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SUV vs Minivans

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Comments

  • berniedgberniedg Member Posts: 54
    I regularily tow a 17'Lund boat(1500lbs) on weekends with a '98 SWB Dodge Caravan, with 2 to 5 people, multiple coolers, everyones camping gear and a load of firewood to boot. The abilty to move the 3 seat bench into the middle position, and remove one bench, gives me the capacity I need.

    I wouldn't mind a new vehicle:
    I really want to believe the new Acadia(the best ?UV) could replace my van, however, probably not, pass even the bike test, I haven't checked(soon), 2 people, all your gear in the middle row, 2 bikes straight in, no tire removal, no fuss, no worrying about stolen, damaged or soaken wet bikes on rear rack.
    About the image thing, its pretty easy after 2 minutes of talk, who the "adventure" people are, and who the pretenders are, regardless, of their transport method.
    Cheers,
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    me: I've never suggested any criteria for justification

    you: I've asked several times, you've chosen to ignore the question.

    Um, no...actually, you've never asked that question. If you had, we might have saved some bandwidth, because I would have answered that I have no criteria for how much towing would justify an SUV purchase. What I have said is that zero towing is a poor justification, as is grocery hauling. You keep trying to talk about this other "point", despite my repeated attempts to clarify that this is not my point, but yours.

    me: It's like saying if you own a car that seats 5 it should only be used when seating 5."

    you: ...well that's what your position is all about isn't it?

    Yes, absolutely. I think that, unless you put 5 people in your car every time you drive it, you should not get a 5 seater car. Waste, waste, waste.

    ...if SUV's are as dangerous and wasteful as you say...

    I've never claimed that SUVs are wasteful. Tractor trailers are not, either. However, motorcyles are, sometimes. Of course, all vehicles are, sometimes. Nihilism is underrated, don't you think?

    Is that a fact...

    It rates as highly on the TH-Fact-O-Meter as most of this thread's contents :)

    Well, that's a matter of opinion.

    Well, now, we'll have none of that "opinion" stuff here!

    ...when you started this "bupkis" anti-SUV crusade...

    I didn't start the fire.....it was alwasy burning since the world was turning......er, sorry, Billy.

    You think it acceptable...

    I have a feeling that you're not qualified to assess what I think, you're not doing too well with what I post :)

    Given your obvious support of the (mis)use of SUVs, it's not surprising that you wish to focus on some marginal element of the SUV fleet - not just the minority of the SUVs that are actually used for towing, but the sub-group that does tow, but only one or two days a year. Might be your point, but it's not mine.
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Well, despite what one person says...

    I don't get it....I thought all you needed was one to determine any issue. Go figure.

    There simply is no way that we can morph one vehicle to suit each individual situation.

    Oh, I don't know, given the right body shop and some time, I think you're missing the boat on this one.

    people should and can buy whatever they want

    Well, now that you've declared it, it will be so! The world is grateful.

    I will reel him in

    Oh, you already have. You've got me in a gordon's knot.

    It's been a pleasure. No, not this. But something has been, I'm sure :)
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    agree, people should be free to drive whatever they please without their ethics being called into question.

    Good point, after all, everyone's ethics regarding what they drive is above reproach. Besides...if you question defenders of SUVs, you're just emboldening the enemy.

    I just didn't see that.

    If you think a vehicle so unsafe/excessive as to be used for only certain criteria... call, write,lobby your congressman to get said vehicle off the road

    But don't EVER post on Edmunds about it! Oh, the HUMANITY!

    Oh. That's right. We should just DEAL WITH IT!

    :)
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Is that 1500 lbs plus the trailer?

    There's no doubt that MVs can tow smaller boats. But anything over about 3500 lbs requires a class III vehicle, with a 5000 lb capacity, which generally, means an SUV or PU.

    after 2 minutes of talk

    It often doesn't even require that :)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    '98 SWB Dodge Caravan

    My '89 SWB Voyager was like that except it came from the factory as a 5 seater.

