V-Girl
enthusiast
Posts: 2889
Loc: Allen, TX, US
Reg: 07-12-01
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07-26-10 01:17 PM - Post#115257
I need something to look forward to. ;) Once we're able, we plan to start saving up to buy a minivan (used since I always buy used). We hope to have one more kid in the next few years so I want to be able to carry 4 kids plus a couple of friends. It seems as though a lot of manufacturers aren't making minivans anymore.
Anyone have any recs or feedback. I really like the look of the Dodge Grand Caravan. And I love the Toyota Sienna (those darn commercials just crack me up). I'll be aiming for a 2002 or newer.
Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it. 
Will work for shoes!  |
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denisew
Community Expert
Posts: 9241
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 02-18-02
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07-26-10 01:27 PM - Post#115259
In response to V-Girl
When our first son was born, we bought a Dodge Caravan. At the time, the only difference between the Caravan and Grand Caravan was a couple extra feet in the back and about $5K in the price. We could afford the smaller version and really enjoyed it while we had it (we bought it in 1994 and kept it for about 10 years). One thing you might want is a flip down tv since you have younger kids to keep them occupied on long trips, but I think most mini-vans come with that now plus a whole lot more than when we had our mini van. Sorry I can't help you with information on the newer (2002 and newer) vans - just basing it on our experience with an older model and the fact that it held up nicely for so long.
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V-Girl
enthusiast
Posts: 2889
Loc: Allen, TX, US
Reg: 07-12-01
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07-26-10 01:38 PM - Post#115260
In response to denisew
They don't make the Caravan anymore, just the Grand Caravan from what I could see.
I actually don't want a TV in it. Just not my thing. My girls read in the car and the boy looks out the window or plays with his toy trains. Or munches on Cheerios.
Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it.
Will work for shoes! |
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RRRquilter
enthusiast
Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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07-26-10 01:56 PM - Post#115262
In response to V-Girl
I would look at the Toyota or Honda. I have an Odyssey and love it. Prior to the Odyssey we had a Chevy Venture (now called Uplander) is was good and lasted 10 years for us, but after 100,000 miles started needing more and more work. We did get 198,000 miles out of it before replacing it.
Good luck!
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jogo
enthusiast
Posts: 1475
Reg: 08-31-05
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07-26-10 03:00 PM - Post#115266
In response to V-Girl
I had a terrible experience with my 2002 Mazda MPV. I really liked the minivan until it prematurely gave out on me. I bought it new, had it for 7 years, always did the required routine maintenance on it, drove it reasonably - mainly around Allen - and at 78,000 miles the transmission blew out (and on Black Friday right as we were leaving to go shopping - to add insult to injury). It would have cost more to repair the transmission that the van was actually worth at that point. After doing some internet research, I found out that several others had the exact same type of transmission problems with their MPVs. I then bought a 2008 Honda CRV which I really liked but decided was just a bit too small and traded it for a 2010 Honda Pilot last spring (which I love!!). Of course, neither of those autos are minivans though. Prior to the MPV, I had a Nissan Quest which I really liked too - but they have changed it considerably since I owned one.
And, I was always a "mean mom" too and never got the option of having a TV/DVD player in my vans. I figured my kids needed to learn how to entertain themselves in a vehicle - plus they needed a break from the TV!
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Al C
enthusiast
Posts: 5920
Loc: McKinney/Allen, TX
Reg: 02-16-01
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07-26-10 03:20 PM - Post#115268
In response to V-Girl
Got an '05 MPV. For what it is, I like it a lot. The wife drives it ... I'll take my sedan over a larger car any day. But back on topic .... it seats 7 total, although the way back seat can get crowded pretty easily. You can pick up a good used '05 or '06 for under 10k ... higher mileage ones come in cheaper.
Approx. 20 mpg average. Handles like a car. Strong V6 engine. No troubles at all as of yet.
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Michael
enthusiast
Posts: 2075
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-20-02
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07-26-10 03:44 PM - Post#115272
In response to V-Girl
I have had Dodge Grand Caravans for almost 15 years. They have been great vehicles. When it comes time to buy another, it will probably be a Grand Caravan.
