The "V" word

[freshprince1]

Well, I never thought I would hear my wife say the "V" word, but this morning, she did.

I don't know what to do. I never dreamed I would consider it either...its just always seemed so...so...wrong.

You hear of other people doing it, but you think to yourself, "I could never do that, I'm just not that kind of person."

But then again...if so many people are doing it, maybe its not that bad. Its cheaper that's for sure. And if my wife is willing to try it, maybe I should too.



We may just buy a Van.

[rockwolf2001]

oh god, think of the children, won't anyone think of the children

lol, compromise with her and see if she'll get a Porsche cayenne instead, those are actually pretty nice

[A790]

A van? Last ditch resort maybe.

You have tons of alternatives- wagons by all the big brands that are actually somewhat fun to drive: Dodge Magnum (V8 hemi!!), Saab 9-3 Wagon, VW Jetta and Passat Wagon, Volvo V50 and V70 Wagon, Subaru Forester, Subaru WRX Hatch...

SO MANY ALTERNATIVES TO MINI-VAN. DON'T DO IT.

[freshprince1]

Unfortunately she has put the kaibosh on wagons, and as much as I'd love a Subaru wagon, I kind of agree with her on that one. We have a Maxima right now, and leaning over to put the kid in and out everytime in really a hassle. With baby #2 on the way, the practicality of a minivan is becoming glaringly obvious. Price, storage, safety, room...unfortunely not style or performance.

[freshprince1]

Originally posted by rockwolf2001
oh god, think of the children, won't anyone think of the children

lol, compromise with her and see if she'll get a Porsche cayenne instead, those are actually pretty nice

No stow-and-go seats though!? What were they thinking?

[ChappedLips]

Toyota Venza

Check it out!

Brand new and its under 30k I believe and its more stylish than a van with better performance.

[bawlls]

ditch her

[scat19]

Please!!! Nooo!!!

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q311/M3_Jaydee/330dat/20080531168.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q311/M3_Jaydee/330dat/20080531170.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q311/M3_Jaydee/20080630220.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q311/M3_Jaydee/20080630217.jpg

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c350/steanvw/tese11.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/raffyao/100061/CIMG7771/web.jpg

I love the 3er touring :bigpimp:

[freshprince1]

I was thinking the Chrysler Pacifica might be an alternative...but then again, its a chrysler.

PACIFICA (http://www.buysell.com/root/detail/Calgary/2004_Domestic_SUVs/3206/70585451/2004_CHRYSLER_PACIFICA_TOUIRING_SPORT.aspx)

[cityhunter2501]

why not an SUV?

[in*10*se]

LOL

first things that came to mind.

1. vasectamy...
2. virgin
3. vag.... :poosie:



Originally posted by freshprince1
Well, I never thought I would hear my wife say the "V" word, but this morning, she did.

I don't know what to do. I never dreamed I would consider it either...its just always seemed so...so...wrong.

You hear of other people doing it, but you think to yourself, "I could never do that, I'm just not that kind of person."

But then again...if so many people are doing it, maybe its not that bad. Its cheaper that's for sure. And if my wife is willing to try it, maybe I should too.

[ianmcc]

We traded in the minivan for a Ford Flex. WAAAYYYYYYYYY cooler than a silver minivan. Try one on for size.

My wife got to choose the color...
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c272/02ztsian/DSCF3512.jpg

[dino_martini]

the Odyssey is the sportiest of minivans....if that helps you in your sorrow at all.


http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=122398

[freshprince1]

Originally posted by bawlls
ditch her
classy.



Originally posted by cityhunter2501
why not an SUV?

At this point, the numbers just add up better for a van. We can get a 2005-2008 in our price range, we prefer pay cash, don't want any monthly payments. Decent milage, lots of room, and AWD for the ski trips.


...listen to me, I'm a fuddy-duddy.

Don't worry though, when I get my company car allowance later this year, the only requirement is that its a 4-door....hellooooooo STi.

