A year ago, our family FINALLY purchased a vehicle that could fit our whole family! Before we purchased our Ford 12 passenger van are family dynamics were my husband, myself, four kids under the age of 5. Our two bonus daughters when they were home, and we were expecting another baby. Up until that time we actually made do with a five passenger Jeep Patriot for a few years. Or we rented a vehicle if we all had to travel together.
Some of you may be wondering why we waited SO long to upgrade to a vehicle that would safely and comfortably fit our whole family? All I can say is thank you 2020 and the after math that followed. When all that craziness happened, and prices shot up we were unable to find what we needed. We were also unwilling to pay the outrageous prices for a second vehicle that still wouldn’t truly fit our family’s growing size. Thanks to a LOT of patience and searching we finally found our used, but new to us 2014 Ford 12 passenger van. I know most reviews give you all the vehicle’s details and such, but I wanted to give you my “Mom” thoughts on this van. So, keep reading for a 2014 Ford 12 Passenger Van Review from a mother’s perspective.
Make, Model, Features, ETC. of a 2014 Ford 12 Passenger Van
Because I know the husbands and “car” people will ask here are the details of our 2014 Ford 12 passenger van.
The vehicle we purchased is a 2014 Ford E350. From what my husband tells me this means it is built on a truck chassie so it a smooth ride for what it is. We purchased this van used and we bought it for $32,000. It came with roughly 47,000 miles. It will get about 15 miles to the gallon on the highway, and maybe 18 on the interstate. Depending on gas prices we have spent anywhere from $75 to $100 to completely fill up the tank. The only feature to this van is a small backup mirror located on the rearview mirror. Now true confessions our family does not care for all the bells and whistles found in most vehicles today thus the reason this has none.
How Many Car Seat Hookups?
When considered what car would be the best fit for our family, I knew car seat hook ups would play a part in the vehicle we selected. Currently I have two in booster seats, and two in car seats. So, knowing where the car seat hook ups are located and how I am going to get kids seats situated is a big deal. For those with multiple kids you know some kids need space. While other kids do not need to sit near each other in the car least they cause trouble. Thankfully this van has car seat hookups on every row of seats.
With that in mind seating arrangements in our Ford 12 Passenger van look like this. The two car seats are in the first row, so I can easily reach the youngest boys. One booster seat is in the second row, and one is in the third row. My daughter can choose wherever she wants to sit. The same goes for when our bonus daughters are home or if we have other guests riding with us. Even though we have many booster and car seats in the van since they are spaced out everyone, guests included, can fit comfortably.
How Much Space in a Ford 12 Passenger Van?
The few times a year our family travels we have quite a few people to pack for. Plus, extra comforts to take. On the other hand, on a given day if we are going to load up and head to the park or zoo we have a diaper bag, cooler with snacks, and double stroller to try to fit in a vehicle. Including the 7 to 9 people going with us. So, while the space could be better in this van I can’t complain. You are more than able to fit things under all the rows of seats as they do sit higher off the floor.
I do not love the trunk space as it is very tight. Our double stroller can fit in our trunk, but then we aren’t left with much more space. You are able to remove all the bench seats to create more room if needed. We recently did this when moving to Louisiana and just packed our extra bench seat in the Pod we rented. That gave us more than enough room to pack for 7 people. Plus a cat, bags, and other items needed for a weeklong stay in an extended stay. Some items we would need in our new house before the Pod was delivered. Also, some extra luxuries like toys, crafts, and blankets for everyone.
How Many Cupholders?
I am all about the cupholders in a vehicle! Not for the number of kids cups I can hold, but more so for myself. A cup holder for my water. Another for the coffee I plan to get while out running errands. One to hold my phone, gum, ChapStick or whatever else I want to put in there.
This van has three cup holders up front in the center console. Plus, one on the left side for each row of seats, so not great. However, we do not allow our kids to have drinks in the car. With four boys 5 and under you are asking for spills and messes. For now, having only six cupholders in the van is not a big deal for us.
Has anything gone wrong yet in Our 2014 Ford 12 Passenger Van?
Our typical expenses for the van include gas, auto insurance, and oil changes. So far, the only extra expenses we have had to pay for is repairing a flat tire twice and the spare. While traveling a few months back our tire got a flat after a nail got caught in it. My husband was able to change the tire (after reading the manual to figure it out). Then while driving on the spare for a few minutes the van notified us that a tire was low. Upon further inspection we noticed the spare was leaking air… not good! Long story short, we ended up getting both tires patched at a Walmart Auto Center the next morning and continued on our merry way.
More recently my husband and I were out on a date and a bolt got stuck in another tire. This time Sam was able to put on the spare with ease and didn’t have to worry about it leaking air. Just the inconvenience of having another tire patched.
Have any Questions about Our Ford 12 Passenger Van?
I hope this post was helpful for anyone considering a Ford 12 passenger van. If you have any other questions concerning this vehicle, please ask away. I would be happy to answer them for you.
Or if you are curious to learn more about our family read Getting to Know Amelia… 34 Things About Me.
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