Just curious - why no minivan?

omalley · June 2010

I always see people say that they will NEVER drive a minivan EVER. And even if would make life a lot easier for them while their kids are young, they still won't do it.

So I am just very curious...what are the actual reasons that someone will never go that route?

For us, we bought one and it has certainly made our life easier. It has nice features (heated leather seats, remote start, Sirius, etc) and I enjoy the perks of remote doors and easy access.

finallyreilly · June 2010

For us, we wanted 4 wheel drive and needed towing capability for our boat. We ended up with a used suburban because of the bigger engine, 3rd seat and still able to put the BOB and storage in even using the 3rd row seating.

Polofsky · June 2010

My reason was really selfish. My mom had a minivan and she was ALWAYS the transportation for everyone else. I didn't want to have to to cart everyone else's kids around.

But we did give in and get the minivan.

kaiteedidit · June 2010

I just cannot see myself driving a minivan. I don't like the way they look and I just don't want one. I do realize it would be the most convenient option for us but I just cannot make myself drive one.

Temp6313048411121614 · June 2010

I'm with you. I have a Town & Country that I got last August and I LOVE that thing!

gumiberg · June 2010

we considered buying one but my goodness, they are huge! my last car was a honda civic...made the van seem like a bus. we ended up with a rav4...much smaller, but big enough for the convertable seats + BOB.

SoldiersGreenBean · June 2010

For me, it was the stereotype of it.

Know what? I AM a soccer mom, or will be eventually. I wouldn't have it any other way.

FWIW, the Odyssey can tow which is why we chose it over the Sienna. It drives like a car, not a truck like they used to. We love it!

Temp159135562506975 · June 2010

I used to say "never" b/c i hated how they looked - total "mom" cars... but guess what- i AM a mom and I'm proud of it- I'm also a MoM and damn, having a minivan makes life a LOT easier.

All of you who still don't want one b/c of looks - really - it's time to get over that... you're a mom now - of twins (or more)... and a minivan is truly the easiest thing for you and your kids... time to get over it

If you need 4WD for towing, etc- that's a whole different story... but if you are just worried about looks - well, I feel bad for you, b/c the last thing I'd care about now is how my car looks - thank God things like that don't matter to me anymore.

kaiteedidit · June 2010

Just because I am a mom doesn't mean I have to drive a car I don't like. Our vehicle works for our family and that is all that matters.

macchiatto · June 2010

Yeah, I don't get minivan hatred. If they don't work for your family for practical reasons, that's cool (I drive a crossover vehicle--Kia Rondo, which works great for us now--but we'll get a minivan if we have a third child) but if it's just that they're uncool or you don't want to look like a mom, I think that's silly and something you need to get over.

Being a parent is nothing to be ashamed of! Ditto what Gail said.

caden · June 2010

I'm not a mom yet and I don't have a minivan but I used to say I would never own one in a million years. I hate the way they drive like a bus and the only time I see one IRL it's messy as hell. My DH works for an auto company and we like cool cars, which obviously disqualifies minivans. But then they started making them with doors that open automatically and seats that fold into the floors. I have no comeback for that. It's just pure awesome. I'm a convert, or will be once my car dies and I'm in the market again.

dleigh81 · June 2010

kaiteedidit:

Just because I am a mom doesn't mean I have to drive a car I don't like. Our vehicle works for our family and that is all that matters.

Ditto this. Even though they aren't born yet, I'm pretty positive our SUV is going to work out just fine for us. Minivans just aren't my style. I probably am against minivans because my mom never drove one either with three kids and she was a "soccer mom." There were never any problems carting us around with her SUV.

Temp159135562506975 · June 2010

caden:
I'm not a mom yet and I don't have a minivan but I used to say I would never own one in a million years. I hate the way they drive like a bus and the only time I see one IRL it's messy as hell. My DH works for an auto company and we like cool cars, which obviously disqualifies minivans. But then they started making them with doors that open automatically and seats that fold into the floors. I have no comeback for that. It's just pure awesome. I'm a convert, or will be once my car dies and I'm in the market again.

lol - we got ya caden!

actually- they don't drive like busses anymore either - they are pretty damn smooth IMO!

pea-kay · June 2010

I'm with you. I get it if there are other factors (like the towing, or if you have too many other kids) but really, just because "it's a minivan" is silly, IMO. Especially if it really is the best option for your situation.

