Minivans!

Supafly · Guru

Minivans!

CoffeeQueen · Guru

I have a Crysler Town & Country. Not sure what they go for used or how much you are looking to spend.

I love it. Rich was not to keen when we first did the whole mini van thing, but loves it now. IT makes trips so much easier. I love the fact we have automatic doors. Makes it easy when lugging the girls around and shopping. I love the stow and go. I keep things like life jackets, summer toys, etc that I may need if out and about, plus frees up the clutter in the car and looks neater.

I cannot say enough good things about our mini. I may be buying this lease out and keeping it for good. Rich has a smaller car that he drives too and from work and I do not drive far for work, so we use my car for all trips and going out with the girls. I could not go back to a sedan after having this room and ease. I use to have a Jeep Cheroke when Allie was a baby and it killed my back getting her in and out.

Tell Bill that Rich as all anti mini once, but loves it now. It drives so smooth and is so comfortable.

Juanita · Guru

Well, we bought our Dodge Grand Caravan last year, and I LOVE it!!

It was the new one, so it's shaped like the Honday Oddyssey, and I liked that about it right away. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, the way it drives. This was my first minivan, so I was shocked at how smooth the ride was. I really wasn't expecting it to be this smooth.

I have the stow-n-go, and the swivel seats, and I love them both. We've not used the DVD players a whole lot, but then again, we don't travel for long distances either. But, they have been used and the girls love them.

Mine has the back up camera, which works wonderful if you're looking straight behind you, but periphally of course you still have to rely on actually *looking* (hence my two wrecks this year

)

The seats are stain resistant, so that's nice for accidents.

You can fit 7 adults in the car, or in my case, 2 adults, 3 kids, a wheelchair and a stroller biggrin

Mine also has a luggage rack, which we haven't used, but will come in handy if we ever take a trip smile

Oh, reading Melissa's post reminded me; we have automatic side doors and the back lift gate is automatic too, which I love! I also love the fact that you can roll the windows down (halfway) on the two side doors.

-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:02:25 PM

Sara · Guru

Since these are still searchable atm I am going to link you.

http://www.momsquawk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29185&highlight=odyssey

http://www.momsquawk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12204&highlight=odyssey

hth!!

i have a 2007 honda odyssey and just had it for two years at the end of july. i still love everything about it!

sbucking · Guru

I have an older Dodge Minivan and my Mom has a new one. I just LOVE hers!! Mine is great except for two things. Only one of the side doors is automatic open and close and I don't have stow-n-go. Other than that I love my van. What I like about the stow-n-go's is that there is more storage in the tailgate area when the seats are up. The newest Dodge/Chryslers with the boxier styles also seem to have more interior room to me.

We're a Dodge/Chrysler family so we don't drive anything else. (Literally, everyone on my Dad's whole side of the family only drives this brand of cars.)

Supafly · Guru

Sara wrote:

Since these are still searchable atm I am going to link you.

http://www.momsquawk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29185&highlight=odyssey

http://www.momsquawk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12204&highlight=odyssey

hth!!

i have a 2007 honda odyssey and just had it for two years at the end of july. i still love everything about it!

Thanks everyone!!

And thanks Sara for linking this! I know we have talked about this a number of times, but I didn't even think to look, lmao.

It sounds like the auto slide doors are definitely a good thing.

I think I should talk to Nicole too and see if her DH has any recommendations in terms of ease/cost of repairs, as well as which ones seem to need the most repairing. I think that is one of the definite big factors for me!!

My dad has an old Chevy Venture, and he actually loves it. It is very basic, but functional and he hasn't had any major problems with it. plus they are cheap to work on, it seems.

I don't know anyone who has a Kia or Hyundai though, and I am nervous about reliability of those.

Anyway, thanks for all of the input!!!!

3s_a_crowd · Guru

We have a mercury villager estate and LOVE IT

it is a 2000 model but was the top of the line at the time.

You know the one feature I Love that we said when we get the next one it has to have is Memory seating. I just press a button and it adjust my seat and mirrors. Its so easy considering me and dh height difference. Sadly now for this option you still have to get the top of the top and pay around 40,000 so it probably wont be something we get when this dies.

That being said it still runs great.

-- Edited by 3s_a_crowd on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:18:30 PM

Supafly · Guru

Oh, and I am glad to hear so many good things about the Dodge/Chrysler vans. There are TONS of those available used, but my dad once had one that was nothing but trouble. He must have just gotten a dud.

Stacey-have the people in your family generally been happy with reliability of that brand?

apies · Guru

supa, i think you can see my input on my odyssey in the thread sara posted. i have a 2007 EX model and i love it.

my mom's husband was a mechanic for about 30+ years and was the service manager of the dealership where they worked together. he does NOT recommend chryslers based on his experience with the number of repairs, etc. just thought i'd throw that out there.

