Do I Need A Minivan?

I choose my username because the 1st words I muttered when we were told we were having twins was, "OMG we;ll need a minivan."

I know in reality we'll want one. I'm just wondering if we can wait to buy one. I'm so scared about something going wrong so I would like to wait until the twins are actually here to buy the minivan. Can we get by with a Britax Marathon and 2 infant seats in an SUV for a couple months?

 

I used to have a Jeep Grande Cherokee and there is no way I would have been able to get 3 carseats across in the seat. Honestly, with 3 kids I can't imagine not having a mini van. It is so nice to have the extra room and the remote power doors are so so nice. :good: That IMO is the best feature with twins.

 

Yes, you do.

Granted, my twins are not here yet, but we got the Odyssey last week. It is one sweet ride. Seriously.

But I do understand waiting. We held off until week 34.... and that was pushing it.

How far along are you? Where do you live?

They are doing some great deals on 09 Odysseys.... and if you happen to have a BJs warehouse club membership, you can upgrade to the executive membership and get access to their car buying program. They'll call around to local dealerships for you and get an awesome price. That's what we did.

 

We have a Rav-4 (small) and it barely fits 2 Britax Marathons & our full size super crew cab Ford F150 fits the 2 Marathons and one person in the middle. But a car seat would NOT fit in the middle if we needed it to.

I say give in & enjoy the relaxing mini-van world! I may join you in mini-van world even though we only have 2 kids - I just can't resist all the comfy things mini-vans offer!!!

 

Congrats and :welcome:

What SUV do you have? We had a Toyota Highlander and we got by for 9 months - yes, 9 aggravating months - with a Britax Marathon in the middle and two Graco car seats on the sides. I had to lift my 2 1/2 over a base to get her in and out of her seat. When we bought the Odyssey it honestly made life a million times easier. I really wish we had bought it before the babies were born. I would try it soon to see if they fit or not, and that will help you decide on the timeframe. But, I bet you end up buying a minivan at some point anyway :lol: so do yourself a favor and don't wait until your babies are outgrowing their infant seats. My little ones have Britax Boulevards and there was no way those were making it in the Highlander!!

 

I already have a daughter so we had to buy a van. We actually just bought a Dodge Grand Caravan and I love it. The auto sliding doors will come in handy with two infants!

 

i think it comes down to seating configuration of the vehicle minivan or not. With a minivan you end up with 2 kids in the front and 1 in the back. There are SUVs that have the opening in between the captains chairs in the middle to make easier access to the back, personal preference i think. good luck on your hunt!

 

Hey, I'm going to have all 3 of my kids in the back of our Impala.... lol!! (seriously though)

 

Hee hee- I said the same thing when we found out we were having twins, although I think I used more, ummmm, colorful words! :lol:

We got a Toyota Sienna recently. I wouldn't say I love it (only because I am still not over the fact that it's a van) but it is a nice vehicle that drives very nicely. DD will be 5 when the twins arrive and is thrilled to have the back of the van all to herself.

Good Luck!

 

I put two infant carriers and Britax Marathon in a Pontiac vibe. There were days I wasn't sure if the doors would close. I think I did it for about 6 mths but it was miserable. We bought our minivan in Dec and wish we had done it sooner. The auto sliding doors, the dvd system, dual air, they are all the best things in the world. My mom has a Tahoe with 3rd row and it is hard to get to. She doesn't have the captain chairs in the middle. I drove it Sat night and thought it was small compared to my minivan. I would not trade with her for anything in the world.

 

I am moving back to suburbia but the minivan is one thing I will NEVER succumb to. I dont care if someone has to ride shotgun on the roof of the car. I will NEVER drive a mini van. I shudder at the thought.

 

I would also like to (more constructively) add that I'm sure you would be able to manage with the vehicle that you have. Most people I know who have several young children manage to survive without a mini van (not everyone can afford to upgrade to a newer, more convenient car just because babies come along). If you have a vehicle that is safe and that will accomodate your babies' carseats and your lifestyle, then I see no reason why you should rush out to buy a new vehicle that you may or may not want. If its a convenience that you would like to have and that you can afford, then thats different, but I disagree that its an absolute necessity. I have personally seen friends suffer financial hardship from crumbling under the pressure of thinking that they MUST have certain things just because they are having children, and a car is a big financial undertaking. We forget that babies dont require much more than to loved, fed, cleansed and sheltered. Having or not having a minivan is not likely to make or break your life.

 

We had an Explorer for the first 5 months as the primary car. It was doable. Then DH was hit and his car was totaled. We decided to get me a minivan (Windstar), and he would keep the Explorer. The difference for my physically was HUGE. I am not short--5'6", but I didn't realize how much work it was to get the boys into the higher Explorer, also getting the stroller in and out of the SUV, was also hard. It was so much easier in the minivan, because it is closer to the ground. 6 1/2 years later, I am still driving that minivan--it is paid for We did not get all the bells and whistles, like automatic doors, but the minivan is soooo much easier on my body than the SUV was.

