I've narrowed down my search for a new Pacifica to the Limited trim. I am considering getting one with the 8th seat (no sunroof due to seatbelt placement). My question is how useful is the 8th seat for seating teens and adults? We also have a Toyota Camry and my kids fit fine in the back seat. Although we are a family of 5 I like the versatility of being able to take 8 adults. Is this realistic with that as the 8th seat? Also how well do 3 adults fit in the back seat? Thanks in advance for any advice.
info/advice on the 8th seat option
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I was really torn between the 8th seat or sunroof cause I never use the rear seats and so always stowed....so I thought ok, I can do a 5 passenger, but the sunroof won over that.
I just got back from the dealer and decided that when I finally buy one it will be with the 8th seat. I measured the middle seats with the 8th seat installed and found it to be roughly 51". Our Camry is about 54". Both have about 10" between the belts in the middle. For me there were a couple of determining factors. The sunroof is very cool, but even within the test drive time the novelty wore off for my wife and myself. We have 2 cars with sunroofs and almost never use them, but the Pacifica sunroof is very nice. If you are a true sunroof person I can see how the sunroof might win out.
So, for me the 8th passenger might be a little cramped, but it would beat taking 2 cars. The real deciding factor though was when I measured the back (3rd row) seat. The width of the back seat is only 46" with 8" between the belts. That could be really cramped for adults. When I have 5: it will be 2-2-1, for 6: 2-2-2, but when I have 7: it will be 2-3-2 (and of course 8: 2-3-3). The back seat (like on all mini vans is really narrow for 3 adults.
So, for me the 8th passenger might be a little cramped, but it would beat taking 2 cars. The real deciding factor though was when I measured the back (3rd row) seat. The width of the back seat is only 46" with 8" between the belts. That could be really cramped for adults. When I have 5: it will be 2-2-1, for 6: 2-2-2, but when I have 7: it will be 2-3-2 (and of course 8: 2-3-3). The back seat (like on all mini vans is really narrow for 3 adults.
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A sunroof is one of those beautiful things to have even if you rarely use it. I don't think I'd pay extra for one, but it broke my heart to have mine taken away to be replaced with what I believe to be worse than worthless 20" wheels. It's mostly the wheels that upset me, honestly. Now my insurance payments are going to be higher (because people only bother stealing wheels that are 20" or bigger), tire replacement more expensive, and the ride will be bumpier. Oh yeah, and I don't get the beautiful sunroof that's built into the limited price. I get so angry thinking about it.
we got the 8 passenger and wish we got the 7, since my daughter loves the 3rd row, so the 2 seats on 2nd row is stowed all the time and she loves the big room, one useful thing for the 8th passenger seat that cannto be stowed is we use that to anchor the dog's leash seatbelt anchor, but it would be cleaner if we do not have the 8th seat. I know i can always take it out but another thing to add in the garage lol
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If you never use the rear seats, why would you be torn? Seems like the sunroof would be a no-brainer in your case.
I guess the bottom line is that people have different needs, and it's nice that different options are out there for different buyers. I just wanted to do my homework before committing. I read a review from someone who was felt "cheated" when she traded in her 2015 T & C (that was loaded) for a Pacifica. She complained that it did not have video screens like her T & C. I'm not sure how you buy a model without them instead of one with them and then get upset...
That's fun for your daughter that she has the big space, but I'm guessing there may be a time down the road when you will all be happy that she can take 5 friends with her somewhere.
That's fun for your daughter that she has the big space, but I'm guessing there may be a time down the road when you will all be happy that she can take 5 friends with her somewhere.
I cannot understand your issues. Did you not read the specs of the vehicle you bought? How was the sunroof "taken away"?
Also, when was the last time your insurance company asked the size of your wheels? My 20" wheels are fitted with a keyed lug nut on each wheel, make stealing considerably more difficult, and the ride is considerably better that the four previous Dodge minivans I have owned, and the larger tire will get a better life due to the greater circumference. So don't believe all you read on-line.
Tony
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The Mopar slush mats should work. They include a removable section that fits between the 2 second row seats. Not sure how flat it would sit over the anchors though.
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Chrysler stole it, Tony, by designing a sunroof that was incompatible with the 8th seat.
