"Honey, I think It's Time We Get A Minivan."

Are you dreading the day when you trade in your two-seater because the family has gotten too big? Well, transportation has definitely changed since when you were a kid. If it is time for you to upgrade your vehicle to something bigger, then there are important issues to decide before you make your purchase.

The most important issue to consider is safety. Also, you need to take into account how many kids you will be having. Storage capacity should be a major factor in your decision. As most parents know, with kids comes a lot of stuff. You have to haul around a stroller, diapers, extra clothes, coats during the winter, toys, and snacks. On top of this, there is your stuff such as a purse, coat, and umbrella. Furthermore, car seats take up a lot of space. Bear in mind as well how much time you will be spending transporting your baby around. If you take long car trips, you always need room for big items such as luggage and a pack-n-play. Finally, gas mileage may be a consideration in today’s market place with ever rising gas prices. The trick is to find the optimal size to accommodate your needs and wants with the most efficient fuel economy. A vehicle is an important purchase and a big chunk of your disposable income; hence, you want to choose a vehicle you will use for the next few years.

With children, you will want a vehicle with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system. This is a buckle-system specifically designed by auto manufacturers to accommodate car seats. This is an important safety consideration. Also, you want to check a vehicle’s crash ratings, usually available in “Consumer Reports” Magazine as well as other sources. This will tell you how the vehicle holds up in a crash. You want a vehicle that will above all protect your most precious cargo—your babies.

Minivans are a popular option and serve the needs and wants of many parents. They are big enough to haul children comfortably as well as having the all-important storage and hauling space most parents want. They are very safe, reliable, and reasonably priced; yet still a manageable size. The reason minivans are so popular is because of its versatility and capacity. It suits the needs of a lot of parents perfectly.

Some parents, including myself at times, might think, “Oh, a minivan. I would never be seen driving one of those.” For some reason, the minivan has become associated with domesticity. I would urge you not to make any judgments until you go to a dealership, look at one, and test drive it. Give it a try first before ruling one out.

The minivan has become a staple of the family because of its ability to meet the needs and wants of many families. Granted, they are not the most glamorous of vehicles. However, as your family grows, a vehicle matching the needs of your expanding family is in order. A minivan may be the option for you. Do the research and decide for yourself.n