Seeking Advice from Mini-van Owners

I bought my Toyota Sienna new off the lot in 2000. To date I have not had to do any major repairs on it and it just rolled to 120K miles this last week. I fully expect to get another 5+ years out of it before I decide to get a "no more kids at home" car.

I have a Mazda MPV (minivan) and I love this thing. It is about 12yrs old, 108,000 miles and still going strong. My husband bought it new and we have had some repairs over the years but I can not complain about it at all. This has been a fabulous minivan. It does good in the snow, it cools well in warm (FL) climates, easy entry in/out and seats 7 adults comfortably with storage. We have talked about getting something new, but I am attached to this minivan. I will drive this van until it does not go anymore, lol. :)

I LOVED my Plymouth Grand Voyager and drove it for 13 years.
We recently replaced it with a 3 yr old Town and Country from Carmax and we're very happy.

We've had 3 Plymouth/Dodge mini-vans (Plymouth Voyager, Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan) and have loved them all! Our first was new, the second 2 were used. Sometimes you get problems with used cars, but that is what our budget can handle now, unfortunately. The second one we bought with 110,000 miles on it, and unfortunately put about $2500 into it within 4 months... the third we got at about 130,000 miles, for about $3,000 also, and had virtually no problems for the first 30,000 miles... no major repairs, nothing. Sometimes you get lucky!

Unfortunately, we only get about 18 to the gallon....

The less bells and whistles the less there is to go wrong. I had a Plymouth Grand Voyager and loved it, it ran well for us...we basically drove ours to its death. Ours was a MUCH older model...a 93! And yet we drove it over 7 years with only minor repairs and replacing tires.
The one thing I cannot stress enough is if you can stay away from the automated doors, everyone I know who has had automated doors on their vehicle has had something go wrong with them, ours was an older model so no automated doors and we never had any problem.
It may be something standard now, I have no idea.
Good luck!

We bought a used Toyota Sienna about a year and a half ago and I love it! It had 100k miles on it when we bought it and I really haven't had any major issues with it. I had an SUV before we bought this (Toyota Highlander), but with the 2 car seats in the back, there was no room for a third person to sit back there. When my Mom would come to visit, I would have to try to squeeze in the middle in the back seat and if my in laws came, then we would just have to take 2 cars everywhere! It is so nice to be able to drive all together in one car now or to be able to carpool with my friends and fit extra car seats in the car. Our SUV didn't have a third row in it, so maybe that is an option, but I just love the automatic doors on my minivan.

Anyway, I was never a minivan person before I owned one and now I can't imagine having anything else with my kids this age. Hope that helps!

We bought a used "rental return" Dodge Grand Caravan when I was doing day care and loved it. Traded it in for another a year later. They gave us the exact same amount wed paid for it as a trade in. There is a difference in the Caravan and Grand Caravan. The back end has a couple more feet of storage room and that makes all the difference in the world. We buckled 3 car seats in back, and had the 2 built in reclining carseats in the middle seat. I loved that the floor space between the driver and passenger was flat so there was space to set my purse or get up and walk to the back to unbuckle or check on kids when I needed without getting out. I didnt have the automatic doors but I would have liked them Im sure. We didnt have any real problems with the engine until my husband hit a deer and distroyed it.

We have a sienna. We like it a lot, definitely more than an suv. I like that the doors are lower, like you said, but also that they slide, making them easier to be put in smaller spaces like a garage. We got ours used with cash as well. My dad has changed our oil and things like that some and says its a really good engine and will last a long time. We buy a lot of toyotas in our family. Good luck!

We have a 2000 honda Odyssey that we bought used last year. It's great and i love it. The gas mileage us good and we haven't had any problems with it. Hondas are Great cars!

