Looking to get a minivan someone give me some pointers

[StageLeft]

fleabag, if you had a family and a sedan and then later were made to drive a minivan for a year with that same family you would appreciate how effective they are. At least, if you're like most people. Do you think people are eager to buy minivans? Do you think the guys on my street were pleased to enter a dealership and say the time has come to buy a minivan? No, but now that they have they realize how sweet they are.

 

[MikeMike]

i have a one letter answer

H

 

[SearchMaster]

At least LOUISSSSSSS was somewhat transparent and consistent with his worthless rants. This is just a big WTF. I don't "get" why he would want to spend $3K on a 15 year old Civic but I'm sure as hell not concerned with how he spends his money.

 

[PottedMeat]

OP should just buy 2 Ford Excursions just to fuck with fleabag. 2 Drivers, 2 vehicles. use them as much as possible.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: PottedMeat
OP should just buy 2 Ford Excursions just to fuck with fleabag. 2 Drivers, 2 vehicles. use them as much as possible.

And make sure they each have a sunroof.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Pulsar

Originally posted by: fleabag
Sounds like an ideal combo, van for when you need it but otherwise you use a car for everything else... My main gripe is with people who buy too much car and then get the shit mileage associated with it.

Also we're just speculating as to what the OP has and therefore this discussion seems to be pointless.

Simple point: If the OP already has a 4 door sedan, I'm saying they should stick with it until they have numerous times where they were inconvenienced by having a car over a minivan. To buy a minivan to replace your existing 4 door sedan because the thought alone that there may be a few times where the sedan isn't enough for your needs in that specific circumstance is stupid. Don't buy a vehicle for *possible needs* buy it for ACTUAL needs.

What's your malfunction?

The original poster did NOT ask for a sedan. The original poster did not ask for your life story. He also didn't ask you to come in here and tell him why what he's choosing is wrong. As several posters have pointed out - your attitude and responses are showing a significant lack of understanding (and the likelihood that may not even have a license).

With 3 kids, there is simply NO way to pack enough stuff into a standard size sedan, say, for a family trip. Even larger sedans can't do it. Never mind that in 90% of todays cars, you cannot fit 3 carseats side by side. In addition, many of those sedans don't even offer center position tie-off points, nor a center position lapbelt. Have you ever been the parents of 3 kids all within reach of eachother on a 7 hour drive? No? Ever fit 2 adults, 3 kids and carseats, sleeping bags, a tent, plus all the clothes and a pet?

There are a multitude of reasons for a minivan. Transfering the center carseat to another car from a sedan? Nightmare. Taking books / crayons / toys to keep the kids busy on a long trip in a sedan? Nightmare. Trying to fit a dog in with 3 kids and 2 parents in a sedan? Nightmare.

Back to the original topic:
The nissan quest is cheaper because it is cheaper. The quality level on the Quest is far below the Honda or the Toyota.

The Honda and the Toyota are virtually identical in terms of customer satisfaction - it really comes down to which you like the most.

Family trip to where? Like I said, don't buy shit on the idea that you MIGHT be doing something in the odd one or two scenarios. If you're going to be going on the occasional "family trip", why not rent a vehicle? 3 kids? How many kids is the OP going to have? AGAIN we don't know! With your logic, since they don't know how many kids they're going to have, why not buy the biggest thing possible! I'm saying, since they don't know, why not stick with the 4 door sedan they might have until it becomes an issue.

You don't buy a brand new minivan just for these "future trips" that you're never going to go on but sure like the thought of them. When I was growing up and my Dad wanted to go to lake tahoe, he rented a minivan or an SUV, THAT SIMPLE! A whole lot fucking cheaper too! A minivan is more expensive than a car and when you start to pile on the features can get REALLY expensive, just like an SUV. If the OP wants go the "alternative vehicle route" where they have their primary cars and then the $1000 minivan for those one off occasions, fine but don't pay new car prices for what is basically going to be a daily driver when a car is plenty suitable as a DD for the transportation of these kids.

Your failure is approaching epic proportions.

Originally posted by: steppinthrax
Most likely used will be my option.

Yeah, HOW USED? Used can be "yeah I've got a 15 year old minivan for the occasional pickup at homedepot" as suggested by another poster in this thread and the "yeah I just got a used mini van for $30,000, it was a real steal, only had 1000 miles on it and it's a 2010 model!!!!"

Any "used" is not "brand new." And I'm pretty sure that someone here used the exact words "brand new" - am I wrong?

Like I said, don't pay new car prices for something that isn't going to be fully utilized. Whether he's saving $5000 or $15000, if he's spending like it's a new car, don't be spending that on any vehicle, especially a minivan. You're paying a premium for that minivan and the only way to avoid that premium is to get an older model which I doubt he will but who knows. If he spends $5000 or less on this minivan I won't fault him, but don't be spending new car prices for something that you're not even going to fully take advantage of 90% of the time because he's going to be spending a lot more money on fuel than is necessary in addition to this purchase. This guy will have to buy a pretty old car before the price disparity between the car and the minivan are equalized....and this isn't even considering the price of fuel!

