Hate minivans

[Anonymous]

OP here: thanks for all the help - I went to test drive a few minivans and it was just like driving a car. I have always had a small car and don't even like to drive my DH's larger one. As one of the PP said - while I realize a few parents do it with a large car, the reality of three under two is what is making the minivans choice the optimal one. We also have visiting family / friends quite often and take many long trips so the SUVs - although my preferred style choice - especially the newer crossovers - are less appealing to DH.

One other question: My choice is a bench seat for the second row so that all 3 can sit there - we have taken car seats in and it seems one or two options will allow for this. I just hate to have a 20 month old in the third row for long distances. Any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I agree, I would want all the kids in the 2nd seat if there was an arrangement that would allow for it. At 20 months, I still hand my kids snacks, pacifier, book, etc. as we are driving so I would want them within reach. So, it will probably depend on the size of the carseats. Maybe you have friends that would let you try their carseat for size?

[Anonymous]

I am not 100% certain about this, but I think all minivans, even with a bench-style 2nd row, only have 2 seatbelts in the 2nd row. The Honda has the pop-up style seat to create a bench between their 2nd row captains chairs, but I don't think its wide enough for a car seat.

Maybe other minivan owners can comment on this? We have the Honda with captains chairs, but when we were test driving I remember all of the 2nd row benches being shorter than the 3rd row benches in order to allow access to the 3rd row.

You know, you could put one of the new babies in the 3rd row. When they are rear-facing, its pretty hard to hand them anything/adjust pacifier, etc. without pulling over anyway, so your toddler might benefit more from the 2nd row than the infant. Just a thought.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I am the PP - when I replied to this post, it was under General Discussion, but after I posted my response above it got moved to the "Off-Topic" board. I don't really see how a post about minivans falls under the description of "non-parenting" topics. How many "non-parents" own a minivan?

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:I am the PP - when I replied to this post, it was under General Discussion, but after I posted my response above it got moved to the "Off-Topic" board. I don't really see how a post about minivans falls under the description of "non-parenting" topics. How many "non-parents" own a minivan?

The original poster posted in both the off-topic and general parenting forum. By deleting the off-topic post, and "moving" the general discussion post (which leaves a link in the original forum), I essentially combined two threads into one so that responses aren't split between two threads. Now, the same thread appears in two forums. I thought it was a brilliant solution. But, as the saying goes, "you can't please everyone." BTW, I did this the first day the threads were posted, not after you posted.

Also, I know a ton of people who are childless or have grown children who own minivans.

[Anonymous]

I've read that in 2009, there will be HYBRID minivans available. I'm waiting until then to purchase one.