Well, today's the day.
DH took MiniMe to school, for the last time in the Van. When he got home, he asked, "what would happen if we just ran away with the Van, and it wasn't here when they came to get it?" I laughed, and asked if he'd read that in my blog. He didn't. He just REALLY likes the van, LOL!!
We are definitely looking at Dodge now, whereas before the test drive, it was not on our list. I have had issues with Chrysler's customer service, and my Neon had head gasket issues (had to replace them at 60k miles, and so did lots of other people), electrical issues (the horn went out every 6 months for the first 2 years..... and Chrysler refused to replace it. So they cleaned the connectors and sent me on my way - until I yelled at the service guy at a dealership around here, and made him fix it right.).
Oh, and the speedometer and odometer haven't worked in YEARS. Literally. SO I have n idea how many miles it has on it, or how fast I am going, other than the fact that I know the car so well (and so does DH, since that's been his commuter car for a while), that I can feel what my speed is. BUT, that could have been caused by Ramsey AutoBody, who was SUPPOSED to fix the car after I was hit by a teenage driver. What they did was not really fix it, just make it look pretty - and tore out some electrical wiring in the process (so the dome light wouldn't come on, rather than fixing the REASON the dome light was STAYING on, from the accident). The odometer and speedometer failed shortly after they worked on the car.
However, that car is approaching 12 years old, and starts every time. Runs well, is very reliable, etc. It's not one we would sell, even with all the paint peeling off (why do 1996 lapis blue Neons have paint that bubbles and falls off??? I have NEVER seen any other car do this), because it IS so reliable. And we THINK we are still getting 32+ miles per gallon - again, hard to tell when the odometer no longer works.
The valet told me this morning that the Dodge Grand Caravan has a LIFETIME warranty. I am definitely going to have to look into that.
FIL said he would NEVER buy American. Most people I know say that. Which is sad, really - if it's because American vehicles don't perform, or don't last, well, then - let's demand BETTER from American automakers. if it's the gas mileage, or warranty, demand BETTER.
If it's the just a stigma that foreign cars are better? Let's get over it. We live in a nation that really began the automobile, and has revolutionized transportation in many ways.
The Odyssey cannot get up hills as well as the Grand Caravan. This was confirmed by my Odyssey-loving sister (and long time Odyssey owner) over the weekend. It doesn't have the legroom and headroom of the Grand Caravan. It doesn't handle as well, or turn as tightly. "But Honda's last forever". Well, that's true. So I ask Chrysler - what are YOU going to do, to make sure the DODGE GRAND CARAVAN "runs forever"?
Because if the Van fits, maybe we should drive it.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
DAY SIX - our last full day
They are coming to take her away tomorrow, sometime between 8 and noon. So tonight, we will empty her out (we've already filled the tank), clean up anything that needs cleaning, etc.
I must admit, I had thoughts of Cara (short for Caravan, of course), and I running away together. But decided I didn't really want to risk my credit, freedom, etc...... on somevan I barely know (even if I DO feel like we've meant something to one another).
MiniMe and I went Christmas shopping, grocery shopping, etc. We both sighed, and MiniMe said it had been a lot of fun riding in the van this past week. I can't believe it's already over.
DH, meanwhile, confessed that while we were out on the town, and he was at home, supposed to be doing RESEARCH (for school)..... he was on Vehix.com, looking at minivans. He had a whole shpiel about how we could work the payments into our budget next year, etc....
I guess I'm not the only one who's falling in love!
I must admit, I had thoughts of Cara (short for Caravan, of course), and I running away together. But decided I didn't really want to risk my credit, freedom, etc...... on somevan I barely know (even if I DO feel like we've meant something to one another).
MiniMe and I went Christmas shopping, grocery shopping, etc. We both sighed, and MiniMe said it had been a lot of fun riding in the van this past week. I can't believe it's already over.
DH, meanwhile, confessed that while we were out on the town, and he was at home, supposed to be doing RESEARCH (for school)..... he was on Vehix.com, looking at minivans. He had a whole shpiel about how we could work the payments into our budget next year, etc....
I guess I'm not the only one who's falling in love!
Sunday, December 16, 2007
DAY FIVE
Well, on very little sleep (my kids just don't sleep well at other people's houses, so neither do I)., It took a while to get headed home. But that gave MiniMe a chance to go sledding with HockeyBoy and UncleE. They were gone an hour, and had a GREAT time testing out the new sled (yes, I made them open their gift's early, so I could see their faces). I had UncleE take the van, so I wouldn't have to move the Ginormous car seat. Besides, I was parked behind the Odyssey, so they couldn't get out.
