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Our third child is due later this year and we wanted to get a minivan. We will be trading in a 2011 Chevrolet HHR that is already cramped. I have these makes/models at the top of my list:
- Chrysler Town and Country
- Honda Odyssey
- Toyota Sienna
- Kia Sedona
We really like the Town and Country because of its Stow and Go Seating and all the nice standard features they have for the price you pay. However, I am concerned about their reliability? (My parents had a new 1999 Plymouth Grand Voyager and had problems with it and went back to a Honda by 2003. I realize a lot has changed for Chrysler's quality). The Odyssey looks nice and very reliable, but it seems pricey. Sienna seems like a good choice and the Sedona looks to have good value.
Our budget is a max of $32,000. I'd prefer to have power sliding doors or power liftgate, but that is not necessary. We are leaning towards new, but will look into used as well. I am also open to other model suggestions, that is just my starting list. Thanks.
Had a Kia Sedona, we had lots of issues with the electrical system, the check engine light was on constantly along and the tire pressure system light. Plus the brake lights, turning signal lights would burn out really quickly. Had to take it in about 3 times on the electrical issues alone, plus the brakes squealed from day one. It was a cheap van with lots of features and got us to about 85,000 miles in 6 1/2 years, in fact we just recently replaced it for a Highlander, so Kia is doable if you are on a budget as we were, but with your budget get something nicer and higher quality.
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Not on your list, but I have the 2012 Nissan Quest. It's been a fantastic minivan. I personally think the interior of the Quest is superior to the Odyssey and Sienna, but those 2 always seem to get more love. I personally wouldn't go with Honda as every person that I know of that has had a Honda (and that's 6 people I can think of just off the top of my head, has had some sort of issue with theirs). I don't care for the Sienna because they are EVERYWHERE here. The exterior features on the Quest are a little more unconventional, but I like that in a car.
So of the ones on your list, I would probably seriously look at the Town and Country.
Have a friend that runs a cab fleet and they always stay away from the Sedona. Things might have improved though. We have a 2000 Caravan, same generation as your parents. Has had its share of mid-life crisis at 100K miles, but still on original engine/transmission at 150+K miles. Now the only reason I would buy the Chrysler would be substantial savings over Toyota or Honda. They do depreciate very quick, so you might save loads by buying a 1-2 year old one. When we got our 2000 (used in 2006), we paid less than half the price of a comparable Toyota, and even with repairs, we are still ahead.
Also make sure you test drive anything you want to buy, even find a rental and rent it for week.
Have a friend that runs a cab fleet and they always stay away from the Sedona. Things might have improved though. We have a 2000 Caravan, same generation as your parents. Has had its share of mid-life crisis at 100K miles, but still on original engine/transmission at 150+K miles. Now the only reason I would buy the Chrysler would be substantial savings over Toyota or Honda. They do depreciate very quick, so you might save loads by buying a 1-2 year old one. When we got our 2000 (used in 2006), we paid less than half the price of a comparable Toyota, and even with repairs, we are still ahead.
Also make sure you test drive anything you want to buy, even find a rental and rent it for week.
Yes, I have been looking at 2012 Town and Country's around my area and they seem to be going for $21-22K. Most have have 18-22K miles on them. Seems like that is around the high end for one year ownership. Unless it is highway miles.
Me, I love my 2005 Dodge G.C. SXT with 3.8L engine and tow package, - I can haul a lightweight 22' Rv trailer with it. You can get a used 2005 - 07 model for $5000 to $10000, better than a D.G.C. from the 2008 to 2010 years. In 7 years or so I'm planning to get a used 2013 to 2014 T & C Limited. I've seen on Craigslist 4 year old T & C Limiteds with 70,000 miles go for $17995 - severe depreciation! Good for used car buyers but bad for original buyers.
At least with the Chrysler / Dodge minivan you don't have to do a timing belt change and valve adjustment that they do on Honda Odysseys.
Not sure how 3 children only qualifies for a van, but de gustibus non disputandum est.
Hafer took it out of my mouth. Nissan Quest.
Otherwise, Venza and Pacific might work as well, as Pacifica used to have Mercedes engine in it. Not sure if it's still this way. Large car.
We have a 2004 Honda and it's been across the country 6 times and all we ever had was one flat tire. p.s. We got it used from Carmax for about $ 24,000 with 19k miles on it.
I would go with either Odyssey or Sienna. While the Stow & Go sounded good in theory, the seats' comfort is compromised (IMO). For longer trips, it will be evident. I have only needed to removed the middle row seats in my Odyssey a handful of times for the past 8 years.
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