just upgraded

[Netty]

our intermediate car to a seven seater van.... there are only the 3 of us , me dh and dd, dh wanted to as he drives vans with work! Only thing is I am also driving this time, and i have only ever driven a car before nothing bigger any tips for me??

 

[Minniespal]

Nice one Jeanette

Haven't driven a van but I have driven a 4x4. Just take it easy and give yourself plenty of time and space for parking and you will do just fine.

 

[MorningGlory]

Hi Netty

Obviously I cant give any tips about driving US vans, but over here I definitely find driving a van more comfortable and reassuring. Being seated higher up from the road gives you a better perspective of the road ahead I feel. It is easier to anticipate any problems as you can usually see them before they happen.

The only negative I can think of is that it is probably easier to stop a car in an emergency - the extra weight of a van will most likely increase the stopping distance. Just remember to take that into consideration, and you will find that the benefits far outweigh any slight negatives (imo)

 

[Netty]

Hi Netty

Obviously I cant give any tips about driving US vans, but over here I definitely find driving a van more comfortable and reassuring. Being seated higher up from the road gives you a better perspective of the road ahead I feel. It is easier to anticipate any problems as you can usually see them before they happen.

The only negative I can think of is that it is probably easier to stop a car in an emergency - the extra weight of a van will most likely increase the stopping distance. Just remember to take that into consideration, and you will find that the benefits far outweigh any slight negatives (imo)

Will agree with you there, i feel safer in the van whenever I've been in it -for a trip to Ikea
I have just had a look on the websites to see what it will be, and it looks like a people carrier I had visions of driving an A-team van!!!!

 

[alisonbestford]

In my opinion you'll find a 'van' much easier to drive

We rented a 7 seater 'van' (MPV) on our first trip, when I'd only passed my test 6 months previously.....

It was fantastic and our family car is now a 7 seater Zafira as I found it so easy to navigate (being seated high up) through the front windscreen and, also, to park

 

[PoppyAnna]

Hi
We've not long been back and we had a seven seater, ours was a dodge caravan which is exactly the same as a Chrysler Voyager over here. Most of the rentals are dodge caravans or Chrysler Voyagers.
I was quite nervous about the driving but I ended up doing it all! I loved it.
It has two seats up front, two in the middle and three in the back. There was 3 adults and 2 unders 5's in our group and it was perfect! DH now wants to get one now we're back home. Being an automatic it was easy to drive, I have driven autos before but never with the "gear lever" mounted on the steering wheel but it was so easy to get used and such an obvious place for it as it means the car is so spacious inbetween the two front seats.
Sounds a bit daft but we now have a tradition called "kissing time" whenever we get anywhere we're going to as when we were out there our girls got out of their seats whenever we got to a park and walked down the front to give us kisses and cuddles!!! They couldn't do that in our peugeot estate!
It maybe a little too big for the three of you but you will be very comfortable!

 

[jockey]

You have made a good choice even though there is just three of you! We had a luxury car last year for 3 of us and had great difficulty trying to fit our suitcases into it returning to the airport! We have also booked a seven seater this year for 3 of us! I have never driven a van before either but I imagine it won't be too difficult!

 

[Netty]

Thankyou for the reassurance, i'm sure i'll be fine once i'm behind the wheel....

 

[Pootle]

I always hire a minivan for 2 of us and once gave a friend 'lessons' (driving in Florida) in one, and she found it very easy.

I'm sure you will be fine

 

[ShirleyH]

We always upgrade to a 7 seater van and as I do most of the driving (hubby just likes to relax and look at scenery) I actually found it easier than driving a normal saloon car. You are higher up, can see further and gives me a feeling of security. As there are only 4 of us who go we don't really need the bigger car, we just liked it. This year however we opted to upgrade to a 4 x 4 SUV and I have to say I enjoyed driving that better.

 

[Netty]

We always upgrade to a 7 seater van and as I do most of the driving (hubby just likes to relax and look at scenery) I actually found it easier than driving a normal saloon car. You are higher up, can see further and gives me a feeling of security. As there are only 4 of us who go we don't really need the bigger car, we just liked it. This year however we opted to upgrade to a 4 x 4 SUV and I have to say I enjoyed driving that better.

Thanks Shirley!
I had a bit of practice today, I had to reverse my brother in laws mitsubishi warrior into their driveway as he had to move one of their jeeps, well i did it

 

[kizzy212]

we upgraded last time to a 7 seater grand caravan. it was brilliant driving. their was only 3 of us and infant. the grand caravan also includes a car seat attached by manafacture inside the seat which saved us car seat hire. if you get what i mean. i had to buy a car seat anyway cause of his head flopping about when asleep.
you will get on great.