minvan revolution

dallasdad
Posts: 7
Joined: 2009-03-02
Dad Points: 19

So my old SVUs a/c went out about 3 weeks ago and my wife i decided to get a new car. We have had our eyes on the acadia from gmc for a long time and thought it would be a great fit and I wouldnt look like a idiot driving down the road. Keep in mind that i have ALWAYS thought minivans were for guys that "gave up". So we teat driving all sorts of SUVs, but they were all still missing something....The day led us to honda, and there it was..the odyssey. holy crap..dvd player 7 seats cruse control AND a.c in front AND back. (keep in mind last ride was a 93 pathfinder)  took the test drive and have been sold on it ever since. Plus is was cheaper than a suv.  I still may look like a tool driving down the road, but my kids love it and so do i. Anyway, this is just a suggestion (it doesnt have to be a honda) but if anyone is looking for a new ride..i suggest a minivan.  Now, should i put some cool stickers on it?

 




smacmartin
Posts: 69
Joined: 2008-06-15
Dad Points: 97
forget the stickers

try putting a blower on it and maybe duel exhaust, a lift kit and some 33x12.50 would look super cool on it...maybe a flame paint job....In all seriousness, my buddy swears by his minivan and since it works for him i only tease him on occation..Since i only have 2 kids and my wife and I, i love the Chevy Avalanche...its a suv plus a truck when i need it to tow or haul lumber...in familys of 5 or more i can see how a minivan might be a good choice, i just can't drive one cause i don't like the way they handle or drive....i'm glad you found a vehicle that works for your family...thats all that any of us can hope for



Zadokk
Posts: 11
Joined: 2009-04-11
Dad Points: 45
toyota

I had a mazda 6 sport which I really loved but it wasn't big enough for 2 children in car seats and to allow my wife to sit back there on longer trips to see family so we got the Toyota Sienna 8 seater. It is a great vehicle and I 'almost' enjoy driving it. We didn't get all the extra's but I did make sure they could be added later as my children are still too small for the dvd stuff. By that time, we hope to just be able to use one of those portable dvd players. The great thing (and something I have used a couple times) is that the back row folds down completely flat and the middle row can be removed so that you can haul stuff like supplies from the home improvement stores. I was able to slide some 1x6-10's up through the middle which is really cool. I see more and more mini-vans on the road and they have come a long way since they were first introduced. They drive great, seat plenty comfortably, have tons of extra's and are getting more affordable. Something to think about if you need more room.



chitownman
chitownman's picture
Posts: 173
Joined: 2006-11-12
Dad Points: 233
Hold On Dallas Dad

Hey Dallas Dad,

When we were looking to downsize from our Toyota Sequioa into a smaller more economical SUV, we looked at the Acadia and the Buick Enclave and even had an additional GM discount to save us even more money.  Unfortunately the GM dealer here insulted my wife.  The night before we went out the buy our new vehicle the wife saw an ad for the Mazda CX-9.  Man what a car.  The CX-9 is a cross over vehicle and is the 2008 Motor Trend Car Of The Year in its class.  We got all the bells and whistles and the CX-9 had more than the Acadia or the Enclave.  Plus the fact that it was about $5,000 less.  The vehicle does have seating for 8, plus DVD player with headphones and navigation in it.  It is an amazing vehicle and does pretty well on mileage as well.  So before committing to the Odessey, check out the Mazda CX-9.  Either way, enjoy your new vehicle.



dallasdad
Posts: 7
Joined: 2009-03-02
Dad Points: 19
mazda?

One of the issues i had with the crossover was space.  I couldnt find anything with enough space behind the 3rd row, that and (me being a bigger guy) i have to scoot my seat back all the way, thus making the kiddo behind me squished.  With my minivan i can scoot mine and his back. Plus it has deep storage in back (i have a double BOB stoller and diaperbags) plus storage allover the thing...and thats what we need. 

I dont want to sound like a salesman b/c i am not.. and if you are looking for something, its totally your choice.  

 



cowabungachris
cowabungachris's picture
Posts: 24
Joined: 2008-03-11
Dad Points: 75
got a sienna also

as soon as i became SAHD, we traded my tacoma in for a sienna minivan.  i'd say that i love having a minivan because it makes traveling around as a family so much easier.  lots of room, easy to get kids in and out of, and the dvd player is great for long trips.  HOWEVER, i do still mourn the loss of my truck.  i kind of feel like i did sort of "give up" when we got the van, but i don't regret getting it at all.  recently i thought of getting a motorcycle to maybe get back one of my "balls", but i've decided that's just not gonna happen.  i can't even walk in a straight line. 



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