What's a practical amount to spend on a vehicle for a family of 3 IYO?

What is important to you?

How much can you afford?

100% financing or paying cash?

treefiddy

Practical for one may not be practical for everyone.

Very relative to lots of circumstances.

How much is your household income?
Will this be the only vehicle?
How long do you plan to own it?
Who are the 3 people (3 adults? 2 adults and a child? One adult 2 children?)
How old are the children (car seats required?
What's your priority? (Safety, looks, size?)
How much do you want to insure it?

Countless other questions. Figure out a list of cars that fit your needs and weigh the pros and cons. Spend what you can afford/are willing to afford and fulfill your most crucial needs.

Yeah, this question should be strictly based on your financial situation, all of them from 5-150k do the same job: Get you and the kiddo from point A to point B. It's just a matter of how fast and and how comfortable it is in doing it. Some rich people don't give a shite about luxury cars, and some poor people leverage the shite out of themselves to drive something they shouldn't. Personal choice in how much those things matter to you, and how much you can comfortably afford.

Friend just purchased a 3 year old Honda Pilot, ~ 30k miles for under 30k.

Mine is waiting for the sport edition highlander coming out next year. All the necessities for a soccer mom of two but more rugged looking/handle like a 4Runner so less mom-ish. Guy said it'll be around 34k, and she's got a 2012 Honda Crosstour with 45k miles on it I think we'll get 15k or so on.

If you're looking to be practical and relatively thrifty, look at a Hyundai in whatever style suits you. Their warranty (along with Kia's) is hard to beat.
I always thought Hyundais were a cheap piece of crap. My wife has a relative who has run body shops for decades. He recently told her that Hyundais are built very well, even better than Hondas now. And I value the opinion of a guy with that type of experience rebuilding cars.
I recently had to buy my oldest prodigal son a car after he wrecked his bike. I was set to buy him a used car, and my father got me to look at the Hyundais. I was impressed with what I was able to get for several thousand cheaper than comparable American cars. I was VERY impressed with the dealership as well - it was one of the more pleasant car buying experiences I've had, and their attitude was similar to some of the high end dealerships I've dealt with. And the 5/10 yr. warranty sealed the deal.
And whatever you buy, please shop several dealers and play them against each other, even if it's just online. People on the Money Board are driving me nuts with this "Will Cover method" crap.

One month salary, after taxes, add a zero. If your wife doesn't work then you need both vehicles in that price.