How many kids do you think justifies buying a minivan?

Question

I guess I'm asking, if you're not rich, at what point did you or would you switch to a minivan?

Answer 1

We are trying to conceive our second child, and will be getting a minivan. Children are safer in the center seat, and if you can have TWO center seats in your vehicle, then woohoo! Obviously, once you have more kids, they cant ALL be in center seats, but at least the first child will be old enough that it wont be as dangerous to be in a side seat. I just dont like the idea of having a car, and having a car seat on each side of the backseat. If you get t-boned, one of your kids is toast. A mini-van is much safer. Also, they arent that expensive either. We were recently shopping around. You can get a nice '98-'00 grand caravan for $3,000 or less, easily. Craigslist.org is the way to go.

Answer 2

I think this depends on the age of the children, how well they get along, and how often their friends are with them in the car. For example, three kids can fit into the back of a sedan (standard size) assuming all three are not in car seats. If they like to interact/play together, that's great! Don't buy more car than you need. But, if they spend time fighting, disputing territory ("stay on your side!") or annoying each other, then your peace of mind will greatly benefit from a minivan. Older kids will often want to have friends along, and then a minivan scores huge points; they usually seat 7 people.

By the way, minivans get better MPG than full size SUV's, which is what you would need to get the equivalent seating.

Answer 3

We bought a mini van when our kids were 11 and 9. At the time I was expecting again (had a miscarriage) but it was time anyway. We had reached a point where each child often had a friend along (or several if I was driving to a school event, the mall or party), were involved in activities that required room to carry equipment, bigger back packs, etc and room for growing kids! While the mileage is not the best, especially now that gas has gone up, having the room to spread the two out (different rows if needed) when we travel, take along friends without having to figure out the logistics and having room for the wheelchair when my daughter broke her legs and arms at the same time more than makes up for it! I have a Kia Sedona by the way and am in love with it and the company!

Answer 4

No particular number. I'm living in TX where it doesn't rain all that often, and we need to own a truck and just about any number of kids can fit into that (one adult and one kid in the front about 4 kids in the back seat, up to 10 or so plus an adult in the truckbed). Afaik minivans can't accomodate any more either, so I don't see a point.

I did the truckbed thing all the time while I was an exchange student in Thailand (also on the highway) and apparently it's legal here if it's your only vehicle, so there.

Answer 5

I would say when the family car no longer seems adequate to comfortably fit the kids and all their stuff (as kids have a metric ton of stuff) is when you should start thinking about switching to a minivan. As for my family, we didn't have much of a choice....there are 7 of us...5 children and two adults.....or, at least there will be 5 children come August. =)

Answer 6

Personally I wouldn't, I don't like minivans, and they can be very pricey by the time you get everything you want on it. There are some really nice compact suv's out there as well. Gas is another factor in which I would use to determine my decision. Prices on everything are going up, If you can't afford it, then just try to stay with what you have because having kids isn't exactly cheap either.
But to answer your question, I would say 3 kids with another one on the way. Depending on the ages of your kids and if they are still in car seats is another factor. So essentially 4 children if 3 of them are in car seats. If you can't afford it, I would try to make due with what I have. But if you have just completely outgrown your car, then look at all the alternatives out there in the car market. Weigh your options. If having a car payment is something you can't financially afford plus the added stress of having to make your monthly car payment. Will or could you take it out on your children by yelling or just being stressed out when you really don't mean to be? Then can you really afford that luxury? Good luck!

Answer 7

Why do you need to justify buying a minivan? If you want one get it, if you don't don't. It really depends on how many kids you need to seat and how much stuff you feel like you need to tote around. If you're not rich and your car meets your needs, then you don't have to get a minivan. But if you only have one child and you want to get one then go ahead you don't have to justify it.

Answer 8

i wanted to switch to a minivan as soon as my wife and i took our first trip with a new baby. we had a medium sized duffle bag for the two of us, it had everything we needed for a four day getaway. it fit nicely in the floorboard behind my seat. oh by the way i have an f-150 crew cab. the babies seat was in the middle of the back seat, both sides were of the seat had bags of baby stuff. the bed of the truck was also packed with more baby stuff. swing, pack-n-play, excer-saucer, and a bag of toys as well. we definatly could have use the extra room in the minivan. plus a minivan just makes it easier to get the kids in and out of the car.

an minivans have come along way in the last few years. they have so many cool features and gadgets and gizmos that even me, dad, thought they were cool. if you can afford one, get one. they are very economical and convenient.

Answer 9

we had a car with 1-3 kids, minivan for 4-5 kids, 8 passenger van for 6-7 kids, and now we have a 15 passenger van. so i'd say anywhere from 3-5 kids for a minivan.

Answer 10

I only have a 3 year old and one on the way but I will get a bigger car, possibly a mini van, when I have 3. Cars are much to small these days to have 2 car seats and a squirmy kid in the back seat. I think they need lots of room and you would be more comfortable putting the 2 carseats in a van together instead of a crammed car!
God bless and take care.