Looking to get a minivan someone give me some pointers

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: PhoKingGuy

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: fleabag
How many kids do you have and why exactly do you need a minivan? I grew up in a family with 3 other siblings and we've NEVER had a minivan, we were taken to school and whatnot in our 4 door sedan so unless you have more than 4 kids, I don't really understand why you need a minivan. There is no need to plan for things that aren't guaranteed to happen, you should ONLY EVER buy a vehicle when the need for one arises.

I guess you never had any friends or family to bring along....

And really, what's so bad about a minivan? They are infinitely more useful than SUVs. You can haul 4x8 sheets of plywood without breaking a sweat. You can fill them with tons of cargo for moving. There's plenty of room to pick up people from the airport. The list just goes on and on. And, they're really not a whole lot more expensive than a sedan and get similar MPG compared to midsize V6 sedans. So what am I missing?

I'm just feeling for when that kid grows up and ends up having to drive that minivan which is what usually happens, they get the "old family car" and in this case it's going to be a minivan. At least with a sedan, it not only looks nice and can be practical for a family, when that kid grows up and starts driving, driving that sedan won't be a drag like a station wagon or minivan would be.

You can seat 5 people in a sedan and six if you've got one with bench seats (do they even have those anymore?). Like I said, how many fricken kids is this op going to have? Two? Three? Four?

You're forgetting about the shit that goes along with the kids as well.

Like I said, I grew up in a family with 3 other siblings, this was NEVER an issue. Also let me repeat, don't buy something with the EXPECTATION that it's going to be a problem, especially when we're talking about infants! Who says you're going to be driving that vehicle 10 years from now!? You can purchase that minivan 8 years from now and you'll STILL not even approach the potential for an issue because your kid will only have been attending school for about a year by then.

If you've got a family with only 2 kids, it's highly unlikely they're going to need a minivan regardless of whether or not they have kids that attend soccer practice. Sports equipment doesn't take up THAT much room and this is assuming a lot of things about your kids, I mean what if they couldn't give two shits about sports, what then?

Actually what's really ironic about my family's situation is that my dad bought my mom a Volvo Station Wagon back when he realized our family was going to get larger with the grandiose expectation of kids taking up lots of room with all their damned equipment and all that nonsense. But it took a good 6/7 more years before my slightly older sister and I was EVER taken to school in that vehicle!! Then in first grade, ironically, my Dad buys the very Sedan that my mom would then take me and the rest of my family to school in from then on. So the purchase of that Volvo was ENTIRELY POINTLESS and we NEVER had an issue with commuting to school in a 4 door SEDAN.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: PhoKingGuy

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: fleabag
How many kids do you have and why exactly do you need a minivan? I grew up in a family with 3 other siblings and we've NEVER had a minivan, we were taken to school and whatnot in our 4 door sedan so unless you have more than 4 kids, I don't really understand why you need a minivan. There is no need to plan for things that aren't guaranteed to happen, you should ONLY EVER buy a vehicle when the need for one arises.

I guess you never had any friends or family to bring along....

And really, what's so bad about a minivan? They are infinitely more useful than SUVs. You can haul 4x8 sheets of plywood without breaking a sweat. You can fill them with tons of cargo for moving. There's plenty of room to pick up people from the airport. The list just goes on and on. And, they're really not a whole lot more expensive than a sedan and get similar MPG compared to midsize V6 sedans. So what am I missing?

I'm just feeling for when that kid grows up and ends up having to drive that minivan which is what usually happens, they get the "old family car" and in this case it's going to be a minivan. At least with a sedan, it not only looks nice and can be practical for a family, when that kid grows up and starts driving, driving that sedan won't be a drag like a station wagon or minivan would be.

You can seat 5 people in a sedan and six if you've got one with bench seats (do they even have those anymore?). Like I said, how many fricken kids is this op going to have? Two? Three? Four?

You're forgetting about the shit that goes along with the kids as well.

Like I said, I grew up in a family with 3 other siblings, this was NEVER an issue. Also let me repeat, don't buy something with the EXPECTATION that it's going to be a problem, especially when we're talking about infants! Who says you're going to be driving that vehicle 10 years from now!? You can purchase that minivan 8 years from now and you'll STILL not even approach the potential for an issue because your kid will only have been attending school for about a year by then.

