ALT-1 Are Minivans Cool or Uncool – uncool
I AM MINIVAN! HEAR ME ROAR!
Seven years ago, after the birth of our 2nd child, we bought our beloved green minivan. We now have three children, and our minivan is a our prime family-hauler. We load that thing down for camping trips and family outings. For the camping trips we load up the back, put a huge vinyl gear-hauler on top and attach a hitch to the rear for our five bikes. We are stylin' as we boogie down the road. And yes, we are uncool. But I say, so what?
GET OVER YOURSELF
Granted, minivans are pretty much uncool. For the macho male, the purchase of a minivan can be a blow to his Mustang-desiring ego. My response to that is: it's a CAR. If you have to define yourself through your sleek motor vehicle, you have issues. Now, don't get me wrong. I enjoy a sporty muscle car as much as the next guy. But, there comes a time in life where you must be practical and responsible. A minivan may not be cool, but who are you really trying to impress at that point? Chances are if you are buying a minivan, you are married and have kids so you shouldn't be trying to impress anyone with your vehicle anyway.
WHAT'S THE ALTERNATIVE?
You could buy a station-wagon I suppose. However, I don't think too many companies make those anymore, and they are even less cool. Just because the Brady Bunch had one doesn't mean you should. You could take two cars everywhere, but that is just impractical. Of course, the route many cool-seekers have taken is the purchase of the jumbo SUV. That satisfies the truck-gene of many males, but I have to say that the four-wheel-drive is a bit much for the suburbs, and I wouldn't be all the excited about getting 11 miles to the gallon. Don't even get me started on tire costs and maintenance.
Yes, the minivan is uncool but so are a lot of other things in life. Find your own inner cool and just get in the van. Soon your minivan phase will be over and you can buy your ridiculous midlife crisis car. Until then, enjoy those sliding doors, seating for seven, and uncool look. Nothing says "uncool" like a sweet minivan.