Sparkle, never say never--I know many people--all without twins, who said they would NEVER get a minivan--and now, they are ALL driving minivans! Having two convertable, rearfacing car seats is what causes most people to get them. The convertables are bigger than the carriers, and many people cannot sit in the drivers seat safely with the big seats rear-facing.

 

I used to be just like Sparkle...no WAY was I ever getting a minivan! But almost EVERY person with twins that I talked to told me how much easier the van made their lives, I succumbed a couple of weeks ago and bought a Toyota Sienna. I can't say I love it (it's a MINIVAN) but it drives really nice. I figured for 5 years, whatever would make our lives easier would be worth it and then I could go back to my beloved SUV. Convenience finally won out over pride, but MAN was it a knock-down, drag-out battle! :winking:

 

QUOTE(sparkle77 @ Jun 2 2009, 06:45 AM) [snapback]1337480[/snapback]
I would also like to (more constructively) add that I'm sure you would be able to manage with the vehicle that you have. Most people I know who have several young children manage to survive without a mini van (not everyone can afford to upgrade to a newer, more convenient car just because babies come along). If you have a vehicle that is safe and that will accomodate your babies' carseats and your lifestyle, then I see no reason why you should rush out to buy a new vehicle that you may or may not want. If its a convenience that you would like to have and that you can afford, then thats different, but I disagree that its an absolute necessity. I have personally seen friends suffer financial hardship from crumbling under the pressure of thinking that they MUST have certain things just because they are having children, and a car is a big financial undertaking. We forget that babies dont require much more than to loved, fed, cleansed and sheltered. Having or not having a minivan is not likely to make or break your life.


I will agree that it doesn't have to be a new one and making sure whatever you purchase works for you financially is important.


QUOTE(sharongl @ Jun 2 2009, 06:57 AM) [snapback]1337482[/snapback]
We had an Explorer for the first 5 months as the primary car. It was doable. Then DH was hit and his car was totaled. We decided to get me a minivan (Windstar), and he would keep the Explorer. The difference for my physically was HUGE. I am not short--5'6", but I didn't realize how much work it was to get the boys into the higher Explorer, also getting the stroller in and out of the SUV, was also hard. It was so much easier in the minivan, because it is closer to the ground. 6 1/2 years later, I am still driving that minivan--it is paid for We did not get all the bells and whistles, like automatic doors, but the minivan is soooo much easier on my body than the SUV was.

Sparkle, never say never--I know many people--all without twins, who said they would NEVER get a minivan--and now, they are ALL driving minivans! Having two convertable, rearfacing car seats is what causes most people to get them. The convertables are bigger than the carriers, and many people cannot sit in the drivers seat safely with the big seats rear-facing.


This is what did it for us. When the carriers fit I didn't think about the fact the convertible seats would not. DUH!! At 5'3" it really sucked getting DD in her seat in the middle of the SUV for 9 months...then we ended up needing a bigger vehicle anyway. Or we could have put one on the roof

 

I think the most important thing to consider is SAFETY. Yes, you MIGHT be able squeeze 3 seats into one seat, but can it be done safely?? I would recommend taking your vehicle and the seats you plan to use in to your fire or police dept. for an inspection. They will be able to tell you what is doable. I, for one, happily gave up my non-van ego for the sake of my 3 kids. Getting them from point A to point B safely was not an optional thing for me.

As for the SUV, 1 Britax and 2 Gracos did NOT fit in the back of our Explorer properly. We checked out the larger SUV's, but aside from the ridiculous price tags (and fuel inefficiency), we didn't feel they were going to be ideal for trying to juggle 3 kids in and out and a huge amout of *stuff* on a daily basis...even the ones w/ captains seats.

How far along are you? I personally would make sure I had my transportation set by the 3rd trimester. We ended up eating a couple of lease payments on our SUV to do this, but the peace of mind was worth it, imo. You really don't want to have to be worrying about car shopping while you're in the hospital post partum and you juuust never know when your babes will decide to arrive. If you're planning on getting one anyway, I'd definitely recommend buying before you have the babies.

Oh, and for the record, I have grown to like my van, cool or not. ardon:

Eve

 

We have a station wagon and it works fine! It was cheaper than a van---COULD fit three carseats in the back, I dont break my back getting kids in/out and has a lot of trunk space. Just an idea....


insurance is cheaper too- who steals a stationwagon?! LOL.

 

QUOTE(DisneyMomma @ Jun 1 2009, 11:47 PM) [snapback]1337376[/snapback]
We got a Toyota Sienna recently. I wouldn't say I love it (only because I am still not over the fact that it's a van) but it is a nice vehicle that drives very nicely. DD will be 5 when the twins arrive and is thrilled to have the back of the van all to herself.

