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

I'll make a mental note to look at the current E85 prices and report back; since I don't have a flex fuel vehicle now, I don't even bother looking at E85. The times I have noticed E85 prices are times when I curse not having an E85 compatible car.

Chris L

The only thing to consider about flex fuel is that while it may be cheaper to buy, you have to calculate the fuel economy (my understanding is that you get worse fuel milage with E85 since its explosive power isn't the same as regular fuel). I don't think that the fuel milage issue is enough to offset the gains from your subsidized flex fuel, but it may be worth running the numbers.

Mark

It seems you can still get station wagons with manual transmission, even in the "the-more-time-we-spend-on-the-road-the-less-we-want-to-be-real-drivers" US. Less roomy than a minivan, but you can cram three kids in there--I know this from experience.

I also know from experience that there are advantages to having a minivan later on, when the kids start asking to borrow the car!



~Rich

Originally Posted by JMS

I still think you ought to tether the children, but whatever! It's only your manhood we are talking about here!

When we were still young and stupid (not young anymore ) one of my friends drove through town at 50 miles per hour, with another of my friends on the roof of the car. He lay flat on the luggage rack, secured by nothing more than his arms through the metal frame.

As I said: young and stupid. I did some stupid things in my time, but this was not one of them

But these days they have those nifty aerodynamic luggage trunks for on the roof.
That'd be much safer. And you can at least fit 2 kids in them. 3 if you stow them properly

Ahhh, Bruno, but are they Government Approved aerodynamic luggage racks!

Mark

I would stay away from E-85, I dont think it will last as long as people think.

I wouldn't buy any vehicle if it only allowed for E85 fuel (I don't remember if there are any that are currently that restrictive), but if I owned a flex fuel vehicle and had the choice at the pump, I'd put E85 in the vehicle given the less costly E85 in comparison to gasoline.

E85 IMO is nothing more than a shell game; the spin is that producing fuel from domestic renewal resources (corn) will reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Corn is grown with large amounts of fertilizer...........synthetic fertilizer is petroleum based! Either you have to stick it in the gas tank or you have to use it to make fertilizer on a large scale non-organic factory farm scale. I don't see the difference. I know, but I started this thread so I figure I can veer off course a bit.

Chris L

You'd love E85 around here, NOT. Its usually the same price as gas per gallon, gets worse miliage, and you play extra to hav a flex fueled vehicle. Somehow or another not to many people around here use it?

I understand the minivan isue, here. But aren't there any other options? I mean... you americans have so many cars to pick from. Plus, you have the vintage station wagons from the 70's with wood panneling outside and enough room to fit everything you need for a hollyday on the beach. Including the kids!
But I guess price is also an isue. And also safety. Plus, there's the miles to the galon thing... so, if I had to choose between a minivan and a statio wagon, I'd choose the Volvo V70! It's safe, it's big, it runs of fumes. It's not cheap over here so I guess It's not cheap in the US either. But it's an investment for the future. Sure, sure... you'll look like a Soccer Mom! But you can say that you are sporting the European Enterpreneur Style!
Best of luck to you!

Originally Posted by BJC

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

A car guy friend of mine just bought one of these (almost entirely because it was the only minivan with a manual transmission) and likes it. It's what I'd buy if I had to have have a minivan.

Since my wife and I don't have kids (only dogs), happily, our fleet is comprised of a Mini, a Porsche, and motorcycle.