raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095 
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Post by raindancer on Jul 8, 2014 0:00:03 GMT
 Of course it did. And so did our A/C. And we live in Tucson. And it's July.  Whatever. You just get to roll with the punches I guess. So the A/C is good with the repair guy coming tomorrow, but our van is 11 years old and the amount of work it needs far exceeds its current value. So we are thinking it's time to suck it up and get something else. (We loathe car payments. Loathe them.) So we have a 10 and 12 yo and really we don't transport friends all that often, but sometimes we do, so I'm thinking maybe? a third row? I just really feel like I'm over the mini van. Even though I have a lot of reasons to replace ours, the cons (I really think they are so ugly and blah to drive) really push me to just get a sedan. SUV's aren't super practical due to the crappy gas mileage and how far we have to commute. But maybe they have better gas mileage than my current van 19mpg and I don't even know what I'm talking about. I'm going to say I'm looking at used, and newer than 2008, but I don't have any access to consumer reports and have not had a lot of luck looking at reliability ratings on line. Anyone have a good link for that that is free? Also, I don't want to deal with Chevy, their recall disaster is not something I want to deal with. Do you love your car? Think i should get one too?
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Post by ntsf on Jul 8, 2014 0:06:16 GMT
I love my honda crv...and my mechanic has one too...mine is 10 yrs old and still going strong...it seats 5. plenty enough. never had a van.
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Post by Pahina722 on Jul 8, 2014 0:18:57 GMT
Our CRV is 8 years old and going strong. We really love our Subaru Outback, too, and it gets better gas mileage: about 26 mpg with my combined city/interstate driving. Of course, both of them only seat 5, but that's all I want to transport. If we need more than 5 at a time, we'll take both cars!
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Post by scraphollie27 on Jul 8, 2014 0:46:25 GMT
I gave up my mini van when my kids were the same age as yours. I had, in the past, transported full van loads of kids but when I saw the price of third-row seating I choked. We settled on a used, 5 passenger Mazda Tribute and I haven't regretted it. I enjoy bing higher up off the ground in an SUV as well as having a bit more room than a car. The dog fits in the back now! Honda CRV is next on my list when it is time to trade the Mazda in
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 29, 2024 0:20:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2014 0:53:09 GMT
We have an 8 and 14 year old. Got rid of my van when they were 6 and 12. Got rid of it because I didn't want to drive a "mom" van anymore! Got an SUV that can seat 5 but the 3 in the back seat are squished if the 3rd is one of my 14 y.o friends. We carpool a lot with the 14 yo DS and his friends families for stuff. They are a core group of 4 best buds and go everywhere together. Needless to say, I love my SUV, but regret that I can't fit them more comfortably. We are driving other kid at least 3 times a week. Throw in DD and her friend(s) and we need to take 2 cars. I'm either going back to a van or getting an SUV with 3rd row seating next.
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
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Post by raindancer on Jul 8, 2014 1:00:02 GMT
We have an 8 and 14 year old. Got rid of my van when they were 6 and 12. Got rid of it because I didn't want to drive a "mom" van anymore! Got an SUV that can seat 5 but the 3 in the back seat are squished if the 3rd is one of my 14 y.o friends. We carpool a lot with the 14 yo DS and his friends families for stuff. They are a core group of 4 best buds and go everywhere together. Needless to say, I love my SUV, but regret that I can't fit them more comfortably. We are driving other kid at least 3 times a week. Throw in DD and her friend(s) and we need to take 2 cars. I'm either going back to a van or getting an SUV with 3rd row seating next. This is a fear of mine. I feel like the bigger they get the worse it will be, but I really just am not driving them around all that often. And I know lots of people who just ask me to drive extra kids because I have the van, but it would be ok if I didn't have one. The CRV's look great. I will for sure add them to my list! |
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 8, 2014 1:15:57 GMT
I grudgingly gave up my Sebring for an SUV two yrs ago. I loved my car but needed the extra room for the dogs, yes dogs, not kids  I hear that same 'I like being higher up' in an SUV but I still don't understand it. Maybe it's because I was so comfortable in my Sebring and Grand Am (both sit lower to the ground) that I don't understand the appeal or need. Or maybe it's because I'm 5'8" so I'm tall enough to not feel small in most vehicles  Get a car and be different - you'll be able to find your vehicle in a parking lot because it will stand out My Sebring was roomy enough for my two oldest kids - my 6'4" ds and my 6' dd. It also has a really roomy trunk. And it might get better gas mileage. I do really like my 4Runner. It's a nice vehicle it just feels like I'm just like so many of the moms out there trying to stay out of a mini van We have the third row seats, but we keep them in the garage and have the dog's crate in the back instead. |
