The time has come that my 2002 Dodge Durango XLT just isn’t meeting our families needs anymore. We bought it about two years ago when my 15-year old Ford Aerostar started leaking fluid from who-knows-where. It was no longer reliable and that is something we desperately need. I love my Durango. I STILL love my Durango, but it’s just not a good relationship anymore. Here are a few reasons why:

1) Taylor claims the 3rd row seat. He frequently gets stuck trying to get into it and has had his foot slammed in the door more than once. He’s nearly as big as I am! This doesn’t help with starting out the mornings right!

2) Little trunk space. When I do the grocery shopping for a family of 5, a dog, and 3 fish, I shop for A LOT of groceries and, well, you know, STUFF. I have to put down the rear seat in order to fit in all of the bags. Then Taylor is forced to sit on the bench seat in the middle, scrunched between Wesley in his booster and Jocelyn. Not a healthy environment.

3) Gas mileage. Need I say more?

Why I don’t want to get rid of my Durango:

1) Leather seats. And heated, too! Great for those cold mornings when you’re tushie is cold!

2) Some fancy gadget that gives me which direction I’m going, how much gas I have in the tank (very important for when your gas light comes on!), what my gas mileage is (ouch), and my fave-the outdoor temperature!

3) It can still seat 7 people–8 if you have one on the 3rd row in the middle without a seat belt, just don’t tell anyone!

Over the past couple of days I have been researching vans. My parents have a Toyota Sienna that they love and will probably replace with another one, they love it so much. Other people, including Consumer Reports, go for the Honda Odyssey. Chrysler Town and Country Touring is looking food with its stow-a-way seating and tv/dvd. Got any suggestions for me?