| Author | |
DeAnn M
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 18 2007
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 188
|
| Posted: Jan 02 2008 at 6:19pm | IP Logged
|
 |
|
O.K. Ladies,
We are expecting number six (due in July) and many of you know that means the end of a somewhat comfortable minivan existence. My husband has a Toyota Sequoia. The seats are wider than the ones in our Honda so, technically we could use that and fit everyone rather comfortably.
My question is, should we just break down and by the big, CAV (Catholic Action Van) as my friends with 10 kids refer to it? When did you guys make the switch and are you glad that you did? Did any of you just upgrade to a Suburban instead?
I think maybe my pride is the biggest stumbling block to the 12 passenger van purchase. If someone wants to tell me to get over that, go ahead...I can take it.
Thanks for your thoughts!
DeAnn
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
teachingmyown
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 20 2005
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 5128
|
| Posted: Jan 02 2008 at 6:47pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We have gone back and forth between the big vans and big SUVs. We got a Suburban before #6 was born, but unfortunately it was a lemon. So then we got a "great deal" on an old hotel van. I really liked the extra space for kids and stuff. We were able to take out a row and still have extra seats. Unfortunately, it only lasted a year.
Then we got an Excursion. I really liked it. Lots of cargo room, very comfortable and nicer to drive than a van. The only downside is getting kids in and out of the back row. I would say that with six kids, especially if you anticipate having more, you should probably go for the van.
Of course, we quickly outgrew the Excursion and now have a 12 passenger van. It is a newer year, so it is nice and comfortable and reliable. The down side to the 12 pass is no cargo room. I wanted another 15 pass so we take out a seat, but bought what was available and affordable.
As for the pride thing, get over it!  I had to get over it with my first van on the sides of which you could still see where it used to say Radisson!
__________________
In Christ,
Molly
wife to Court & mom to ds '91, dd '96, ds '97, dds '99, '01, '03, '06, and dss '07 and 01/20/11
Remembering Today
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
marianne
Forum Pro
Joined: Feb 22 2006
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 300
|
| Posted: Jan 02 2008 at 9:20pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Drivin' my 6 kids around in a 12 passenger over here! I'm used to it, but feel kind of conspicuous sometimes. And old. And completely uncool. But who am I kidding at this point?
__________________
\
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
SallyT
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 08 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2489
|
| Posted: Jan 02 2008 at 10:37pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
I have only four kids, but we still upgraded to a 12-passenger van this year -- after going camping 5 hours away with our kids plus a friend (and we like to take friends places), and having the three biggest kids riding with their knees in their teeth, and all our gear under their legs, we changed our minds about simply wanting a nicer minivan someday. And then a friend was selling this van, a 2003 Ford Econoline, in perfect condition, for a very good price . . .
Even though I don't technically "need" the big van, I love it. It drives really nicely -- surprisingly nicely, in fact. I know we should all be more virtuous anyway, but it has been good for family harmony. We were able to take all our local family to Thanksgiving at my aunt's an hour away this year. I was able to put 10 kids in my car to come home to make a movie of The Odyssey in my backyard. As my kids, and their friends, get bigger, I find that I'm really happy to have the extra space, even if we don't fill it up all the time. And for road trips, it's just incomparable. I loved our old minivan, which my husband now drives, but THIS is LUXURY. (okay, a little dorky-looking, maybe, but I don't care! I like being almost the biggest thing on the road!)
I could take out the back bench for more cargo space, but so far I've opted to leave all the seats in, so I'm not stuck needing to give rides to more people than I have seats for. I even helped a friend move the other day, and we were able to get virtually all her boxes into my van without having to take seats out. So the van has been a blessing in that way -- that I've been able to use it to help people out.
My only wish is that we DID have more children to fill it with. *sigh* But I love it anyway. I'd say go for as much space as you can -- it will never be "too much," especially as kids get bigger, develop longer legs, have more and larger friends, etc.
Sally
__________________
Castle in the Sea
Abandon Hopefully
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: Jan 02 2008 at 10:46pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We had a mini-van that seated 7.. so when I was due with #6 we had to upgrade.. well you see the spacing with my kids.. various reasons but we were in a position where financing a bigger used van was the best deal..
most of the suburbans/excursions only seat 8 anyway.. well when you're due with #6 that means you're full up before the "new" is even worn off.. and makes absolutely no sense financially if you have to finance something.. you'll outgrow it just when you're at the worst possible time.. it's depreciating before you've gotten much paid on it.
