Our van is on the fritz. (It's actually been "fritzing" since about 9 months after we got it over 6 years ago.) It's definitely getting down to it's last of it's nine lives though so FarmBoy and I have begun shopping for a new one. We've talked about upgrading (Suburban?) and downgrading (car?) but getting out and actually looking at vehicles in real living color just can't be beat. I noticed, though, that my perspective has changed since the last time we purchased a vehicle. Typically - we jump in the driver's seat - check out the dash, steering, bells and whistles, etc. Not me. Not this time. The first doors I opened were the side doors so I could crawl/climb into the back. I wanted to check it out from my kiddos' point of view. That, and storage. After that all checked out (or didn't), I could go to the front and see if that would meet my needs. Does that make me old?
Any mom-van drivers out there with a recommendation?
I'm also open to opinions on having a 5-passenger vehicle for a family of 6. Will I just be driving in a resentful mood for the rest of my days if I "settle" for this - or is it a smart money-saving idea that I should consider more heavily. (The truck can carry 6 passengers albiet it is less than ideal for long drives/comfort. That said, it is typically what we use for long drives because of the storage of the bed of the truck.)
Must haves:
* Easy-to-reach seat buckles: Kids need to be in booster seats til age 8 (sigh) which is a little ways out. We've been driving the truck lately and it's been a HUGE pain to have to go back there and help them buckle - being together all in a row makes it hard for them to mange it themselves.
* A/C that works.
* Windows that work. (Did you know minivans now have side windows that roll down?? Hooray!)
* Drawers and compartments and storage, oh my!
* DVD Player would be really cool - but not really a full-blown must-have.
* A back-window wiper that actually touches the surface of the window.
I'm sure there are others but I'm sure this is long and dull enough :) xo
5 comments:
oh, vehicle woes. is there anything more frustrating? i'm excited for you that there's a new vehicle on the horizon, though!
but i've gotta say, the idea of you trying to make it with a 5-passenger car makes me all anxious. the thing is, you HAVE 6 people in your family. what are you supposed to do? i say nix that idea (in my humble opinion).
a van seems the obvious (and most affordable) option, but i hate that there's no storage room! for that reason, i'm inclined to say look for a nice, used suburban. my bosses have four kiddos and swear by it. granted, they're a bajillion dollars, but that's the kind of advice i like to dish out.
you're welcome.
For the DVD players, would you be open to just receiving the ones that hang onto the back of the seats? so there could be two for them to watch? that way they can watch their "own" thing too. I hear they're pretty nice to have :) I agree with Ange - Van is the way to go but also the suburban is VERY NICE! Two of my friends have them and LOVE THEM! The space is great! And this way, you'll have even more room for when me and MY baby come along for car rides. hee hee!
I have a feeling you will resent having a 5 person vehicle for a 6 person family. Which one would you leave out? There will be plenty of times that you'll want to drive something more comfortable than a truck. Follow your gut, Jo. You know what you need and are a practical person. I don't think you're making the decision based on emotions from what I'm reading. It's what you need, not what you want! Trust yourself on this one:)
I agree with Ang on the ixnay on the 5-passenger car. I do think you'll regret it. We have the Toyota Sienna (minivan). We also considered a suburban, but never even looked at them, because the minivan was the financially responsible thing for us to do. :)
Debbie Jo
i think an update is in order!
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