    When we got the Quest we moved the back bench to midships and threw the middle seat away. Great traveling and camping rig.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    LOL... I'm letting you off the hook lil sailor. You seem to be quite disoriented on what you & I have posted. Maybe, at next years reunion you will answer the million dollar question(s) without giving me the runaround. :P

    The Snipster.
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • berniedgberniedg Member Posts: 54
    ...Haven't thrown the middle seat away,(thought about it) when I sell the van, someone with a growing family might actually want it ;-)

    1500 lb boat, without trailer, 2,000 with.
    The 3.3l Dodge engine is torquey, pulls boat plus full load nicely, good enough approach and depart angles, FWD is high and dry on the boat ramp, 4WD/AWD not required for me, just good tires, even in 8 inches of snow.
    If I go to cuddy cabin size 22ft and up, would not tow it, it will be moored.
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    Hello Steve:

    ITs great to hear from you too....

    THe minivan, suburban, cayenne, and Jetta TDI are all running fine....

    HOw was the snowboarding this season ? our snow is a bit less than the bounty of last year....( it rained for 25 days in March 2006, a record )
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    Hey there Jipster:

    I agree with your position...which is what most people would say is the most fair and logical.

    Yes, if a vehicle is so unsafe that it can be proven unequivocally that it is a danger to all, then lets vote it off the roads......I think the YUGO ( bless its Balkan soul) was voted out, even without writing to anyone.. :blush:

    So far, it has been determined that it is the driver....barnone. I started a post...and almost all posters agreed ( even some antiSUVers) that it is the driver which causes accidents.

    Until Someone here proves otherwise.... ;)
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    Hey, hello there Sails :

    How goes it ? How is the biking coming along ? Is the RSX still in good shape after these years, or did you change vehicles ??

    sorry about the hook & reel joke...just a small jest with you as the butt of it...... no hard feelings....... :D

    I see you still have your sarcastic wit sharpened...eh? ;)



    I am not sure this is the thread to go into anti-SUV rants...... :confuse:

    Perhaps you can start another one, now that gas prices are up....and you may have more converts.... ;)
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    How goes it..? what you been up to, bro ?
    Were you able to finish your studies ? Getting close ? Hope all is well....

    Its been so quiet on the Cayenne thread and there are no "other thread " for us to hang out,( You know ) ;)

    The vehicles are all running fine. No complaints. Minivan is used for everyday chores, with suburban reserved for camping, towing all the groceries & camping supplies ( to feed 6 families) and general long vacations.....

    Cayenne for the more upscale events, fun short trips, and quick snow trips.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Today was day 25 at Bogus (plus one riding day at Snowbird early on). Great winter even if I did slack off and just concentrated on bluebird days this year. Pretty variable conditions this morning and I got so frustrated I just redid the binding stance on both my boards. :mad:

    What I really need are some more lessons though....:shades:

    Berniedg, we knew we'd drive the '99 into the ground so resale wasn't an issue. So that's another reason why we tossed the seat.

    btw Sails, my ski buddy is busy polishing his Ranger 20 - he shopped bigger boats hard over the winter (mostly Pearson Ariel 26's) but he finally came to his senses. Plus he'd have to buy a bigger 4WD truck to tow it around unless he moored it over near Seattle. :-)
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Were you able to finish your studies ?

    No, I am not a student but one's education should always be ongoing. :)

    Hope all is well.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I think we should put the SUVs vs. The World discussion into stasis and stick with the SUV vs MV topic. :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    I started a post... and almost all posters agreed (even some antiSUVers) that it is the driver which causes accidents.

    Does this mean sailor can start tearing up all his, "People don't kill people... SUV'S kill people." bumper stickers? ;)

    O.K tidester...back to SUV VS Minivan. Though I still hope it's o.k to plan next years "SUVs VS The World" reunion in this discussion. Same time next year guys? :blush:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    You have to own the hook before you can let anyone off it, sorry :)

    Hey declare victory, claim what what you want, if that's what you require, it's cheap, take it.

    Ciao.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    "Soccer mom stigma or not, their utility combined with their car-like driving characteristics are a draw not found in any other kind of vehicle."

    Kia Sedona: Minivan vs. SUV (Long-Term Road Tests)
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    The biking is fine, at least it will be when the season starts in a week or 2. I've been spinning all year, keeps the legs in shape. Actually, I've had an ankle injury that has kept me from running for 7 months, just started again and now have to get those extra 14 pounds off.

