For many parents, choosing a family car can be a highly challenging exercise. There are so many options that it can be hard to figure out which one will meet your needs best. Minivans are a highly popular choice for families due to their passenger space, storage, fuel efficiency and more. If you’re interested, this article can give you an in-depth look at what makes minivans such a great decision for families.
What Is A Minivan?
A minivan is a large car typically driven by parents! It has special features that make it easier to transport children around, such as back-seat entertainment systems and cup holders for snacks or drinks. The term ‘minivan’ can also be used interchangeably with ‘people carrier’, ‘family van’, ‘multi-purpose vehicle’ (MPV), ‘multi-seater, ‘minibus’ and ‘shuttle bus’.
A minivan is a car with an interior room configuration similar to that of a station wagon, but its exterior resembles the body style of a typical passenger automobile. Minivans typically seat from five to seven people in two or three rows of seating and they have sliding doors on both sides (instead of four doors).
There Are Many Ways To Buy Them
You can go on Craigslist, eBay or even go in person to your local dealership. You may also be able to use your current car for trade-in, to lower the purchase price (especially if your car’s still under warranty). The overall ease of buying a minivan makes this kind of vehicle perfect for first-time buyers who don’t know much about cars.
It’s wise to head over to the internet and check out the various vehicle websites. This way you can see what’s available and what kind of prices you’re looking at. There’s plenty you can learn when looking for a reputable car dealer, and many sell both new and pre-owned vehicles. It’s possible to view photos and models, and even sort the purchase and delivery over the internet.
The Seating
The seating in minivans is usually highly comfortable. As we said earlier, there are two rows, which provides enough room for adults to fit comfortably while at the same time allowing the children to have their own space.
The seating in most modern-day minivans also allows for a third-row seating option that can be quickly set up and put away whenever needed.
The Storage Space
Minivans have plenty of room for luggage when traveling, as well as storage underneath the floorboards for blankets, supplies and other items during long trips. These days most minivans come equipped with at least 60 – 70 cubic feet of space.
Not only does the storage help keep your car organized but you will always know where everything is when you need it most. If you do a lot of traveling and need extra room for suitcases and bags, a minivan would fit the bill perfectly.
The Safety Element
The safety features may include side-curtain airbags, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), stability control systems, electronic stability program (ESP) and traction control systems (TCS). You can also get rearview cameras, lane departure warning systems, blind-spot monitoring sensors, parking assist technology and more.
There is also a large rear window that makes it easier to see what’s behind you while driving. Some other features include safety belt pretensioners, safety belts with adjustable height and width and safety beam seatbelts. These features help make traveling safer for both kids and parents alike.
The Doors
Another great feature about minivans is the sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle. They make it easy to get the kids in and out of their seat belts without having to open up the entire door like you would with an SUV or sedan.
The sliding doors mean that don’t have to worry about them opening sideways and hitting other cars or cyclists.
The Technology
Minivans often come equipped with lots of technology including entertainment systems, heated seats and high-end infotainment features. In addition to such devices as DVD players, power outlets and USB ports can provide a way for passengers of all ages to stay connected on the go. They will help make your road trips more enjoyable, especially when you have kids in tow.
This article provides a compelling case for any householder to consider buying a minivan for their family journeys. Alongside the factors already described, things like affordability and reliability should be strongly considered. If you buy one, you’ll have more space and a safe journey that both you and your family will benefit from for many years to come.