Juanita · Guru

Supafly wrote:

Oh, and I am glad to hear so many good things about the Dodge/Chrysler vans. There are TONS of those available used, but my dad once had one that was nothing but trouble. He must have just gotten a dud.

Stacey-have the people in your family generally been happy with reliability of that brand?

We've been a Dodge family too for the last 10 years. In fact, Kenneth bought his old truck two weeks before we were married, and his brother in law drives it now and it still runs perfectly. Pete is a mechanic and he highly recommends Dodge's.

My Dodge Intrepid that I bought when I was preggers with Presley, his niece drives it now, and it still runs perfectly too!

I've been very, very pleased with our Dodge's. We've had zero major expenses on any of them. I had to replace the air compressor in the Intrepid one time, but no major engine work at.all.

ETA: I do think that years ago, the Dodge/Chrysler vehicles weren't as good as they are now, from what Pete told us, but they're made much better now, so if you get a used, I for sure wouldn't get anything older than 10 years, lol

-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:35:46 PM

-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:37:37 PM

Supafly · Guru

apies wrote:

supa, i think you can see my input on my odyssey in the thread sara posted. i have a 2007 EX model and i love it.

my mom's husband was a mechanic for about 30+ years and was the service manager of the dealership where they worked together. he does NOT recommend chryslers based on his experience with the number of repairs, etc. just thought i'd throw that out there.

Ok-that is good to know. I do worrying some when I see SO many of them on the market. But then you can get a lemon no matter what the brand, so I guess you never know. My aunt has a honda, and she has had quite a few problems with it (she bought it new). You just never know!!

There probably isn't much chance of us buying a honda or toyota, honestly. My dad said he saw a listing for a Toyota that had been in an accident and re-built (the back of the car was involved, so the motor was never hit) and it was lower mileage and a great price, but aside from something like that, I can't see us forking over the cash for one. They are, in most cases, double or more than other used minivans. Great if you buy a new one! But for me, I am not sure it is worth the added cost-IDK. People say you get what you pay for, but that is pretty subjective. I mean, if I get something for $10K and it only lasts 5 years, that is still a lot better over all than something that cost me $25K or more and lasts 10 years, kwim? But I am not ruling them out completely!

But I definitely DON'T want a brand that is known for problems. I do not need to deal with that hassle!!!

Supafly · Guru

Juanita wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Oh, and I am glad to hear so many good things about the Dodge/Chrysler vans. There are TONS of those available used, but my dad once had one that was nothing but trouble. He must have just gotten a dud.

Stacey-have the people in your family generally been happy with reliability of that brand?

We've been a Dodge family too for the last 10 years. In fact, Kenneth bought his old truck two weeks before we were married, and his brother in law drives it now and it still runs perfectly. Pete is a mechanic and he highly recommends Dodge's.

My Dodge Intrepid that I bought when I was preggers with Presley, his niece drives it now, and it still runs perfectly too!

I've been very, very pleased with our Dodge's. We've had zero major expenses on any of them. I had to replace the air compressor in the Intrepid one time, but no major engine work at.all.
ETA: I do think that years ago, the Dodge/Chrysler vehicles weren't as good as they are now, from what Pete told us, but they're made much better now, so if you get a used, I for sure wouldn't get anything older than 10 years, lol

-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:35:46 PM

-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:37:37 PM

LOL-so funny how you get differing input!!!

I am very glad to hear you have been happy with them. I mean, every car needs repairs at some point, but I know my dad's needed a new motor, and that was a lot. I don't mind minor repairs, I just don't want anything major if i can help it!! (which I can't-there are no guarantees)

Don't worry, lol. I am trying to stay newer than 2005!!!! biggrin

Juanita · Guru

Supafly wrote:

Juanita wrote:

Supafly wrote:

Oh, and I am glad to hear so many good things about the Dodge/Chrysler vans. There are TONS of those available used, but my dad once had one that was nothing but trouble. He must have just gotten a dud.

Stacey-have the people in your family generally been happy with reliability of that brand?

We've been a Dodge family too for the last 10 years. In fact, Kenneth bought his old truck two weeks before we were married, and his brother in law drives it now and it still runs perfectly. Pete is a mechanic and he highly recommends Dodge's.

My Dodge Intrepid that I bought when I was preggers with Presley, his niece drives it now, and it still runs perfectly too!

I've been very, very pleased with our Dodge's. We've had zero major expenses on any of them. I had to replace the air compressor in the Intrepid one time, but no major engine work at.all.
ETA: I do think that years ago, the Dodge/Chrysler vehicles weren't as good as they are now, from what Pete told us, but they're made much better now, so if you get a used, I for sure wouldn't get anything older than 10 years, lol

-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:35:46 PM

-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:37:37 PM
LOL-so funny how you get differing input!!!

I am very glad to hear you have been happy with them. I mean, every car needs repairs at some point, but I know my dad's needed a new motor, and that was a lot. I don't mind minor repairs, I just don't want anything major if i can help it!! (which I can't-there are no guarantees)

Don't worry, lol. I am trying to stay newer than 2005!!!!