[topmade]

I was always the same way, but after driving a van for the last few years, I would never go back, and just last year we bought a Sienna and it's awesome.
- Lots of power
- More comfortable then most SUV's
- With the auto sliding doors, the kids (4 and 6) jump in and out of it very easily
- You can move inside very easily if you need to get at the kids
- Tons of room to move stuff like sofas, beds, drywall sheets - just lots of stuff you can't do with a SUV or wagon.
- When we had strollers you can just toss them right in.
- Better on gas then SUV's
- Extra seats for the odd person.

Vans and SUV's have certain objectives and when it comes to a well rounded family vehicle I would choose a Van. We had a SUV and family sedan before and I don't know why we didn't go with a van sooner.

[freshprince1]

Originally posted by topmade
We had a SUV and family sedan before and I don't know why we didn't go with a van sooner.


That's what everyone says. I like the Sienna, how does it do in the winter? I'm thinking if I do get a minivan that it would be an AWD version. Is it worth the extra dough?

[scat19]

Originally posted by topmade
- You can move inside very easily if you need to hit the kids


Fixed.

[Masked Bandit]

I hate to admit it but when you have a family, you just can't beat a damn van. I despise the fact that I'll have to drive something so uninspired but they just can't be beat for room.


For the record, I thought you were going to say "vasectomy".

[Graham_A_M]

I second the Ford Flex. I wouldn't mind sporting one of those. :thumbsup:

[topmade]

Originally posted by freshprince1
That's what everyone says. I like the Sienna, how does it do in the winter? I'm thinking if I do get a minivan that it would be an AWD version. Is it worth the extra dough?
We have the LE (no AWD) and I had no problems driving in the snow with it with all season tires and never got stuck.

[Eleanor]

Get a Caravan. Cheap, reliable, practical, there's a reason why you see so many of them on the roads.

The Flex looks pretty sweet too.

[sputnik]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit
For the record, I thought you were going to say "vasectomy".

That is the first think I thought of too.

[szw]

I can't wait to have a van, I've got such a hard-on for efficient storage space! (wagons and SUV's don't cut it)

[Godfuader]

Get the 7-seater RAV4 and meet her halfway.

[ZorroAMG]

Some of you just don't get it hey? A van is higher (less bending over to pick up kids every time in and out), the door slides open way wider than any SUV can (access to the child seat in and out, fat kids, other gear if the back is full), there is more room for ICE like tv's for long trips etc...

Personally I'd never rock a mini over an SUV but I don't have kids or a wife so who knows....

[psycoticclown]

Subaru Legacy Spec B wagon :D

Or get a Q7 rawr.

[jazzyb]

kids enjoy mini vans more then anyting else

[Masked Bandit]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Some of you just don't get it hey? A van is higher (less bending over to pick up kids every time in and out), the door slides open way wider than any SUV can (access to the child seat in and out, fat kids, other gear if the back is full), there is more room for ICE like tv's for long trips etc...

Personally I'd never rock a mini over an SUV but I don't have kids or a wife so who knows....

Never say never man! I spent at least a decade swearing up and down that I would never drive a van. In the next year or so, I'm going to have A LOT OF CROW to eat. It will be followed up with humble pie for dessert.

[dino_martini]

Originally posted by Godfuader
Get the 7-seater RAV4 and meet her halfway.

The third row in the RAV4 isnt big enough for anyone. Unless you like, chopped the person up and put them back there.

[n1zm0]

Originally posted by freshprince1
That's what everyone says. I like the Sienna, how does it do in the winter? I'm thinking if I do get a minivan that it would be an AWD version. Is it worth the extra dough?

coworker just got an 04 XLE AWD, he calls it the 4 wheeled yacht, keeps saying 'if you sit in the drivers seat and forget about the badging you might think lexus made a van too' says the AWD is great especially with all the ice ruts in the residential areas.

unfortunately for him he says 'this is the most powerful vehicle i've ever owned' lol from a 95 tercel to a 04 260hp AWD minivan is a huge jump for him.

[98type_r]

The third row in most SUV's isn't good for anything other than a small child.

