Used Mini-van recommendations.

Mike M. · #1 11-01-2011, 11:40 PM

Try to get some recommendations for a used mini-van for my son.

Due to his budget we're talking something between the years of 2005 thru 2007. As far as price, something that's no more than $11,000.00.

I am NO expert with cars, but as with anything else I know that some are better and more reliable than others. Just need some tips on what's good, what to stay away from and then he and I can do the online research.

Thanks for your help from a concerned dad.

HaRd · #2 11-02-2011, 01:01 AM

Your son wants a mini-van? Like he's the one that actually wants it?

If so that's pretty cool. I'd go after Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey...

Ford Windstars/Freestars, Chevy Venture/Uplanders- better get ready to unload the savings account in terms of repairs and maint. Can't really be swayed just because they are "cheaper"

Mike M. · #3 11-02-2011, 01:50 AM

Yes, he's the one who wants it. He's got a wife, a son, two dogs...needs the room.

The Fords, the Chevy's....if they're that bad then this is what we need to know to stay away from.

tekdiver500ft · #4 11-02-2011, 02:00 AM

The Dodge/Chrysler consistently are the best minivans, according to JD Powers and Consumer Reports. Toyota generally comes in right after that, and Honda behind them. I've had my 2003 Dodge Caravan for 6 years and put 187,000 miles on it with no issues at all. Just remember to keep the fluids fresh, and clean out the back brakes every year or two.

78fenderjazz · #5 11-02-2011, 02:07 AM

I love my Mazda 5, it's smaller than most minivans, 4 cylinders (good mpg) and it fits my two kids, the little lady and myself plus all the goodies we need. If I take out the kids safety seats it can fit 6 adults or a ton of bass gear! We weren't quite ready to go with the Toyota Sienna or Honda job due to the size of them and the $$$ and I am extremely happy with the choice we made.

HaRd · #6 11-02-2011, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78fenderjazz

I love my Mazda 5, it's smaller than most minivans, 4 cylinders (good mpg) and it fits my two kids, the little lady and myself plus all the goodies we need. If I take out the kids safety seats it can fit 6 adults or a ton of bass gear! We weren't quite ready to go with the Toyota Sienna or Honda job due to the size of them and the $$$ and I am extremely happy with the choice we made.

I don't have kids or a wife yet... but I've been very actively considering Mazda 5 as my next car. I very often have more then myself in my vehicle and am a fan of having "practical" space for equipment and other moving gear. The one's I've seen around NY never have more then like 4 people in them but they seem good for urban dwelling.

Strohsx · #7 11-02-2011, 06:58 AM

Ah yes, every young man's dream to get a badass...mini van?

Get a mid 90's caravan, cheap as hell and you can literally find parts for it lying on the side of the freeway.

prd004 · #8 11-02-2011, 07:02 AM

I drove Chevy Astro Vans on the job for years.

Unbelievably dependable, comfortable, and reliable!
Decent gas milage to boot.

Pupiit · #9 11-02-2011, 07:13 AM

Don't get a windstar! We had one, and had to have the transmission worked on 3 times in 2 years. I believe it has a Taurus engine/transmission, but it's one if the largest vans on the market. Very underpowered.

hover · #10 11-02-2011, 07:27 AM

Caravan is the top choice, is a class-leader for a reason.

The Sienna is very nice, as is the Honda Odessy.

The recent generation Caravan is pretty stout / "manly" looking.

You could also look into the Chrysler Pacifica, which is a slightly shorter, stouter variant of the Caravan.

turbo chicken · #11 11-02-2011, 08:20 AM

Kia or Dodge Caravan
My Kia was cheap used 4,500 with 75,000 on it ... come to think of it only maintenance has been regular stuff oil changes, breaks, top off the A/C, new belts. Nothing major. It's a good van just wanted the cool seats that fold down into the floor.

Funky Ghost · #12 11-02-2011, 12:21 PM

I still drive my Minivan O' Doom (tm). It's logged 161k miles and is a 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan. I have the 3.3l v6. To date I've put 2 batteries, 3 brake jobs, oil every 3k and trans service every 24k, Radiator flush every 2 years and have done the AC recharge only once. Still runs like a champ and I accidentally burned out leaving my work a few days ago

The engine is strong.
The only problem I've had is the clear coat started peeling off the front part of the roof last year. Before that it looked brand new.

Mike M. · #13 11-02-2011, 01:43 PM

Thanks gang! I have a question about the Dodge Caravans. I've read where the ones that have the 4 cylider have a lot of "engine noise." Don't know exactley what they meant, or if this meant future trouble because they didn't elaborate on this. I also noticed in our general area (within a 25 mile radius) that there seems to be a lot of Caravans for sale. Don't now if this is a good or a bad thing.

My son found (online) a 2005 Honda Odyessey EX-L for the same price as some 2007 Dodge Caravans I found online, but the Odyssey had twice the mileage as the Caravans did. Again, don't now if this is a good of a bad thing. What information I find online concerning inherant problems isn't very through and really doesn't answer the questions I have. Like I said before, I am NO genius with cars.

Bottom line: my son is not in the best financial situation. (Long story). What I hope he buys is what we all want, which is a vehicle that isn't plagued with problems.

Thans again for your suggestions. I have been making note of and am seeing what's available in our area.

tekdiver500ft · #14 11-02-2011, 02:55 PM

The four cylinder Dodge is simply a loud engine, nothing to worry about, it isn't even all that loud, but it does sound a little "mechanical." For the same money, the newer Dodge with fewer miles would be the way I would go.

**cheezewiz** · #15 11-02-2011, 03:04 PM

I've had a two of the Dodge/Chryslers in the past, and they really are nice vans. I never had a single problem with either of them, and the "stow and go" seating is awesome for hauling gear.

SBsoundguy · #16 11-02-2011, 03:16 PM

He won't even consider an small SUV?

OldDog52 · #17 11-02-2011, 04:10 PM

If you can find a deal on a used VW Routan, they're actually a Dodge Caravan with different sheetmetal and badging.

HaRd · #18 11-02-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prd004

I drove Chevy Astro Vans on the job for years.

Unbelievably dependable, comfortable, and reliable!
Decent gas milage to boot.

Really? I've used "various" (fleet) Chevy Astros on a job for a few years and they were horrific. The best thing about them was being able to haul cargo but that's basically all they were good for. Almost everything broke in it and it had worse gas mileage then our Ford Excursion somehow...

SBsoundguy · #19 11-02-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaRd

Really? I've used "various" (fleet) Chevy Astros on a job for a few years and they were horrific. The best thing about them was being able to haul cargo but that's basically all they were good for. Almost everything broke in it and it had worse gas mileage then our Ford Excursion somehow...

I agree. My buddy had an astrovan and the gas mileage was awful, the motor was also underpowered.

hover · #20 11-02-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldDog52

If you can find a deal on a used VW Routan, they're actually a Dodge Caravan with different sheetmetal and badging.

and the point of this is? you'd end up paying a premium. Unless of course we are suggestions badge-whoring. and it isn't even different sheetmetal, it's a different front and rear clip. usually resin.