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Post by cadoodlebug on Jul 8, 2014 1:36:26 GMT
I grudgingly gave up my Sebring for an SUV two yrs ago. I loved my car but needed the extra room for the dogs, yes dogs, not kids I hear that same 'I like being higher up' in an SUV but I still don't understand it. |
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Post by gmcwife1 on Jul 8, 2014 1:39:54 GMT
I grudgingly gave up my Sebring for an SUV two yrs ago. I loved my car but needed the extra room for the dogs, yes dogs, not kids I hear that same 'I like being higher up' in an SUV but I still don't understand it. Thank you!! I have almost daily back pain but it has never been different between my vehicles. But I know back pain can be very different for each person! |
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Post by jackie on Jul 8, 2014 1:45:25 GMT
My kids are 23, 18, and 15 and I'm STILL not ready to get rid of my mini-van. I don't care if it screams "Mom"--I am a mom. I just love my mini-van. We like to go on trips and they always involve driving. The mini-van gives plenty of seating space and plenty of storage. My kids, well I should really just say "kid" at this point, still need groups of friends transported. My dd wants a birthday party at the lake this summer. It's not far away, but far enough that I don't want parents to have to lug their kids out there. Plus it's a sleepover after so they would have to bring them back to my house. I love that I have enough seating to take a decent sized group. I'll probably be ready next time (which we'll be a while since I got this one less than a year ago) but I don't care. I love my mini-van whether it's full of kids or just me. I know they aren't for everyone though, so good luck with your non van purchase!
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Post by stephofalltrades on Jul 8, 2014 2:22:52 GMT
Toyota Rav 4, Honda CRV, GMC Traverse, Ford Escape and Kia Sportage or Sorento would all probably get better gas mileage than your van. I've known people that have owned each and been pleased.
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Post by cropaholicnora on Jul 8, 2014 2:31:17 GMT
I bought a used Ford Escape a year ago and I love it. Gas mileage probably isn't much better than your minivan, but it's comfortable, has a good bit of room and gets me around in all weather. I really like Edmunds for pricing and rating help. It's what I used when I bought my Escape. |
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
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Post by raindancer on Jul 8, 2014 3:07:50 GMT
I bought a used Ford Escape a year ago and I love it. Gas mileage probably isn't much better than your minivan, but it's comfortable, has a good bit of room and gets me around in all weather. I really like Edmunds for pricing and rating help. It's what I used when I bought my Escape. Thank you, I will look there!  |
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jennw
New Member
Posts: 9
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Post by jennw on Jul 8, 2014 3:26:35 GMT
I will also nominate the Honda CR-V. We went from a mini-van down to the CR-V when my kids were the same age as yours and I have never regretted it. We get 26-28 mpg. It is much easier to park than a mini-van. My kids are old enough that we can transport 2 of their friends. If we need to carpool with more people than that, someone else drives. It's awesome, actually.
Take care,
Jenn
Bonus- if the in-laws are visiting they have to drive separately!
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Post by Skypea on Jul 8, 2014 8:30:02 GMT
so, did you share pics of your new kitchen with us?
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Post by giatocj on Jul 8, 2014 10:15:37 GMT
I wish that we could move on from our mini van, but with a big dog and a teenager, road trips would be impossible for us without it, so I'm OK with it for the long haul. It's still in great working condition (it's a 2006 Grand Caravan), which is a plus, but I think when the time comes we'll be looking at a Subaru Outback.
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Post by Miss Lerins Momma on Jul 8, 2014 15:45:29 GMT
The same day we paid for our new kitchen cabinets, our AC died. That's how it happens though!
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Post by jojam on Jul 8, 2014 15:51:39 GMT
I grudgingly gave up my Sebring for an SUV two yrs ago. I loved my car but needed the extra room for the dogs, yes dogs, not kids I hear that same 'I like being higher up' in an SUV but I still don't understand it. when every other vehicle on the road is a 1/2 ton truck, and you are basically sitting on the ground in a sedan, being higher up is nice. There have been times when there is no way I'd turn right on red because a big truck was on my left and I couldn't see around it because I was too low. Being higher up where I can see so much better when I'm higher up. Plus, I don't feel like I can be run over as easily. |
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Post by candleangie on Jul 8, 2014 15:57:18 GMT
I have an '08 Honda Pilot and I LOOOOVE her. Seriously. Best car ever. 22-26mpg depending on where I'm driving, third row seat in case I have extra kids (Or my three want to spread out a bit), plenty of cargo space, etc.
My sister actually went out and bought the same car. We LOVE it!