I have a Ford Windstar that we purchased used back in 1999. We purchased it used with 39000 miles on it. At around 60000 we had to replace the transmission. Only other issues are just regular wear and tear. It has over 171000 today and I will be paying for rack and pinion repair. This is the most expensive thing I have had done to it since the transmission. I still drive it and prefer for in town driving to my cadillac.
I have 3 grown children and we have piled them into this thing along with friends and gone to Fl., California, Arizona, South Dakota with plenty of room as long as you get on overhead carrier for suitcases. It seats 7 comfortably. My youngest recently took it to Florida for spring break and had 7 guys in it. It did just fine. I, too, will run the tires off of it!! OH, and it is cheap to maintain compared to some foreign cars and my Cadillac!!!
Hope this helps!

I love having a minivan, it's the perfect vehicle for a family. I have owned a Madza MPV, Chevy Venture and just got a Honda Odyssey and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!! We've had it for almost 2 weeks and I smile every time I get in my car lol.

We buy used and have spent about $8500-10K on each car. Each car has had over 90K miles on it. We had the Mazda for 2+ years before we needed to get a bigger van and that was fine. I was worried about the Venture because it was a Chevy. We bought it in 2006 and it was a 2002. Honestly just about everything inside eventually broke (power doors, heat, A/C, lights, etc.) but that thing ran until a month ago and had over 200K miles on it when it died and we did very little by way of major repairs.

So now we're finally in an Odyssey, which I wanted all along but they didn't have any in our price range. Stay away from model years 2002-2004 because they have MAJOR transmission problems. A new transmission in an Odyssey is over $2K, and these model years are crapping out at 50 - 75K miles. Not good. So we went with a 2005 and it's like riding in heaven. Our other car is an Infiniti (also used - we got a great deal on that) and I would rather drive my minivan. We hope/expect to get 5 years out of this and will probably put it over the 200K mile mark as well (we drive a lot). We also looked at Siennas but couldn't find one in our price range. If I were you I would stick with Honda or Toyota. I've heard that Kias are getting better, but I know the quality on them a few years ago was just not good where the other brands have truly earned their reputations for being well-built, reliable and hold their value. This is the 3rd Honda I've owned (I had two Accords when I was younger) and I've always been pleased with how well they are made.

ETA: regarding the power sliders - yes the motors die. A new motor in an Odyssey is about $65 plus whatever the installation costs. It's not a huge job and pretty quick and cheap to repair so don't let that dissuade you from getting power doors. The repair in my Venture would have been several hundred dollars. Not sure what the difference is but friends have had the power doors on their Odysseys fixed quickly and easily.

I've had my 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan from the beginning....we paid cash for it as well....

In the last 3 years the repairs have been high....but it's 11 years old.

I would NOT get an SUV just for the reasons you stated....
1. easy access to the doors - you can push a button and they slide open!
2. no worries about kids opening their doors and smashing another car.
4. more room for the kids and for storage...in an SUV - you have to give up one for the other...

We are planning to either purchase a Honda Odyssey or the Kia Sedona in the next few months....(once hubby gets a new job!)

My sister owns a Kia and LOVES it...low to no maintenance and great gas mileage...I have only known ONE person who hated their Kia...

My husband is a HUGE Honda fan (1994 Honda Prelude still on the road and a 04 CRV)...so it might come down to price!!

GOOD LUCK!!

My 2006 Toyota Sienna is AMAZING! I love that car and it's very high quality. I used to have a Dodge Caravan, and the difference between the two is quite large. The Sienna is a nicer package, but it drives better, rides better, is roomier and it's a longer-lasting and more hassle-free car overall. I highly recommend the Sienna!

Hi M.,

I have a 2005 Odyssey that I LOVE. We've never had any major problems with it. It handles well, parks easily and moves a lot of people/stuff. I would suggest you stay away from the run-flat tires, if you can, only because they are VERY expensive to repair/replace.

Other than that, I would by another in a heartbeat. My husband bought a Highlander, and really, I wish we'd gotten another van, silly as it sounds.

A van is sooo much easier in the parking lot, because the doors slide alongside the body, and you don't have to wrestle kids and stuff into the car with the door banging against the car next to you.

I have used Consumer Report's info every time I've bought a car, and always found their info to be useful and accurate.

Good luck!

