3dr or 5dr - putting a child in and out

[Dizzie]

The age old discussion/argument on how the 5dr is more convenient rages on, but I think the 3dr is actually easier when it comes to "installing" the little ones into their Recaro Junior Sport seats 

Take my 3dr mk4. I pop the seat forward and enter the car with him on my hip, then when leading forward - pop the young 'un in. When removing him, he leans forward once his harness is off and lifts straight out.

Compared to the Mrs's 5dr Fiesta. I open the rear door with the boy on my hip. I then have to swing him around into the kind of carrying position you would take your new bride up to bed in, to drop him into his seat sideways. When removing, his lean forward makes very little difference as again I have to somehow scoop him up by legs and shoulders in order to lift him up and finally out of the car.

I truly think the 3dr is easier to get the kid in and out. Also pulling the harness tensioner from the front is a lot easier than sideways.

[justalex81]

you need a bigger 5dr.

[mcgee9t2]

never put a child into a car before, however I have owned 3dr and 5dr mk4 golf, and think the 3dr would be considerably easier cause you cant get I the car infront of the child as you've said.

[bobotheclown]

I found its less of a strain on my back putting my son in the 5 door golf compared to the wife's 3 door a3. I'm not stooping as much. I've had lower back problems in the past

[Bellend]

My sister found it easier to sit on the drivers seat folded forwards in the Micra rather than the 5 doors.

[Dizzie]

you need a bigger 5dr.

It's the same with the fiesta as a vectra and I doubt cars get much bigger than the vectra. the 3dr is just so much easier as you can get in front of them

[Organisys]

Higher 5 Door FTW.

Been there.

[bobbarley]

I've got a 1 year old and much prefer 5 door over 3.  Could just be because I'm pretty strong, but I've no issue lifting her up and into the seat.  I absolutely hate moving my drivers seat as well, so not having to touch it to get the little one in and out is perfect.

Also, when putting the seat in and out of the car, the 5 door really comes into it's own, as it's easier to threat the seat belt through when you can get access from the side.

[Diamond Hell]

Five doors every day of the week.

When your kids have started moving around on their own and you've stopped kidding yourself that a 3-door is easier blah blah blah you'll realise it's nice just to stop and for them to get out on their own, through their own doors and for you to just drive off again.

[JC]

5 kids later, and owning a 3 door for all of 6 weeks before it got sold and a 5 door version bought

BUY A 5 DOOR.

the end