ALT-1 Overcoming the Psychological Stigma of Buying a Minivan
I have to admit, I have a stigma about driving/buying/being seen in a minivan. I am not sure where it comes from. I have been asking around to see if I can figure it out.So, I talked to a few friends that have mini-vans and are relatively young (30-37). I also spoke to friends (25-30)that just shutter at the thought of owning a mini-van. So lets call the age group 30-37 group "A" and age group 25-30 group "B".
First, before I give the opinions of the 2 groups, I think we can see that the age groups are slightly different. So, right away you can think it is mind frame of the ages. The other thought that comes to my mind is perhaps it is the quantity of children. Maybe group "B" is teetering the line of having to "convert" to a mini-van.
So, as I pointed out group "A" also admitted to having a stigma regarding the mini-van, but over came it. They had their list of reasons of why the decided to go ahead and become a mini-van owner, and here they are:
1. The size. It is big enough to fit their large family. Cars just do not work any more when you have 4 or more children.
2. The room/comfort. It is roomy and it is great to still store thing or have room for groceries, strollers, sports equipment, etc.
3. Accessibility. You can get to the children and their needs easier. Buckling seat belts, getting babies in and out, older children not having to climb over everyone to get in or out, etc.
4. The cost of purchasing/owning one. It is reasonable. Most of the time cheaper that buying a SUV.
5. The gas. Depending on the mini-van or maker you choose, you can get good gas mileage. That is a winner right away!
6. It has all of the commodities the "fancy", "stylish" cars, SUV have. They are equipped with the DVD's, radio/sound systems, window accessibility to open and close, neat buttons to explore, but yet still simple.
7. Plain and simple you get over the stigma of "soccer mom", "housewife", etc. once you become an owner and are in one.
Group "B" takes a different stance.... somewhat shallow, but still very important. Here are their reasons for NOT wanting or ever getting a mini-van.
1. EEEWWWEE! Why would you do that? SUV's are way better.
2. They make you look old. They age you like 10 years.
3. The are shaped weird. The do not look cool.
4. Not ready to be portrayed as a "Soccer Mom" or "Housewife".
5. Want their kids to think they are cool, as well as friends and who ever is looking.
6. Want to be able to "pass down" the family car to oldest. Mini-vans won't cut it for a 16 year old years from now.
To interject.. I did ask about the various reasons pro owning a mini-van from group "B". The replies were:
7. The facts were understood, but just could not "do it" right now.
8. Some thought in the future, when they got older, they would own one.
9. With the knowledge of the opinions/facts from group "A" a couple of group "B" thought about converting!
These are true opinions and reports that I made regarding the "STIGMA OF THE MINI-VAN"I actually am on the fence about owning one myself, still wondering can I make it in a SUV and deal with the hassle of seating, accessibility, baby seats, storage, gas, etc.I am not sure, but I do know that we are going to look at some mini-vans today.... EEEEEKKKKK!I have to. Their will be 6 people in my family very soon, plus any company my children want to bring along. I am definitely going to find the cutest, non-aging one on the market. I am not sure about buying, just looking :)
Where do you stand?