I also only buy used. Usually one or two years. But sometimes three years.
| I don't suffer from insanity. I enjoy every minute of it! |
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V-Girl
enthusiast
Posts: 2889
Loc: Allen, TX, US
Reg: 07-12-01
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07-26-10 03:59 PM - Post#115276
In response to jogo
I'm in a '97 CR-V now (we've had it since 2000). I love it, but it's pretty crowded with a 12 year old, 10 yr old in a booster (she's short), and 3 year old's car seat. The darn thing is never going to die though so it will probably be the 12 year old's first car. It only has 180K+ miles on it. ;)
Thanks for the feedback! Keep it coming!
Crazy doesn't even begin to cover it.
Will work for shoes! |
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allen
enthusiast
Posts: 1965
Reg: 12-02-05
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07-26-10 04:06 PM - Post#115277
In response to V-Girl
Honda Odyssey is the only choice.
| We sittin' here, I'm supposed to be a franchise player....and we in here talkin' 'bout PRACTICE? |
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andro1
enthusiast
Posts: 206
Loc: Allen, TX, USA
Reg: 11-05-03
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07-26-10 04:54 PM - Post#115280
In response to V-Girl
I would choose between a Sienna or an Odyssey. Also preferably 2005 or newer since they started getting side impact airbags then as standard. Also make sure they are not fitted with run flat tires since they are more expensive and wear out sooner.
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rock761
enthusiast
Posts: 354
Loc: Allen, TX USA
Reg: 03-14-00
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07-27-10 12:54 PM - Post#115339
In response to allen
I'm with you on that! I'm on my 3rd Odyessy and still love it. You can do so much with the room and I love the "well" in the back for my once a week grocery trips! Seats are so easy to put up and down. My kids are growing up and we're debating on whether to keep a mini-van or go on to a different SUV. But it's just amazing how much we do/haul with this van that isn't kid related. And, for trips there's nothing more comfortable.
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RRRquilter
enthusiast
Posts: 1471
Loc: Allen
Reg: 05-02-05
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07-27-10 02:19 PM - Post#115349
In response to rock761
I completely agree with you. The best minivan in my perspective. When we were looking at new vehicles we found that the Odyssey actually has more leg room in the 3rd row - which with three boys we use constantly. And the amount of cargo one can carry is amazing.
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starrlac
enthusiast
Posts: 792
Loc: Allen, TX
Reg: 11-03-00
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07-27-10 04:06 PM - Post#115362
In response to V-Girl
Toyota or Honda, definitely.
eta...my Odyssey is a 2004 if you ever want to check things out. It's the last year of that body style (2000-2004), then 2005-2010 have another body style, and the 2001 will have a new body style this year.
Edited by starrlac on 07-27-10 04:09 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.
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TX_Medic
member
Posts: 55
Reg: 09-22-09
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07-28-10 12:07 PM - Post#115407
In response to starrlac
Honda Odyssey. Ours is a 2002 with 92k miles and runs like a champ. We did have to replace the engine and transmission at 28k miles (fully under warranty, no out of pocket to us). I am not sure what the problem was. I think the trans failed and fouled the engine.
As I remember there was an issue with the trans at that time though not enough to force a recall, so check it out if you get an 01-02. I know it sounds odd but I really cannot say enough good things about Honda. Replacing an engine and transmission seems like it would be a major deal and cloud my feelings, but it really was just a blip for us (and I feel like we will get 28k extra miles out of the van because they basically pushed the reset button).
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Anonymous
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09-11-10 01:13 PM - Post#118293
In response to TX_Medic
Our neighbor purchased a Subaru Tribeca which holds 7 and he swears by it. Nice thing is it's all wheel drive
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Automobob
Community Expert
Posts: 167
Loc: TEXAS, COLLIN
Reg: 04-13-06
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12-03-10 03:50 PM - Post#121971
In response to allen
Have to agree with you, Allen. The Honda Odyssey has been the most impressive of all the minivans we service in the shop. I had one customer who actualy drove from Little Rock Arkansas to Allen and he only had a quart (engine holds a little over 4 qts.)in the engine. It was knocking and needed an engine but still ran. We were impressed running those high stress miles on a freeway on only a quart of oil....and made it! Other than that they are simply very durable. The only common problems among them are the electric door lock actuators going out.
BOB ELLIS--
ALLEN CAR CARE CENTER |
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