Thread: I don't want to buy a minivan!

Have you checked out the Mazda 5. I googled a search for "minivan with manual transmission" and this came up. It might be an idea.

BJ

MazdaUSA - Wireless Tour

Originally Posted by Chris L

(3 child seats across in one row won't work).

Why not? It's only a couple of years that it will be inconvenient.

Originally Posted by Chris L

Minivans are so dang expensive and, much to my dismay, they call come in (yuck) automatic transmission. I've been driving manual transmission vehicles (by choice) since 1989.
Chris L

No they don't. At least not in a civilized country

I've driven several minivans (as temp / replacement cars) and they all had manual transmission.
But hey: cupholders and armrest are nice too

How about a VW Bus? I had a '72 with 4 on the floor and it had very easy access to the back seat and plenty of floor space. It only cost about $10 to have the oil changed and brakes adjusted.

Jordan

I drive a full sized van, in part because of price. The fulll sized version was about the same price as the mini version (a little cheaper) and gets nearly the same miliage, Those minivans are heavy for their size. Personally I think the fulll sized van has a modecrum of cool left while the minivan has none.

I also drive a full size van. A Ford E250 with a V8 and of course an automatic trans. I have driven it for the last 7 years and love it except when I pull up to the gas pump. A van be it mini or full is a useful vehicle. I haven't owned a passenger car since 1971. I've always opted for vans or pick ups. Something you can use for more then getting from point A to point B. Too bad about the scarcity of manual trans in vans. I kind of liked the manual too. Had one in a F250 Power Stroke that I owned before this van. I am used to the auto now and don't even notice the difference.

There is a country music video you need to see, which was done by some old warhorses, I think including some of the zz top guys. It was called something like "It's tough to be cool in a minivan."

I'm in the same boat. I have a 4.5 year old and 2.5 year old, and my wife insisted on a third kid (about to arrive incidentally). Then a few months later she pointed out that means we need a new car - I sold my old chariot the Saturn 96 SL2 manual transmission and bought a Toyota Sienna because we need AWD. Oh, and now I have to drive the subaru outback my wife made me buy when we were starting to have kids.

Anyway, just deal. It's the least of the indignities you will have to suffer. And get one with a DVD player - Dora the Explorer is your friend on those long drives. I also recommend the Mama Mia soundtrack - my kids will sing along to ABBA songs for hours.

As I recall, when my father was faced with buying a mini-van, we eventually got a Mazda MPV, and I remember clearly that the debate was whether or not go to with the manual transmission...so perhaps that's still available?

Mark

**Edit: just searched Mazda's website, and shows just how much I don't have kids...the MPV seems to be discontinued...Sorry!

Chris,

I know that the escort x which can have up to 3 back rows can come in a standard (which really isnt a standard option anymore), as well as the ford explorer.

I just drove the mercury equivalent down to Chicago with 7 people in the car and it worked out very well and got 20mpg, still not as good as my old escort (13 years old, manual, gets 30hwy and 27city, who said old cars dont get good mileage?)

i feel for you Chris. i never ever want a minivan. my parents didn't ever have one, as my dad said he would never drive one and my mom doesn't like the way they drive. i have driven the Ford and the Dodge and hated them both. i have a Mitsubishi Lancer and that will be more then enough for when i have kids. i only plan on having 2 kids though, hey that might change too so i might be crying by then but i will try to find a way out of it.

is there an SUV out there that has the room? i guess maybe one with that kind of room would be hell on fuel. though everyone i know that has a minivan says the mileage isn't all that great so.

Just tether your children to the bumper! A luggage rack would be a little safer but the bumper trick will work in a pinch!