@porcupine73 I own 3. Yes 3 different minivans. 2 Toyotas and a Mazda 5. They are cheaper than SUVs. Better gas mileage than Suvs. Sliding automatic doors. You can literally fita 4x8 piece of plywood in the Toyota.
Best things about minivans?
- Thread starter porcupine73
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redwinginco
New member
@danielmow I’m curious what’s your reasoning for owning 3 mini vans?
@redwinginco TLDR: They still run and we still needed the seats
1st Van 2005 Toyota Sienna (seats 8 named Vanessa) purchased when #3 was in the oven. Still runs great with over 200K miles
2nd Van 2013 Mazda 5 (seats 6 named Mazzi). Still needed 6 seats to fit the family if Vanessa is in the shop. Drives more like a car. Replaced my sedan when it gave up the ghost. Fits a twin mattress in a pinch. Still kicking with almost 150K.
3rd Van 2018 Toyota Sienna (seats 8 named Van Helsing). Still needed a van for seats and gear hauling. We love Vanessa so went with another Sienna. I don't expect the next vehicle to be a van. However, when Van Helsing gives up the ghost then there is a chance we might replace her with another Van.
We have 6 biological children. We also have done foster care and have adopted one through foster care. Big families require lots of seats. I have also installed trailer hitches on both Sienna's . Not to pull trailers but instead to put on a carry all tray or bike rack.
1st Van 2005 Toyota Sienna (seats 8 named Vanessa) purchased when #3 was in the oven. Still runs great with over 200K miles
2nd Van 2013 Mazda 5 (seats 6 named Mazzi). Still needed 6 seats to fit the family if Vanessa is in the shop. Drives more like a car. Replaced my sedan when it gave up the ghost. Fits a twin mattress in a pinch. Still kicking with almost 150K.
3rd Van 2018 Toyota Sienna (seats 8 named Van Helsing). Still needed a van for seats and gear hauling. We love Vanessa so went with another Sienna. I don't expect the next vehicle to be a van. However, when Van Helsing gives up the ghost then there is a chance we might replace her with another Van.
We have 6 biological children. We also have done foster care and have adopted one through foster care. Big families require lots of seats. I have also installed trailer hitches on both Sienna's . Not to pull trailers but instead to put on a carry all tray or bike rack.
porcupine73
New member
@danielmow Wow! That is a lot of storage. Thanks!
@porcupine73 I bought a backpacking air mat, folded the seats down, and took glorious naps at lunch when I went back to work. SO MUCH ROOM!
porcupine73
New member
I never realized how great naps are until after becoming a mom.@porcupine73 You are good with an SUV or sedan until 3 kids. Then with 3 the minivan let's you climb back and address each kids needs without twisting around and cracking a rib.
Amazing in rides over 30 mins.
That said, the car market is slowing a little. If you can hang on to what you have now and wait for a deal on a used minivan when lots of families upgrade when prices drop, you should be good.
Amazing in rides over 30 mins.
That said, the car market is slowing a little. If you can hang on to what you have now and wait for a deal on a used minivan when lots of families upgrade when prices drop, you should be good.