When you’ve got four kids under six, the family car isn’t just a car anymore—it’s your second office, your daycare shuttle, and your family hauler all in one. We needed more than just seats on wheels. We needed something that could keep up with both our busy household and our business. After a lot of back and forth, we landed on the Kia Carnival—and here’s why it wasn’t just the right family choice, but also a smart business move.
The Family Side: Surviving the Chaos
Let’s be honest: four car seats don’t fit neatly into most vehicles. We tried to convince ourselves an SUV would work, but every time we loaded the kids in, it felt like solving a Rubik’s Cube.
- Room for everyone without squeezing or fighting over seats
- Sliding doors that save us from parking lot battles
- Cargo space that can handle strollers, groceries, sports gear, and Costco trips in one go
The Business Side: Turning a Car Into a Deduction
Here’s where things got interesting. Because of its size and weight class (over 6,000 lbs GVWR), the Kia Carnival qualifies under IRS Section 179, which allows businesses to deduct a large portion of the purchase price in the first year.
That meant we weren’t just buying a minivan—we were also making a tax-smart investment. By running the vehicle through our business, it serves multiple purposes:
- Client meetings & site visits — Easy transportation for team or partner travel
- Content production & logistics — Hauling props, equipment, and gear in one trip
- Family-as-business integration — Since our kids are part of our media brand, the van literally transports “talent” to shoots and events
How We Actually Use It Day to Day
- Weekdays: Our mobile office—school drop-offs, business calls, and client visits
- Weekends: Packed with cameras, costumes, and props for content shoots
- Trips: Business-related travel, strategy meetings, and family-business events </
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