Eating my words already?
Yes, for the second time in 3 days my van is back on a tow truck! Just as I was arriving at school to pick the kids up for an appointment Mackenzie had afterschool it died right in the parking lot. Blocking people in at one of the busiest times at the school. I got right on the phone and called the tow truck company I used a few days before, then asked the afterschool program if the could keep Liam for a few minutes until I got things sorted out. I found Mackenzie and tried to call her a cab to get to her appt, but the doctor wouldn’t wait the extra 10 minutes! GRRR! This is the third time we’ve had to reschedule this appt.
Next I called Andrew, he could hear the panic and frustration in my voice I’m sure. He said he would pack up and head straight home to find a rental van. Phew. Then I realized that we would not all fit into the tow truck! I then called my friend Joanne and she came and picked up Liam and Mackenzie and brought them home in her van. All I have to say thankfully the little boys were at Andrew’s mom, otherwise I think I would gave broken down and lost it right in the parking lot at the school!
I had it towed straight back to the mechanic (and I use this term loosely) who “fixed” it just 3 days ago by selling me a new battery. I knew it was the stinking alternator all along, but would anyone listen to me?? Luckily we did not have to rent a van (not that we could find one), as mom mom came through and let me use her car until the van was fixed 2 days later.
OK rant over! Ideally I’d like to keep this van, it is environmentally the right thing to do, but where do you draw the line financially and time wise? I’ve wasted a lot of my precious time dealing with van related problems in the past few months. Andrew finally got a taste of it over the Holidays when we went in for a quick oil change with all 4 kids and didn’t get out of there for almost 4 hours. Then I had to go back a week later after another part had to be ordered and installed! I deal with all of the vehicle related things as it has to be dealt with while he’s at work and I have the flexibility in my schedule, but logistically I’m tired of it.
So we’re going to hold onto this “green”minivan a little while longer but also watch for something that will fit our needs and I have a huge wishlist! 
I’m not going to just settle, and lets just hope I can find one that’s green in colour too! 
Here’s my wishlist:
- The most possible LATCH/UAS and top tether anchors
- 8 Pax capability
- Remote keyless Entry- Remote opener even better
- Rear AC
- Roof racks
- multiple 12 v outlets
- 1-2 years old with low kms (or miles)
- Preferably a Toyota or Honda
So am I asking for too much? We won’t buy new ever again, our Mazda was only 2 years old and had 30,000 km on it when we bought it. I’d seriously look at a Mazda again, but they stopped making them in 2006 and replaced it with one of the ridiculous Crossover SUV’s the CX-9. Good job Mazda, as you’ve just alienated any family with more than one car seat from buying one of your vehicles. I had looked into their Mazda 5, but there just isn’t enough cargo space for a family of 6.
Let me know what you have and what you like about it. I’m sure this is going to be a long drawn out process!
February 5th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
that sucks cara! i kinda know what you are going through. our 2nd vehicle has been nothing but a pain, but it’s almost paid off. we are going to wait and get an SUV or van in the next year or two. you need a “goselin” van. that beast is huge!!
February 5th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
I feel your pain. I just had my van boosted for the 4 time THIS month!!! I finally broke down and bought a new battery. Hopefully my troubles are over.
Good luck on your vehicle search. Car companies are trying to help the environment a lot by making smaller vehicles, but they are forgetting about those of us that are bigger then the average size family of 4! My hunt for a 7-8 passenger WITH cargo space has long and painful..