UncleE's only comment was that he didn't really like pushing the buttons twice, to open the doors, with the frozen kids outside. I kind of agreed, until my sister asked how they prevent kids from using the remote start in a garage. Then I decided pushing each button twice was a good thing.
Incidentally, the remote start only runs a few minutes, then turns itself off - that may be a flaw, or it may be by design, so you warm the engine without running out of fuel?
I disabled the VES (Video Entertainment System) on the drive back, so my sleepy darlings would take a nap. Worked like a charm!
UncleE's only comment was that he didn't really like pushing the buttons twice, to open the doors, with the frozen kids outside. I kind of agreed, until my sister asked how they prevent kids from using the remote start in a garage. Then I decided pushing each button twice was a good thing.
Incidentally, the remote start only runs a few minutes, then turns itself off - that may be a flaw, or it may be by design, so you warm the engine without running out of fuel?
I disabled the VES (Video Entertainment System) on the drive back, so my sleepy darlings would take a nap. Worked like a charm!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Day Four
Decided to test her on the highway. Went to visit my sisters in C.S., to drop off Christmas presents. It was very nice to have the DVD and entertainment systems - MiniMe and LittleBit both enjoyed watching Ice Age 2 while in their car seats. LittleBit tired of the wireless headphones (they are a bit heavy for a 2yo), and needed "baby" - which was in the cargo area (silly Mommy - I KNEW she'd need baby on the drive). SO I pulled over on the highway, opened the hatch, got Baby and Blankie, and got back on the road. Thankfully, it was broad daylight, so the semis and I could see each other clearly.
Had a great time visiting with my sisters. One of them drives a Honda Odyssey, so I had her take the Grand Caravan for a spin, to get her feedback. Like me, she noticed right away how tight the turns are, and how great she handles. Much different from the wide turns in the Honda. And of course, she loved the "extras" (heated seats, VES, swivel seats, stowing third row - yada, yada.....). She didn't like the "Boxy, SUV-like design", and mentioned the fact that Hondas last forever. But there was also the "oomph" of the engine - the Grand Caravan climbs hills with GLEE, not just ease. The Odyssey is not so powerful. She mentioned again that Hondas run forever.
It was also great to be able to take overnight bags, a crib mattress (for LittleBit to sleep on), all the Christmas packages (including a sled!), etc. and still have plenty of passenger room.
Someone on another blog mentioned the manual shifting. The Dodge Grand Caravan is automatic, yet offers optional manual shifting, in case you are in a position to need to down-shift. I never needed to down shift, even on an icy hill, leaving my other sister's house. So the only reason I mention this, is because the other blogger mentioned that it wasn't properly labeled, so she didn't know what gear she was shifting into, etc. The blogger was mistaken. There is actually a -/+ sign. - to down shift, + to up shift. And on the dash, where you see the gear you are in (park, reverse, neutral, Drive), "D" changes to a number, to tell you which gear you are in. I did play with it, just in case, and it was very clear, and easy to use.
One thing that REALLY stinks - there is no way to change the entertainment systems from the driver's seat. It comes with a remote control, which is WONDERFUL, but with children who don't yet read, I can't just pass the remote control back and let them figure out how to set up their system. So I had to climb into the back to set it up myself. On a long trip, that could be a problem. It would be nice if there was a way to toggle between VES systems from the front system - so if MiniMe got tired of the "in flight movie", and wanted Nickelodeon, I could tap my screen and switch her. Or if LittleBit couldn't handle the movie, and wanted SigningTime instead, I could switch her over, Nope, gotta use the remote control. Sounds great, except you cannot see the rear screen from the front seat, so you can hardly make a logical change. MiniMe did not appreciate the blue screen of words and boxes I left her with.
Had a great time visiting with my sisters. One of them drives a Honda Odyssey, so I had her take the Grand Caravan for a spin, to get her feedback. Like me, she noticed right away how tight the turns are, and how great she handles. Much different from the wide turns in the Honda. And of course, she loved the "extras" (heated seats, VES, swivel seats, stowing third row - yada, yada.....). She didn't like the "Boxy, SUV-like design", and mentioned the fact that Hondas last forever. But there was also the "oomph" of the engine - the Grand Caravan climbs hills with GLEE, not just ease. The Odyssey is not so powerful. She mentioned again that Hondas run forever.