    The RSX is as great as ever, best car I've ever had by far. Since it's no longer being made, I'll have to switch to something else when the time comes, but that won't be for a while...it's only 4 years old now and I expect to own it for at least 4 more. Maybe they'll bring it back by then :)

    Well, I never rant, but this thread is about SUVs and MVs, so it seems that SUVs are on topic.

    Nah, I'm not interested in re-starting an IDLSWDY redux thread and Edmunds is probably less interested :) This was just for nostalgia....and given the low quality discussion, I'm reminded of the low return on the investment.
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Oh, a 26 or 27 would be nice, but I love my First 235. Next warm weekend will be the time for taking the cover off and starting the bottom work. Splash time is just 3-4 weeks away.

    Mostly a lousy ski season for me, just went once (esp with the ankle injury) but my son rented a place near Hunter, he snowboards and went about 20+ times this year. Oh, to be 23 :)
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    Hi Sails:

    Good going on the biking... I slowed due to my recent move to valley/hilly area....but it is close to the kids school...so less driving...got to pick it up also.
    I also have an ankle injury....trying to help the contractors with the tons of loose gravel. ITs OK now, so I am just doing the bowflex for now...

    My colleague just bought a RSX, used...nice silver one....He likes the performance..

    I opted for a Diesel Jetta TDI vehicle instead....and decided against the 968. Wife was OK , but wanted to use alternative fuels... :D

    Still have the suburban, cayenne, Odyssey, and use the jetta for commutes and local driving.....

    Sorry, but even I rant....but like you said, it is on topic..

    Well, I would not say it (the discussions) was low quality, just that it gets emotional and egos butt heads here....like any other forum. ;)

    While we disagree on the issue of SUV usage...at least we agree on biking....
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    Hey Tides & Steve :...

    agree ones education should always be ongoing... :D

    Trying to learn how to do all my own repairs on the TDI jetta... got a factory repair manual....so far installed a fuel prefilter and did oil change, cleaned CCV filter, air filter, fuel filter....and installed amsoil bypass filter...

    Still have to figure out how to fix the door switch with a radio shack $3 part....oh well....when I have 4 hours time....

    All quiet on the SUV front.... :)

    Gas prices will probably do what AntiSUV discussions could not... ;)

    Keep up the good work...
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Gas prices will probably do what AntiSUV discussions could not...

    Interesting comment highender. While overall SUV sales are down, so too are minivan sales... I believe. I would think a lot of the former SUV buyers would be moving into minivans, which have better mpg and cargo space. But, I suppose many are put off by the minivan mom image.

    But, I don't suspect gas prices, no matter how high they get, will be the demise of the SUV. Probably just whittle their numbers down. People getting the Suburbans and Expeditions will go for more of the midsize and smaller SUV's which get better gas mileage. :)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • highenderhighender Member Posts: 1,358
    hello jipster...:

    THat is just my guess....I have no idea how much it would whittle down the numbers.

    Sale can also be affected by the interest rates. And tax time could be a bear.... I do think many are being put off by the soccer mom image....though I have no problem driving either the Previa or odyssey...

    But the suburban just plain carries more, and we can get to ski country faster and safer...less need for chains unless it is really snowing...

    I think people who buy vehicles not only take into consideration of looks, color, style, real needs, fuel economy...but also safety !!
  • 6_speed6_speed Member Posts: 37
    ...Well, I never rant, but this thread is about SUVs and MVs, so it seems that SUVs are on topic.

    Nah, I'm not interested in re-starting an IDLSWDY redux thread and Edmunds is probably less interested This was just for nostalgia....and given the low quality discussion, I'm reminded of the low return on the investment.


    li_sailor: This is for you:

    I only want to say,
    If there is a way,
    Take your rant away from me
    For I don't want to taste its poison.
    Feel it burn me,
    I have changed.
    I'm not as sure, as when we started.
    Then, I was inspired.
    Now, I'm sad and tired.
    Listen, surely I've exceeded expectations,
    Tried for three years, seems like thirty.
    Could you ask as much from any other man?
    :sick:

    :P

    On my car/family front, we bought a Mazda MPV(staying on-topic) when the 2nd kid came along 2.5 years ago. Gee, has it been THAT long since IDLSWDY's days?

