Friday, August 7, 2015

I don't get the anti-minivan thing

Well, I mean, I sort of do. But in the end, you have to admit that most of the reasons people resist buying and/or being seen in a minivan are vain and (forgive me for saying this) stupid.

And I say this as someone who does not currently own a minivan. But I did for many years. Many, many years. Nearly 20 years, I think.

We ran our last minivan  a Dodge Grand Caravan  virtually into the ground. It served its purpose well over the 11 years Terry drove it, transporting kids from place to place, taking us on a number of vacations, and even hauling heavy things on occasion.

I drove minivans myself for a time and never felt especially self-conscious about it. Because honestly, who exactly was I trying to impress? To whom did I ever feel the need to express myself as a rugged Cowboy Man driving a big ol' macho SUV? (Answer = Nobody)

Speaking of SUVs, we own one now in the Honda Pilot, which I like very much. But I'm not looking to go off-roading in it (and if you're a suburbanite like me, you aren't, either). SUVs are spacious and tend to drive well, but I don't feel any "cooler" or higher up on the social ladder than I did when I was driving a minivan.

So why are so many people so down on minivans? Because it brands you as a "boring" parent? Because it says you've settled down? Because it says you're responsible and don't care what people think about you?

EXCITING REVELATION: Those are all good things.

Hey, it's obviously up to you what car you buy. And it's probably none of my business if you're a shallow person who defines themselves by the vehicle they drive.

It's simply my job to point it out.


3 comments:

  1. Once chose a Ford Freestar over a Ford Taurus as my company car (that took some courage). I felt pretty cool in the Freestar. My wife was sentenced to a Windstar for many years. She is permanently scarred from the experience. We have had three Pilots in a row...great vehicle. If I ever feel the need to go "macho", I jump in our Volvo wagon.

    ReplyDelete
  2. You're a brave and truly manly man, Steve Bulleit.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome and interesting article. Great things you've always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post. Get Visa canada short term

    ReplyDelete