I'm on my second minivan and I don't even have kids. They really are the ultimate SUV.
As far as working on them goes, it's a non-issue for me. Most of them are so ubiquitous and common if you have a half-decent mechanic you trust, they are cheap to repair. At least the Chryslers. Cheap enough that it really doesn't pay for me to do most maintenance jobs myself so I save that time, energy and enthusiasm for my "fun" cars.
You a-holes are making me shop bottom of the depreciation curve minivans on CL. So much want. So bad for my marriage.
Ford Edge or Explorer (but they are really just minivans in disguise).
NGTD said:Ford Edge or Explorer (but they are really just minivans in disguise).
No. They aren't. Not even close. They have all of the exterior size of a minivan while lacking the interior utility.
A minivan is going to be the best tool for the job when the job is carrying six or seven passengers in city traffic. They do a good job of fitting a lot of seats into a not terribly huge exterior package.
On the other hand, a lot of people forget you can get a Tesla Model S with three row seating. Not sure it would fit your budget or driving needs, though.
I love our minivan. 13-year-old me would smack me upside the head with an issue or GRM or Hot Rod if he heard me say that. But I love this van.
mazdeuce - Seth said:You a-holes are making me shop bottom of the depreciation curve minivans on CL. So much want. So bad for my marriage.
Considering the dynamic of a relationship where the spouse randomly comes home with stray minivans. Things are weird.
Ian F said:I'm on my second minivan and I don't even have kids. They really are the ultimate SUV.
I haven't actually owned any, but was about to express a similar frame of mind. I have no kids, but ever since a coworker at the bike shop where I used to wrench took me mountain biking in his and we got into a quiet and comfy vehicle for the trip home with super ease of load-in, it's been clear that they have their awesomeness.
We'd probably be looking at them to replace the Mini if they weren't just plain bigger than we want to deal with as a daily.
In reply to Ransom :
Mtn biking is the primary reason I have mine. When my bikes cost more then most of my cars, it would them transported out of sight and out of mind. A full size van is even better, but the GC is a more reasonable DD. I still occasionally drive my MINI when I want to drive something more fun. That said, the 11-year newer GC GT has so many features (and a 282 HP V6) that driving it provides a certain level of fun on its level.
Topic Title: "Help my avoid the inevitable"
Translated Topic Title: "Help me learn to stop worrying and love the Minivan"
In reply to MadScientistMatt :
I grew up looking out the back of Taurus wagon! Nothing like staring at people drivin around!
so which is the “answer”? A minivan or a Miata? Or should I just buy 3 Miatas and weld them together? So confused?!?!?
i guess I’ll just have to get over the stereotypic minivan dad. Guess I’m off to criagslist to look at caravans. If I can just convince the wife now a $1000 van that needs work is best special
Subscriber-unavailabile said:In reply to MadScientistMatt :
I grew up looking out the back of Taurus wagon! Nothing like staring at people drivin around!
so which is the “answer”? A minivan or a Miata? Or should I just buy 3 Miatas and weld them together? So confused?!?!?
i guess I’ll just have to get over the stereotypic minivan dad. Guess I’m off to criagslist to look at caravans. If I can just convince the wife now a $1000 van that needs work is best special
I guess I shouldn't mention the Turbocharged vans that Chrysler produced in 89/90....
Go drive some, cross shop them all and in various trims before you decide.
Chrysler Pacifica is the best-driving of the current crop of minivans. I've spent an extensive amount of time flinging one around a wet autocross course and with T/C off it's actually a pretty neutral. Stow-n-go seating is magic.
MIATA: Minivan is always the answer.
The minivan is the very pinnacle of automotive evolution as applied to a family vehicle. In terms of utility, it flat blows away any so-call SUV.
Subscriber-unavailabile said:i guess I’ll just have to get over the stereotypic minivan dad. Guess I’m off to criagslist to look at caravans. If I can just convince the wife now a $1000 van that needs work is best special
I see it completely opposite: Buying a SUV is succumbing to convention and following the herd. Buying a minivan says you recognize that just because the herd wants to run blindly off a cliff, you don't have to follow it.
Fullsize GM van. Proper V8 and RWD for burnouts.
Heres a curve ball.....B Body wagon.
Lots of room, v8 power and not a minivan
T.J. said:Topic Title: "Help my avoid the inevitable"
Translated Topic Title: "Help me learn to stop worrying and love the Minivan"
I'm sad that I'm unable to find an image of slim pickens riding the top of a minivan
mazdeuce - Seth said:You a-holes are making me shop bottom of the depreciation curve minivans on CL. So much want. So bad for my marriage.
This could very well be the first time a minivan was ever referred to as 'bad for a marriage'.
Antihero said:Heres a curve ball.....B Body wagon.
Lots of room, v8 power and not a minivan
I've owned two B Body wagons, and sadly, there's no comparison; a new minivan is superior in every way (aside from character).
Esoteric Nixon - Jordan said:Antihero said:Heres a curve ball.....B Body wagon.
Lots of room, v8 power and not a minivan
I've owned two B Body wagons, and sadly, there's no comparison; a new minivan is superior in every way (aside from character).
Well now, that is just false. The B-Body can tow wayyyy more, and it leaves a much longer strip of rubber.
mazdeuce - Seth said:You a-holes are making me shop bottom of the depreciation curve minivans on CL. So much want. So bad for my marriage.
Take it from Deuce, minivans can be fun. Maybe you just need a German minivan?
But I did see this Chrysler last fall I thought looked pretty good:
BTW, I was always on the minivan train. My wife was not. I won, and she reluctantly went along with it. I don't think she'll accept not having a minivan in the family at this point, even if it isn't her daily. She LOVES it.
There are three things that you compromise for when you get a minivan: ground clearance, towing, and ego. 90% of pickup truck and SUV owners would be much better served by a minivan. Seriously, not many folks need much ground clearance, and not many need to tow more than 3500lbs. (This site is not a good representation of the general population)
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