And then you look at just adding one more child in a 12 passenger van and you've lost any rear cargo space.. so..
We went right into a 15 passenger van.. we usually run it with the rear-most seat out so that it seats 11.. but with enough cargo space for tent camping for those it seats. It's been lovely.. and just to recap..
as of this June.. we'd have outgrown anything except the larger van anyway and still be paying on it.. but instead we'll have it paid off a year from february and still have space to keep using it.
ZERO problems with it. It's a 2000 Ford E350.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
vmalott
Forum All-Star
Joined: Sept 15 2006
Location: Ohio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 536
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 5:14am | IP Logged
|
|
|
We upgraded last year following a miscarriage. We were packed in our minivan (8 seat Chevy Venture) and couldn't imagine the kids having any sort of comfort once half of them were teens. We briefly considered a larger SUV, but realized seating would be an issue should another child come along.
We purchased a used 12 seat Chevy Express...really like the wheel base for this vehicle. Ditto on what everyone else says about rear cargo room, though we did manage a trip to NY last summer where we stayed in a cabin. We had lots of extra stuff (sheets, towels, baseball equipment, lawn chairs, coolers) but made use of the under-seat areas to pack things away.
I also love having the extra seating, so when my mom visits we can all go somewhere in one vehicle or we can take additional family members to the kids' sporting events. And now that #7 is due to make his arrival in the next couple of weeks, we're really happy we got the van when we did. 
Break out of the soccer-mom minvan/SUV mold and GO FOR IT!
Valerie
__________________
Valerie
Mom to Julia ('94), John ('96), Lizzy ('98), Connor ('01), Drew ('02), Cate ('04), Aidan ('08) and three saints in heaven
Seven Times the Fun
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
KackyK
Forum All-Star
Joined: May 22 2007
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1811
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 6:47am | IP Logged
|
|
|
After #6 for us we went to the 15 passenger van. It's been great because we do a lot of activities and now we can carpool!!! Before when we were in our Safari maxed out, I felt like I couldn't ask for a ride for any of my kids to things (or back again) because I wouldn't be able to help anyone out if they asked me. But now we can take whole clans with us!
Plus...it's nice merging into lanes...little cars don't stand a chance...I just keep moving over and they can just slow it down! 
__________________
KackyK
Mom to 8 - 3 dd, 5ds & 4 babes in heaven
Beginning With the Assumption
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Jenny
Forum Pro
Joined: Dec 20 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 489
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 6:52am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Oh DeAnn, we are in the same position right now! We are expecting #6 in June and currently drive a Dodge Caravan. When we found out we were expecting I started thinking about a van, my husband on the other hand started thinking suburban. We had a suburban before the minivan, but sold it when gas hit $3 a gallon! I LOVE suburbans! I feel cool driving one, I love the look, but...if we purchased another one, like someone else said, we will have already filled it up before the new wears off. Plus, when I had the suburban, car seat placement was crucial. If we did not want to climb over seats to get to the back, I could only place carseats in certain places to leave the seat available to fold down to get in back, and then fold down to get out....When we started looking at the price at vans vs suburban, they were close. Gas mileage is comparable too, which was a big concern for my husband. For us, it just makes more sense to spend about the same amount upfront, about the same amount in gas and have 4 extra seats.
I still waffle about a suburban as we are looking at vans, but like Marianne said, "Who am I kidding at this point"
I forgot to add, one of my major problems when we switched to the minivan was that I lost a buffer seat, you need those sometimes
__________________
Jenny
Chris' wife and momma of 7. My blog: The Littlest Way--Bible Journaling, Inspiring Bible Quotes, Daily Affirmations, Prayer Journaling & photography
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
DeAnn M
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 18 2007
Location: Virginia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 188
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 7:40am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Thanks for your responses ladies. I suppose I should stop worrying about looking cool and together. Honestly, when I take everyone out with me I hardly think I look anywhere near "together." It really makes sense to just upgrade to the 12 or 15 passenger van. Maybe if I test drive one I won't be so intimidated. Sigh....
All of my worldly ideals of cool need to be purged anyway...right?
God Bless! Thanks for your support.
DeAnn
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
5athome
Forum Pro
Joined: Oct 01 2005
Location: Texas
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 351
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 8:08am | IP Logged
|
|
|
We are expecting #7 and will take the big van plunge soon. I am not sure how old your dc are, but my teen boy is having a difficult time compacting himself into the minivan seating so he is looking forward to the purchase! We currently have a Toyota Sienna & Honda Odessey.
