My husband was sold on the 2010 Chrysler Town and Country mini-van. He must have seen my disdain because he began to explain all the 'perks,' as if he would be the primary driver. It took a while to let it sink in and admit that a van is the perfect fit for our family now. I conceded against my deeply rooted prior judgement.
Here's why:
- Fuel Efficiency: Obviously it does not have the best, by far, but definitely better then a 2004 Jeep Cherokee.
- Ample space and storage: The only minivan in its class with superior Stow & Go storage. There is no better car on the market that has allocated nooks and crannies that can accommodate to the modern family's necessities.
- 'Luxury' amenities such as rear parking sensors, heated seats and touch screen audio system.
- Remote start is standard: I will never go back to having a car without it.
- Automatic sliding doors: A godsend.
- Entertainment system: Last and certainly least, it has a TV screen for each row of seating. I mention this for husbands and children only, because I still see no real need for this. As a child of the 80's and the youngest of 3, I have plenty of memories of being stuffed in the middle of the family car on trips without any form of entertainment except singing along to my father's Phil Collins cassette tapes. I have no qualms with having my children endure the same simplicity of life during our trips. But I am out numbered now, 3 to 1.
The only negative of the Town & Country is that it only comes with leather interior and the 2010 model has a lesser quality than the newer models. As a family van, I am concerned about the durability, but that is something only time will tell.
We ended up buying the Chrysler Town and Country. After a few weeks, I have overcome my pride and have grown to love our mini-van for the shear convenience of the automatic sliding doors after a trip to the grocery store and especially during our recent trip to Indiana. In no other vehicle could we have tended to our crying 6 month old the way we were able to in the mini-van, and we are all very grateful for that as you can see here:
Sometimes while driving, I catch our reflection in a shop window, and I think, "Wow. Really?" But a quick glance to my happy little gentlemen in the back seat reminds me that: Yes, I am still cool after all these years.
It seems silly now to have not even considered a mini-van based on pure stigma. It is so much more well-equipped for the modern family than in the past, and we couldn't be happier. I never wanted a mini-van, but times change and admitting that is the first step to acceptance.
Car shopping should be fun, but it can be a lot of trial and error. If you are thinking about purchasing a new car or are in the process of looking, I offer the following advice:
- Figure out what you can afford. Then decide what you really need versus what you want (or dreamed).
- Be patient - as with most good things in life, it is the only way you will find what you really want.
- Don't be afraid to walk away, even under pressure. The power of negotiation is for both parties to walk away feeling fulfilled. Salesmen are there to make a sale, not to lose one, so if it is a real deal, it will be there when you are ready.
Do you love your mini-van? Was it love at first sight or did you have to go through your own soul-searching? Tell us your experiences below.
About The Author
Jennifer is the mother of two amazing little boys and loves to know what is going on around them so they can get involved. Originally from the Midwest, Jennifer moved East 8 years ago to pursue a career in New York City's fast-paced apparel industry. After her first son was born, Jennifer and her husband decided it was time to get out of NYC and get some real space to raise a family. They found their niche right in Bergen County. Since stepping foot here, they haven't turned back! Jennifer claims to have the heart of a Midwesterner but the sprit of an East-coaster which, so far, hasn't failed her yet. She always look forward to what is to come. After her second son was born, Jennifer decided to give the apparel industry a break to focus on her two children.
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