Well, at the risk of all of my cool (which is very little) I have made a purchase that will forever cause my rock ‘n’ roll stature to walk with a limp. I’ve purchased a mini-van. NOTE TO ALL MEN: DON’T TAKE YOUR WIFE AND MOTHER OF 2 CHILDREN TO LOOK AT MINI-VANS IF YOU DON’T WANT TO BUY ONE!!!
Monday morning at 9:30 I was standing in front of the sink in our kitchen, and in response to my wife asking if we could go look at mini-vans said “No, I don’t want a mini-van. I will never own one.” Then to appease her I told her I would take her to look at them if she really wanted to go. At 6:00 that evening there I was pulling up the driveway in our new (but used) family bus.
Here’s the problem. Once you go look at them you kinda get sucked in. I mean those things are amazing. (I’m trying to make myself feel better) Seriously, they almost drive themselves these days. When we saw all of the doors open and close by themselves we were all hooked. I mean apart from the obvious convenience of it all that’s just freakin’ cool. (yes, I know they’ve been doing this for quite some time but I’ve been avoiding that reality) I made an offer without ever talking to my wife about it. The sales guy met me half way and I figured that was good enough. Game-set-match and Hunter had taken a right of passage fully into responsible husband-father-plaid shirt and Dockers-penny loafers-safe haircut-Clark W. GriswoldHOOD!
OK, here’s the reality. I used to have too much pride to drive a mini-van. However, 2 children will get you fed up with your cool little mid-sized SUV. You realize just how much something like a mini-van will help your wife. No more baby on one hip-pushing the cart through the Target parking lot with the other hand-hey, stay close to momma!!!! to the other one-while you search for your keys in order to unlock the 3 doors that you have to manually open then lift EVERYBODY including the groceries into the back of your inconvenient car that your husband spent way too much money on. No, you push buttons and kids jump in or are LOWERED not LIFTED into their carseats, after which you put the groceries into the spacious storage area in the back before pushing a button that will lower the hatch that you can’t reach back to a closed position.
Hey guys, make it easier on your wives and buy them mini-vans. Put your
pride down. By the way, I bet mine’ll be cooler than your’s.
17 Comments so far
Well, at least you got one. My hubby has been a mechanic for over 13 years of our 16 year marriage and he will NEVER let me buy a mini-van. He has repaired too many of them. No matter which one I think I want he will point out that in so many years it will need a new transmission among other things. Of course I can’t take him to a used-car lot either. He has told one too many saleman he won’t buy the car because this is going to need this soon or .. . .
congrats on being considerate of your beautiful wife!!
Ok, is it at least like a sport turbo-charged minivan or something? Ok, take that baby out and paint some flames on it… get a cool decal, like maybe the number 18 or something?
I couldn’t resist!!
Congrats on the new ride!
Im not sure what to say, I still vow to never drive one. I’ll talk your advice and i just wont even go and look.
But i think at this point its in the contract, “i wont date you if you would drive a mini-van”
not sure how well that will go with a lot of women, but thats ok.
I be its nice though.
Rock on! I used to say “never” also, but as the wife who was dragging the kids through the parking lot, bumping her head on the roof of the car, trying to lean in and buckle in one kid while pregnant with another - it really was helpful and has come in wicked handy on many occasions! Good for you for seeing how it can be a blessing to your family. Take a road trip and sit in the back with your kids - it is the best!
alright i’ll say it( even though i’m a girl) i’ll never own a minivan!lol. you crack me up mr.smith! but i do like the doors..ohhhh…lol. Why did you buy used? Sounds like you use your money wisely,cool i respect that.praying for ya!
Hey Hunter! Congrats on the new bus!I think you just got way cooler! They are amazing and some day when the boys are bigger you can pick up where you left off with how (you) feel about your cool.You’re a good man
Mr.Griswold!lol
That attempt at salvaging your pride was cute…nice try!
Get over it…You’re in your 30’s with two kids, you’re gonna drive a mini-van!
As long as you wear tight jeans and a cool beanie stocking cap while rocking the faces off middle schoolers at the Filling Station, you will still be considered cool
As I’ve said before and will continue to say Mr. Alex Reiff, at least it is MY mini-van and not my MOM’S! What will you be driving when you’re my age? Probably a 70’s station wagon with wood paneling.
That was my dream car when I was little, so I will be perfectly happy with that!
Just a note to make you feel old… I will be your age in the year 2018. We might not have cars by then. Jet Packs! But I will still have to ask my mom for permission to buy one…
*lol* Hunter I think a lot of men find themself in this situation. My husband is still against owning a minivan…he says he’s too young (he just turned 30 this year). I keep reminding him of the fact that we have 2 kids and they are going to be in activities where having a minivan is going to be such an asset, etc. but still no go for him. Maybe he’ll think they are a little cooler now that you own one…nah…I don’t think even that will change his mind. Enjoy the ride!
We said we would not get a mimi van either. Once kid #3 was born, trying to fit 3 car seats in the same row of an Explorer was no fun. We would close one door, then push all the car seats over as far as we could and then slam the door so it would close. Hopefully the kid in the middle didn’t need out for any reason because the seat would not come open unless you would open the doors. My new to me mini van did not have all the features you have, but it was sure a lot easier to get kids in and out and more comfortable on trips. The mimi van era does end!!! I am back to an SUV and my husband has the little sports car he has always wanted. Don’t forget it is not about what may or may not seem cool to others (my parents let me drive one of those station wagons with the paneling in high school) it is about what is right!!! I’m sure you will have a lot of wonderful memories with your family in your new van.
I’m Out!
Thanks Barb. At least there are some rational and responsible adults left in this forever 21 world.
For the record, I would totally drive a minivan, but the hubby categorically refuses. I think I will win him over eventually…
Hunter, I think it is awesome out of all the large expensive vehicles you could purchase, you decide on a used mini-van. What a great steward!
I totally feel your pain! I didn’t want a mini-van either, but I do have to admit, it is nice! It would look better in black, but red will have to do for us! GO HONDA!
I CRACKED UP reading this post.
Just found the blog tonight and have REALLY enjoyed it! I honestly have to say…that at the age of 33…I would LOVE to have a mini-van. My wife however, not so much. I’ve brought the idea up a couple of times but she has shot me right down! Oh…and we do not even have kids! I’m just getting old I guess.
We currently have the “uber cool” H3…but I am over it and would like to have something that rides better and gets better gas mileage.
Man, I am getting old! Before long…I’ll be trading in my Connersvine and Third Day CD’s for the Statler Brothers and the Oak Ridge Boys cassette tapes!