Newly divorced mom with 4 kids needs car. Minivan or SUV

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Minivan

Yeah, you have four freakin kids. You want a minivan. You are well out of SUV land.

[Anonymous]

Never mind what you’re driving - what’s your husband going to be driving? That’s what I’d be more concerned about. Because he’s going to have those kids part of the week. Is he making a responsible decision for what to drive so he can transport them safely? Or is going to get himself a sports car?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We moved from a minivan to the Pilot and I wish we could go back. It's not a space thing, though DH swears the minivan carried more. But we both agree the Pilot handles like a truck and is just not as comfortable of a ride as the minivan was. I thought the slight upgrade in cool-factor was worth it, but it's really not when driving it feels so discombobulating on DC speed bumps even when being careful.

Thank you for this.. our kids are grown and I'm still hanging on to our Odyssey because of what you said when I look at the Pilot.

[Anonymous]

I'd get a mini-van. Who cares about what it looks like when you are dating? Lady you have FOUR KIDS. There's no "being cool" when dating when you have that many dependents.

Focus. Get a mini-van.

[Anonymous]

With 5 people, occasionally 6 or 7, I’d go with minivan. But it depends on how much trunk space you’d need.

We have pilot, and are most comfortable with 4-5 people. Once the 3rd row is up, the trunk space becomes ridiculously small. So if you would regularly have sports gear, shopping, going for a weekend, etc it may make sense to get the minivan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd get a mini-van. Who cares about what it looks like when you are dating? Lady you have FOUR KIDS. There's no "being cool" when dating when you have that many dependents.

Focus. Get a mini-van.

LOL. That's the best laugh I've had in a week. OP here. Right, who do I think I'm kidding with 4 kids? I probably won't have a date for 4 years- no "being cool" for me. (I will look at a Pilot and Volvo XC90 though- just to dream for years from now.
You just laid it out like my college girlfriends. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Oh and my not quite every other weekend XDH has a sedan

[Anonymous]

It depends on how often you all go somewhere together and how much stuff you need to bring. 4 kids in car seats / booster seats who need strollers is a lot different than 4 kids who are out of car / booster seats and may be able to sit in the front seat.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It depends on how often you all go somewhere together and how much stuff you need to bring. 4 kids in car seats / booster seats who need strollers is a lot different than 4 kids who are out of car / booster seats and may be able to sit in the front seat.

ETA: Since 1 of OP's kids will be driving soon, I assume they're older and wouldn't need car seats, etc. This opens up more options, and OP wouldn't necessarily need a minivan or even a 3rd row. If you do get a 3rd row, you can fold 1 seat down for luggage and keep the other up for seating.

Personally, I like minivans for the sliding doors, cargo space, and gas mileage, but I haven't owned one for some time and have survived.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd get a mini-van. Who cares about what it looks like when you are dating? Lady you have FOUR KIDS. There's no "being cool" when dating when you have that many dependents.

Focus. Get a mini-van.

LOL. That's the best laugh I've had in a week. OP here. Right, who do I think I'm kidding with 4 kids? I probably won't have a date for 4 years- no "being cool" for me. (I will look at a Pilot and Volvo XC90 though- just to dream for years from now.
You just laid it out like my college girlfriends. Thank you.

Girl, when your kids are no longer being hauled please get something preppy and fun, not a pilot! I have an Infiniti qx60 (3 row) with 3 kids; it fits our 5 member family + my parents when they come, but I really wish we had a minivan. When we rent a minivan it’s more spacious and I could haul more furniture/bikes/etc! Waiting for the Infiniti to die though. But a sienna or a carnival - and just make sure thy are fully loaded to enjoy until you can get a fun car!

[Anonymous]

The Chevy Traverse has the most room for the class. Adults can actually sit in the third row and be relatively comfortable. Not bad 25 mph for such a big vehicle.