I would say Honda just because I love Honda products. I have a Honda Pilot with 175,000 miles on it and it still runs like it's new. I also had a Toyota Sienna once, but just didn't like the looks of it. I do like the Odyssey. If I had to get a van, that would be the one I'd get.

Go to the library and look at the issue of Consumer Reports that rates used vehicles.

i hear those are gas guzzlers look up more info on this to see if you can afford the high gas prices!!! hope you find what your looking for...good luck ;)

Have had my Sienna for over a year and bought a 2008 used. We were a two SUV family before. I have never regreted it. The sliding doors with kids is awsome. Doors that open with a click of the button allow me to get my kids out of the parking lot sooner and into the car while I strap baby in her car seat. My three year old can get in and out herself. I can be buckaling kids in without taking up two parking spaces, or worse yet, not being able to open car door all the way while buckeling in kids. And road trips? Forget about it- I can jump from back to front and front to back as needed. And the best part about road trips and the mini van- Even when you get stuck in the back with kids, you get a captains chair! (we set up one car seat in the back back and free up a captains chair for parent).

consumer reports is about the only magazine I WOuLD trust!! They don't allow the car manufacturers to give them cars, they purchase one, just like anyone else would do!!! AND they don't take money from manufacturers other than advertising. I've had my Honda for 11 years. ALWAYS do the maintainance and I know it'll last me for 300,000 miles. I've had friends who've had the Toyota and Kia for many years and have been happy with them. I have owned 2 Dodge & Chrysler products and NEVER again - had sooooo many issues that were NEVER resolved and although most of them were on their dime, it was such a hassle to monthly take it to the dealership (and no rental was EVER offered). I had a Dodge caravan for 2 years and the brakes were a HUGE problem. My husband talked me into trading up to a Town & Country van and even MORE hassles. NEVER again!!!!

I love our Odyssey! And they (and the Sienna) last about twice as long as other mini vans - you can drive them to 200,000+ miles. The Odyssey is easy to drive, reliable, and the gas mileage is not bad.

We had a Dodge Caravan and really liked it. We now have a Ford F-150 Lariet. It's huge....and the back seat can fit three. A minivan is very convenient for a family. :-) We only have two children, so our truck is really good for us.
I wouldn't recommend a Kia. I heard from a mechanic that Kia is one of the top brands that usually needs fixing.
I would go for a Honda Odyssey. Those Honda's run really great! Try to get a used one with a warranty. :-)

We love our Honda Odyssey!!!!!

Consumer Report is fabulous. Yes, you can trust them.

Gamma G talked about the Suburban. If you are willing to get one (gas guzzler), then it does have more room than the minivan, but it's about the only SUV that does. We have a Chevy Trailblazer with the third row. It comfortably sits 6, but you have to put one of the seats down to get to the third row. We have 2 boys, so we rarely need the third row, but we wanted it for friends and cousins. My husband uses trailers a lot and needs something that can tow.

I have a minivan and definitely prefer it to the SUV. Way too many parking lots were built with mid-size cars in mind, so SUVs and minivans are a tight fit! The sliding doors make it so much easier. Also, they are designed for the 3rd row to be used frequently. Much easier to climb around in the back of a minivan than an SUV.

My family have always been Honda & Toyota folks. They are way more reliable and last 200,000 to 250,000 and more in many cases. (but are generally more expensive). My husband works on our cars and money is very tight, so I get what we can find cheep. In our case it's a 1999 Pontiac Montana. It has about 225,000 miles, and I can't complain (except the ac just went out).

Good luck!

We used to have a mini-van, but now we have a Ford Excursion. It seats all 8 of us comfortably with CARGO. Since it is a gas hog, the prices are considerably lower than minivans. We don't drive anywhere, so the gas issue isn't a big deal. My kids have no issues getting in and out. We have had an SUV since our twins were born and would not drive another mini-van again.
That being said, if I HAD to drive a minivan I would drive the Odyssey. All of the ones I have ridden in are fantastic, comfortable and smooth.