It was also great to be able to take overnight bags, a crib mattress (for LittleBit to sleep on), all the Christmas packages (including a sled!), etc. and still have plenty of passenger room.
Someone on another blog mentioned the manual shifting. The Dodge Grand Caravan is automatic, yet offers optional manual shifting, in case you are in a position to need to down-shift. I never needed to down shift, even on an icy hill, leaving my other sister's house. So the only reason I mention this, is because the other blogger mentioned that it wasn't properly labeled, so she didn't know what gear she was shifting into, etc. The blogger was mistaken. There is actually a -/+ sign. - to down shift, + to up shift. And on the dash, where you see the gear you are in (park, reverse, neutral, Drive), "D" changes to a number, to tell you which gear you are in. I did play with it, just in case, and it was very clear, and easy to use.
One thing that REALLY stinks - there is no way to change the entertainment systems from the driver's seat. It comes with a remote control, which is WONDERFUL, but with children who don't yet read, I can't just pass the remote control back and let them figure out how to set up their system. So I had to climb into the back to set it up myself. On a long trip, that could be a problem. It would be nice if there was a way to toggle between VES systems from the front system - so if MiniMe got tired of the "in flight movie", and wanted Nickelodeon, I could tap my screen and switch her. Or if LittleBit couldn't handle the movie, and wanted SigningTime instead, I could switch her over, Nope, gotta use the remote control. Sounds great, except you cannot see the rear screen from the front seat, so you can hardly make a logical change. MiniMe did not appreciate the blue screen of words and boxes I left her with.
Friday, December 14, 2007
DAY THREE
Have I mentioned remote start yet? I LOVE this feature. I can start the van from inside my house, so it has plenty of time to warm up first. The best part is, if someone were to try to put the car in gear, etc - the van kills the engine (since there is no key in the ignition). It also locks the doors, if they weren't already. So it would be pretty tough for anyone to steal this van, idling in the driveway. And since we've got plenty of snow in Denver right now, and highs in the 20s and low 30s, I am REALLY enjoying this feature. Also has seat warmers, that work GREAT, if you like that sort of thing. I tested them, but don't like using them (in any vehicle), because I don't like warm seats - makes me feel like someone else left their "warmth" there. Ick. But a GREAT feature for ppl who like it, and little old ladies who can't maintain their body heat (like DH's late grandmother, who passed away this year, at the age of 101).
And the traction control is awesome (sorry to use the word, but it fits!!). We live on a hill that is IMPOSSIBLE to get the Infiniti up, in ice and snow. Seriously - we have to drive down the hill, and go to a major street a couple blocks away, where they get the ice cleared off. But with the traction control on the Grand Caravan, climbing the icy hill was a BREEZE!
I have driven Porsche, Mercedes, Saab (my personal fave is th 9-3), Audi, etc. I am not going to lie and say this van drives like an expensive sports car. It doesn't. But am very aware that vans do not typically do well in ice and snow (not, for that matter, do sports cars), and was a little apprehensive about scheduling my test-drive in the snow. I am very glad I did - she handles GREAT - far better than either car we own. Granted, they are both 12 years old, and traction control is much more popular. And granted, ICE is ICE - nothing can make ICE easier to deal with, overall. But this van does an excellent job, and knowing the traction control was working made me feel infinitely more comfortable.
Add the rear camera (when in reverse), the mirrors with "auto-dim", so you aren't blinded by glare, and all the other features - and i want to go cruising all night, to see what ELSE she can do.
How often can you say that about a minivan?
And the traction control is awesome (sorry to use the word, but it fits!!). We live on a hill that is IMPOSSIBLE to get the Infiniti up, in ice and snow. Seriously - we have to drive down the hill, and go to a major street a couple blocks away, where they get the ice cleared off. But with the traction control on the Grand Caravan, climbing the icy hill was a BREEZE!
I have driven Porsche, Mercedes, Saab (my personal fave is th 9-3), Audi, etc. I am not going to lie and say this van drives like an expensive sports car. It doesn't. But am very aware that vans do not typically do well in ice and snow (not, for that matter, do sports cars), and was a little apprehensive about scheduling my test-drive in the snow. I am very glad I did - she handles GREAT - far better than either car we own. Granted, they are both 12 years old, and traction control is much more popular. And granted, ICE is ICE - nothing can make ICE easier to deal with, overall. But this van does an excellent job, and knowing the traction control was working made me feel infinitely more comfortable.
Add the rear camera (when in reverse), the mirrors with "auto-dim", so you aren't blinded by glare, and all the other features - and i want to go cruising all night, to see what ELSE she can do.
