Keeanh
Well-known member
When I put $1200 into fixing a seized clutch in my van, I said I would drive it 3 more AC-less summers. I did that. As I got around the 270,000km mark, I decided I would go for 300,000 kms. I'm at 298,500. I've never had a bit of trouble with the old girl, but it's 16 years old and I don't fully trust it on long hauls either. I'm finally wrapping my head around parting with my beloved Safari.
Another consideration, my kids are starting to drive. I don't even want to know what might happen if that airbag goes off. Plus, it's difficult to drive in winter conditions (RWD). I can handle it, but I'm pretty sure my kids would crash it. Which is why I have no plans to let them take it out in icy conditions LOL. But it's gonna have to happen sometime. It's not all that nimble or responsive and has some quirks that I don't mind, but might be difficult or distracting for a new driver.
Do I go for another van (thinking Sedona)? Or a Mazda5? Thinking 2010-ish. Both are in the same price range ($10K - $12K CDN).
I can't do a small car. Sometimes I need to carry two hockey bags plus bringing home a Costco haul. I'm not doing an SUV, because gas mileage is a huge reason I want to ditch the Safari. So if I'm going for a station wagon kind of vehicle, I might as well get the Mazda5 and have the option to carry another person around town. I almost never have to carry 4+ people AND cargo at the same time, unless it's the whole family in which case we take the 15p. 2010 has stability control, so I would probably hold out for that model year.
But am I going to miss the space of my van? Is it going to drive me nuts trying to juggle kids plus stuff? I practically live in that van. I usually have the back seat folded down. I love that I can leave a bunch of stuff in the van all the time and then I always have it. Not cluttered crap LOL. I mean a stroller (when I have a little one), a bin of jackets, a box of emergency supplies, tow rope, chains, a flat of water (for when we get to an arena and there's a water advisory and I can supply the whole team ), etc..
Then there's this small part of me that says, "But, you already own the Safari. It's only $650 a year for insurance. It hasn't caused trouble yet. It's not really that hard to drive..."
Help me out here guys!!
Another consideration, my kids are starting to drive. I don't even want to know what might happen if that airbag goes off. Plus, it's difficult to drive in winter conditions (RWD). I can handle it, but I'm pretty sure my kids would crash it. Which is why I have no plans to let them take it out in icy conditions LOL. But it's gonna have to happen sometime. It's not all that nimble or responsive and has some quirks that I don't mind, but might be difficult or distracting for a new driver.
Do I go for another van (thinking Sedona)? Or a Mazda5? Thinking 2010-ish. Both are in the same price range ($10K - $12K CDN).
I can't do a small car. Sometimes I need to carry two hockey bags plus bringing home a Costco haul. I'm not doing an SUV, because gas mileage is a huge reason I want to ditch the Safari. So if I'm going for a station wagon kind of vehicle, I might as well get the Mazda5 and have the option to carry another person around town. I almost never have to carry 4+ people AND cargo at the same time, unless it's the whole family in which case we take the 15p. 2010 has stability control, so I would probably hold out for that model year.
But am I going to miss the space of my van? Is it going to drive me nuts trying to juggle kids plus stuff? I practically live in that van. I usually have the back seat folded down. I love that I can leave a bunch of stuff in the van all the time and then I always have it. Not cluttered crap LOL. I mean a stroller (when I have a little one), a bin of jackets, a box of emergency supplies, tow rope, chains, a flat of water (for when we get to an arena and there's a water advisory and I can supply the whole team ), etc..
Then there's this small part of me that says, "But, you already own the Safari. It's only $650 a year for insurance. It hasn't caused trouble yet. It's not really that hard to drive..."
Help me out here guys!!