Taking a caravan, upland, with my entourage to find a freestar

Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to celebrate this called life (Prince)

Today we celebrate an old friend-

We are going to have to pass on our beloved van... the van that has taken us so many places and been so good to us. It is like ending a friendship that is still going really well. But, here is the deal. She (the van) is not going to be so wonderful for much longer.
Oh the sadness of it all.

She is a 1998 Dodge Caravan.
(shhh don't tell her how old she is)

She has taken us 120,000+ miles which puts her right around 165,000 miles.
She has a few door dings and scuffs
(all from parking lots while at the grocery or running the kids)
But, she is a lovely old gal.

With that said, I must also include the fact that she will soon start costing us more money then she is worth.... sigh...

So, we have just started pricing vehicles. Uggggg. I hate that I have to be a mini-van mom. I would so love to drive a sportier mom car. My favorites are Subarus - because they are great runners, get amazing gas mileage, and you can still fold down the seats and throw in your bike, plus hey they have 4 wheel drive if ya ever need it.

Ok, but I have four kids, so there for unless I leave one at home (still illegal at their ages) I have to have a van (or Suburban, which I can't afford, and don't want).

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Where does that put us? It puts us in the car lot and online searching for what type of vehicle we want. Because I have been happy enough with my vehicle that I haven't envied any others. There was no reason for my eye to stray away from my faithful companion.

Side note: Have you ever thought about the names of vehicles - they are ridiculous, cliche like, and just annoying....
Just look at the title of this post

Anyway, we are looking now.

Needless to say, I am a little bit frustratedFirst of all most of the vans look the same. Second, man they are spendy! Third I just hate change! BUT, at the same time I am excited for a newer vehicle too. (One in which I don't have to keep the odometer covered so I don't remember how many miles are on my old girl-hoping she will forget too) And, a car payment, that is what car sickness is really from!

Lastly, I don't want to look like all the other mini-vans out ther (ha ha ha, I know - impossible) But, I think this is where we are at:

Possibilities-

Dodge Grand Caravan
(2008 has a new hood shape)

Chevy Uplander
(or Buick Terraza - basically same vehicle)

Ford Freestar

Hyandi Entourage

It would be lovely if the best one just showed up in my driveway - no decisions on my part, no test drives, no wrong choices, no questions.... but, alas that is not how life works is it?

I will keep you updated.
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In the mean time - go check this out for a good laugh, or guys for an answer to "what took you so long in the ladies room" or to "why do girls always have to go to the bathroom in twos?"

Going to Ladies Room

Make sure you go to the bathroom first so you don't wet your pants when you are laughing! :)