We just bought a used Toyota Sienna b/c we wanted to pay cash too. We bought a 2005, it had over 100k miles on it, toyota's last about 200k if you take care of them. We currently own a Toyota truck that has over 200k miles on it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new minivan! Because it was used we were able to afford top of the line, it is AMAZING! It drives amazing and the ease and convenience is great! The doors slide open so kids can hop in, if it is raining you just hit the button and run! The back opens with a button and has TWELVE hooks to hold your grocery bags, FIFTEEN cup holders which you do use many of them b/c they hold other things, has an ac plug to charge games, blow up things, etc when needed. it even has a hook to hang my purse on while driving! It drives smoother than my old Honda or our Nissan. I absolutely love it. We had looked at the Honda Oddysey too, many friends own that and love it. I would choose one or the other. I figure I can go SUV when the kids are older if I want to but I can't imagine ever not liking the convenience of this van. have fun shopping!

M., I have to say go mommievan! I've always been a truck person, even with 3 kids, loved my truck and couldn't imagine me in a mini-van...even my sister thinks I'm nuts, but when my husband bought my Hyundai Entourage, rather than my expedition I wanted, I was not happy. Pretended of course, but really missed my big bouncy truck! Well....fast forward 3 years and I can't imagine living without my van. I've even gone so far as to take the sports gear and chairs out and put them in a new expedition to see if we would fit....nope. They offered to drop the back row, but told them I have kids...hello! I know Hyundai stopped making mini-vans, which upsets me because I wanted to upgrade this year, but I'm sure the others are wonderful. I would recommend finding one with hide-away storage or something like that if you travel alot. Mine, the third row seats fold down into the floor of the van so when they're up I have deep storage in the back. love it. The sliding doors are great too, esp with small kids, you don't have to worry about dinging other cars! Good cluck!

We have a 2007 Odyssey that we bought brand new. It is loaded with the leather, back up camera, navigation, rear entertainment, etc. so it was expensive. Honda's hold their value very well, so even used ones can be a budget buster for some people. We have never had any issues of having to repair the Odyssey. I love the way it drives like a car, but holds 8 people and a lot of stuff. Good luck in your decision.

I've had a Honda Odyssey for 11 years now. Going to get an SUV next because we're done with the car seat thing and the boys are now embarrassed by it :)....Great car. No repairs. 225,000 miles and still going strong. I have a permanent check engine light on and occasionally the electric back doors have some attitude but they get over it and life goes on. The mini-van does it all, 2 large dogs, camping, hurricane evacuations, 2 pre-teen boys and lots of vacations! I loved mine! Good luck!

DO NOT BUY THE KIA!!! We have had 2 and they are LEMONS!!! I currently have an 08 Sedona and can't begin to tell you all the problems we have with it. You can't go wrong with Toyota and Honda. Good luck!

I love my kia sonoma very comfortable had 60 thousand on it . Just now after paid off we are replacing all belts just because I have put over 100,000 miles. It is very comfortable never had one problem. I bought it at kc cars in pinehurst, texas. I love their service. If u need more info ____@____.com.

I have owned a dodge caravan for 3 years now and hate it. The only plus thing is that i have not had any problems. Its just not made big enough. The back seat is suppose to seat 3 which it only actually can fit 2. Their is barely any trunk space. The mini van is nice for the sliding doors and sits low so it is easier to get in and out. I also have a truck, my little ones dont have a problem climbing in and out of.

Little late, but maybe someone else can use the info too

We got our minivan from the local auctions. Had our mechanic go and look various ones over and reimbursed him for the cost he paid plus what little work that needed to be done. But if you know someone who buys vehicles from the auctions its a great choice. We paid about $5000 cash once everything was said and done - and it was ours.

However... it was 2005 when we bought a 2002 ford windstar. We liked the fact that it had sliding back doors on both sides (made it easy at the time to get our youngest who was a baby at the time, in and out with the older two). We just recently sold it "as is" after deciding that the engine was going to need some major repairs in the foreseeable future. When we sold it, it had 235,000 miles on it!