I have a Sienna as well and absolutely love it. We've had it for 5 years now. And like you, my oldest DD LOVES having the back seat to herself.

 

QUOTE(sharongl @ Jun 2 2009, 11:57 AM) [snapback]1337482[/snapback]
We had an Explorer for the first 5 months as the primary car. It was doable. Then DH was hit and his car was totaled. We decided to get me a minivan (Windstar), and he would keep the Explorer. The difference for my physically was HUGE. I am not short--5'6", but I didn't realize how much work it was to get the boys into the higher Explorer, also getting the stroller in and out of the SUV, was also hard. It was so much easier in the minivan, because it is closer to the ground. 6 1/2 years later, I am still driving that minivan--it is paid for We did not get all the bells and whistles, like automatic doors, but the minivan is soooo much easier on my body than the SUV was.

Sparkle, never say never--I know many people--all without twins, who said they would NEVER get a minivan--and now, they are ALL driving minivans! Having two convertable, rearfacing car seats is what causes most people to get them. The convertables are bigger than the carriers, and many people cannot sit in the drivers seat safely with the big seats rear-facing.


Haha. I hear ya Sharong, but it will NEVER happen. Trust. I despise them. I think people are either mini van people or not. People who are mini van drivers love them but I dont like anything about them at all. We managed with my two brothers who were only a year apart (with an explorer and an acura). I'll live.

I think the mini van debate is like the pro-life/pro-choice debate. Hee hee!! :lol:

 

Oh I always said I would never drive a mini van and then when I started looking around for an SUV for myself a few years ago I found that (at least in Canada) I got way more in a minivan than even a small SUV for cheaper, so we bought a minivan with one kid, then had another who is almost 1 and now we're expecting twins YIKES!!

We actually don't know how we will fit the 2 baby seats in the minivan and be able to get around them to the carseat that will go in the back because they take up all the room from their seat to the seat in front of them! I guess one twin will go in front, the forward facing carseat in front too and another twin and older dd in the back, crazy eh?

But seriously I LOVE my minivan!!!! All the bells and whistles are awesome and it drives like a dream! Next time we will go without the stow and go seats cuz they aren't as comfy for passengers and well now that we have filled the van we'll never be able to stow the seats with so many passengers heehee! The Grand Caravan is awesome and usually cheaper than the others if price is an issue. Good luck!!!! Driving a minivan can be fun.

 

We have a Ford Escape (and a minivan), and there's no way I could put a third seat in the back.

 

Hubby and I are in this debate right now. He really wants the Honda Odyssey and I want the Honda Pilot. We have a mile long bumpy gravel driveway that resembles a dried up creek bed. I think I need the Pilot, he things the Odyssey will be better with 3. I worry about bottoming out in the drive way, and I just don't want the van.

 

We bought a new vehicle last year. At first we were going to get a SUV but then after looking at the options DH finaly agreed to "look" at a mini van. Since we do a lot of traveling (12 hour drive to Florida twice a year) we wanted space. And the extras that the van came with and compared to the SUVs and also the fact it was cheaper sold him on it. Now I tell him aren't you glad you caved last year because now we would be trading the SUV in for one now. We both love it. And I was only 20 and him 23 when we got it.

If it's looks your worried about, they have the "sportier" looking vans. We have a 2005 town and country. It has a roof rack and spoiler thing and bug sheild that makes it look not soo..... soccor momish. DH actually wanted to take it to work a couple times to show off all the features it has.

As for seating we are going to put both twins in the back, stow one of the front seats (we have the stow and go seating), and then DS (2) in the front. I can't see trying to climb past the carriers to buckle in DS and unbuckle everytime we get in and out. Expecially since most places we go are less than 10 min drives.

 

I went through the same thing…”I will never drive a mini-van, especially now with all the SUV choices”. We looked for weeks and I fought it all the way. I had worked too hard and long to drive a super un-cool car. I’m also a practical person. When you look at all the facts and features there is just zero justification to get anything else; Mini-vans are truly the only car on the road that is build specifically for families.
It’s been a year and a half and I still remember my sister (who has three kids) telling me “get over yourself!” She was right and I’m proud to drive my Honda Odyssey! It’s not forever it’s for the family and this is what I wanted, a family. When you have twins you want to make your life as easy as possible because the rest is really, really, really hard.

So to answer your question: do you need a mini-van? NO. Will you wish you had one? YES. This is just one of the tools of your new job you need to make your life easier.

 

A mini-van defiantly makes life easier, but it's not a necesity. If you have a nice sized SUV (Pilot or Highlenader) you can make it work. You just have to understand that things will bealittle more cramped and if youhave a 3rd child, they will have to climb into thier seat mostly by themselves.

