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

My family is growing and come next Spring with three child car seats needed while traveling, we're outgrowing our Subaru Forester.

My wife and I can't think of another style of vehicle other than a minivan that will allow easy access to two back rows (3 child seats across in one row won't work).

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.

It's too bad there isn't something else out there with side curtain airbags, two back rows with easy access to them and decent mileage.

Any auto advice?

Chris L

My only thought would be a crew cab truck (not extended!). It's going to be hard to get your specs plus a manual transmission. If a truck is tolerable, you could always drop the kids somewhere and take your car seats to test the prospective vehicles out. I'm sure a salesman would have no issues letting you try them out.

You're toast... You're not going to find a stick in anything with 2 back rows. You're not even going to find anything fun to drive with 2 back rows. You're just toast. I feel for you.

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

My only thought would be a crew cab truck (not extended!). It's going to be hard to get your specs plus a manual transmission. If a truck is tolerable, you could always drop the kids somewhere and take your car seats to test the prospective vehicles out. I'm sure a salesman would have no issues letting you try them out.

Heh, there's an idea. I think Dodge might have a SRT-10 quad cab? Vroom, vroom!

Toyota Land Cruiser (might only be the gulf/Middle East models). 8 or 10 seat configuration with 5 spd. manual.

Originally Posted by Quick

You're toast... You're not going to find a stick in anything with 2 back rows. You're not even going to find anything fun to drive with 2 back rows. You're just toast. I feel for you.

Yeah yeah, I know, I know.

Originally Posted by Quick

Toyota Land Cruiser (might only be the gulf/Middle East models). 8 or 10 seat configuration with 5 spd. manual.

See now you're just taunting me. Those suckas are nice, but I'd have to take out a second mortgage just for a downpayment!!

Chris L

I have a mini-van, Dodge Grand Caravan, and I really like it. I was just like you when we were going to buy it, crying and in teh fetal position, but once I got used to it, I really like it. I grew up in a caravan, my dad bought the very first year model when they were first made and I hated it, but now they are very nice. The stow and go seating is really great, and the versitility of the minivan is very nice.

However, my wife drives the minivan and I drive a nissan pathfinder. If I had to drive the minivan I would shot myself.

Best of luck.

Matt

Originally Posted by mhailey

I have a mini-van, Dodge Grand Caravan, and I really like it. I was just like you when we were going to buy it, crying and in teh fetal position, but once I got used to it, I really like it. I grew up in a caravan, my dad bought the very first year model when they were first made and I hated it, but now they are very nice. The stow and go seating is really great, and the versitility of the minivan is very nice.

However, my wife drives the minivan and I drive a nissan pathfinder. If I had to drive the minivan I would shot myself.

Best of luck.

Matt

AKA, my wife doesn't complain, therefore I like the minivan

you could go the used route and find a good used one for a reasonable price and then with the money you saved from buying new get something fun hahahah :P

Sorry to be the one to break the news man, but it's time to leave your family... No man should be made to drive an automatic- the children aren't worth it.

No, but seriously... get a pickup and bolt a few seats in the back. The kids won't even feel the cold, I swear. You might even lose one over the side with a little luck.