Minivans!

Juanita · Guru

RE: Minivans!

sbucking · 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?

Yes, we've all had good luck. Aside from new brakes, mine hasn't needed anything and it's a 2002.

Alicia · Senior Member

I have a 99 Chrysler Town and County with 150,000 or so miles on it. The only thing I don't like about it is that it isn't a newer model. In our van the 2nd row of captains are as far back as possible(give my teenager more room plus Ray is tall and has his seat all the way back) and the 3rd row is as far up as possible(for more cargo room) which make the third row almost useless unless you're a kid. I have squeezed 3 teens back there but they didn't like it. If I was to get another minivan(which I won't because our next vehicle will be a car) it would be a newer model.

Jilly · Veteran Member

Haven't read all the responses yet. I have a 2006 Toyota Sienna. Love it!! Bought it in 2007, used with and only had a few thousand miles on it. The only problems I've had are with the radio display, sometimes when it gets too hot or cold the station doesn't display, but that's not a big deal to me and doesn't happen often enough to take the time to get it fixed. Like you, Laura, I plan to drive it til it dies.

I love the auto door, I hit a button and the kids get in before I get to the van. THis is also nice when it is super hot out and allows for hot air to escape before we get in. It has tons of cupholders and little storage areas.

With 3 little ones, all still in car seats, I would not want to drive anything else. We have changed clothes and diapers in it comfortably, had "picnics" in the back (many times for various reasons) with the rear seat (it splits) folded down. This worked sooo well when we were selling our house and had to be out on a moments notice for a showing. The kids thought it was fun!

The only con I can think of is that the gas mileage isn't terrific, but certainly not the worst either. It gets about 19 to 20 around town. Not sure about highway, I haven't paid that close of attention. A few luxuries I wish it had was a DVD console in the middle for the kids and an auto close back door/gate (not sure what the very back is called).

Overall....love my van!

Good luck and I hope you find something you absolutely love!!

JenM · Senior Member

We have a 2001 Dodge Caravan that I love.

We bought it used for all of the reasons you mentioned, we got a great deal.

It's honestly been a great van. We've had it for 4 years now.

The only thing I don't like.. 1 of my doors isn't automatic, and I don't have stow and go. I'd choose to have those 2 things, but besides that, I love everything else about it.

Good luck! :)

Jennie · Guru

We have the '06 Dodge Grand Caravan. LOVE IT. It doesn't have all the fancy features like power sliding doors (which we would love) or a DVD player (we just got a portable a couple months later) but we can live w/o that!

But we love the storage capabilities and the stow-n-go! I'd be lost w/o stow-n-go!

We get such awesome gas mileage too with it.

And I must say- if you hit your carport it does very little damage to the car itself...

We paid way over the KBB for the car but we were desperate to get out of our clunker.

But I recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan especially if you are thinking about that third baby. Highly recommend 06-07's. Those are the best or so says DH..

Good luck on your car quest!

Supafly · Guru

Thanks everyone!! I am so excited about even the prospect of getting a minivan!!! (though I will say that I am a little sad about the thought of parting with my car. Even though VW sucks and their cars definitely have issues they shouldn't, and I will love a bigger vehicle, I love my car. It drives great, I love the look of it, and it is comfortable for me)

Bill isn't in a hurry-which is to say he isn't even looking. But part of that is that we weren't even sure about getting my car fixed. but it looks like things will work out on that front too-don't want to speak too soon, but hopefully they will honor the warranty now that we have gotten documentation of maintenance and we won't have to fix it ourselves.

But now I feel armed with the information I need to go out and make a purchase that I can feel good about. I really appreciate it!!! And maybe once we have my Passat back, we can start really looking!!