How often can you say that about a minivan?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
DAY TWO
I can see myself owning a van. If not this one, definitely one with all the features. It was so nice to use the GPS to find DH's rotation site. I've been there once before, but followed a Google Map. This time, I could watch the road and enjoy the ride, rather than glancing at the map in traffic. SO um.... I'm asking Santa for GPS someday. Speaking of GPS - another extra safety feature - the GPS system in the Grand Caravan gives you an "error" message (not really an error) that prohibits you from typing in an address, when the car is in motion. So you must pull over and enter it safely. Now, I DO have experience driving vehicles with GPS - this is the first I've seen that includes that safety feature, as well as (when you first start the vehicle) a message that you must drive safely, and observe the laws, etc..... to which you much push "I accept", before the GPS system will allow access.
Really handles well. "It's got GUTS", to quote DH. It really does. You can definitely get out of some crazy driver's way, get into an opening in traffic, etc., with no worries that you won't have enough power - the Grand Caravan definitely has power. Another trait Dodge is known for - my Neon (though not a flashy car, and as SIL says, "a belly-button" car...... because "everyone has one") is pretty powerful, and my brother used to have a Dodge Ram - lots of power in that engine. In fact, the Infiniti cannot hold a candle to the Neon, when it comes to guts. But it has an air conditioner, better seat belts (the Neon seat belts slip when trying to hold a car seat in - even with a clip, it's not my first choice with kids), and more comfortable seats, though my head touches the ceiling. And a smoother, more comfortable drive - which one would expect in an entry-level luxury car. SO I've been driving the Infiniti since I became a stay-at-home mom. Because the kids need air-conditioning - they inherited my fair skin, and propensity for overheating.
ANYWHO - the Grand Caravan handles very nicely - every bit as nicely as my little sedan. I was concerned that, having not driven a van on a regular basis, it would take some getting used to wide turns, etc., But it truly handles just like a compact car. True, I need a little more room, but the turns are tight and smooth, the van is very responsive, etc. It's actually very enjoyable to drive! Even picking up MiniMe from school (small parking lot, lots of mommy traffic, etc) was a breeze.
OK, so we're getting beyond just "driving a van instead of a compact car" differences. I'm starting to appreciate her (yes, I feel this van is a female - a strong, intelligent, woman-of-integrity type, lol. Maybe I am projecting a little) for who she is. I am getting a little attached to her. And the kids are hooked. Of course, that could be because they figured out the television in 6 seconds flat. And if I don't check my rear-view mirror for a few minutes, MiniMe turns it back on. We had 3 discussions today on the fact that riding in a vehicle does NOT mean adding to her already-too-much-TV addiction. Luckily, I have a power button within my reach, and can turn it off each time she turns it on. I am Mommy. I win.
There are cup holders everywhere. Not a big deal for everyone, but HUGE deal for us. My car has none, other than the center-console type I found at Walmart, right before our last road trip. So it is very nice to have cup holders - 4 on the center console, two more that pull out below the second DVD player (these two are very large - DH said he could fit a 44 ounce drink in them - and I think his eyes were glittering!). The third row has a few more. Not really any that I could see in the second row. That would definitely be helpful. But really, where would they put them? The dual sliding doors would not be able to slide, if there were cup holders. And, come to think of it, the top of the center console (in the first row) slides back far enough that the two rear cup holders on that (there are 4 total) are then accessible to the second row. So yes, Dodge thought of that already!
The dash is very well laid out - the steering wheel frames the gauges perfectly - no loss of sight, etc. Shifter is different than I've seen before, as it sticks out from the dash, rather than the steering column. But easy to use. And you can manually shift, if you choose.
I sat in the second row for a while, letting DH drive a bit. I was amazed with the legroom and headroom, yet again. I could stretch my legs out quite comfortably - and with my knees, I need to do that a lot. The seat was every bit as comfortable as those in the front. Arm rests were in the perfect spot, etc. I didn't last back there for long, however - the kids had turned on the TVs again, and my eyes couldn't take the movement on the screen, combined with watching the road. Made me a little car-sick. Unfortunately, children seem immune to that issue. But fortunately, the VES (Vehicle Entertainment system) comes with a remote control. So I was able to turn the TVs off. AGAIN. In case you like video games (we don't allow them), the Dodge Grand Caravan also includes jacks and outlets to hook your favorite game system into the VES (remember, we're talking about the fully loaded version). Same with MP3 players, etc. I haven't lived in a HOUSE that's wired for so much.
