Vander:
My daughter is almost two and my son will be born around the time of her birthday.
So... I find myself actually WANTING a mini-van. The size, the conveniences, the practicality all seem so appealing to me now. When I was in my twenties (as many 20-something males do), I DETESTED mini-vans and would never consider driving one, nevermind owning one. Curious that I could have swung so dramatically, yes?
The demographics of this forum seem to really stretch as far as median age. So I thought I'd ask this population: At what point did you start appreciating the practical things in life? Kids? perhaps at a certain age? when you started an actual career rather than 'just a job'?
And to the youths... get off my lawn and don't touch my motorcycles. No, I WON'T buy a coupon book to support your wrestling team and SLOW DOWN when you drive through the neighborhood! ;D
v2Neal:
"I wanna crucify you to your front door with nails from your well-stocked garage Family Man"
Sorry, tangent ...
I've had a few mini vans - 3 Astro's and 5 Caravan/Voyager's. I just got my new 2013 Dodge last week. So far I like it. It's a nice upgrade from the 2010 Voyager I had. As I was waiting to pick it up I wandered around the showroom, and thought to myself that a minivan is probably one of the better values out there. I have been able to cary almost anything in my vans. 4x8 sheet's of plywood or sheetrock, no problem. I've had an RZ350, SuperHawk, and Ninja 250 in my Caravan/Voyager with no issues other than odd looks when you unload it. My Caravan/Voyagers have all been provided by work as lease vehicles that we turn in at 85,xxx miles. Very few issues with them in that time. The 2003 tossed the trans at 30K (known problem), the 2010 had horrible brakes, and I'm not sure yet about the 6 speed auto in the 2013. It just feels weird. Otherwise solid.
Happy Shopping!
Vander:
Well thank you for the tips, good sir.
Now was that 3 bikes all in the same load? ...or you hauled one at a time? ;D
v2Neal:
Sorry to ruin your three way in a mini van fantasy, but yeah, one at a time.
gdawgs:
i swore off mini vans also, and protested as my wife forced one into our family. a year later with 3 kids in tow....there is no comparison when it comes to practicality and fuel efficiency. it is the first option we choose everytime we go any where due to convenience. i was hoping to squeeze in a 4dr crew cab or a suburban. at least for us, those are down the road because both have trade offs, whereas the grand caravan has little tradeoff except the looks. after a month or two, you really don't care what it looks like due to the practicality.