One thing we did this summer for a weeklong trip across country was rent a 12 passenger van (it was $400 for a week). It was well worth the expense because it allowed us to try it out and see how it would work for us. It also cemented our decision to go 15 passenger rather than 12.
__________________
Margaret
ds '93, dd '96, ds '99,
ds '01, dd '04, ds '06,
ds '08
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
crusermom
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 09 2007
Location: New Jersey
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 878
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 8:13am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I wouldn't say I love my "CAV" but it has served its purpose over the past nine years. My husband is in the Army and we haved moved frequently - it is so funny that we always meet other Catholic families because of the van. It is uncool and I resisted it at first. I insisted on the tinted windows - you look slightly less like a delivery van and I can sit in a back seat in parking lots and nurse in total privacy. Take a nap, whatever.
Although other people do it, I have not let my teenagers learn to drive in it. I am just paranoid. I bought a small used car for them to drive and that I use when it is just a few of us.
We started with a Honda hatchback, went to a Caravan, then a Suburban, then the 15 passenger van. Cool might be lost along the way, but much more is gained!
Mary
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
asplendidtime
Forum All-Star
Joined: Dec 14 2005
Location: Canada
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 744
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 8:31am | IP Logged
|
|
|
Chevy Astro comfortably seats 8 with plenty of head room and foot room! It is also pretty good on gas, a little more than a mini, but less than a big SUV.
We at one time had a Ford Windstar when I was expecting our 6th, we got a second back bench seat and put it in the middle. It was great, low gas mileage, and was comfortable enough.
__________________
Rebecca~Mama to
Noah 17,
Katie 16,
Mary 14,
Tim 13,
Jonah 12,
Josh 10,
Zoe 9,
Will 7,
Peter 6,
Laura-Mae 4,
Emily-Joy 2,
Genevieve & Gabriella 1
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
SallyT
Forum All-Star
Joined: Aug 08 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2489
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 10:27am | IP Logged
|
|
|
I've already weighed in on this, but want to echo what everyone else says about thinking ahead. If you're already going to be maxed out in a new vehicle, it's not going to get any more comfortable as your children grow, whether you have more or not.
When we were pondering whether or not to buy the van we currently have (12-passenger for a family of 6, unlikely to grow any larger), I started thinking not only about the size of our own family, but about kids and friends. Currently we have at least one kid-friend who goes with us lots of places -- I keep her daily after she gets out of school, so she is a fixture in our car for sure. There's one more kid who goes with us to choir twice a week. Already I'm up to seven people in the car. So far my two littles don't have the kinds of friends who half-live with us, but in a few more years, they will. Potentially, we could be driving someplace in the not-too-distant future with our entire family plus a friend for each child: that's ten people in our car. We like being able to include friends in things like camping and day trips, as well as carpooling (we also used to have to decline offers to carpool, because we couldn't fit all the kids needing carpooling).
We went from a minivan in which we still had one extra seat -- and which was still too small for us, even so -- to the big van, which gives us comfort, the possibility of children's NOT having to sit next to each other (family harmony!), lots of flexibility for placing car seats, and the potential for taking with us as many extra people as we like. PLUS it's got a great stereo, far better than in our old van, front-and-rear heat and air, power everything, which we didn't have before . . . as I said before, this is LUXURY.
And although I, too, was nervous about driving something so big, test-driving this one put me at ease at once. It really is easy to drive, and even backing up in a parking lot isn't nearly as scary as I had imagined it would be.
AND the van has her own personality. The kids named her Lulabelle, and we look forward to many years with our faithful new friend.
Sally
__________________
Castle in the Sea
Abandon Hopefully
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
LisaR
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2226
|
| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 7:24pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We are a 9 Pass Suburban Family here. Plenty of room for my big 5 ft 11 in 14 y/o and all the other growing kiddos, LOADS of cargo space, and I read up lots on Consumer Reports magazine and website about what year/make/model to buy vans) , also we have known 2 family acqaintences roll their 12 and 15 pass vans so we knew we never could do that. I know we "only" have 5 kids, but we very often haul more friends. Ours is a 2002, we have had it for 3 years and besides a new battery, new tires (all jsut replacing the originals) and oil changes, I think that is all we have done!
