The MINIVAN debate

So now that we have a baby coming in six weeks, it's time for me to give up my two door car.

I was looking at the crossover vehicles, and some SUV's with the third row seat.

I have found the crossovers, although look really nice, aren't all that roomy.

Suv's I love, but the gas mileage is UGHHHHHH

SO my husband is insistant that I need to consider a minivan. Keep in mind we travel with a very large dog a LOT! So between, bit dog, big husband, baby and baby gear, we have a lot to cart around. I have to admit, the minivan is very very practical. Lots of room, versatility and decent gas mileage. I just don't want one.....

Does anyone have recommendations for a vehicle, or even if you have an encouraging message about a minivan (ie, I won't really look like an old fart??, HA!) I am open to all suggestions.

HELP!

Re: The MINIVAN debate

One of my coworkers has an Envoy and it seems spacious. I"m not sure about the mileage or anything but it seems roomy to me.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

We have a Dodge Magnum and absolutely LOVE it!

It is extremely roomy, we were able to get an 8 foot Christmas Tree in it and close the back hatch!

Roomy, plenty of power, can get it in All Wheel Drive for the winter. We prefer the car in black... looks like a mean station wagon with tons of room!

Good luck with your decision!

Re: The MINIVAN debate

I have a Nissan Murano and love it. The back seat is so roomy...more so than our old Explorer. It's good on gas mileage too! Nice smooth ride...I highly reccomend.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

My sister said she would never get a mini van well she broke down and got one a few years back (she has 2 kids). She loves it!! she said it is so convienent for her. Her husband is 6'4 and he even loves it!! I also have to say from spending time with her it does make things nice. It so much easier to get the kids in and out of the car. Lots of extra space.We might even get one!!

Re: The MINIVAN debate

What about a Toyota Highlander? The mileage isn't as bad as other SUVs and its a good size...

Re: The MINIVAN debate

I just got the Nissan Quest last week. I love it. Its beautiful. It has the third row and 2 TV screens and is very roomy. It was I think 38,000.oo fully loaded except navigation. The gas is pretty good also because its a 6 cylinder

Message edited 8/27/2007 12:28:51 PM.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

We just bought the Pontiac Torrent crossover.
The Envoy & Arcadia were just to SUV'ish for me. The back seat in the Torrent is HUGE & the trunk is also large.

I don't believe I'd need a 3rd row now. Besides when the 3rd row is in use/up you have almost no cargo room. I find you are shoving groceries on top of the stroller.

The base models look a little plastic for me so we got it fully loaded.

This week carted me, my sister her 2 kids on in a britax roundabout & the other in a booster. (she sat in the middle @ 1 point and said it was snug but bearable.
Trunk handled 2 full size pieces of luggage & 1 small, 4 beach chairs, pack & play, umbrella stroller, table highchair & shopping bags.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

Jeep Patriot has nice interior room, an optional 3rd row, great gas mileage (26 MPG) and the new models come with a lifetime powertrain warranty.

The commander has the same, but is more expensive. The Patriot begins at 15K and the commander at 22K.

We drove both & were going to go with the Commander, but the kid in me wants the Wrangler limited 4dr

I have to say I drove my friends minivan for a few days while I was watching her kids (she had to leave town suddenly to tend to a sick family member) and I did not find it very comfortable & I actually disliked how hard it was to climb in & out of the back to get the kids situated. That was just my experience though.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

Re: The MINIVAN debate

My best friend has the Honda Odyssey Minvan and loves it. She went from the Lexus SUV because there wasn't enough room. The honda seems to have tons of room and lots cool stuff that makes traveling with kids a lot easier.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

Posted by Ladybug63

We just bought the Pontiac Torrent crossover.
The Envoy & Arcadia were just to SUV'ish for me. The back seat in the Torrent is HUGE & the trunk is also large.

I don't believe I'd need a 3rd row now. Besides when the 3rd row is in use/up you have almost no cargo room. I find you are shoving groceries on top of the stroller.

The base models look a little plastic for me so we got it fully loaded.

This week carted me, my sister her 2 kids on in a britax roundabout & the other in a booster. (she sat in the middle @ 1 point and said it was snug but bearable.
Trunk handled 2 full size pieces of luggage & 1 small, 4 beach chairs, pack & play, umbrella stroller, table highchair & shopping bags.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

Message edited 8/27/2007 12:35:44 PM.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

Re: The MINIVAN debate

I didn't want the MV also, but we got it, and I love the room. when I drive it, I don't feel like I am driving a MV. Happy shopping.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

Thanks all for responding. I love all the cars you are mentioning, especially that magnum.

The murano I love, but I know my BIL who has it, and has baby #2 on the way, wants to switch to minivan, because he doesn't feel its enough room.

I am going to check out some of the others mentioned. It's so silly, I really wouldn't think about the minivan, except for the dog+kid combo. I do want to test drive the Pacifica. I saw one that was loaded, and it looked soooo nice, I just have to get a feel for how funtional it is.

If not, I guess Ijust have to deal with my family/friends making fun of me.

I'd love to get the Honda Pilot, but it's just a bit too $$ for me. Thats my other issue, I have to stick to a pretty strict car budget, so I will keep looking, and see what will fit us best.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

Re: The MINIVAN debate

I am ideologically opposed to a minvan.
We plan to get a Honda Element.
If you shop around, you will find an SUV with OK gas mileage.
My mom's mini van gets worse gas mileage than a lot of SUVs.

Re: The MINIVAN debate

Right there with you on the hating the minivan thing. I'm looking at Toyota Matrix and Dodge Magnum type vehicles.