To minivan, or not to minivan

For me, the answer is simple: not to minivan. Why am I posing this question? Because we're going to need a new car. For those of you that know us well, you know we are car people. We've had more cars in the last 12 years than most people have in a lifetime. Here's a list of the cars we've had since we've been married, which is only 6 of the 12 aforementioned years:

1. 1996 4Runner (grey)
2. 2000 Kia Sephia
3. 2004 WRX
4. 2005 BMW 325xi
5. 2005 Scion tC
6. 2002 Audi A6 Avant (my current ride)
7. 1996 4Runner (red)
8. 1985 Supra (black)
9. 1985 Supra (silver) (Robin’s current ride)
10. 2008 Outback 2.5xt

I'm not sure I could even come up with an accurate list that includes the previous six years, but some of the highlights include a Mitsubishi Eclipse, Toyota Corolla, Jeep Cherokee and a Honda Accord.

In 2008, we owned 5 cars at one time (numbers 6-10 on the above list). I asked my insurance agent about a fleet discount, and, just in case you're wondering, you need 10 cars to qualify. So, how is it that we are now in a situation where we do not have two cars that meet our needs? Robin insists on keeping his Supra, which doesn't bother me except that it's so impractical. He can't drive it when it's snowing, AND it most certainly cannot fit three car seats. We had to sell the Outback because it couldn't fit three car seats.

Last night my Audi started acting up. We're pretty sure we know what the problem is, but now the dilemma arises. How do we get the Audi to the dealership (it's a recall issue - otherwise we wouldn't take it to a dealership) and get Robin to work? Luckily, the dealership has a shuttle that can take Robin to and from work, but when we need to take it in to our trusted Audi repair shop that is only open from 8-5 (not working people friendly) how do we do it? More importantly, if the Audi needs to be in the shop for a few days, we cannot take the girls anywhere. Thus, we need a back-up car that can take Robin to work in the winter and that can fit three car seats.

Now, back to the original dilemma - I vote for a Honda Pilot. I hate minivans. I really don't see how they are any more practical than an SUV with a 3rd row of seats. You have to put at least 2 of the kids in the back of the van anyway, and that leaves little room for storage or carrying big items - oh say a triple stroller. Plus, you have to get into the van to get them in the back. My back already hurts, I don't need that. Lastly, minivans are not AWD. Our alley and driveway pretty much necessitate AWD in the winter. The thought of getting stuck somewhere with three babies in the car is very unappealing (I mean somewhere other than the alley).

Anyway - we're in the market for a good used something or other. For anyone out there actually reading this - any suggestions? Here are the criteria: leather seats (much easier to clean with kids), 3rd row of seats, AWD, enough room in the back for a triple stroller.