RE: 2nd row capts chairs or bench in suv/minivan?
I like Captain's Chairs.
I'm currently driving my MIL's hand-me-down minivan and if (when!) I get a new one, I will opt for the Captain's Chairs. Precisely for the reason you give. Actually, wanna know what I use it for most? DD falls asleep in captains chair, I pull over in a parking lot and take a nap in the shade in the back seat or just in the bed of the "trunk." Ahhhh. :) The windows are so dark that nobody can see us. Love it!
When she was younger, I often used the 3rd row for nursing. It was nice not to have a carseat on it, so I could have arm room and the tinted windows.
I guess I don't see much difference in a minivan with 2nd row bench and an SUV with 3 rows? The walk-through is so valuable to me that I'm looking into minivans and not SUVs.
The one drawback: DD's carseat is RF on an outboard seat, since there's no middle seat in the 2nd row. This means that the front passenger seat can't go back very far. It's a Dodge Grand Caravan and a Britax Marathon. Not sure if this is an issue in other cars or with other seats.
Good luck and congrats on the new car purchase. I'm totally envious! }( ;-)
Fancy Nancy 8/04
Snuggle Puppy 5/07
"You know, you really wear me out. But I love you anyway."