Then you should be fine, lol

Sunshine · Guru

We have a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, and I could not be happier with it! We haven't had any maintenance or other issues (of course, we haven't had it for even a full year yet) and we can easily squeeze 24-26mpg out of it, which isn't bad imo for a minivan!

It has enough room for our three kiddos and all their crap, plus groceries or whatever else, and the Stow 'n Go seating rocks if Rob has to bring something big home for a DIY project or whatever.

Juanita · Guru

Sunshine wrote:

We have a 2005 Chrysler Town & Country, and I could not be happier with it! We haven't had any maintenance or other issues (of course, we haven't had it for even a full year yet) and we can easily squeeze 24-26mpg out of it, which isn't bad imo for a minivan!

It has enough room for our three kiddos and all their crap, plus groceries or whatever else, and the Stow 'n Go seating rocks if Rob has to bring something big home for a DIY project or whatever.

I forgot about the mileage thing!! Mine gets about that too, Supa

And Mel, it's great that you haven't had any issues, and see, your minivan is 4 years old!

-- Edited by Juanita on Thursday 13th of August 2009 02:46:27 PM

happylib · Guru

Since you are thinking about the dodge family, I will tell you my dad LOVES his Caravan. Granted he buys the more expensive one, but he rants about it. It also has the store and go seating. I have driven it and I do like the van.

One thing you might want to consider with cost though is that it is cheaper to buy something other than a toyota or honda, the gas mileage might make a difference for you. Toyota and honda do go more miles per gallon.

Supafly · Guru

happylib wrote:

Since you are thinking about the dodge family, I will tell you my dad LOVES his Caravan. Granted he buys the more expensive one, but he rants about it. It also has the store and go seating. I have driven it and I do like the van.

One thing you might want to consider with cost though is that it is cheaper to buy something other than a toyota or honda, the gas mileage might make a difference for you. Toyota and honda do go more miles per gallon.

Thanks! That is definitely a good thing to know. I have to say, unless my habits change, I just don't drive a car very hard or very far. I have owned my car for 5 years now, and have only put 36K miles on it. When we first got it, I drove a lot, but now, we rarely go further than Target or the mall, aside from our yearly trip to the beach or the once in a while trip up to Matt and Jaime's for a party. I don't think I could justify paying anywhere from $5-15K more for just that.

Now Bill is a different story-he puts on at least 80 miles everyday. But that is definitely not like me!!!

But you do bring up a good point, and I think Edmunds.com has a good cost to own comparison on vehicles-I should go check that out. Thank you!!!

allvowels · Veteran Member

I think I am the only one who is still sad about having to get a minivan! (shoot---the emoticons are all different.......I need the explanations under them! haha)

When Abram was a week old, we ended up trading in our Volvo SUV for a Honda Odyssey. I am still mourning the loss of the Volvo! haha

The three carseats did fit in the Volvo (we didn't have the third row, so we had to do 3 across), but it was pretty tight. I said to my Dh, "Well, I can order a Radian (a narrow 5 pt. harness seat) to replace Addie's Boulevard, or we can get a minivan." He's like, "Let's just get the van." :cry

The van is fine, but I am not in love at all.

In fact, changing diapers and using our potty seat (I FINALLY got one, since Emilia pees SO much!!!) would've been WAY easier in the Volvo----the back was just the right height for changing diapers, and it was flat. There is nothing like that in the minivan.

Anyway, ours is a 2008. My Dh will never buy a new car (and that's fine with me), so we always get one that is 1 or 2 years old. This one only had 6,000 miles on it, so hopefully we don't have any problems anytime soon!

Good luck with your decision! Hey, if you can find a good deal on a used Volvo SUV, I highly recommend them! : )

MommyNicoleof3 · Senior Member

I've got a 2000 Honda Odyssey. We got it for 6k and its been great. No problems, just normal repairs (brakes, window wipers). I love the automatic sliding doors....by far, hands down best feature on a minivan. I know lots of people rave about the stow and go seats in the Chrysler Town and Country's but unless you are constantly needing to put the seats down.......:twocents. My van has the two captain seats in the middle that can be separate or you can slide together to make a bench seat and the rear bench seat folds down entirely (without having to remove it) making the back more like a truck. Anyway, Hondas are WAY more reliable....or Toyota. But the Chrysler, Dodge, Chevrolet group....well they are going to be an investment. Unless you buy brand new and then the dealer gets to cover it all under warranty, but if you're looking for used....I think I made my point. LOL

Robin · Guru

We have a 2001 Nissan Quest that we got used 3 years ago. I think it was around $10,000. I love it. It doesn't have any fancy features, and it has a video cassette player.

It doesn't have automatic doors, and it doesn't bother me at all but I imagine that's because we've never had them.

It has been very reliable so far.