    Good to hear you're doing fine.
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    You lift that off the album "Jesus Christ Superstar"... or are you the original writer? ;)

    But, I believe it's "take this cup away from me..." not "take your rant away from me". But, it sure applies to you know who...don't it? ;)

    We've had our Mazda MPV for 2 3/4ths years. I'm glad my wife insisted on getting it, instead of the Mercury Grand Marquis I was plugging for. :blush:
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Tooooowwwnn Haaaalllllll ......should be a house of PRAYER!!

    But they have made iiiiiitttttttt...into a den of thieves...Get out.....get OUT!!!!

    Hey, 6_speed, good to see you, yes, it's been a while. Good to catch up on some "applied JCS libretto" with you :)

    Still loving my 6 speed RSX, last of a dying breed.

    But not as dead as SUVs will be :)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    It is fun seeing some old familiar faces again. It's been so many years now I've forgotten which side of the argument most of y'all were on.

    With a couple of exceptions that is, LOL.
  • 6_speed6_speed Member Posts: 37
    Ahh, another JCS fan and a fellow minivan owner. Why is it another "2 out of 3" case? ;)

    We are very happy with our MPV too. Long story short, my wife wanted a BMW X5. I laughed, fell off my chair, [rinse and repeat]. We already have a BMW 540i/6spd, so what would a X5 bring to the table? Sports? give me a break, the 540i runs rings around an X5. Utility? uh-huh, sure. A 540iT(wagon) has more utility any day. So, in the end, she agreed that a minivan was the best tool for the job(growing family). And we didn't need seating for more than 6, so the MPV was perfect. We also like its compact size - easy to park and better handling.
  • 6_speed6_speed Member Posts: 37
    ...into a den of thieves...

    thieves as in "stealing" crumple zone. And robbers as in robbing the forward view of cars behind.

    I missed our coast-to-coast duet(you in the east, me in the west) ;). It's amazing how the lyrics play out in the IDLSWDY forum, with the dramas, tragedies, tribulations, betrayals... :shades:

    As for your RSX, I trust Honda will come back with a better iteration. Honda and Mazda are the only 2 Japanese companies who still believe in making a driver's car.

    But not as dead as SUVs will be
    I feel another song coming up...
  • 6_speed6_speed Member Posts: 37
    With a couple of exceptions that is
    Yea, who can forget tidester and steve? :shades:

    Two of the coolest mods I know. Maybe it's the Alaskan weather or the Idaho potatoes or being a teacher. :P
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Ahh, another JCS fan....

    Gee, and I thought I was the only one. :)

    Looks like you, I , and lil sailor are 3 of a kind. ;)

    Agree with the utility and size of the MPV. With my family of 4 the MPV is the perfect size. To bad the 3rd generation MPV isn't being sold in the States. A quality small(er) van, with the latest saftey and techno equipment, would be a sales winner I believe.

    Due to the convienece of the gigantic orange pop up bubble, I see you're only averaging about 6 posts a year since January of 2002 6_speed? Perhaps if we had a discussion titled, "Minivan and Motor Vehicle Lovers of JCS" ...we'd see you around more often? :)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • 6_speed6_speed Member Posts: 37
    I see you're only averaging about 6 posts a year since January of 2002

    [Me, in the best of Jimmy Stewart's voice]:
    Back in heydays of IDLSWDY, I was averaging 6 posts every 6 mins. But time's a changing and good debates(like good gunfights) are just ain't there anymore. ;)

    You can join our duet but only as Judas (for obvious reasons) :P ;)
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Maybe it's the Alaskan weather

    Hey, I loaded up the minivan and moved south 7 years ago now. :shades:

    Still driving that minivan too, now that I think of it. 117,000 miles - I really should replace the OEM spark plugs this summer.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    I really should replace the OEM spark plugs this summer.