If you've got a family with only 2 kids, it's highly unlikely they're going to need a minivan regardless of whether or not they have kids that attend soccer practice. Sports equipment doesn't take up THAT much room and this is assuming a lot of things about your kids, I mean what if they couldn't give two shits about sports, what then?

Minivans are much easier to deal with. Huge sliding doors, easy access, bigger cargo capacity, and they're comfortable.

I'm the oldest of 5. Oh - and if I'm buying a car for my family, the last thing on my mind is how appropriate it will be if I give it to one of the kids. If you bitch about a free car, get a job and buy your own.

Do you even have a license yet?

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: PhoKingGuy

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: fleabag
How many kids do you have and why exactly do you need a minivan? I grew up in a family with 3 other siblings and we've NEVER had a minivan, we were taken to school and whatnot in our 4 door sedan so unless you have more than 4 kids, I don't really understand why you need a minivan. There is no need to plan for things that aren't guaranteed to happen, you should ONLY EVER buy a vehicle when the need for one arises.

I guess you never had any friends or family to bring along....

And really, what's so bad about a minivan? They are infinitely more useful than SUVs. You can haul 4x8 sheets of plywood without breaking a sweat. You can fill them with tons of cargo for moving. There's plenty of room to pick up people from the airport. The list just goes on and on. And, they're really not a whole lot more expensive than a sedan and get similar MPG compared to midsize V6 sedans. So what am I missing?

I'm just feeling for when that kid grows up and ends up having to drive that minivan which is what usually happens, they get the "old family car" and in this case it's going to be a minivan. At least with a sedan, it not only looks nice and can be practical for a family, when that kid grows up and starts driving, driving that sedan won't be a drag like a station wagon or minivan would be.

You can seat 5 people in a sedan and six if you've got one with bench seats (do they even have those anymore?). Like I said, how many fricken kids is this op going to have? Two? Three? Four?

You're forgetting about the shit that goes along with the kids as well.

Like I said, I grew up in a family with 3 other siblings, this was NEVER an issue. Also let me repeat, don't buy something with the EXPECTATION that it's going to be a problem, especially when we're talking about infants! Who says you're going to be driving that vehicle 10 years from now!? You can purchase that minivan 8 years from now and you'll STILL not even approach the potential for an issue because your kid will only have been attending school for about a year by then.

If you've got a family with only 2 kids, it's highly unlikely they're going to need a minivan regardless of whether or not they have kids that attend soccer practice. Sports equipment doesn't take up THAT much room and this is assuming a lot of things about your kids, I mean what if they couldn't give two shits about sports, what then?

Minivans are much easier to deal with. Huge sliding doors, easy access, bigger cargo capacity, and they're comfortable.

I'm the oldest of 5. Oh - and if I'm buying a car for my family, the last thing on my mind is how appropriate it will be if I give it to one of the kids. If you bitch about a free car, get a job and buy your own.

Do you even have a license yet?

They get worse mileage, difficult to park, higher operating costs, registration costs, etc.. Why buy something for a problem that isn't even going to be a problem until years down the road? It's not like you're saving money buy upgrading now, if anything you're wasting money. If you can't realize the full benefit of something NOW over another item and it's a depreciating asset, which means that it loses value over time, then WHY IN THE HELL WOULD YOU BUY IT??? If you know you don't need it now and can comfortably get away with using less until AT THE VERY LEAST 7 years from now, why not do that? Why not buy the minivan that you forsee you'll need 7 years from now? Frankly I don't think they'll EVER need it but assuming they will, then it only makes sense to wait until they need it. 7 Years is a long time and for most people they'll have already tossed the car by then.

Would you buy things for your child's college dorm room while they're still infants? NO!

 

[jlee]

You didn't address anything that I said. Try again.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: thecoolnessrune
Odyssey is currently the best bet in the segment. Are you sure you need a minivan? Would a wagon (like the Ford Flex for instance) be a better option to you? Perhaps a crossover like the Chevy Traverse?

