Attached to older car
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burbguy82
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I would not get a minivan. It is really a one trick pony, no different than a car, other than space. If you ever plan on getting a small RV, or boat, or something of the sort, I suggest a Suburban. They are the same size or close, and can do many things well.
The wife thing and the "let go of stuff thing" is up to you.
The wife thing and the "let go of stuff thing" is up to you.
Minivans are typically cheaper than mid/full size SUVs by and large (purchase price, operating costs, etc.) They are easier to drive and maneuver. The sliding doors allow for easier entry and existing. The rear storage is actually usable with a third row configuration in comparison to something like a Tahoe or Traverse. And you can get them in hybrid models and/or AWD. The only leg up the SUV has is in the towing or ground clearance department.
I have owned both full and mid size SUVs and a minivan. I’d say the SUV is the one trick pony since the only thing it does better is towing.
I missed where the OP may have mentioned planning to get any of those things.
Probably needs to pick up some mulch or potting soil for the townhome a couple times a year. Gotta have something heavy duty with a V-8 to haul it.
burbguy82
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Oh. He didn't as far as I know, so your powers of observation are still intact.
I use my V6 Sienna for camping. Typically get around 24 or 25 mpg on highway. Have been wanting to get a RAV4 Hybrid and an Aliner camping trailer to replace it. It's hard to justify this move because when towing the RAV4 hybrid would probably drop down to 29 mpg or so and I would have to buy a new vehicle and trailer to achieve what I already have for a just five MPG improvement. Not to mention increase taxes and insurance on a trailer and new vehicle. Couple weeks ago I pulled all the camping gear out of my van and it is amazing how many bags of mulch you can put into an empty minivan. When my grandkids are in town I convert the Sienna back to passenger mode with all the seating available.
I sold my 1992 Mazda Miata after having owned it for eight years. It was my college car. It was difficult to sell, emotional. But I don’t care about it anymore. No regrets.
You’ll probably be fine after selling the Mazda, although consider the recommendations of others here. Sell the Buick. But 200k miles on the Mazda may be too many if you don’t want to be fixing something frequently.
You’ll probably be fine after selling the Mazda, although consider the recommendations of others here. Sell the Buick. But 200k miles on the Mazda may be too many if you don’t want to be fixing something frequently.
I just spent $3500 on a 1995 F150 with 253K miles so I understand.
I too have a mazda 6. Its newer so It hasnt had any repairs except a blower motor early on and a couple of batteries. 120k currently and it has a manual transmission too. I am still angry with mazda for not letting me buy the grand touring model with a manual. I wanted a moonroof but they say I cant have it.
I too have a mazda 6. Its newer so It hasnt had any repairs except a blower motor early on and a couple of batteries. 120k currently and it has a manual transmission too. I am still angry with mazda for not letting me buy the grand touring model with a manual. I wanted a moonroof but they say I cant have it.
We love our 19 Honda Pilot. The Pilot has more payload than my Tacoma. Tons of room.
Living in Michigan with heavily salted roads I haven't become too attached to any cars except my 2001 Miata which didn't see any winter driving until it's last 2 years. I did however LOVE having several mini-vans over a 30 period while raising kids! The practicality can not be overstated. From lugging strollers, playpens, high chairs, toys to car pooling soccer teams, camping and moving into college dorms they are unbeatable! I highly recommend you get a mini-van.
Side note: I don't know if other manufacturers offer it now, but, the stow-n-go seats in the Chrysler vans was a very useful feature. Wish the reliability could have been close to a Toyota.
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Rule 1 never ever buy a place with an HOA. Nothing more fun than another sub government to pay to, and control your place.
Personally I like HOAs, but they aren't for everyone.
As of Friday the Mazda 6 is gone and a Honda Odyssey is in its place. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. I still have all the memories. Took a few last photos as a memento. Looking forward to creating new memories with the van and growing a family. I’m sure someday this one will be even harder to part with than the Mazda. Thanks everyone.
I would adore an HOA or any organization for that matter that enforced people cleaning up after their dogs. So many detestable idiots don’t clean up dog poop where I live. Inconsiderate morons. They deserve consequences for this, but no communities I have lived in have done anything but send out a barking email with no bite. Boils my blood, these disrespectful reprobates.
AZjeff
$50 Site Donor 2023
That's a great thought but how exactly would you expect the HOA to enforce it? FTR agree with you.
Nice and congrats on the purchase.
I like how you’re looking towards making new memories. This is the right kind of attitude to have IMO.
I quit reading at Volvo.Well, I don't know how many kids you have or plan to have, but you probably don't need a minivan. (I get it, they sure are convenient) And that Mazda will probably keep on trucking for another 100k at least. If you are spending $2,500/year on maintenance, that's barely over $200/month. Way less than a car loan payment. On the other hand, you might not miss that car as much as you think you will. I became pretty attached to a Volvo we had for 21 years (since brand new) and while I have fond memories, I don't really miss it all that much. Same with all the other cars I've had over the years.
Sorry, I'm sure that didn't help... Make a list with pro and con columns, then write down all the pros and cons of trading up, see what wins.
BTW... If she wants to trade up to a minivan, forget everything I said and get used to the idea.
Congrats on the new mini-van! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed mine.