Until they make other cars with remote doors, I'll be driving a minivan!

ashleywebber · June 2010

I agree that you shouldn't feel "uncool" because you are a mom or drive a minivan. I guess I don't care about being a "cool mom" so I am good with having a minivan. I think they drive great, don't feel huge, and can fit a ton of stuff (we moved last year and did a lot of it with stowing both rows of seats). If I didn't have one before I got pg with the twins, I would be buying one. With an SUV I think they drive more like a truck, get worse gas mileage, and the doors have to open and shut (great way to break a finger or dent a car). I love walking up and pushing a button and my doors/hatch open and close. DS can get in, push the button, get in his seat, and lock his seatbelt. Sooooo nice. When the twins come, I look forward to having him be able to get to the 3rd row easily and just popping babies in without having to squeeze between my door and the car next to me.

lisa&andy · June 2010

For us, our Pathfinder works out great for us. We needed a 3rd row seat, towing ability (we are a military family so we do tow trailers while moving), and while I think the automatic doors are nice, they weren't a NEED item for us. My brother has a Dodge Caravan and I hated how it drove so it really nixed the idea of a minivan, we never tried out the other ones because we were pretty set on a SUV. In a couple of years we are moving up to a larger SUV solely for the purpose of being able to haul 2 kids, 2 large dogs, plus our stuff while visiting family and still be able to use the 3rd row.

jenn_darrin1515 · June 2010

my reason is I love a little car...I had 2 door vehicles up until last year when obviously that wouldn't work...so dh and I compromised on a SUV crossover...and I do love it...but I still miss my little car....I just am not comfortable driving a big vehicle...

MrsEzStar · June 2010

We has a ford escape, which we just sold and we just bought a 08 town and country. I loved the escape, but I seriously love our minivan just as much, if not more. Don't get me wrong...I might have felt cooler in our SUV, but the minivan is soo damn comfortable, its insane! Plus with the stow and go seating and automatic doors, its going to be so easy to go places with my triplets. Especially by myself. I have a friend who has a baby on the way and she will have 3 under 3 and she states she will never by a minivan also. I think it has something to do with her new little car that she bought last year. Dont get me wrong, her car is sexy, but I can't imagine trying to squeeze 3 carseats full of kids in the back. It just seems silly to me.

BizEB · June 2010

jenn_darrin1515:
my reason is I love a little car...I had 2 door vehicles up until last year when obviously that wouldn't work...so dh and I compromised on a SUV crossover...and I do love it...but I still miss my little car....I just am not comfortable driving a big vehicle...

This is me. I hate SUVs and minivans because I like little cars and sedans. I generally hate driving and do alot of city driving and I just find it easier to drive something small.

nbptbride · June 2010

I simply don't like the way they look. I love our Outback and cried when we recently replaced our other one with a big, huge Pilot. That is enough of a mom car for me. I'm already dreaming about the day I drive home a two-seated convertible when the kids are of driving age : ) so to me, it's worth it to be slightly inconvenienced in order to drive a car you feel happy to be driving.

macchiatto · June 2010

BizEB:
jenn_darrin1515:
my reason is I love a little car...I had 2 door vehicles up until last year when obviously that wouldn't work...so dh and I compromised on a SUV crossover...and I do love it...but I still miss my little car....I just am not comfortable driving a big vehicle...

This is me. I hate SUVs and minivans because I like little cars and sedans. I generally hate driving and do alot of city driving and I just find it easier to drive something small.

Now, that makes sense to me! A minivan would be really nice for road trips, but for driving around town I do love how (relatively) small and maneuverable my Rondo is.

amcam24 · June 2010

Well, I hate the way they look. I'm not about to pay 400+ dollars a month for a car I hate. I'm also the kind of person who will forgo a coat if it doesn't go with my outfit, or wear heels when I have to walk 9 miles. I'm just vain I guess! LOL!

I know that everyone who has them loves them. My friends with mini vans love them so much, they were like drug pushers when we were shopping for a new car. We opted for a pilot, and honestly I also hate that too. I'm in the little car lovers club. As soon as I can have three radians FF, I'm getting a wagon.

Temp159135562506975 · June 2010

ok- i'll accept the "i like a little car" reason, too lol

I can say that I prefer people who don't feel good driving a big vehicle to continue driving little cars - there are WAY too many moms in my area driving the BIGGEST SUVs around and have no idea how to drive or park them- it's pretty scary sometimes, actually.

My old manager used to say "the bigger the SUV the tinier the blonde is getting out of it".. and I added on "and the bigger her diamond is"... b/c that's how it is in this area --- wealthy moms who feel the need to drive insane huge vehicles (much bigger than minivans) ... yet they have no idea HOW to drive them!

mrscalkins · June 2010

kaiteedidit:
Just because I am a mom doesn't mean I have to drive a car I don't like. Our vehicle works for our family and that is all that matters.

Seriously. Two kids does not equal needing to drive a minivan. I drive a small SUV that serves my needs just fine. I highly doubt not liking the way a minivan looks makes me some kind of assshole or that I need to get over something. I can be just as proud of being a mom and drive my non-minivan vehicle as the next person. Judge much?

carissasmom · June 2010

A minivan was the last thing I wanted to drive. And if I just had the twins I wouldn't be driving one. But w/ a 2 year old and twins it was the best option and I'm glad I bought it almost a year ago b/c I LOVE it. Like everyone said, the automatic doors are awesome. I have one seat stowed and I tandem BF the babies on the floor in the van all the time. I love how high up I sit. I could go on and on and on. Some of my friends still make fun of me, but they only have 1 or 2 kids. I really think once you get into 3+ kids its the only way to go.

mmbench · June 2010

1) My brother is a Subaru mechanic and I like having a car he can work on and get parts for

2) Like 4WD

3) I have a strange driveway and need a certain amount of ground clearance to prevent scraping the bottom.

pea-kay · June 2010

mrscalkins:
kaiteedidit:
Just because I am a mom doesn't mean I have to drive a car I don't like. Our vehicle works for our family and that is all that matters.