Tonight, MIL called to ask if DH could take her and her friend to pick up an oxygen tank (the friend was having trouble with hers, and they were at a church social, with no vehicle to pick up a spare tank). Dh grabbed the van, and went off to rescue the damsels. He really appreciated the room, the handling, etc. Much more comfortable for all the passengers than the Neon would have been (and with 2 car seats, three adults would never have fit in the Infiniti). It's also a great coincidence that, the week I have a van (and no, my friends didn't know I have a van this week), a friend called to ask if I could watch her son, and a child she normally babysits - she has a family emergency, and needed someone in a pinch. Yes, I can help out - I can even pick the boys up from school - I have the room!
The third row (in case I haven't mentioned it before) can, in addition to "stowing" at the push of a button, lay on it's back, so you can face out of the cargo area for tailgating, and still be very comfortable (there are actually multiple buttons, allowing for a wide range of seat-position options. And additional buttons ON the seats, allowing for recline and tilt adjustment). There is also an easy-to-find compartment containing a wheel jack, and another with an emergency flashlight.
There are two glove compartments, and the center console has two storage areas (three, counting the top area). Plus the stow-and-go cargo areas (under the floor in the second row), and rear cargo area. I wish I had a road trip to take her on. Might have to come up with one!
I warned DH that I am falling in love.......
Really handles well. "It's got GUTS", to quote DH. It really does. You can definitely get out of some crazy driver's way, get into an opening in traffic, etc., with no worries that you won't have enough power - the Grand Caravan definitely has power. Another trait Dodge is known for - my Neon (though not a flashy car, and as SIL says, "a belly-button" car...... because "everyone has one") is pretty powerful, and my brother used to have a Dodge Ram - lots of power in that engine. In fact, the Infiniti cannot hold a candle to the Neon, when it comes to guts. But it has an air conditioner, better seat belts (the Neon seat belts slip when trying to hold a car seat in - even with a clip, it's not my first choice with kids), and more comfortable seats, though my head touches the ceiling. And a smoother, more comfortable drive - which one would expect in an entry-level luxury car. SO I've been driving the Infiniti since I became a stay-at-home mom. Because the kids need air-conditioning - they inherited my fair skin, and propensity for overheating.
ANYWHO - the Grand Caravan handles very nicely - every bit as nicely as my little sedan. I was concerned that, having not driven a van on a regular basis, it would take some getting used to wide turns, etc., But it truly handles just like a compact car. True, I need a little more room, but the turns are tight and smooth, the van is very responsive, etc. It's actually very enjoyable to drive! Even picking up MiniMe from school (small parking lot, lots of mommy traffic, etc) was a breeze.
OK, so we're getting beyond just "driving a van instead of a compact car" differences. I'm starting to appreciate her (yes, I feel this van is a female - a strong, intelligent, woman-of-integrity type, lol. Maybe I am projecting a little) for who she is. I am getting a little attached to her. And the kids are hooked. Of course, that could be because they figured out the television in 6 seconds flat. And if I don't check my rear-view mirror for a few minutes, MiniMe turns it back on. We had 3 discussions today on the fact that riding in a vehicle does NOT mean adding to her already-too-much-TV addiction. Luckily, I have a power button within my reach, and can turn it off each time she turns it on. I am Mommy. I win.
There are cup holders everywhere. Not a big deal for everyone, but HUGE deal for us. My car has none, other than the center-console type I found at Walmart, right before our last road trip. So it is very nice to have cup holders - 4 on the center console, two more that pull out below the second DVD player (these two are very large - DH said he could fit a 44 ounce drink in them - and I think his eyes were glittering!). The third row has a few more. Not really any that I could see in the second row. That would definitely be helpful. But really, where would they put them? The dual sliding doors would not be able to slide, if there were cup holders. And, come to think of it, the top of the center console (in the first row) slides back far enough that the two rear cup holders on that (there are 4 total) are then accessible to the second row. So yes, Dodge thought of that already!
The dash is very well laid out - the steering wheel frames the gauges perfectly - no loss of sight, etc. Shifter is different than I've seen before, as it sticks out from the dash, rather than the steering column. But easy to use. And you can manually shift, if you choose.
