I know I'm spoiled, but am I stupid?

[Lance Racing]

Valid question - and one I would have had a few years ago too. The X3/X5 or larger 4 door works up to a point - but after packing a stroller, pack-n-play crib, a duffle bag or two, dog bowls and food, gifts it it is a birthday/holiday, food if there is a picnic/pot-luck supper, etc it all adds up. Sooner or later you get to see the value of the huge storage capacity of the minivan - everything listed above AND your bikes/camping gear, etc would fit! Plus the side opening doors make it easier to get a kid out of a baby seat, easier to open inside a garage, and if the baby needs something on a long trip the wife can get in the back without stopping.

Both my wife and I loathed the idea - until we drove one and started drooling over all the utility.

Yes, minivans are the right tool for the job sometimes.

So you've been driving a cabrio in Midwest winters? That seems chilly.

[87Blue325iC]

Yes, minivans are the right tool for the job sometimes.

So you've been driving a cabrio in Midwest winters? That seems chilly.

I retro-fitted heated seats and it is garaged at home, so only really gets chilly on the drive home from work in the evenings. That is all of a 5 minute trip - so the cost savings is worth the minor discomfort. I am certainly open to a donated E30 hardtop, however!

[txtorquemade]

Allow me to be the voice of reason, since 95% of the respondents in this thread are less than 25 and have no clue what you're looking at.

I'm the same age as you and we bought my wife a new Sienna. It's an awesome van (yes, I said it) and it's little less harsh than the Odyssey. Personal preference, and I'm sure you'd be happy with either one; it's not why I'm posting but I thought I'd mention that we love our van.

IMO, you need to get off the "new car plan" and start thinking about long term. Each time you jump into a new car you're losing your ass on it, regardless of whether you buy or lease. I understand wanting to drive something different all the time...believe me, I do...but if I was you I'd be thinking about buying something less expensive and putting the rest of it away for your 6 month old.

I have a 2 year old and she's already burning through a few hundred dollars a month in clothes, food, MyGym, Mommy and me classes, etc. And they just keep getting more expensive. Soon it'll be daycare at $200/month on top of that, and that's a cheap one. I put away about $500/month on top of that, but it's not easy.

Don't get me wrong, I make a good living and we're not strapped by any means. My wife is also a nurse, so if we needed money she could go back to work. My point is, at some point you need to take a hard look in the mirror and realize that giving up some of what you want is worth being able to give your wife and 6 month old everything they deserve.

Jeezus I must be getting old.

Tim

Ok.. Tim, your a tool. Please, you have lost your will to live and be something besides toolish, so ....best you fill up that minivan with gas, block all the ventilation in your garage close the door, put on a nice Alanis Morrisette CD (cause it sounds like you have grown a nice lil vag there).... and turn the key.

YOUR life is over. You are way to rational and grown up. Time to call it a day. Maybe you can locate your testicles in your wifes purse, but Im bettin they are already mounted in her closet, or languishing at the bottom of her cosmetic bag.

Do the right thing, just end the madness......

HEY..just fckin with ya Tim... of course you are probably right on all accounts, but I dont know. Im just NOT selling my e30s (yes plural, and growing in number). My wife, my kids..they dont care. Only I care about keeping them. They dont cost that much, especially if you DD something else, or a e46 as I do. Insurancre is cheap, parts are cheapish, DIY everything and they really dont sap much disposable income.

Cheap hobby... less than golf, or fishing..or......(name it)

[Leaf]

needs a tuck.....