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
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Post by raindancer on Jul 8, 2014 18:46:52 GMT
so, did you share pics of your new kitchen with us? Not yet. We are almost done, but it was a DIY project and while my dh was on vacation, he got a stomach bug. That took a couple days away. So I should be done grouting tomorrow. Then I will! |
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raindancer
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,095
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Post by raindancer on Jul 8, 2014 18:48:07 GMT
The same day we paid for our new kitchen cabinets, our AC died. That's how it happens though! So crazy. I hate that! I'm actually feeling very fortunate that we didn't really spend all of our money. I probably shouldn't make light of it, because I know that is a reality for many people. We are able to handle it financially, and that is really nice. Even if it's really, really, annoying. I looked at a few of those online yesterday. I have not driven an SUV in ten years so I am happy to see that they are good gas mileage compared to then and my current van now. Do you live where it is hot by any chance? The A/C trying too cool down when the temps are triple digits many months out of the year kills the fuel economy. My van did so much better in Illinois than in AZ. |
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Post by candleangie on Jul 9, 2014 14:23:03 GMT
I'm in Portland Oregon, so we don't really get that hot very often. I pretty much have the AC on all year though. I can't stand stuffy car air.
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Post by meowgal on Jul 9, 2014 14:43:41 GMT
I know it isn't an SUV or Van, but I LOVE my Prius! And everybody is totally surprised by how much room, including leg room, it has! When I first got it, two of my old coworkers rode in it and both were over 6 foot and said both the front and back was comfortable and roomy for them. Oh, and best yet: I have NEVER gotten less than 47.7 mpg and have gotten up to 52.5 mpg. You gotta love that! I've also been driving it for 7.5 years without any issues.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Jul 9, 2014 15:06:50 GMT
I just spent all my money on vacation and a wedding and then DH's car died. It's in the shop right now where it has been for a week. $1200 in repairs. And we can't really afford to replace it right now.
I just bought a mini van. Honestly, it is really awesome. Then again, we have 5 kids between us, and it was getting old taking two cars everywhere. I love that there is enough room for all 7 of us, the dog, and enough luggage to go away for a weekend.
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Post by Skypea on Jul 11, 2014 23:46:51 GMT
so, did you share pics of your new kitchen with us? Not yet. We are almost done, but it was a DIY project and while my dh was on vacation, he got a stomach bug. That took a couple days away. So I should be done grouting tomorrow. Then I will! oh good! I'll try to watch for it... I haven't figured out yet how posts 'move' on here. like do they return to p1 if a reply is posted etc. or do they just keep moving on to p2...then p3 ?
did you put in lots of drawers? I prefer them (not that I have many). They make it easier to access stuff. I'm hoping to have a 2 door cabinet changed out to 3 or 4 drawers. I won't do the work of it myself (I'm not that limber anymore) but have a young guy who does some work for me. He's good at stuff like that.
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Post by Skypea on Jul 11, 2014 23:49:42 GMT
ok, so after my prev post/reply I went back to p1 to see if this thread was there - and it was! so that answers 1 of the things I didn't know about the 'workings' of this board.
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Post by MorellisCupcake on Jul 12, 2014 2:26:15 GMT
I'm sorry, but I totally laughed at your thread title. I know just the tone of voice to say it, since I have that kind of luck/life a lot of the time too.
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Post by anonrefugee on Jul 12, 2014 2:41:51 GMT
I opened this thread because of Morelli's Cupcake^^ I finished Plum Spooky this afternoon and am still on an Evanovich high!
But I can contribute. DH was driving my old Pilot yesterday and mentioned he wouldn't hesitate to buy another, even with 100K on it. Gas mileage isn't stellar, but reliability and ability to haul kids and stuff is.
IMHO your kids are hitting prime friend and gear hauling, I wouldn't downsize yet.
If you're into renovation you might like to know it can carry a full sheet of 4x8 gyp or plywood llying flat in the back. It's slightly larger than 48" between wheels well things...
I might check out a CRV when I bit next life stage
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Deleted
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Sept 29, 2024 0:20:56 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2014 2:49:06 GMT
I would cry over the lack of A/C. It's been freaking hot here. We need a good monsoon. How are you surviving?
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pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
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Post by pridemom on Jul 12, 2014 23:45:16 GMT
I must be weird. We got rid of the minivan four years ago and I want to get another one. Our kids are 12-19 and the SUV we have (Ford Expedition) does not have enough room for all 6 of us and luggage. My son is 6'2" and if we are driving far, I give him the front for leg room. I drive a van for work from time to time and it's more comfortable for me. It sits up just high enough for comfort and visibility, but not so high that I have to climb into it.
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Of course it did. And so did our A/C. And we live in Tucson. And it's July. 
Refupea #1142
I hear that same 'I like being higher up' in an SUV but I still don't understand it. Maybe it's because I was so comfortable in my Sebring and Grand Am (both sit lower to the ground) that I don't understand the appeal or need. Or maybe it's because I'm 5'8" so I'm tall enough to not feel small in most vehicles 
