Minivans are ugly and boring to drive. But, they do work for kids and all the crap you have to haul around with them. The one thing you only get with them (and cargo vans) is sliding side doors, which are undeniably handy with kids. But, good god damn, they are ugly. And, did I mention, boring to drive? I don't like the Chevy Tahoe suggestion. The car is expensive, heavy, gets poor mileage, poor ratings (read the reviews), and has poor residual value. You only want a vehicle like this if you have to tow something big. And even still, not a great car. Surbuban is better. The Chevy to look at is the Chevy Traverse. Much more sensible. If you have a big budget, look at the Acura MDX. Has a 3rd row, and is a really great vehicle if you need the AWD and luxury features. Top crash protection ratings. For a lot less money, I would also look at the Ford Flex. HUGE interior space. Top crash protection ratings. It looks unusual, but I like the look of it a lot more than any of the (very ugly) minivans. You might also look at the Toyota Highlander and the Mazda CX-9. They don't have tons of extra room, but have 3rd row seats, are well regarded vehicles and are easier to move around and park. If you are determinded to look at minivans, note that the new redisigned Toyota Sienna is not as good as the outgoing version. You might consider used. The Toyota V6 (non AWD) is the only minivan that Consumer Reports says has even an average repair record. The Honda, Nissan (new design this year) and Toyota are all rated about the same. The Kia and Dodge minivans are not competitive.
No self-respecting guy would drive a minivan. Do the only realistic, logical option... ship one or two of your kids off to a boarding school.
At least if he gets a minivan.... he'll always have a place to call home (in a van down by the river).
My wife actually refuses to get one. I told her how much easier it would be for her and the kids, but she refuses.
Pretty sure I'm going to lease a minivan -- I've always thought leases were less than smart, but we think we'll only need it for a couple years. After that, we ditch the massive car seats and the little dudes can crawl to the back of the Highlander. SUVs with third rows work, but you've got to be past the massive car seat phase and we're not. One thing I never would have guessed, there is MASSIVE demand for minivans. A certified used minivan that's 3 years old and has 35k miles is only $1,500 or $2,000 less than a brand new one. Seriously, it's $30k or so for used and $31.5k for new. Makes me think some of you deniers have a minivan in your driveway and aren't admitting it.
If I were you I'd buy a minivan. Its a great all purpose car, especially for long road trips if you plan and leases are always so stupid with mileage. there's no shame in having a minivan. just get the oddesey. shit is mad dope.
No - dealers are just stingy bastards. Those "certified" used autos are so ridiculously overpriced - that whole classification is just a way for the dealers to make more money because you feel warmer and fuzzier buying a certified used auto than just a regular ol' auto.
just don't buy a gold minivan. i seriously wonder about people who buy gold fucking cars. wtf. get black on black, limo tint the windows and shit would look mad crazy.
+1. Mexicans.... The Mexicans in my area drive gold cars or crappy trucks that are pimped-out with the mural on the tailgate. Speaking of which - HCP, what colors are your cars?
It is not a minivan thing, it is a used vehicle (all types) shortage. New car sales crashed hard in 08 & 09, so there are currently few cherry low milage trade ins.
Mobes, if you want to PM me, I know a few New car and GM's in the car business, depending on where you live, that are all good people.