I sat in the second row for a while, letting DH drive a bit. I was amazed with the legroom and headroom, yet again. I could stretch my legs out quite comfortably - and with my knees, I need to do that a lot. The seat was every bit as comfortable as those in the front. Arm rests were in the perfect spot, etc. I didn't last back there for long, however - the kids had turned on the TVs again, and my eyes couldn't take the movement on the screen, combined with watching the road. Made me a little car-sick. Unfortunately, children seem immune to that issue. But fortunately, the VES (Vehicle Entertainment system) comes with a remote control. So I was able to turn the TVs off. AGAIN. In case you like video games (we don't allow them), the Dodge Grand Caravan also includes jacks and outlets to hook your favorite game system into the VES (remember, we're talking about the fully loaded version). Same with MP3 players, etc. I haven't lived in a HOUSE that's wired for so much.
Tonight, MIL called to ask if DH could take her and her friend to pick up an oxygen tank (the friend was having trouble with hers, and they were at a church social, with no vehicle to pick up a spare tank). Dh grabbed the van, and went off to rescue the damsels. He really appreciated the room, the handling, etc. Much more comfortable for all the passengers than the Neon would have been (and with 2 car seats, three adults would never have fit in the Infiniti). It's also a great coincidence that, the week I have a van (and no, my friends didn't know I have a van this week), a friend called to ask if I could watch her son, and a child she normally babysits - she has a family emergency, and needed someone in a pinch. Yes, I can help out - I can even pick the boys up from school - I have the room!
The third row (in case I haven't mentioned it before) can, in addition to "stowing" at the push of a button, lay on it's back, so you can face out of the cargo area for tailgating, and still be very comfortable (there are actually multiple buttons, allowing for a wide range of seat-position options. And additional buttons ON the seats, allowing for recline and tilt adjustment). There is also an easy-to-find compartment containing a wheel jack, and another with an emergency flashlight.
There are two glove compartments, and the center console has two storage areas (three, counting the top area). Plus the stow-and-go cargo areas (under the floor in the second row), and rear cargo area. I wish I had a road trip to take her on. Might have to come up with one!
I warned DH that I am falling in love.......
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Day One - Part Two
Starting mileage - 2340 miles. Full tank of gas. We'll see how far a tank gets me, and what the mileage turns out to be. DH gave me a "magic number" that he'd be willing to seriously consider getting this van (loves the "green" dual-fuel feature). I have to say, so far, I am enjoying the van. Right now, it's really the differences between riding in a tiny sedan (I have an Infiniti G20) with 2 car seats (including the ginormous one), and having this great big van, where we all have plenty of legroom and headroom - my Infiniti, though I LOVE it, does not have any room to spare. At 5'11", and DH at 6'3" (and MiniMe already 49 inches or more), it's tough to take long drives. My head scrapes the ceiling, with the seat reclined a bit, and my legs have no wiggle room But this VAN was built for tall people. There is at LEAST 4 inches to spare before the ceiling (with me fully upright), and PLENTY of legroom for all. I do have a 1996 Dodge Neon, and the large, roomy interior (even in the backseat, where I have been known to put 3 tall adults) was a huge plus. The Dodge Grand Caravan does not disappoint. Makes the Neon seem cramped.
My arthritic knees love the van, too. No crouching down into a tiny car - I barely bend my knees to get into the van - I slide right in, and there is no stress or pain.
So far, it's the difference between a tiny sedan, and a roomy van. Hardly a fair comparison. I am really glad I get a few days to check it out - there is NO WAY I would be able to make a truly educated decision without all this time, given the fact that I am not used to driving a van. But even compared to others I HAVE driven, this is exceptionally roomy. I need to trade with my sister that has a Honda Odyssey, to see what the differences are.
DH drove it tonight when he got home from work, and was really impressed with the safety features - rear camera for seeing what's behind your wheels when in reverse, automatic sliding doors, the cargo door beeps when opening or closing, to warn you to get out of the way, etc.
The features list goes on and on. Oh, and it handles well. More on that tomorrow!
My arthritic knees love the van, too. No crouching down into a tiny car - I barely bend my knees to get into the van - I slide right in, and there is no stress or pain.
So far, it's the difference between a tiny sedan, and a roomy van. Hardly a fair comparison. I am really glad I get a few days to check it out - there is NO WAY I would be able to make a truly educated decision without all this time, given the fact that I am not used to driving a van. But even compared to others I HAVE driven, this is exceptionally roomy. I need to trade with my sister that has a Honda Odyssey, to see what the differences are.
DH drove it tonight when he got home from work, and was really impressed with the safety features - rear camera for seeing what's behind your wheels when in reverse, automatic sliding doors, the cargo door beeps when opening or closing, to warn you to get out of the way, etc.
The features list goes on and on. Oh, and it handles well. More on that tomorrow!
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