The only reason I say that is because the minivan segment is locked down by high-priced players, Honda and Toyota. No one else is currently building that good of a minivan. But because of this, prices in this segment are bloated and there isn't that much separating a used one for a new one. On the opposite side both the wagon and crossover segments provide enough good competition to have more reasonable prices.

flex is the same size as a minivan but not as versatile as a minivan. My brother and I went to test drive it. I was not very impressed by the car. Especially the rear doors, the window frame is very thin and the big black strip is just a piece of plastic clipped on the actual bare metal window frame.
However, it does flex a lot when you close it :laugh:
He went with my suggestion of 06 R350 4Matic for less money than a new Flex

OP what is thy budget? Will you consider second hand?

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: fleabag
They get worse mileage, difficult to park, higher operating costs, registration costs, etc.. Why buy something for a problem that isn't even going to be a problem until years down the road? It's not like you're saving money buy upgrading now, if anything you're wasting money. If you can't realize the full benefit of something NOW over another item and it's a depreciating asset, which means that it loses value over time, then WHY IN THE HELL WOULD YOU BUY IT??? If you know you don't need it now and can comfortably get away with using less until AT THE VERY LEAST 7 years from now, why not do that? Why not buy the minivan that you forsee you'll need 7 years from now? Frankly I don't think they'll EVER need it but assuming they will, then it only makes sense to wait until they need it. 7 Years is a long time and for most people they'll have already tossed the car by then.

Would you buy things for your child's college dorm room while they're still infants? NO!

If he has to buy a car now anyways it can save him serious cash later. If he buys a car that doesn't meet his needs a year or two down the road he has to trade in the car he just bought and take a big hit on depreciation.

2 adults and 2 car seats pretty much fill up a small car. Growing up we always had friends coming along with us, good luck fitting cramming a few kids and friends in a normal car or station wagon.

Also, who buys a car based off if it will be cool for their teenager to drive? Are you upset that your parents are sticking you with a boring car?

 

[PottedMeat]

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: fleabag
They get worse mileage, difficult to park, higher operating costs, registration costs, etc.. Why buy something for a problem that isn't even going to be a problem until years down the road? It's not like you're saving money buy upgrading now, if anything you're wasting money. If you can't realize the full benefit of something NOW over another item and it's a depreciating asset, which means that it loses value over time, then WHY IN THE HELL WOULD YOU BUY IT??? If you know you don't need it now and can comfortably get away with using less until AT THE VERY LEAST 7 years from now, why not do that? Why not buy the minivan that you forsee you'll need 7 years from now? Frankly I don't think they'll EVER need it but assuming they will, then it only makes sense to wait until they need it. 7 Years is a long time and for most people they'll have already tossed the car by then.

Would you buy things for your child's college dorm room while they're still infants? NO!

If he has to buy a car now anyways it can save him serious cash later. If he buys a car that doesn't meet his needs a year or two down the road he has to trade in the car he just bought and take a big hit on depreciation.

2 adults and 2 car seats pretty much fill up a small car. Growing up we always had friends coming along with us, good luck fitting cramming a few kids and friends in a normal car or station wagon.

Also, who buys a car based off if it will be cool for their teenager to drive? Are you upset that your parents are sticking you with a boring car?

And wtf kind of complaint is 'difficult to park, worse mileage, higher operating costs, registration'? Those are all minor compared to the benefits. Some of my friends in high school had a hand me down minivan - they actually liked them, you could stuff a shitload of people and crap in one.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I really don't see what is so bad about minivans. I'm single and have had one as a second car for 8 years now. Its the most handy vehicle I have ever owned. I treat it like a truck 90% of the time as do most of my friends ever time they need to move something but when I need to carry a few people I just slap the seats back in it and have room for 7 people.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: PottedMeat
And wtf kind of complaint is 'difficult to park, worse mileage, higher operating costs, registration'? Those are all minor compared to the benefits. Some of my friends in high school had a hand me down minivan - they actually liked them, you could stuff a shitload of people and crap in one.

He left out the cheap insurance. The insurance on our minivan is noticeably less than our Camry. Similar years, we drive them similar amounts, yet we pay less on the van.