Seriously. Two kids does not equal needing to drive a minivan. I drive a small SUV that serves my needs just fine. I highly doubt not liking the way a minivan looks makes me some kind of assshole or that I need to get over something. I can be just as proud of being a mom and drive my non-minivan vehicle as the next person. Judge much?

i think minivan drivers are always getting judged, so we might be a tad defensive. :P

that said, i'd NEVER say someone with twins (or two kids) need a minivan. it's when you get to three or more where i think it deserves a look.

mamam · June 2010

That's the beauty of so many choices...to fit different people. My life would be easier if I didn't blowdry and flat iron my hair, put on makeup or wear current styles but I still do because I like it. I certainly don't think less of those who drive them...they're just not for me.

I'm also not the only one that will be driving the family car. DH is in marketing and in an industry where image IS very important.

That said, I got an Acadia which is on a car base so it drives smoothly. I also think it's one step from a minivan anyway, without actually being one and fits all 3 kids. Win win in my book!

Luvie13 · June 2010

kaiteedidit:

Just because I am a mom doesn't mean I have to drive a car I don't like. Our vehicle works for our family and that is all that matters.

this!

omalley · June 2010

I did not realize that mini-van vs. no mini-man was the new mommy wars!?! Stick out tongue

But I enjoyed reading all the responses! My DH wanted one before we even had kids so when we saw twins on the ultrasound and my Jeep Liberty lease was up it was a no brainer for him and I just didn't fight it. I am glad we went that route b/c I ended up really liking it.

We got teased so much by friends and family but I never stopped to ask why. I agree with the pp that everyone is different and that is why there are so many makes and models. I was just curious what the reasons were when you were deciding no and I think this post answered that.

SoldiersGreenBean · June 2010

mrscalkins:
kaiteedidit:

Just because I am a mom doesn't mean I have to drive a car I don't like. Our vehicle works for our family and that is all that matters.

Seriously. Two kids does not equal needing to drive a minivan. I drive a small SUV that serves my needs just fine. I highly doubt not liking the way a minivan looks makes me some kind of assshole or that I need to get over something. I can be just as proud of being a mom and drive my non-minivan vehicle as the next person. Judge much?

No, actually. I don't judge moms who don't drive mini-vans. We got one only when it became a necessity. We were driving 2 sedans, neither of which will fit 3 car seats.

I reserve judgement for people who don't use carseats, no matter which car they drive.

laurenpetro · June 2010

because i need 4WD.

FemmeNat01 · June 2010

I hate minivans. Absolutely despise them. I don't really have a real reason but I don't like them, I think they're ugly, and it's just not me. I am perfectly fine with my SUV and car. It does the job and it's a nice car. I have all those features in both of those cars and I don't need a bigger one.

carolina1178 · June 2010

i don't know...I said I would never do it! it was just too much for me LOL

however, once we found it was twins...I had to reconsider because I didn't want to drive a big suv that required so much gas : / and once I started really thinking...there were other that appealed to me on the minivan over suv :-P

after looking at the minivan and driving them..I can now see why people like me who say they will NEVER drive one, get one and end up loving it! they have thought of everything in those thing! we are buying a 2011 sienna next week LOL

kristyn&ken · June 2010

For me with having a toddler who is still in a car seat a minivan was NOT the easier route. I prefer to have all three kids in the 2nd row of seating so I don't have to climb back to a 3rd row to strap anyone in.

volgirl123 · June 2010

We just got the new 2011 Sienna yesterday and I love it. Yea for all the technology to make it easy on families!!

Shannonlea · June 2010

I totally love our minivan. We test drove a bunch of large sedans, crossovers and SUVs and none of them were as comfortable as the Odyssey, which is what we bought.

I also do not get people who say they won't ever drive one because its a "mom car." If you are 21 and clubbing every weekend, maybe not the best choice (although they are convenient for loading people up to go to the bar and having one sober driver, from what I remember. lol) But once you are actually a parent, there is some aspect of your life that becomes about function over style.

Mrs.OL · June 2010

I don't mind getting a minivan and realize that my life would be much easier with one. I can't imagine it is going to be easy to get a toddler and twins in and out of our SUV. Unfortunately, right now we would take a pretty significant hit financially if we trade in our truck that is only a year old! So for now I we will try to make the truck work and if it doesn't, we'll have to go from there.

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