I too used to swear up and down that I would never get a van, but as you get older the practicality of them make more and more sense.

[Tarrantula]

Originally posted by bawlls
ditch her


Originally posted by dino_martini


The third row in the RAV4 isnt big enough for anyone. Unless you like, chopped the person up and put them back there.


Get the STi sooner?

[HHURICANE1]

Might just as well get the nads removed now and stop fighting the inevitable. DUDE, you're a soccer mom now! :rofl:

[Kritafo]

hey...hey..I never ever ever wanted a van. My husband forced me to buy the damn van. I can't wait to get rid of that bus. I want something in the lines of the Audi a4 wagon or the BMW x3.

the van..with kids they do love the space the dvd player etc. I hate the spills, the chasing of groceries when you don't use the bin...the 3rd row seats that get in my line of vision.

[phreezee]

It's the limo of your 30's. I was opposite, I wanted a Sienna XLE AWD or an Odyssey touring, she wanted a sedan or SUV even though but we already had a truck.

[Beerking]

ohhhhh the humanity:nut:

[syeve]

Can be had for less than you think!! MUCH safer than a van.

http://www.dgmotoring.com/s4wagon/s4a.jpg

[rockwolf2001]

im sorry, but am i the only one who thinks the flex is ugly?

[Neil4Speed]

Check out an Audi All-Road! or a V70R! or any of those 5 Series Wagons (those were fucking hot!)

Wagons > Van for sure!

[BerserkerCatSplat]

If I had kids, I'd totally rock a blacked-out Flex.

[WWJAI]

Originally posted by rockwolf2001
im sorry, but am i the only one who thinks the flex is ugly?

Nope. I'm with you on that one; personally I think they're damn ugly. I rather drive a Toyota Sienna anyday.

^ Actually a black one w/ tinted windows may look pretty decent.

[Eleanor]

What about Funkmaster Flex's Ford Flex? :D

http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Ford_flex_559_1600x1200.jpg

[rockwolf2001]

Originally posted by Eleanor
What about Funkmaster Flex's Ford Flex? :D

http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Ford_flex_559_1600x1200.jpg

lol there are exceptions to anything, in the OP's case, i would say he shouldn't buy a flex because theyre goddamn ugly, unless he's gunna pimp it out like Funkmaster's

[Tarrantula]

Originally posted by Eleanor
What about Funkmaster Flex's Ford Flex? :D

http://s2.desktopmachine.com/pics/Ford_flex_559_1600x1200.jpg

STILL ugly.

[nismodrifter]

Van no. SUV/wagon yes.
Some of the crossovers are cool, Flex does look good on the road (especially in black) but I don't know much about it.

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
http://jtmedia.kuvat.fi/kuvat/LOWR1D3Rpt.III/JAP-3/IMG_2062copy2.jpg/_medium.jpg

[freshprince1]

I wouldn't mind a wagon, but the wife is dead-set against it. As well, a big part of the convenience of a van is the height. Believe it or not, to have to lean over and lift out your kid all the time is really annoying, especially when they start getting to be 25 pounders!

I would love an SUV, but worry about the resell value on the ones I could afford.

An SUV will definately be in the picture a few years down the road when my wallet can stretch a little further.

We have a Maxima, and I'm thinking of selling it, buying the wife a nice van for around $10K, and getting a little commuter car for myself in the meantime for $3-4K.

We are pretty conservative with our spending and don't want to take on any monthly payments. Student loans are now paid off, and the only debt we have is our house, we're going to keep it that way.


Those are some sexy wagons though.

[Destinova403]

^^ you could definitely get a good low milage caravan for under 10k... either late last gen or early this one even.