We're currently looking for a car since all three of our kids can legally be without carseats/booster seats. I'm not likely to choose another ford... probably stick with toyota or honda since we've done well with those brands before.

We bought a Honda Odyssey. It's a 2003, and we bought it in 2007. It had $80-90,000 miles on it when we bought it (can't remember exactly). We've never had any repairs needed on it. (If my van is broken tomorrow, I'm blaming this comment for it!). We love it. We would go for a Toyota Sienna too...as long as it's not one of those Toyota's that has the weird issue that many Toyotas had.

We have four kids, all in car seats, and they all fit. We are expecting #5, and we're thinking we'll BARELY fit in the van. Hopefully soon some of the older ones will fit into a smaller base booster seat or something! But that's my only thought...if you have four, you'll fit great. Or if you have five kids, and only 1-2 are in car seats, you'll be fine. But if you have all in carseats (at least five), you might have issues.

We used to own a Yukon, and now we have a Chrysler T&C. I agree with Betsy that you should get something with the least "extras" possible. My husband thought we'd like the fancier van with auto doors and all that jazz, and we've learned that we should have just gone with the basic Dodge Caravan. One of the automatic doors didn't work during the winter when it was cold, but the motor in it made it SO heavy and hard to close by hand.
Another plus about a minivan over an SUV is that when your kids are climbing out they won't swing the doors out and bang the car next to you in a parking lot.
I DID like driving the Yukon better than the van, but everything else about the minivan I love. It's easier to get in and out of for both me and the kids. The kids can manuever around inside it easier - climbing in and out of their seats, there are more convenient cup holders, and there aren't windows for them to be messing with putting them up and down a million times and catching their fingers by accident!
I had a friend who owned the Kia for a few years (bought it brand new) and had nothing but trouble with it. I swear it was in the shop more than her driveway, but Kia bought it back from them with an apology for her receiving a "lemon".

The biggest difference between the SUV and the van is that there is little or no space behind the back seat.

In the Suburban there is almost enough room to set up a play pen...lol. In our van we are constantly rearranging the seats, folding them down just to turn around and get rid of ironing and then put it back up to seat an extra child. It is very frustrating. I love the suburbans. They have seating for 8 instead of 7, they have a wider base for the hiney to sit in, they are made to seat adults and be comfortable, they have plusher interiors, they also have more elbow room.

I think an SUV that is a larger on is the best option for a family that does any activities or sports.

Consumer Reports is reliable. Look for the info on used minivans. You can also ask service managers. The only minivans we had issues with were Chrysler. 21 problems in 18 months and the company actually wrote us back after lots of letters saying it was "not excessive." I will never drive a Chrysler again. Poor customer service. Even the service managers were shocked at how we were treated.

All of our Hondas and Toyotas have had lots of miles and were reliable, but you have to maintain them regularly. Do not buy a car that you cannot afford to maintain or you will be paying for repairs. The best thing is that you can budget for preventative maintenance easier than you can pay for unexpected repairs.

Don't buy an SUV unless you need a sports utility vehicle. Minivans were made for families with kids.

We have a 2006 Honda Odyssey & love it!

Had my Toyota Sienna for almost seven years and LOVED it! Never a problem, inexpensive to maintain, kid and pet friendly, what more could you ask for it was perfect :)

I agree with you-get a minivan. I have had both and the van is 100% better as a family car-hands down. They don't really even compare actually. They were MADE for families....SUVS were not. I have had Odyssey and naver had a problem. You will do well by buying an older one.

We bought a 2001 Toyota Sienna in 2005 and it currently has 140,000 miles on it. We've never had any major problems with it. We had issues that we thought would turn out to be expensive, but a new battery fixed all those "issues". I love my minivan and couldn't imagine driving a car again. We also have a Dodge Ram pickup, and it's nice and roomy, too, but we only have one child, so I don't know how it would do with more. We can comfortably seat 5 in the truck, 6 if we have to, and we can very comfortably fit 7 in the van.
You've gotten a lot of good "reviews". Hope this helps, too. Good luck! :D