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
I really don't see what is so bad about minivans. I'm single and have had one as a second car for 8 years now. Its the most handy vehicle I have ever owned. I treat it like a truck 90% of the time as do most of my friends ever time they need to move something but when I need to carry a few people I just slap the seats back in it and have room for 7 people.

We bought ours when we moved cross country and it was cheaper to buy a cheap van than rent a van. We bought it cheap, it's got a bullet proof drive train and has taken almost no upkeep.

It's amazingly useful.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: fleabag
They get worse mileage, difficult to park, higher operating costs, registration costs, etc.. Why buy something for a problem that isn't even going to be a problem until years down the road? It's not like you're saving money buy upgrading now, if anything you're wasting money. If you can't realize the full benefit of something NOW over another item and it's a depreciating asset, which means that it loses value over time, then WHY IN THE HELL WOULD YOU BUY IT??? If you know you don't need it now and can comfortably get away with using less until AT THE VERY LEAST 7 years from now, why not do that? Why not buy the minivan that you forsee you'll need 7 years from now? Frankly I don't think they'll EVER need it but assuming they will, then it only makes sense to wait until they need it. 7 Years is a long time and for most people they'll have already tossed the car by then.

Would you buy things for your child's college dorm room while they're still infants? NO!

If he has to buy a car now anyways it can save him serious cash later. If he buys a car that doesn't meet his needs a year or two down the road he has to trade in the car he just bought and take a big hit on depreciation.

2 adults and 2 car seats pretty much fill up a small car. Growing up we always had friends coming along with us, good luck fitting cramming a few kids and friends in a normal car or station wagon.

Also, who buys a car based off if it will be cool for their teenager to drive? Are you upset that your parents are sticking you with a boring car?

How often is this person going to buy a car? So what if they have two car seats, those kids are going to be out of those car seats in no time anyway, what difference does it make? A minivan is going to cost a lot more than a 4 door sedan unless you go with a much older car.


Why doesn't the OP just get a used car? I like how you guys are so focused on all the "what ifs", so what? Those what ifs are probably going to be like 1 or 2 times in all the years they own the vehicle. The OP should stick with a 4 door sedan and if they find out that they really could use a minivan, they can go ahead and buy one but until then, there is no point in making a purchase based upon these odd one or two time situations. I hear people buy SUVs with 4 wheel drive and large capacity because one day they MIGHT need it even though these vehicles NEVER leave the pavement and most of the time they're used by one person to commute to work in.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
I really don't see what is so bad about minivans. I'm single and have had one as a second car for 8 years now. Its the most handy vehicle I have ever owned. I treat it like a truck 90% of the time as do most of my friends ever time they need to move something but when I need to carry a few people I just slap the seats back in it and have room for 7 people.

What's your primary vehicle then? How many times would you drive the mini van in a year compared to your primary vehicle?

 

[jlee]

How old are you?

 

[Bignate603]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: fleabag
They get worse mileage, difficult to park, higher operating costs, registration costs, etc.. Why buy something for a problem that isn't even going to be a problem until years down the road? It's not like you're saving money buy upgrading now, if anything you're wasting money. If you can't realize the full benefit of something NOW over another item and it's a depreciating asset, which means that it loses value over time, then WHY IN THE HELL WOULD YOU BUY IT??? If you know you don't need it now and can comfortably get away with using less until AT THE VERY LEAST 7 years from now, why not do that? Why not buy the minivan that you forsee you'll need 7 years from now? Frankly I don't think they'll EVER need it but assuming they will, then it only makes sense to wait until they need it. 7 Years is a long time and for most people they'll have already tossed the car by then.

Would you buy things for your child's college dorm room while they're still infants? NO!

If he has to buy a car now anyways it can save him serious cash later. If he buys a car that doesn't meet his needs a year or two down the road he has to trade in the car he just bought and take a big hit on depreciation.

2 adults and 2 car seats pretty much fill up a small car. Growing up we always had friends coming along with us, good luck fitting cramming a few kids and friends in a normal car or station wagon.