    Aren't you about due for an oil change? ;)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Hey, there, 6_S - welcome back! Did you take a "poetry" course during your sabbatical? ;)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I suppose; I last changed the oil at 107,000 miles back on 12/28/05. The oil still looks clean though, LOL.
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Denigration of one's TH name is against TH policy. Not to mention puerile. Kindly restrain yourself.
  • 6_speed6_speed Member Posts: 37
    ...and lil sailor

    jipster, it's li as in Long Island. No supper for you tonight.

    Doing my part in maintaining World Peace...
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    jipster, it's Li as in Long Island.

    Oops, sorry about that Tom Tom. ;)

    Perhaps you should change the "i" to a capatilised "I" to avoid the confusion? :)

    Doing my part in maintaining World Peace

    Ahh, so you're casting yourself in the lead role in our little JCS venture. How puerile. :P

    Jip is Judus... "obviously" because I was the last "apostle" chosen. :P

    Mr. Sailor can be Peter... obviously because he likes boats.

    We got Steve as Pontius Pilate. Tidester, you can be King Herod... because you're the ringleader of this circus. :)

    The opening scene can have 6-speed racing across the desert in his MPV. The irony in being chased by Sailor in a big super modified Suburban would be to much to pass up... so let's go with that for starters. :)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Pontius Pilate resolves to unpolite pitas in my anagram link. We had a few too many of those kinds of comments in IDLSWDY.

    Anyone cross-shopping SUVs and Minivans (or even, crossovers)?
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Come on Steve... it's just a role. Don't be so sensitive, it's not like I said you were Mary Magdalene. If I can handle the role of Judas without complaining... come on now... be a team player. :)

    Anybody cross-shopping SUV's and Minivans?(sound of crickets chirping in the distance)

    But, my post was on topic as it included both minivans and SUV's. :P

    We could talk some more about your spark plugs and yearly oil changes(off topic)? ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    The real question is do you want a chocolate SUV or chocolate minivan? ;)

    Dibs on biting the radio antenna off.
  • nitromaxnitromax Member Posts: 640
    Well I'll be!!

    Don't mind me...just bring some Krispy Kremes for you guys.
    :-)

    Hi Steve...Hows Bogus Basin been treating you?

    Hi Li Sailor (not to be confused with Lil Sailor...LOL) I see you still have your RSX. Mine has almost 90K on it and I can't kill it. (I guess thats good?)

    Gotta run....must look away....can not ....stare ...too..long

    c'ya...enjoy the donuts!

    ~slams door and runs~
  • li_sailorli_sailor Member Posts: 1,081
    Hey, nitromax, how's it going?

    Just turned over 60k on mine, running as sweet as ever. You'd almost think....it was a MV :=)

    Thanks for the virtual donuts, very dietetic.

    Don't worry, there's no life in the old thread left, just as well, I've got other things to do :)
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Ahhh, Krispy Kremes and chocolate SUV's... life don't get no better than this do it? :P

    (whispering) "nitro, Mr. Sailor does not like his user name to be denigrated. It's written Li_Sailor... not Li Sailor". ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    KK rocks!

    Can I get a Coke with that?

    -mike
  • jipsterjipster Member Posts: 6,296
    Welcome to Edmunds paisan. Though I've see you've been a member/host for 6 years... where ya been? :)

    Can I get a Coke with that?

    Sure. Will that be a regular Coke, Diet Coke, Caffeine Free Coke, Caffeine Free Diet Coke, Cherry Coke, Diet Cherry, Vanilla Coke, Diet Vanilla or Rootin Tootin Raspberry Coke? ;)
    2021 Honda Passport EX-L, 2020 Honda Accord EX-L, 2011 Hyundai Veracruz, 2010 Mercury Milan Premiere.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Regular or Vanilla works for me!

    Just started tracking all the SUV forums!

    -mike
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Make mine Diet but be sure it's not made with Splenda. Oh what the hey, give me a Mexican Coke make with cane sugar instead (none of that high fructose stuff for me!).

    We did a software flip about 6 years ago, so lots of people who have been around a long time show up in their profiles as having joined in 2001; Mike's probably been a member here a year or two before that.

    Minivans are really taking a hit over in the Crossover SUV Comparison discussion btw. Some people just don't appreciate sliders. ;)
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