Buying a mini-van - advice needed...

[packattack425]

Just buy some gas sucking SUV. At least you will look kewl.

[bringmagicback]

out of curiosity, why not get a suv/crossover? Have 4x4, resale value, and not that "minivan" stigma. However, I did use to have a van for work and I loved it lol.

[bringmagicback]

Just buy some gas sucking SUV. At least you will look kewl.

the 3 mpg you will gain in a van will save you 300 bucks in a year. And you wont look cool......

[peteypie]

the 3 mpg you will gain in a van will save you 300 bucks in a year. And you wont look cool......

Or have AWD, but continue, tell me more why a van is soooo much better.

[bringmagicback]

Or have AWD, but continue, tell me more why a van is soooo much better.

If youre referring to my post, I agree that a crossover or suv is better unless you have like 4 kids. But some people just like vans for whatever reason.

[ISUAgronomist]

Still a chance to keep it on the rails.

[peteypie]

If youre referring to my post, I agree that a crossover or suv is better unless you have like 4 kids. But some people just like vans for whatever reason.

No, I was agreeing with you, and referring to the poster above you. I am not totally against a van depending on the situation, but for my situation a crossover seemed right.

[Cy94]

Just be sure to test drive each make. We started off with the same idea as you but ended up with a Sienna.

[flycy]

First, I chuckle when you say "upgrade to a minivan" I resisted, but love it. Have 4 kids and an 02 T & C Limited with over 140,000. No power train issues and I consider the interior, especially the leather to be much better than my 04 Accord EX. Had to replace a power door latch motor and drivers window motor and had a leak in the air conditioner recently. That's about it. I would agree that you should buy last years model and keep it a long time.

Not having kids bang doors into other cars in parking lots is an excellent reason to buy a minivan.

[william]

My daughter just bought a Kia and is very impressed.... I think you would be impressed with fit, feel, warranty, safety star rating and accessories that are available for the price they charge.

[00clone]

Or have AWD, but continue, tell me more why a van is soooo much better.

out of curiosity, why not get a suv/crossover? Have 4x4, resale value, and not that "minivan" stigma. However, I did use to have a van for work and I loved it lol.

My Sienna is AWD. The ONLY difference between my Sienna and a lot of crossovers (V6, AWD, built on a car chassis, suspension for passengers on the highway, not offroad or towing) is the doors that slide vs. doors that swing.


But keep feeling smug and superior in your 'crossover'...it's a ******* minivan with swinging doors. Feel smug as you pull your kid out of a 2 foot opening, I'm waiting for you to finish until I hit the button, watch the 4 foot door open.

IF you have an actual need for off road capability, you're not buying a crossover. IF you have a need for off road capability and the need to haul a lot of people, good on ya' mate, buy a Land Rover.

If you have kids, and drive on normal roads, and want to get that done easily, a minivan is great.

If that makes your peni$ feel small, because you're insecure, buy a crossover.

To the OP: Bought the last 2011 Sienna LE AWD from Hiland Toyota on Moline, IL in November of last year. If you want a T&C (never had one, know their rep, good and bad), and you can make a one-day deal...keep watching online and see when 2012's are getting low. Know your dealers, though...I ended up in Moline because the pikers here in IC were notta be trusted.

[peteypie]

My Sienna is AWD. The ONLY difference between my Sienna and a lot of crossovers (V6, AWD, built on a car chassis, suspension for passengers on the highway, not offroad or towing) is the doors that slide vs. doors that swing.


But keep feeling smug and superior in your 'crossover'...it's a ******* minivan with swinging doors. Feel smug as you pull your kid out of a 2 foot opening, I'm waiting for you to finish until I hit the button, watch the 4 foot door open.

IF you have an actual need for off road capability, you're not buying a crossover. IF you have a need for off road capability and the need to haul a lot of people, good on ya' mate, buy a Land Rover.

If you have kids, and drive on normal roads, and want to get that done easily, a minivan is great.

If that makes your peni$ feel small, because you're insecure, buy a crossover.

To the OP: Bought the last 2011 Sienna LE AWD from Hiland Toyota on Moline, IL in November of last year. If you want a T&C (never had one, know their rep, good and bad), and you can make a one-day deal...keep watching online and see when 2012's are getting low. Know your dealers, though...I ended up in Moline because the pikers here in IC were notta be trusted.

Ha, so now my ***** is small because I like the security it gives my wife who drives it to and from work 20 miles each way every day. And she is the one who wouldn't be caught deed in a minivan, and last time I checked she had no *****.

And if you are not smart enough to park far enough away not to door ding someone you're not trying. You kind of seem like the smug one. Since the only difference is the doors according to you (and resale value). Actually you seem a little but hurt you have to drive one. I don't blame you. Crossovers look much nicer, I mean you expect a dent some rust and a bunper sticker on a van.

[dmclone]

Minivans have some of the highest loyalty and make more sense for people with a lot of kids. A lot of these huge SUV's have very little interior room compared to minivans. I'd never own one because I don't have kids but for a lot of people they make sense.

[Cyclonesrule91]

We've got three kids and have had 3 different minivans. First was a Ford Winstar(Junk), then we got a Dodge Grand Caravan, and now we have had our Honda Odyssey for the past 6 yrs and love it. Didn't like the Ford but it was a 95 which was a problem year. The Dodge was good but at about 125K miles the tranny started to act up so I bolted on that before I had to put a new tranny in it. We have had no problems with the Honda and it is now pushing 125K miles. We might look at a crossover in our next vehicle but I wouldn't be against another Odyssey either.

The wife can decide that and my manhood isn't dictated by the vehicle I drive. The van definitely makes things a lot more convenient with young kids. Power sliders are huge. Good luck

[brianhos]

Or have AWD, but continue, tell me more why a van is soooo much better.

Tons more space, better ride, cheaper, better gas milage, and most important, sliding doors. You know other than usefulness, get an SUV to look cool.