My grandfather is in the market for a new minivan but he is alittle undecided on what to buy. Anyone here have one they are either happy/not happy with and why? He is looking to buy a new one before the rebates are over.

Thanks
Andy

My grandfather is in the market for a new minivan but he is alittle undecided on what to buy. Anyone here have one they are either happy/not happy with and why? He is looking to buy a new one before the rebates are over.

Thanks
Andy

We've been looking for a good late model used one recently. I think we've pretty much settled on a Grand Caravan. Consumer Reports gave it a Recommended rating, and it seems to be above average in terms of repair frequency. My wife also likes the stow and go seats where they fold into the floor instead of having to pull them out and put them in the living room. Everyone likes the Honda and Toyota but we thought they were kind of plain jane compared to the Dodge and I saw nothing to justify spending $6000 more. What we'd pay for a 2005 Grand Caravan with 25K miles gets us a 99 or 2000 Honda or Toyota with 70K miles. We've rented several different brands on occasion in the past few years and I was less than impressed with the Windstar, the Safari (I think that's what it's called - GMs rear wheel drive mini-Savannah) and the Mazda MPV. The Dodge handled well for what it is and was plenty comfortable. A little underpowered with the standard 3.3 V6 - might be better to get the bigger motor. I liked the placement of cigarette lighter style power outlets in the rear seating area of the Dodge, but would have liked little map or reading lights in the back seats for the passengers.

We had a Windstart back in the mid 90's - was decent enough - a minivan is a minivan in my eyes - get the best deal on the lowest miles and call it a wash. Better yet, tell him forget the minivan and set him up with an old school shaggin-wagon instead!

If buying new buy the dodge, they have fixed the tranni problems and other concerns with German engineering/parts. They are selling so many right now they can't even keep up, the fold in seats and user friendly layout just can't be beat. Plus for a minivan they dont look half bad either. Very highly rated by most consumer surveys. Ralph

We've got a '99 Caravan with over 97k and NO tranny problems. At altitude with the AC going full-tilt, the 3.3 is a little slow, but not bad. At sea level, the thing smokes the front tires - no kidding.

We've had very small issues with the van and recommend it. Still the most comfy vehicle for long trips we've ever driven.

Tired of the "Soccer Mom" jokes, but she'll hold cargo like nothing else.

I have a 94 Dodge Minivan that won't die. It gets 23.8 mpg w/a 3.3 and I
run the heck out of it. They have made many improvements since 1994 so
a new one would be twice the ride !


I have a turbo muffler with a cold air intake and the little 3.3 honks :)

not, repeat, not, a mini van kinda guy, but i recently spent a day driving a town and country. seats folded into the floor, sliding doors on both sides, actually drove it off road on terriable washboard. i was impressed, car was comfortable, spacious as all get out, and ran great. i seriously beat on this thing for about five hours straight...if i was ever to get a mini van, i would look seriously into the town and country......

The Honda and Toyota vans are suppose to be the best of the best as far as minivans go.

The Honda and Toyota vans are suppose to be the best of the best as far as minivans go.

I have the Honda (2004 model), and its great (realistically, probably not any better than the Dodge, but not any worse either)... But I bought it NEW, and part to the decision was based on future resale value (based on the reputation of the "percieved" Honda quality)... I like the fact that IF/when I sell it, I will get more than if I was selling a similar Caravan or other...

BUT, IF I was buying a used minivan, I'd probably go for the Caravan too. But if he wants the Stow-n-Go seats, make sure the particular van has them (not all Caravans do, not even all newer models). I think only the last few years had the Stow-n-Go (2004+?)...

My mother has a 2001 Caravan, and its been great (45K miles).

As for a minivan in general, very comfortable, handles like most sedans, lots of room, great visibility, pretty good mileage, easy to get in and out (easy to get the kids into too, with child seats). Very convenient. All it is really lacking is some cargo hold-downs so I could strap the BB in when going to the shop...

I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey and I just love it. Its actually my wifes car. I would gladly pay 10K more for one of these than any other on the road. Toy is supposed to be good as well but I don't have much experience with them....

We bought a Caravan new in 94, drove it for 11 years putting about 90 K on it. Only major problem was trans tossed a plantery gear at 55K replaced under extended warranty. They said it was not typical of the 94-95 models, earlier years did have tranny problems. Other then that it was routine maintenance. Sold it when AC compressoer went bad and they wanted 1400 to fix. Ours was a cast iron 4 cylinder model, some of the 6's have oil consumption (rings sealing) problems. FWIW we sold it and got a Honda CRV 4WD (wifes choice since she drives it most of the time and we had good luck with an Accord before the Caravan).

Had a 99 Grand Caravan, tranny started going out at 60k. We traded it in for a 2003 Honda, brand new. Both vans are about equal in gas mileage. Honda handles quite well, but the dodge was a real workhorse and did well hauling half my dads shop tools from Phoenix to Portland. I prefer the Honda for driving in snow, but the motorized doors do get olod after awhile.
Rob

If buying new buy the dodge, they have fixed the tranni problems and other concerns with German engineering/parts. RalphThere are no German parts on the Caravan, although the transmission issues for the most part have been corrected. The input sensors go out often...good thing they are only 20.00. Also watch the automatic door motors, they go out fairly often too (250.00/ea last I checked-easy to change though).

My dad bought a Chevy Uplander, he loves it(wow!! GM )
It looks like a suv more than a minivan and with the discounts GM was giving he got a real nice one! I drove it and liked it as well.

Thanks guys for your opinions, I think he is leaning more towards the caravan because of price and looks. He also likes the Freestar, but its a Fo*d.

Andy