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
fleabag, if you had a family and a sedan and then later were made to drive a minivan for a year with that same family you would appreciate how effective they are. At least, if you're like most people. Do you think people are eager to buy minivans? Do you think the guys on my street were pleased to enter a dealership and say the time has come to buy a minivan? No, but now that they have they realize how sweet they are.

Yes some people are eager to buy a minivan, psychologically they look at it as they're being committed to having a family, like they're doing some sort of bullshit good deed. Haven't you seen in the movies where some idiot knocks up some whore and then they start talking about buying a minivan, soccer practice and all that nonsense? It's psychological preparation for having a kid and in their eyes, having that minivan is like a statement that they're parents. People are too focused on the statement and the ideals and not about what they actually need.

 

[Pulsar]

Fleabag, are you going to add a single thing to the orginal poster's discussion?

ANYWAY, once more back to the original poster:

It looks like the Odyssey is, generally speaking, a couple grand more expensive. Considering how close the two are, if you like it then it would be a better value.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: Pulsar

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Skoorb
fleabag, if you had a family and a sedan and then later were made to drive a minivan for a year with that same family you would appreciate how effective they are. At least, if you're like most people. Do you think people are eager to buy minivans? Do you think the guys on my street were pleased to enter a dealership and say the time has come to buy a minivan? No, but now that they have they realize how sweet they are.

Yes some people are eager to buy a minivan, psychologically they look at it as they're being committed to having a family, like they're doing some sort of bullshit good deed. Haven't you seen in the movies where some idiot knocks up some whore and then they start talking about buying a minivan, soccer practice and all that nonsense? It's psychological preparation for having a kid and in their eyes, having that minivan is like a statement that they're parents. People are too focused on the statement and the ideals and not about what they actually need.

Are you on drugs?

He said he wants a minivan. He explained why. For christ's sake, stop telling him that you know what he wants better than he does.

If I said that my mother wanted to buy a $3000 computer for web browsing, you're trying to tell me there wouldn't be people chiming in, telling the OP that there are cheaper alternatives out there and that she doesn't need $3000 worth of computer? Doubtful...

 

[NutBucket]

Ultimately, its your mom and her money. I don't give a shit how she spends it. Why not let the OP buy his minivan and be happy.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Ultimately, its your mom and her money. I don't give a shit how she spends it. Why not let the OP buy his minivan and be happy.

Because I'm tired of hearing the cries of idiots who bought too much car? GASTH IS THO EXPENTHIVE! Anyways I'm glad you've cleared that up because that still doesn't change the fact that the OP is buying too much car. you're the people who don't care if people waste money, I'm part of the group of people who do care if people waste money.

 

[NutBucket]

You aren't going change what other people do. If you don't like what others are doing, do something more than complain about it online.

This America, the land of excess. There's zero practical justification for 90% of the vehicles on the road today. What would you do, make every drive a Fit? Hmm, but a Fit has seating for 5 which is excessive for most situations. Maybe everyone should be issued a government ID card and Smart car. So tell me, when are you going to drape a nice red flag on the White House?

BTW, are you going to tell me that you have a practical reason for having everything you own? A reason that explicitly explains why you need the exact computer, tv, car and cell phone you have? That you don't lead a life of excess?

 

[KDKPSJ]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Ultimately, its your mom and her money. I don't give a shit how she spends it. Why not let the OP buy his minivan and be happy.

Because I'm tired of hearing the cries of idiots who bought too much car? GASTH IS THO EXPENTHIVE! Anyways I'm glad you've cleared that up because that still doesn't change the fact that the OP is buying too much car. you're the people who don't care if people waste money, I'm part of the group of people who do care if people waste money.

Then why don't you care people who are willing to be cared by the group of people like you? AFAIK, America is not a socialist country (at least yet 😛) and people can waste anything they want as long as it's theirs, so you are minority here.

Anyway, let's wait for OP to come back for comment. Too much speculation here.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Ultimately, its your mom and her money. I don't give a shit how she spends it. Why not let the OP buy his minivan and be happy.

Because I'm tired of hearing the cries of idiots who bought too much car? GASTH IS THO EXPENTHIVE! Anyways I'm glad you've cleared that up because that still doesn't change the fact that the OP is buying too much car. you're the people who don't care if people waste money, I'm part of the group of people who do care if people waste money.

Cancel your internet service. You don't need it.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
You aren't going change what other people do. If you don't like what others are doing, do something more than complain about it online.

This America, the land of excess. There's zero practical justification for 90% of the vehicles on the road today. What would you do, make every drive a Fit? Hmm, but a Fit has seating for 5 which is excessive for most situations. Maybe everyone should be issued a government ID card and Smart car. So tell me, when are you going to drape a nice red flag on the White House?

BTW, are you going to tell me that you have a practical reason for having everything you own? A reason that explicitly explains why you need the exact computer, tv, car and cell phone you have? That you don't lead a life of excess?

