Sunday, February 13, 2011

To Minivan or Not to Minivan?

I have long believed that the end of youth is marked by one event: The purchase of a minivan. Now I find myself facing the decision to buy one, and it honestly makes me a little queasy. I know that many women and men drive minivans and it is no different than driving an SUV. If anything, it is more economical and comes with nifty features like captain's chairs and a DVD player. It is all in the perception. Minivans are like Rocky Mountain Oysters. They are great until you realize what they are, and then you throw up in your mouth a little. I admit that  Toyota's Swagger Wagon video has somewhat swayed me, but I still view the minivan section of the car dealership as a place where the carefree single life goes to die.


Alas, I am at a crossroads. Do I make life easier and choose sensibility over style, or do I give in to the stigma of the minivan and buy something smaller or less economical? Only time, and the arrival of my tax return will tell.

4 comments:

  1. Don't do it!!! lol We bought our mini van right before makiah was born in anticipation of having more kids. I had a friend that swore by them, and despite my hatered toward them decided we needed something bigger and went the mini van route. I will tell you there have been many times I'm glad we bought it, BUT an SUV would easily take it's place. I wish that we would have gone with an SUV. All in all, the van is okay, but I don't know if it is worth the "end of youth" :) I feel lame on a daily bassis, nothing screams "SOCCER MOM" like a mini van does!! Needless to say I now intend to drive my van into the ground and when my kids are all big enough to be without car seats (at least some of them) I am going to buy a more economical car that get's good gas mileage.

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  2. I was one of those that never wanted a Mini Van too but honestly I don't see it as the end of youth or a sign of uncoolness. I guess it is just perception. A mini van does what an SUV does, but in most cases an SUV raises your insurance rates and the cost of gas can kill if your not careful. I admit that the mini we had as kids was great, room for the 3 of us to stretch out when we road tripped and room for the carpool. Trust me that one is big as a mom. If you can't chip in most parents won't let your kids join carpool. Is soccer mom such a bad thing? I don't think so, it just shows your a loving economical mom.

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