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cfa83
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 12:16pm | IP Logged
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I'm not sure where to post this. We have 6 children and own a 15 passenger van that was recently totaled in an accident. All are well. We need to replace the car but not necessarily looking for another 15 passenger van.
We tried a Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. We are concerned about having little elbow room. Has anyone had any experience with conversion vans?
Any other recommendations?
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Linda
Married to an incredible man, mother to 6 precious (and I mean precious) children: Grace, Michael, John, Faith, Hope and Andrew
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Lori
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 12:24pm | IP Logged
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Linda, glad no one was seriously hurt!
We own a Kia Sedona...it has decent room in the back for 3 passengers, but we opted for the middle captain's chairs, since we only have 5 kiddos...
I think the bench in the middle would be okay, too...are all 8 of you in the van together a lot, or just you and the kids mostly?
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cfa83
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 12:47pm | IP Logged
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It would be the whole enchilada, my dh, myself and our 6 bambinos.
We had literally just finished paying of the 15 passenger van 2 weeks prior to the accident. God blessed us with a different alternative to do with the "extra" cash on hand!
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Linda
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folklaur
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 1:30pm | IP Logged
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I LOVE our conversion van.
We had one before, and a kid ran a red light right into us. The entire body was crushed under my dd's carseat - we were all fine - if we had been in a minivan or smaller that would not have been the case.
We have finally been able to get another one - we were in the right place at the right time kind of deal. We had a Ford Explorer, but oh, how we missed our big ol' van. I am so happy to have another.
However, I am not sure how you would fit 6 kiddos in....5 is no problem - but you can add an additional back seat, I think, to most of them. Or - if there was a double bench in back, then maybe....
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cfa83
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 1:41pm | IP Logged
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What type of conversion van do you have?
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Linda
Married to an incredible man, mother to 6 precious (and I mean precious) children: Grace, Michael, John, Faith, Hope and Andrew
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KackyK
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 1:42pm | IP Logged
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A friend of mine has a Sprinter. She was/is really concerned with car safety and feels like the 15 passengers aren't safe (I have one and love mine tho!). Anyways, she loves her Sprinter!
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KackyK
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cfa83
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 1:48pm | IP Logged
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Is a Sprinter a Dodge conversion van?
After having my family in that accident, I was very grateful we had the height in a 15 passenger van. However, I have no peace about replacing it with another one. I do not feel we need that much room after all.
I LOVE the safety of what I am reading concerning the Sienna and Odyssey. I just think we need more room.
Is there anyone or knows anyone who is comfortable with either of these cars that has a family of 8?
The conversion vans looks great to us also. I have no idea on what the safety would be on them compared to what you get with the Toyota or Honda models of vans.
The accident did make an impact of me.
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Linda
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Maria B.
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 1:54pm | IP Logged
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Not sure what you might have in mind, but you might try Four Way Motors in PA. Our Ford van of 14 years broke down the day before Christmas Eve. It was not worth fixing it as the repairs cost more than what the van is worth. Four Ways is a Mennonite owned family business that sells used vans. They are wonderful people to work with and very trustworthy. We found a van in good condition for a reasonable price. I highly recommend them.
Four Way Auto & Truck Sales, LLC
New Holland, PA 17557
Toll Free 877-999-VANS
Good luck!
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Maria in VA
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KackyK
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 2:00pm | IP Logged
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I don't think the Sprinter is a conversion van. It's more than that...it's taller for sure than my Chevy Express, but I think I'm longer than the Sprinter.
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KackyK
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folklaur
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 2:20pm | IP Logged
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The accident wehad was the biggest reason I went with another full-size van. They are solid, iykwim?
Our first van '93 Ford 150.
We now have '93 Chevy G20 - it is a little bigger, but just a little.
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cfa83
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| Posted: Jan 03 2009 at 3:17pm | IP Logged
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Maria,
I called the dealer and they are closed now. I left a message so hopefully we will connect. Thanks for the information.
We will go to our local dealer here to try a Sprinter.
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Linda
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sewcrazy
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My DH is in the car business, and I have had the opportunity to drive many different vehicles. You can fit 6 kids in a Sienna. The only problem is if/when they get very tall. My 6 foot 15 yos doesn't fit in the third row comfortably. But he doesn't fit in any 3rd row comfortably.
LeeAnn
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LeeAnn
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cfa83
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LeeAnn,
We drove both the Sienna and Odessey. Both comfortable but not much wiggle room with 6 kids. Did you ever consider any conversion vans?
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Linda
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sewcrazy
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My husband says, in his opinion, the only vehicle that seats 8 comfortably and is safe is the Chevy Suburban with bench seats. We use one for our weekly car pool for our oldest's school and put 7 high schoolers and all their gear comfortably.
He doesn't care for conversion vans, and won't let me drive them.
LeeAnn
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LeeAnn
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Angie Mc
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We have an 8 seater Toyota Sienna and we love it! We have four children and one carseat at this time but are looking to foster-to-adopt and feel this van will serve us well.
Glad you are safe and praying for a smooth purchasing process:).
Love,
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Angie Mc
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5athome
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We have a seven seat Odessey and 8 seat Sienna. With 3 car seats plus the teenagers it is very tight -- not much room for those growing teen legs. With our newest one we have outgrown them and are searching for a 15 passenger. The Sienna is my favorite because of the larger cargo area.
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Gloria JMJ
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Our Suburban works very well for us and My DH, like sewcrazy's, doesn't feel that the 15 passenger vans are very safe. We are out growing our Suburban though and are looking into an extra seat option for it. Hope you find the perfect (for your family) rig!
Gloria + 8 (soon to be 9!)
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cfa83
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It has been difficult to choose one type of car. I checked out several suburbans out today. They are roomy. Those of you who have them, do your kids feel cramped in the back row? I saw several where there is little leg room between the seat and the bench in front of it.
A friend of mine who drives a Sienna (she has 5 kids) said they were complaining today of being cramped. I feel strongly about finding a compromise, just which one!!
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Linda
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LisaR
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sewcrazy wrote:
My husband says, in his opinion, the only vehicle that seats 8 comfortably and is safe is the Chevy Suburban with bench seats. We use one for our weekly car pool for our oldest's school and put 7 high schoolers and all their gear comfortably.
He doesn't care for conversion vans, and won't let me drive them.
LeeAnn
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ditto, and ditto!
our suburban (2002) seats 9, with three rows of seats. it has side curtain air bags and drives very safe. we jsut went through an awful ice storm and a friend flipped her 15 pass van totally over into a ditch.
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LisaR
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PS Linda, my 15 and 12 y/o sons will sit in the back seat without complaint. I think the width 9or depth??) of the seat helps. My older sons are 6 ft 1 in and 5 ft 41/2.
however, I would never have a need for them to regularly ride back there, especially for long trips.
We've been through two football carpool seasons, with up to 6 huge stinky boys and ALL their equipment, plus driver, and everyone/everything fit great! the back is so roomy for cargo!! 
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Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
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many little saints in heaven!
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4Real Forums : Tea and Conversation
Topic: van totaled,need advice