Also, who buys a car based off if it will be cool for their teenager to drive? Are you upset that your parents are sticking you with a boring car?

How often is this person going to buy a car? So what if they have two car seats, those kids are going to be out of those car seats in no time anyway, what difference does it make? A minivan is going to cost a lot more than a 4 door sedan unless you go with a much older car.

Most people go a long time between replacing cars, so why buy a vehicle now and then another one a year or two from now because the first one doesn't meet your needs. And no, the kids aren't going to be out of those car seats for a long time.

It's recommended that a kid should stay in harness style seat for at least 4 years. They should stay in a booster seat until they're 4'9". You're looking at having the kid in some kind of seating for probably the first 8 years of their life. For someone who has made it very clear about your feelings about restraints and car safety I would think you would be all for using safe restraints for kids.
American Academy of Pediatrics

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: Bignate603

Originally posted by: fleabag
They get worse mileage, difficult to park, higher operating costs, registration costs, etc.. Why buy something for a problem that isn't even going to be a problem until years down the road? It's not like you're saving money buy upgrading now, if anything you're wasting money. If you can't realize the full benefit of something NOW over another item and it's a depreciating asset, which means that it loses value over time, then WHY IN THE HELL WOULD YOU BUY IT??? If you know you don't need it now and can comfortably get away with using less until AT THE VERY LEAST 7 years from now, why not do that? Why not buy the minivan that you forsee you'll need 7 years from now? Frankly I don't think they'll EVER need it but assuming they will, then it only makes sense to wait until they need it. 7 Years is a long time and for most people they'll have already tossed the car by then.

Would you buy things for your child's college dorm room while they're still infants? NO!

If he has to buy a car now anyways it can save him serious cash later. If he buys a car that doesn't meet his needs a year or two down the road he has to trade in the car he just bought and take a big hit on depreciation.

2 adults and 2 car seats pretty much fill up a small car. Growing up we always had friends coming along with us, good luck fitting cramming a few kids and friends in a normal car or station wagon.

Also, who buys a car based off if it will be cool for their teenager to drive? Are you upset that your parents are sticking you with a boring car?

How often is this person going to buy a car? So what if they have two car seats, those kids are going to be out of those car seats in no time anyway, what difference does it make? A minivan is going to cost a lot more than a 4 door sedan unless you go with a much older car.

Most people go a long time between replacing cars, so why buy a vehicle now and then another one a year or two from now because the first one doesn't meet . And no, the kids aren't going to be out of those car seats for a long time.

It's recommended that a kid should stay in harness style seat for at least 4 years. They should stay in a booster seat until they're 4'9". You're looking at having the kid in some kind of seating for probably the first 8 years of their life. For someone who has made it very clear about your feelings about restraints and car safety I would think you would be all for using safe restraints for kids.
American Academy of Pediatrics

Not to mention you can actually fit more than one adult in the back of a minivan and they will be comfortable. One of the guys at work has a Honda Odyssey - it's great.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
I really don't see what is so bad about minivans. I'm single and have had one as a second car for 8 years now. Its the most handy vehicle I have ever owned. I treat it like a truck 90% of the time as do most of my friends ever time they need to move something but when I need to carry a few people I just slap the seats back in it and have room for 7 people.

What's your primary vehicle then? How many times would you drive the mini van in a year compared to your primary vehicle?

My primary atm is a miata and before that a mustang. When I had the mustang I drove the van around 70% of the time just because it got better gas mileage going back and forth to work. With the miata the vans use has been drastically cut back to just when I need to although sometimes I do just want comfort and drive the van. Its main use now is transporting mountain bikes and snow driving but my miata is sitting with the top half of the engine ripped apart so I'm driving the van all this week and probably next week. I've put a little over 1000 miles on the van since March and maybe 3000 on the miata, don't drive a lot.

Selling the van since it is worth about $400 and cost me nearly nothing a year to insure just isn't worth it. I like my van.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Originally posted by: JLee

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: PhoKingGuy

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: fleabag
How many kids do you have and why exactly do you need a minivan? I grew up in a family with 3 other siblings and we've NEVER had a minivan, we were taken to school and whatnot in our 4 door sedan so unless you have more than 4 kids, I don't really understand why you need a minivan. There is no need to plan for things that aren't guaranteed to happen, you should ONLY EVER buy a vehicle when the need for one arises.