If there wasn't a consequence to wasting gas, I'd probably wouldn't care, if there wasn't a consequence to wasting money, I probably wouldn't care but there is and that's why I care. They need to raise the gas tax to pay for the roads but they can't because idiot drivers and their gas guzzling vehicles aren't letting it be possible since they pay so much for gas. Idiots who spend all of their money and then look to the government for a handout are a problem.

You have a point with the Smart For Two, where people should commute in those instead of their regular, heavier cars, however the Smart For Two sacrifices so much for such a small gain that it isn't worth it. However, a Sedan doesn't sacrifice THAT MUCH for the gain you can see. The Smart For Two is such a piece of shit that there are Sedans that get BETTER mileage than that thing! The Smart car is a POS that gets shit mileage for what it is. If the minivan that the OP was going to buy would get 30mpg, I probably wouldn't care but at 18-20mpg (the op will likely get the one that averages 18mpg), it's wasting a lot of gas especially if it means its ability isn't being utilized MORE than a comparable sedan.

All of these issues boil down to a tragedy of the commons..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragedy_of_the_commons

 

[SearchMaster]

I recall you were looking at a Civic, which seats 4-5. You probably won't have more than yourself at least 50% of the time. You're buying too much vehicle - have you considered a motorcycle?

 

[PhoKingGuy]

The doctor I work with has a 2008 Odyssey Touring, 2007 Z4 convertible and a 2006 X5 5.0i

Guess which car he drives to work everyday, that will be your answer on which car to buy.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
I recall you were looking at a Civic, which seats 4-5. You probably won't have more than yourself at least 50% of the time. You're buying too much vehicle - have you considered a motorcycle?

A motorcycle also makes more power than necessary for moving a person. I recommend a moped.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
I recall you were looking at a Civic, which seats 4-5. You probably won't have more than yourself at least 50% of the time. You're buying too much vehicle - have you considered a motorcycle?

that leads back to my point about the smart for two. A motor cycle gets terrible mileage for what it is and the car I want would actually be getting better mileage than the motorcycle so your point is moot. As for a Moped, they too get terrible mileage for what they are and aren't capable of safe highway speeds so no I wouldn't buy either.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
I recall you were looking at a Civic, which seats 4-5. You probably won't have more than yourself at least 50% of the time. You're buying too much vehicle - have you considered a motorcycle?

that leads back to my point about the smart for two. A motor cycle gets terrible mileage for what it is and the car I want would actually be getting better mileage than the motorcycle so your point is moot. As for a Moped, they too get terrible mileage for what they are and aren't capable of safe highway speeds so no I wouldn't buy either.

Your Civic gets over 60mpg?

Since when?

 

[NutBucket]

If you want to save gas ride a bicycle, hitch hike or ride the bus.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
I recall you were looking at a Civic, which seats 4-5. You probably won't have more than yourself at least 50% of the time. You're buying too much vehicle - have you considered a motorcycle?

that leads back to my point about the smart for two. A motor cycle gets terrible mileage for what it is and the car I want would actually be getting better mileage than the motorcycle so your point is moot. As for a Moped, they too get terrible mileage for what they are and aren't capable of safe highway speeds so no I wouldn't buy either.

Your Civic gets over 60mpg?

Since when?

It's possible to get a civic to average 60mpg, though in its stock form to achieve 60mpg, you'd probably have to average 35mph and stick with that speed. There are modifications I'd like to make to my future car that should certainly make it capable of 60mpg.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
I recall you were looking at a Civic, which seats 4-5. You probably won't have more than yourself at least 50% of the time. You're buying too much vehicle - have you considered a motorcycle?

that leads back to my point about the smart for two. A motor cycle gets terrible mileage for what it is and the car I want would actually be getting better mileage than the motorcycle so your point is moot. As for a Moped, they too get terrible mileage for what they are and aren't capable of safe highway speeds so no I wouldn't buy either.

Your Civic gets over 60mpg?

Since when?

It's possible to get a civic to average 60mpg, though in its stock form to achieve 60mpg, you'd probably have to average 35mph and stick with that speed. There are modifications I'd like to make to my future car that should certainly make it capable of 60mpg.

In other words, it doesn't.

 

[Budmantom]

Take a close look at the 2005-2006 Mazda MPV, they are some of the least expensive minivans, the 2002-04 are also good just not as refined.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: SearchMaster
I recall you were looking at a Civic, which seats 4-5. You probably won't have more than yourself at least 50% of the time. You're buying too much vehicle - have you considered a motorcycle?

that leads back to my point about the smart for two. A motor cycle gets terrible mileage for what it is and the car I want would actually be getting better mileage than the motorcycle so your point is moot. As for a Moped, they too get terrible mileage for what they are and aren't capable of safe highway speeds so no I wouldn't buy either.

Your Civic gets over 60mpg?

Since when?

It's possible to get a civic to average 60mpg, though in its stock form to achieve 60mpg, you'd probably have to average 35mph and stick with that speed. There are modifications I'd like to make to my future car that should certainly make it capable of 60mpg.

So how old are you again?