A new vehicle purchase isn’t something to be taken lightly. It requires lengthy consideration, weighing up pros and cons, and diligent research. To simply peruse the web and trust the advertisements is a path that often leads to irritating and sometimes costly mistakes. This is especially true when purchasing a minivan. These vehicles need to be safe, comfortable, and suitable for your entire family. They’re also big purchases, and may turn out to be more than you need. So, if you are considering purchasing a minivan, it’s well worth trying before you buy.
First, Find Your Vehicle
The first step is to find a minivan to test drive, and you have a few good options. Visiting a dealership is one route, though it often comes with sales pressure once you’re done. You could also rent a minivan from Turo, the car-sharing and rental platform. With far fewer time limits and no expectation to buy, you’ll have the freedom to explore the vehicle’s features, advantages, and potential drawbacks at your own pace—maybe even take it for a real-world trip with your family.
Understand Mini Van Features
Minivans come with a wide range of innovative and practical features that make them a good choice for both personal and commercial use. Some common features include rear-view cameras for easier parking, foldable rear seats for additional cargo space, automatic sliding doors, rear-seat entertainment systems, and high-performance safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and forward-collision warning. When test-driving your van, be sure to check out all these features as much as possible (we don’t recommend getting in a crash to test the airbags, but do what you reasonably can!).
Assessing Passenger and Cargo Space
One of the prime reasons why many American families prefer minivans over SUVs or sedans is their substantial seating and cargo capacity. Most can accommodate up to seven or eight passengers with plenty of room leftover for luggage.
This makes them perfect for large families, particularly for family road trips or simply ferrying kids to and from after-school activities. Renting a minivan helps you gauge the vehicle’s space and storage flexibility against your family’s needs.
Evaluating Driving Experience
Although specs and features are crucial determinants, the driving experience gives the most authentic feel of any vehicle. Many find mini vans have excellent visibility, are easy to drive despite their size, and offer a smooth, comfortable ride. Running your usual daily errands in a rented minivan can give you a practical perspective. It will help you understand whether the vehicle resonates with your driving style and comfort preferences.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
Minivans are not typically associated with fuel efficiency. However, some newer models are revamping their engine design to prioritize fuel economy. Renting a minivan can help you assess its fuel consumption and predict future fuel expenses. It also allows you to familiarize yourself with potential maintenance needs and costs associated with the particular model.
Budget Considerations
Lastly, the financial aspect is crucial when deciding on your purchase. Minivans are generally more expensive than sedans, but they also provide more value per dollar in terms of space, features, and comfort. So renting one gives you a chance to see whether the benefits are worth the additional cost.
It’s natural to be apprehensive about committing to a vehicle that might not live up to your expectations. However, by opting to rent or test drive a minivan before purchasing, you can try out the experience in real life and determine if it matches your family’s needs and lifestyle. While minivans might not be the right choice for everyone, testing one out is the best way to ensure you’re making the right decision.
