https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:58:25 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-questions#post-2470785 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 09:05:28 +0000 HappyBaker 2470785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Silva: @princessandthebee: Thanks guys, good point about the AWD, we wouldn't need it THAT much and we'd have a ton more options if we just get front wheel drive. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-questions#post-2470773 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 09:00:43 +0000 Mrs. Cookie 2470773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just traded in our Kia for a 2015 Dodge Caravan. It doesn't have quite as many perks as our old car but just the fact that van's doors open with a push of a button is super helpful. We are in Minnesota with terrible winters and we didn't even splurge on the Sienna for the AWD. Sure, it'd be nice but hubby always points out that doesn't mean you'll never skid or have trouble on ice.</p> <p>We have one 19 month old and I'm due with #2 in less than two weeks. We'll use the two captain seats for the car seats until DS1 is older and can sit in the back. The third row middle seat looks crazy small to me, like I can't picture three adults back there but everyone assures me it's bigger than I think and that all vans are about the same. I was just looking forward to being able to take other adults as well as our family. I also can't wrap my head around how people will be able to get to the back row once both boys are in those huge convertible seats!</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-questions#post-2470768 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:50:40 +0000 Silva 2470768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are planning to buy one is summer. we are buying a used one, maybe three years old? We've decided unless we get a screaming deal on the AWD it's probably not worth the hit on gas mileage for the few days a year we'd actually "need" it. And we live further north than MA. Good snow tires do a decent enough job, and on the bad days it's safest to just stay home anyway!<br /> I think the captains chairs make things feel roomier, and the third row is easier to access, so we will probably go in that direction.<br /> But I'm curious to hear from experienced mini-vanners! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-questions#post-2470766 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:50:13 +0000 HappyBaker 2470766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Thanks this is super helpful! Lane Assist sounds awesome, I'm definitely nervous about getting used to driving such a big car! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-questions#post-2470765 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:49:02 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2470765@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, the other feature that I LOVE about my honda and made my parents go get a honda, is the new Lane Assist feature. When you put on your right blinker to either turn right or shift to the right lane, a camera on that right side mirror shows you what is in your blind spot. For transitioning to learning how to drive a mini van, this is huge for me! I love it and miss it so much when driving a rental. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-questions#post-2470764 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:47:47 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2470764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are in FL so we had no need for AWD. </p> <p>However, we liked that the Odyssey offered the 3 in the middle row and you can expand the seats (push them about an inch apart) to get you some more space for car seats. Or you can remove the middle seat and make it like two captains chairs for when the kids are older. </p> <p>Ive got a 4 year old an 1 year old and a baby on the way. We are excited about being able to put three across in the middle because even at age 5, I dont trust that my oldest will be ready to climb in and buckle herself up properly in the back seat. </p> <p>Even with the third row up, there is still plenty of room in the back for a stroller and luggage because you get the deep space of the cargo well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-questions#post-2470758 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 08:45:14 +0000 HappyBaker 2470758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm just starting research to buy our first minivan, and am a little overwhelmed already even though there aren't that many out there! I'm sure a lot of you have already done this research so I'd love to know your thoughts.</p> <p>1) What seat configuration is best? It seems like the second row could either be two captain's chairs, or two plus a removable third? Right now we have a 3 year old and a 1 year old, with a possible #3 next year.</p> <p>2) Is the AWD on the Sienna worth it? It seems like they are the only ones that offer AWD. We live in MA and while this winter has been mild, last winter I literally could not drive my crappy Front Wheel Drive car some days because I was sliding all over the place! But my car is is a tiny hatchback (Nissan Versa) and I'm wondering if in a bigger car maybe the AWD vs Front isn't as big of deal?</p> <p>Thanks in advance :-) </p>