 

QUOTE(sparkle77 @ Jun 2 2009, 10:04 AM) [snapback]1337679[/snapback]
Haha. I hear ya Sharong, but it will NEVER happen. Trust. I despise them. I think people are either mini van people or not. People who are mini van drivers love them but I dont like anything about them at all. We managed with my two brothers who were only a year apart (with an explorer and an acura). I'll live.


I just had to comment on this. I got pregnant with my girls when I was driving a little sports car. There was no way I would fit in it while pregnant let alone put 2 car seats in it. I was against Mini-vans so we went and leased a Ford Expedition. It was a pain in the butt to put the girls in rear facing. In order to have access to the third row the 2 seats had to be next to one another, which made it interesting to get them in. Then when they were getting bigger, and climbing in themselves it was tough for them. We got a good deal to get out of the lease early and got a ford edge, which was easier to get the girls in and out of.

Then DH's lease was up and he was looking at a new car for himself (he really wanted a convertible) and we went on vacation with is dad who rented a mini-van so we could all go in one car for the week. The ease of the mini-van, standing in the van strapping the girls in to the car seats in the pouring rain instead of getting wet. Now DH is driving the edge and I'm driving a mini-van. It has made my life so much easier.

 

I swore I would never have a minivan...fought my husband the whole way. Hated the looks of them, hated the stereotype that went along with them. I was not going to be the soccer mom driving a minivan!! My husband insisted on getting one and, of course, we got one. Now I'm one of those who is eating my words. Is it necessary? Probably not. Does it make life easier? Absolutely!! We tried it for 6 months with our Chrysler Intrepid and had a decent amount of room. But there is no way I would give up my van! I don't have to worry about opening up doors into other vehicles (probably the nicest accessory), my third row seats fold completely into the floor (awesome for Christmas shopping, grocery shopping, packing bikes, or whatever), my third row seats also to the 60/40 split so I can fold one side down completely if I need it...which I also use all the time. I just can't imagine not having the room. Also, my second row window srow down, so it feels more like an SUV than a van, and it rides like a dream. It's easy to park and I just can't imagine not having it. Plus, as one pp already stated, I can stand inside of the van and buckle the girls in while it's raining, or close the doors and move things around...stand up in it, and do things that I could never do with a car or the SUV's we looked at. I've been sold ever since we bought it....we have a KIA Sedona by the way.

 

QUOTE(sparkle77 @ Jun 2 2009, 06:10 AM) [snapback]1337468[/snapback]
I am moving back to suburbia but the minivan is one thing I will NEVER succumb to. I dont care if someone has to ride shotgun on the roof of the car. I will NEVER drive a mini van. I shudder at the thought.

Why? Is it because the car screams "parent?" Is it because it's uncool?
Well, to paraphrase another poster who paraphrased her sister: get over yourself. You are a parent. Accept that reality and move on. Get a vehicle that works for your family, in terms of lifestyle and budget.

I don't mean to pick on you, but it's a constant theme. Why is being a parent - and being seen as a parent - so bad?

 

QUOTE(Mellizos @ Jun 4 2009, 12:37 AM) [snapback]1339998[/snapback]
Why? Is it because the car screams "parent?" Is it because it's uncool?
Well, to paraphrase another poster who paraphrased her sister: get over yourself. You are a parent. Accept that reality and move on. Get a vehicle that works for your family, in terms of lifestyle and budget.

I don't mean to pick on you, but it's a constant theme. Why is being a parent - and being seen as a parent - so bad?


Um, I am very over myself and totally prepared to be a parent, but since you're trying to turn my humurous post into something serious, let me let YOU know that I just happen to disagree that driving a mini van is the only way to accomplish my job. I think the the fact that millions of women do it every day WITHOUT a mini van is proof positive that the almighty mini van, while a convenience, is not in fact a NECESSITY. I dont care who likes them and the joys that they get from their mini van, I dont and I wont drive one and it has not a single thing to do with my willingness or lack thereof to be a parent. There is a whole spectrum of vehicles between a two-seater sports car and a mini van. I'm sure I'll find something that falls into the category of "happy medium" and I doubt my children will suffer for it. I WILL drive vehicles that works for me and my family but it wont be a mini van and I assure you, that will not be the determining factor in my success as a parent, and its a stupid thing to even suggest (as you did).

 

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume that those that cannot see the virtues of a minivan have never had three in convertible carseats, two rear-facing. Two is doable in a much broader range of vehicles than three+, but even with two the day-to-day convenience of a minivan beats any preconceived ideas I had in my pre-van life. I'll tell ya, tonight in the pouring rain when the four of us all jumped in the van, I walked around and got everyone situated and buckled inside I didn't care how cool or sporty I was looking!