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What is the best used van?

28 messages,  Last post on Aug 23, 2009 at 1:05 PM

You are in the Vans & Minivans Forum. Your Host is Karens

What is this discussion about? Dodge Caravan, Chrysler Town and Country, Ford Windstar, Chevrolet Venture, Honda Odyssey, Mazda MPV, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna, Plymouth Voyager, Car Buying, Van


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#7 of 28
Re: 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan (Stow 'N Go) vs 2005 Sienna LE vs 2003 Mazda MPV [sramamur1] by cccompson
Dec 14, 2007 (3:30 pm)
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Replying to: sramamur1 (Dec 14, 2007 12:14 pm)

High miles shouldn't be much of concern on a Toyota and (if you can knock the price down a bit) it would be my choice here.
 
I know prices in Canada are higher than the States, but if you're interested in a Chrysler, can't you buy a new one for about that much or a little more?
#8 of 28
Re: 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan (Stow 'N Go) vs 2005 Sienna LE vs 2003 Mazda MPV [cccompson] by sramamur1
Dec 14, 2007 (7:16 pm)
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Replying to: cccompson (Dec 14, 2007 3:30 pm)

Thank you for your comments. New Chrysler costs about 5K more than the 1 year old model. Our budget was ~ 15k$, hence I was considering Sienna.
#9 of 28
Re: 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan (Stow 'N Go) vs 2005 Sienna LE vs 2003 Mazda MPV [sramamur1] by siennami
Dec 17, 2007 (6:33 pm)
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Replying to: sramamur1 (Dec 14, 2007 7:16 pm)

I would go with a Toyota if I were you (of course I do own a Sienna!). If I'm not mistaken, even a 2005 should have stow-n-go, so you're covered there. I've always heard that Toyotas last forever. I never got the chance to find out with my 1GR Sienna, as it was stolen about 1/2 way through my lease! I'm planning on keeping this one a good, long while.......
#10 of 28
Re: 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan (Stow 'N Go) vs 2005 Sienna LE vs 2003 Mazda MPV [sramamur1] by jpf
Dec 18, 2007 (4:00 pm)
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Replying to: sramamur1 (Dec 14, 2007 12:14 pm)

Although the Toyota is a good van, you're buying it right about the time that it will likely need its first major maintenance. At 117,000 km, it probably needs a new timing belt, tune up, and tires. If the vehicle has had the timing belt done and the tires are in good shape, then the Toyota is a good way to go. If you choose the Chrysler, see if it qualifies for the 100,000 mile warranty. Recent Chrysler vans are more relaible than past models but compared to the Toyota you will likely see electrical repairs (e.g. power window motors frequently go in Chrysler vans) and possible transmission repairs. Thus, the warranty is very important if you choose the Chrylser. I own a 2006 base model Dodge Caravan, with 26,000 miles. I've owned the van for over a year and bought it brand new. I haven't had any warranty claims to this point. Good luck.
#11 of 28
Re: 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan (Stow 'N Go) vs 2005 Sienna LE vs 2003 Mazda MPV [sramamur1] by hansienna
Dec 26, 2007 (10:05 pm)
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Replying to: sramamur1 (Dec 14, 2007 12:14 pm)

As an owner of a 2006 Sienna LE, I would recommend the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan SE...but it would have to have the separately controlled temperature for the driver and front passenger that was optional on the 2007 GC SE models.
 
Our daughter's 1999 GC SE now has almost 106,000 miles with very few problems. My sister's 1986 Caravan SE had 170,000 trouble free miles when they sold it to a friend because they needed a more powerful vehicle to pull a trailer.
#12 of 28
Re: 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan (Stow 'N Go) vs 2005 Sienna LE vs 2003 Mazda M by marine2
Feb 21, 2008 (11:05 am)
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Replying to: hansienna (Dec 26, 2007 10:05 pm)

I think you really need to know how your going to use your minivan before choosing what to buy. Do you ever carry up to eight people? Honda would be a goood choice here.
 
Will it just be used primarily as a people mover? Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, or most any of the others would fill the bill quite nicely.
 
How long you want to keep it is another factor. Toyota and Honda hold their value better if your only planning on keeping it a few years. Although it also means you'll pay more for a used one.
 
I bought mine (new) because I use mine not only to carry people, (family and grand kids) I use it as a working van and after having a truck for 15 years, I wanted some place to hide my tools, battery cables, storage blanket, tape, etc. I was tired of having them laying in the floor or on the rear seat of my club cab. I also wanted some place to stow the grand kids stuff. I also use my van to carry a lot of other stuff. I use it to move my kids and siblings. I buy a lot of things to fix up my home and I don't like paying delivery charges. I use it to carry my Mother and Sister's electric wheel chair and electric scooter when they have to go places that require a lot of walking. So mine is not only a people hauler, but a working minivan. For that reason I saw only one choice. The Dodge/Chrysler minivans, with stow-n-go. They are cheaper to buy as they don't hold their value as well as Honda or Toyota, but if your going to keep it for more than a few years, that shouldn't be a problem. You've already saved much of that by buying it cheaper. If your buying a model that is newer than the 2000's, reliability with the Dodge/Chrysler should be no problem, although stow and go didn't come in till 2005.
 
But before you buy, figure out how your going to use your van and how long your planning on keeping it. That could make a big difference, or very little difference.
#13 of 28
Re: 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan (Stow 'N Go) vs 2005 Sienna LE vs 2003 Mazda M [marine2] by bobber1
Feb 21, 2008 (5:14 pm)
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Replying to: marine2 (Feb 21, 2008 11:05 am)

Good objective post Marine2. I've often though you wear Chrysler underwear, but you did a good job on this one.
#14 of 28
Re: 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan (Stow 'N Go) vs 2005 Sienna LE vs 2003 Mazda M by maryh3
Feb 21, 2008 (6:49 pm)
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Replying to: marine2 (Feb 21, 2008 11:05 am)

I'm glad someone understands why I prefer a sedan with a trunk over a hatchback. People think I'm nuts for preferring this but I like the idea of storing things in a trunk which you cannot see from the outside. In a hatchback you could always see what was back there which tempted thieves. Besides, if your trunk is a mess nobody knows.,
#15 of 28
Which used minivan should I buy? by jazkillingjoke
Aug 22, 2008 (12:38 pm)
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Replying to: bobber1 (Feb 21, 2008 5:14 pm)

#16 of 28
Long lasting and safe van? by jazkillingjoke
Dec 30, 2007 (2:48 pm)
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Replying to: bobber1 (Feb 21, 2008 5:14 pm)

Hi
 
We are looking at purchasing a van. We are either looking for an older model in the $3000-$5000 range for a few years or go for a newer one(used) in the $10000-$14000 range that will last for a long time.
I want a really safe van to replace my small Ford escort and would like one that can take high mileage.
I see a lot of used van that have 150k to 190k and I wonder how much more they can take?
Do Japanese ones are a better bet for high mileage?
How about safety, I think the Ford windstar and freestar along with the Kia Sedona are quite safe, aren't they (I checked iihs.org and safercar.gov)?
We are a family of 3 with a dog and are in Atlanta and love to drive to Florida (No snow or ice).
Good gas mileage and anything you might think of will help.
 
Thanks a lot
 
Patrick

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