I was pretty much one of the last "hold out" mommies in the neighborhood who has (or is having) 2 kids, so for me to go "mini-van" is pretty serious. I always said I would NOT get a mini-van until I was 30, but here I am, at 27, loving my new ride!
(this is not MY van, but exactly like mine - Blizzard White, Limited, AWD, etc... real-life pics to come next week! I thought it would be funny to take a picture of me really pregnant in front of the new van - oh the irony of it all! So look for that next week!)
For any of you out there who might be considering a van, you might ask:
Why the Sienna? Good question.
I always thought of myself as more of a Honda Odyssey mom if I had to go 'van', but the Sienna's body style was updated for 2011 to actually look more like the Odyssey, plus the Sienna offers a lot more of the luxury / nice features that Honda doesn't. For instance, the Smart Key system (you never have to use the key for anything! Just have it in the diaper bag!), all-wheel-drive w/ run flat tires, automatic upgraded headlamps and wipers, dual screen DVD player in the back, and dual sunroof... so the kids have one in the back, too!
Honda is dramatically updating the Odyssey body style for 2011, but it will likely still not have the features listed above and won't be available until Early Fall of this year.
Other things this puppy has: 180 degree backup camera, front and rear parking sensors, leather, power everything, built-in sunshades on the back windows, navigation, recliner-style second row seating, etc.... So basically, lots of cool stuff to make up for the not-so-cool mini-van stigma.
Coming off an SUV, I must say this 'wagon' accelerates and handles better - so for me, it's an upgrade in performance, convenience, comfort.... and SPACE!!
Why not get a giant SUV? Well, this was an easy decision.
1.) Gas mileage, 2.) I hate driving something the size of a truck - parking spots and the garage are a pain! 3.) They sit up way too high for me to lift in Connor and a baby seat, 4.) No automatic sliding side doors ... which makes getting in an out in our garage SO much easier, and 5.) SUV's are way over-priced for what they are.... especially when you have small children.
For the money a nice big SUV costs, I'd rather have a nice, practical mini-van for 5 years, and then get a nice sedan later on when we're not lugging 2 car seats and a double stroller around. But that's just me.
Toyota has tried to go WAY above and beyond the standard advertising techniques to promote the 2011 Sienna, and as someone who said they would ONLY ever consider a Honda Odyssey, and I have to give kudos to the Toyota marketing team. Bravo! You won me over!
And, if you are on the fence about a van, just go test drive one and you'll be over the moon, as well! To be able to have a full-sized car seat, infant carrier with base, double stroller, single stroller, and a bunch of other kid-crap in the car and not feel the least bit cramped or anything - it's a breath of fresh air for our family!!
Below I have 3 of my favorite marketing clips for the new Sienna. If you haven't seen these, you've GOT to check them out! There are even more on YouTube, but these are the best! Hilarious!
"Swagger Wagon Music Video"
"Meet Mommy and Daddy"
"Playdate Copy Cat" (this is my favorite!)
Thanks for stopping by, more pics to come soon!
2 comments:
Congrats on the new ride!
Chelsea: Thanks!! I'm loving it!
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