I guess you never had any friends or family to bring along....

And really, what's so bad about a minivan? They are infinitely more useful than SUVs. You can haul 4x8 sheets of plywood without breaking a sweat. You can fill them with tons of cargo for moving. There's plenty of room to pick up people from the airport. The list just goes on and on. And, they're really not a whole lot more expensive than a sedan and get similar MPG compared to midsize V6 sedans. So what am I missing?

I'm just feeling for when that kid grows up and ends up having to drive that minivan which is what usually happens, they get the "old family car" and in this case it's going to be a minivan. At least with a sedan, it not only looks nice and can be practical for a family, when that kid grows up and starts driving, driving that sedan won't be a drag like a station wagon or minivan would be.

You can seat 5 people in a sedan and six if you've got one with bench seats (do they even have those anymore?). Like I said, how many fricken kids is this op going to have? Two? Three? Four?

You're forgetting about the shit that goes along with the kids as well.

Like I said, I grew up in a family with 3 other siblings, this was NEVER an issue. Also let me repeat, don't buy something with the EXPECTATION that it's going to be a problem, especially when we're talking about infants! Who says you're going to be driving that vehicle 10 years from now!? You can purchase that minivan 8 years from now and you'll STILL not even approach the potential for an issue because your kid will only have been attending school for about a year by then.

If you've got a family with only 2 kids, it's highly unlikely they're going to need a minivan regardless of whether or not they have kids that attend soccer practice. Sports equipment doesn't take up THAT much room and this is assuming a lot of things about your kids, I mean what if they couldn't give two shits about sports, what then?

Minivans are much easier to deal with. Huge sliding doors, easy access, bigger cargo capacity, and they're comfortable.

I'm the oldest of 5. Oh - and if I'm buying a car for my family, the last thing on my mind is how appropriate it will be if I give it to one of the kids. If you bitch about a free car, get a job and buy your own.

Do you even have a license yet?

I'm 23 and I love driving vans. I had one as a rental for a week when my old Cobalt was in the shop. Totally had tons of fun for the time I had it, perhaps the most purpose built vehicle I've ever driven, comfy and had plenty of power too.

I was even in high school at the time, all of my friends seemed to love it cause we could all pile in and go out rather than take 2 cars.

 

[fleabag]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf

Originally posted by: fleabag

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
I really don't see what is so bad about minivans. I'm single and have had one as a second car for 8 years now. Its the most handy vehicle I have ever owned. I treat it like a truck 90% of the time as do most of my friends ever time they need to move something but when I need to carry a few people I just slap the seats back in it and have room for 7 people.

What's your primary vehicle then? How many times would you drive the mini van in a year compared to your primary vehicle?

My primary atm is a miata and before that a mustang. When I had the mustang I drove the van around 70% of the time just because it got better gas mileage going back and forth to work. With the miata the vans use has been drastically cut back to just when I need to although sometimes I do just want comfort and drive the van. Its main use now is transporting mountain bikes and snow driving but my miata is sitting with the top half of the engine ripped apart so I'm driving the van all this week and probably next week. I've put a little over 1000 miles on the van since March and maybe 3000 on the miata, don't drive a lot.

Selling the van since it is worth about $400 and cost me nearly nothing a year to insure just isn't worth it. I like my van.

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.

 

[desy]

Thats the beauty of being a two vehicle family.
I have the Minivan for when its needed and the compact for when its appropriate

 

[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.

 

[SearchMaster]

Have you ever been the parents of 3 kids all within reach of eachother on a 5 minute drive?

Fixed that for ya

Hell, one of the reasons we went with the Odyssey over the Sienna was the Toyota didn't have a leather option for the 8 passenger version unless we went up to an expensive trim level, and the Honda had 8 passenger standard. We only have 3 kids, so it was never clear why my wife was so insistent on having 8 seats, but...

 

[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.

 

[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.

 

[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!!!!"

 

[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?