[psycoticclown]

Audi RS6 Avant

/thread

(and I know you can't get one here)

[Canmorite]

Look at a 09 Forester. It's a Crossover SUV, not a wagon ;)

[Vagabond142]

The new Impreza's are kinda van-ish, or you could go super-minivan with a Honda Fit :D

[cooperS]

get a scion.

looks cute for your wife, spacious for the kids and you can make it nice too;)

[ianmcc]

We've had the Flex for a couple of months now and the only complaint my wife has is the blue oval thing on the front (she's always been a Chrysler person).
It's awesome in the snow (AWD) and is averaging better gas mileage than the AWD T&C we had (ab. 11 L/100 km or 25 mpg mostly city driving). The third row seat has lots of room for an adult-I could easily manage a three hour trip back there and I'm not a small guy. And it's not as low as a wagon-I would say it's comparable to our van.
One nice feature-the doors wrap around the rocker panels so the rockers stay dry; that way you don't get muck on your pant legs getting in and out.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder I guess-you either love it or hate it. And we love it. If Advantage Ford still has the black and silver Limited in the showroom with 22's and a full load check it out-it's one sweet ride! List was about $56K on that one but we got out the door for under $39K. And now you can get 0% financing for 60 months.

[403Gemini]

Ford edge + aftermarket

http://www.velocityjournal.com/images/full/2007/264/fd2007edgebymrtdirect26418460.jpg

edit:

22's fit this thing nicely ..

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_images/3/2503/2541/31256270003_large.jpg

and they're assembled in Canada!

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by in*10*se
LOL

first things that came to mind.

1. vasectamy...



:werd: me too... well if it's his wife I wouldn't think of "virgin"

[TorqueDog]

Not gonna lie, I thought you were talking about a 'vasectomy'.

[CUG]

Uhhh, maybe lay the law down? If it's a height thing, get a Volvo SUV, or a VW or the new Q6? If that's not in your league look at the tahoe's or suburbans... a Van? Sounds like that would complete any yuppie mammas cute little picture.

[cycosis]

Get a Mercedes B200 turbo, its got over 1500 litres of storage space bud, Im pretty sure they still have lots of 08's that they are trying to get rid of. When I went in a got my C-class, they were pushing like mad for me to get the B instead.

[jazzyb]

7 + 3 = 12

[Aleks]

Just get the Van. Who cares what people think. Most of these CUVs and SUVs don't have much more room that your average Accord. If you have kids nothing beats a van in terms of how practical it is.

[atgilchrist]

My Murano does have tons of room. I fit a new bathtub in the box in it with the hatch closed. It doesn't have the sliding doors of a van though.

[Heff]

http://www.usertest.shawbiz.ca/vw-camper-hybrid.jpg


Never too cool for one of these babies.

[01RedDX]

.

[Aleks]

Originally posted by atgilchrist
My Murano does have tons of room. I fit a new bathtub in the box in it with the hatch closed. It doesn't have the sliding doors of a van though.


I was talking passanger space. For kids in the back.



Murano Odyssey Accord
Front Headroom (in.) 40.70 39.20 39.00
Rear Headroom (in.) 39.70 39.60 37.20
Front Legroom (in.) 43.40 40.80 42.50
Rear Legroom (in.) 36.10 40.00 37.20
Front Shoulder Room (in.) 59.60 63.50 58.20
Rear Shoulder Room (in.) 59.10 63.10 56.40
Front Hip Room (in.) 56.20 57.00 56.60
Rear Hip Room (in.) 56.60 64.40 54.30

[badatusrnames]

Originally posted by rockwolf2001
lol, compromise with her and see if she'll get a Porsche cayenne instead, those are actually pretty nice

That's what my boss did... got a turbo too!

[Canmorite]

Originally posted by 01RedDX
Toyota Venza FTW

That's a good idea too. They would look really good with new wheels and a more aggresive stance...

[sputnik]

Originally posted by Heff
http://www.usertest.shawbiz.ca/vw-camper-hybrid.jpg


Never too cool for one of these babies.

Unfortunately a 21 window deluxe VW Microbus in that condition will cost you more than a fully loaded Honda Odyssey.

[ZorroAMG]

and it'll break down every 4 km's


Get this.....sleeeeper and throw some d's on that bish....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/1st_Gen_Dodge_Ram_Van.JPG/800px-1st_Gen_Dodge_Ram_Van.JPG