We go through several phases in our lives where we reconsider our values, beliefs and the truths we hold to be fundamental. I’m currently living one of those defining moments in a man’s life.
Like any and every self-respecting car guy, I would never have DREAMED of getting near a minivan, not even with the proverbial 10-foot pole. And why, you ask? Simply because it’s the opposite of everything I think a real car should be. Flaccid suspension, laughable performance and, especially, yawn-inducing looks. Basically the general bias enthusiasts have against that particular type of machine.
Like many of you out there, I’ve had the good fortune to meet an incredible person with whom I intend to start a family. As the lease on my car is coming up soon, I’m suddenly forced to envision what my future will look like in four or five years.
The more I think about it, the more obvious it seems that trundling twin strollers, baby clothes, crib, diapers and diaper accoutrements for two or three kiddies, plus my own gear, will be nye impossible in the coveted Honda Civic.
Crossovers immediately and tantalizingly jump to mind. They’re affordable, relatively fuel efficient, 100% macho and pretty much every major manufacturer has got one. “Bah! Who needs a minivan!” I say to myself.
Several road tests and hours of reasoning later, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m about to make a bachelor’s decision and not a future family man’s one. I’m thinking more about myself and my own comfort than that of my better half and future offspring. Talk about a kick in the nuts.
The thrill of driving abruptly comes in a distant second, and I find myself thinking that a minivan isn’t THAT bad, after all... It’s comfortable for the whole gang, doesn’t cost too much and will help me get to where I’m going without struggling to stuff everything I need for the trip into it, including said offspring.
Suddenly it’s obvious: I’m struck with a case of Minivan Syndrome. And what’s more surprising, I’m proud of it. I’ve finally realized that driving a minivan doesn’t mean that I don’t love to drive, but simply that I’m taking responsibility and am man enough to allow my family to come first.
And, if worse comes to worst, my mid-life crisis will be a perfect excuse to get my hands on a shiny little BMW M5…
Like any and every self-respecting car guy, I would never have DREAMED of getting near a minivan, not even with the proverbial 10-foot pole. And why, you ask? Simply because it’s the opposite of everything I think a real car should be. Flaccid suspension, laughable performance and, especially, yawn-inducing looks. Basically the general bias enthusiasts have against that particular type of machine.
Like many of you out there, I’ve had the good fortune to meet an incredible person with whom I intend to start a family. As the lease on my car is coming up soon, I’m suddenly forced to envision what my future will look like in four or five years.
The more I think about it, the more obvious it seems that trundling twin strollers, baby clothes, crib, diapers and diaper accoutrements for two or three kiddies, plus my own gear, will be nye impossible in the coveted Honda Civic.
Crossovers immediately and tantalizingly jump to mind. They’re affordable, relatively fuel efficient, 100% macho and pretty much every major manufacturer has got one. “Bah! Who needs a minivan!” I say to myself.
Several road tests and hours of reasoning later, I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m about to make a bachelor’s decision and not a future family man’s one. I’m thinking more about myself and my own comfort than that of my better half and future offspring. Talk about a kick in the nuts.
The thrill of driving abruptly comes in a distant second, and I find myself thinking that a minivan isn’t THAT bad, after all... It’s comfortable for the whole gang, doesn’t cost too much and will help me get to where I’m going without struggling to stuff everything I need for the trip into it, including said offspring.
Suddenly it’s obvious: I’m struck with a case of Minivan Syndrome. And what’s more surprising, I’m proud of it. I’ve finally realized that driving a minivan doesn’t mean that I don’t love to drive, but simply that I’m taking responsibility and am man enough to allow my family to come first.
And, if worse comes to worst, my mid-life crisis will be a perfect excuse to get my hands on a shiny little BMW M5…