__________________
Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
Thomas 11
Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Bookswithtea
Forum All-Star
Joined: July 07 2005
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2621
|
| Posted: Jan 04 2008 at 1:47pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
We were pregnant with #6 when our suburban hit black ice...sigh...no more suburban. We faced the same decision, and decided on the van. Two factors stood out to us: One is that when we go grocery shopping, we were already having to put boxes on people's heads in the Suburban (we live a ways away from the stores so we stock-up-shop). We also never had enough storage room in the back when we went on vacation. This is why we passed on the 12 passenger and went straight for the 15 passenger. We do sometimes put in the back row when I am carpooling with another family who has lots of kids, but most of the time, I have all that wonderful space for my ridiculously large sit n stand stroller with plenty of room for whatever else I need to haul.
We haven't regretted it. It was wonderful when we drove 14 hrs in one day to visit a relative. Room for everyone and everything. Sometimes I feel a little silly because its so large, but honestly, it works so well for us. Ours is 2003 Chevy. We bought it used and haven't had a problem with it yet.
__________________
Blessings,
~Books
mothering ds'93 dd'97 dd'99 dd'02 ds'05 ds'07 and  due 9/10
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
LisaR
Forum All-Star
Joined: Feb 07 2005
Location: N/A
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2226
|
| Posted: Jan 04 2008 at 2:52pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
forgot to mention another huge deciding factor for us: the suburban can fit in our attached garage, and the 12 pass would not (dh measured 3x to make sure!) the 15 pass would have to be on the street, and I have been so spoiled "shlepping" our groceries a few feet from garage to kitchen! :)
__________________
Lisa
dh Tim '92
Joseph 17
Paul 14
Thomas 11
Dominic 8
Maria Gianna 5
Isaac Vincent 9/21/10! and...
many little saints in heaven!
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
Stephanie_Q
Forum Pro
Joined: Aug 25 2007
Location: Nebraska
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 479
|
| Posted: Jan 04 2008 at 3:16pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
Like Sally we only have 4 kids and are already in a 12 passenger. A little early, but the transmission in the minivan was going out and so it was a choice of another minivan that we'd lose money on and (hopefully) outgrow in a few years, or a van that we can drive into the ground...found a good deal on a full-size Chevy Express (cheaper than a Suburban, which we considered, too) and took the plunge. No regrets.
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
JodieLyn
Forum Moderator
Joined: Sept 06 2006
Location: Oregon
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 12234
|
| Posted: Jan 04 2008 at 6:01pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
oh you also need to look at insurance.. insurance on a van is often less than on an SUV.
__________________
Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
All men who have turned out worth anything have had the chief hand in their own education.
-Sir Walter Scott
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
juststartn
Forum All-Star
Joined: Jan 17 2007
Location: Oklahoma
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1321
|
| Posted: Jan 04 2008 at 8:56pm | IP Logged
|
|
|
When we have to upgrade, I am going to INSIST on a 15 passenger. We're currently in a Honda Odyssey--which works really well for now. But then again, we went from 3 dc to 5 in one fell swoop, lol. We bought the van in June, got pregnant the end of September, found out the following February that "the" baby was, in fact TWO babies...for awhile, we thought that there just might be THREE in there--and that would have meant a new vehicle. We can fit two boosters and three car seats in the Odyssey, but whew, its tight. We're still okay on cargo space, but I'm glad we have the roof rack--we'll likely be needing it sooner rather than later. LOL
But oh, I look forward to the "CAV" years (I LOVE THAT! I have to remember that one...lol).
Rachel
__________________
Married DH 4/1/95
Lily 3/11/00
Helena(Layna) 5/23/02
Sophia 4/19/04
John 5/7/07
David 5/7/07
Ava Maria, in the arms of Jesus, 9/5/08
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
vmalott
Forum All-Star
Joined: Sept 15 2006
Location: Ohio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 536
|
| Posted: Jan 05 2008 at 8:37am | IP Logged
|
|
|
LisaR wrote:
| forgot to mention another huge deciding factor for us: the suburban can fit in our attached garage |
|
|
Our 12 pass Chevy Express just fits in our garage, which I am grateful for, as cleaning snow off of the thing would be quite the task at 9 months pregnant!
Also, one thing we discovered, when we were looking for a reasonably priced USED van was it was much, much easier to find used 15 passenger vans than the 12 passenger ones....and we did LOTS of looking. Live auctions, used dealerships locally, online auctions. We eventually found the one we wanted on cars.com in a neighboring state.
Valerie
__________________
Valerie
Mom to Julia ('94), John ('96), Lizzy ('98), Connor ('01), Drew ('02), Cate ('04), Aidan ('08) and three saints in heaven
Seven Times the Fun
|
| Back to Top |
|
| |
|
|
4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Big Van or Squish into a Minivan?