Anybody who goes around with a tire iron planning to steal tires has the key to my "security" lugs. There's this thing called the internet these days. They let anyone use it and they sell everything, including these lug keys.
That stuff about Dodge caravans is useless nonsense. Such nonsense.
I don't believe everything I read on the internet. For example, I don't believe any of that garbage you posted. So that's something.
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I was wondering if we made the wrong choice going with the 8 passenger, but after two trips now with maxed out capacity, I'm confident we made the right call. Anyway, sunroofs leak and add heat I. The summertime to the cabin, so I'm not regretting not having one.
8 seats
Mine is the eight seater only because it was on the lot and we wanted the granite color. I really prefered the 2 bucket seats in the back but I can live with the eight seater.probably will never use them as we never have over 6 people in the van.Only reason we got the van is it is very handy for me and the wife to get in as we are older.First van was a 93 olds.The only other truck we had was a2008 acadia which we loved but to hard for me and the wife to get in with larger tires on.The rest have been all vans.And I do love my pacific.It is a touring l plus with a lot of options.
Mine is the eight seater only because it was on the lot and we wanted the granite color. I really prefered the 2 bucket seats in the back but I can live with the eight seater.probably will never use them as we never have over 6 people in the van.Only reason we got the van is it is very handy for me and the wife to get in as we are older.First van was a 93 olds.The only other truck we had was a2008 acadia which we loved but to hard for me and the wife to get in with larger tires on.The rest have been all vans.And I do love my pacific.It is a touring l plus with a lot of options.
Have a nice day
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Sunroofs leak? I have owned numerous cars with sunroofs and not once did one ever leak, nor have I ever heard anyone tell me they had a sunroof that leaked.
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I'm talking about different vehicles, specifically the first year Audi Q7s were notorious for panoramic sunroof leaks, but that's apples and oranges. But it was enough to make it a non necessity for me. For those in particular, when my wife and I test drove pano roof Q7s, the cabin retained way too much heat, but again, apples and oranges, but it tainted the idea of a big piece of glass over my head. And no matter the brand, you do need to take care to keep the drain holes cleaned out and the tracks greased when performing other maintenance. It's just one more thing I don't need to worry about on our Pacifica, and no matter anyway beacause we wanted the 8 passenger seating anyway. There's always trade offs, nothing's perfect.
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Had a ford flex with a tri pain roof and at first thought the same, it was fine, heat i am talking about......now the Pacifica has a larger 1 piece roof compared to the flex......and then the actual moving portion. I keep going back to I live in tornado country, hail country.....it will be garaged and I also park in the garage at work......I really went back and fourth, but it is what it is and it was to be built this week.
I think as with everything option, it boils down to personal preferences. I have to confess I love sunroofs - the bigger the better, I even love more so convertibles. The sunroof's give me the illusion of a bigger space, I can breathe easily and I can enjoy the surroundings so much more with a big pano roof on top. The cabin becomes like a living oasis for me and I travelling through it. I dont believe there is any extra upkeep with a sunroof. But regardless whether you get a sunroof or not, enjoy your pacifica.
Sorry to resurrect an old thread but it had some useful info for me.
Debating between the tri-pane sunroof or the 8th seat.
If you have the 8th seat, does it change the style of the other seats in the 2nd row?
We have narrow car seats (fit three across in our sedan). Does the rear row have three seat belts (I am assuming yes since it's advertised as 7 passenger)? What are the chances of getting two car narrow car seats and having a small adult between them for short trips?
Thanks!
Debating between the tri-pane sunroof or the 8th seat.
If you have the 8th seat, does it change the style of the other seats in the 2nd row?
We have narrow car seats (fit three across in our sedan). Does the rear row have three seat belts (I am assuming yes since it's advertised as 7 passenger)? What are the chances of getting two car narrow car seats and having a small adult between them for short trips?
Thanks!
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The eighth seat option is another seat with belts, hence why no sun roof as it has the anchor on the roof. As far as the outter two mid row seats, the only diff is that you don't have the inner arm rests as the eighth seat takes up all the space between the two seats. Pacificas are out now, so I would suggest looking at your local lots for one with the eighth seat option and take the car seats.
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