-level and rate-of-progress will be limited mostly by your unwillingness to get arrested



But OK, I hear you..can't most "work vans" have their interiors configured about any way you'd like? Some heavy-duty van might be pretty functional. Not as nice as a Flex though

 

[MusicMan]

"Yeah" :xyxthumbs on the Barn Doors, simply love 'em on the Tahoe.



And yeah#2, the Flex is one of the few vehicles I'm actually tempted by these days.



But thinking about this, ya just can't beat a van (mini, regular...) for some things.

I bet the Flex drives pretty good and that a little upgrading would make it plenty sporty.







What surprised me was that I like the old style Tahoe at least as well as the newer-model Yukon Denali that I used to have, which should have been a completely "better" vehicle :nixweiss







Eh, I even had a blast driving my minivan! Invisible to LEOs too, absolutely ticket-proof. These days most anything will drive so well that your fun-level and rate-of-progress will be limited mostly by your unwillingness to get arrested



But OK, I hear you..can't most "work vans" have their interiors configured about any way you'd like? Some heavy-duty van might be pretty functional. Not as nice as a Flex though

What about the Ford Edge, does it fold flat?

 

[CarCrazy]

Ford Flex. Sporty? Try EcoBoost. Twin turbo 6 cylinder. Tuning out there make them even more of a sleeper!







Used or even the base start below 30. Maxed out trim level Titanium is near 50.

 

[Accumulator]

What about the Ford Edge, does it fold flat?

I dunno...never saw the inside of one. Did have the new Explorer for a week or so, and thought the interior design was utterly terrible.

Used or even the base [Ford Flex] start below 30. Maxed out trim level Titanium is near 50...

And you gotta buy one of the high-end trim models to get stuff like decent headlights.