Kid's Activities Dictating Your Vehicle Purchase?
Everyone has heard about soccer moms right? What about hockey dads, or soccer dads, or football dads? Did the term come about because the moms were typically in a minivan getting the kids to the game while the dads were at work or somewhere else? And did the name come about because the soccer moms would gather around in groups drinking coffee at the soccer games while the dads were running up and down the sidelines telling junior what to do?
Is the term soccer moms a bad thing? I don't think so but I could see the negative connotations because minivans are so practical and great on gas, yet there isn't a cool looking out out there at all - zero. But the moms get credit for just getting the job done. I'd like to think that when dads consider the options for buying a new vehicle it is based on cool first. I'd like to also think that there is something else that dads take into account when making this purchase, and that is what activities will be carried out? In my case hockey was the big factor.
The guys I work with have pickup trucks despite the fact that they don't work construction, on ranches, or anywhere else they use in pickup commercials. But let's face it, a pickup gets it done and there isn't anything that you can't fit in a pickup. But if you're not in the market for a pickup then how do you consider? If you are into mountain biking or snowboarding or skiing then Thule and other companies make roof racks to carry your gear or bikes on the roof. There are also some heavy duty carriers that can slide in and out the trailer hitch if you beef up the suspension.
I know that moving hockey equipment was a big deal for me. I play in net and my older son plays net, while my younger son plays defence. So on the days where they both have practice I have to fit my gym bag to accommodate my skates, gloves and helmet. I also have to fit both son's gear and sticks. So what did I buy? A 3-year old Acura MDX. I'm not advertising for Acura but the vehicle comes with a third row which is usually down to fit all the hockey stuff and it's pretty good on gas. When we go on long trips that aren't hockey related it's fantastic because the boys sit all the way in the back and my wife and I can talk without hearing any loud talking from the boys. Let me change that - loud noise from their iPad or iPods.
My wife drives a Nissan Altima and it can fit the equipment of both boys but it's a piece of cake to throw their gear into my ride. Would I buy one again? In a heartbeat. Does my wife want one? Absolutely.
I could have talked about cost factors but really, go read Car and Driver for those details.
So yardy daddy's, what's your story when it comes to your vehicle purchase?
Enjoy the ride!
@YardyDaddy