Minivan Advice?

Mr Play · Post by **Mr Play** » January 16, 2006 10:43 pm

Go ahead. Laugh...

What's a good minivan to get? We'll probably be looking for a 2002 - 2004 model in good condition. What are some good makes/models to keep in mind and which ones should we avoid? I've never looked at them and I didn't think I ever would...

OK, you can stop laughing now...

ph4ever · Post by **ph4ever** » January 16, 2006 10:58 pm

I have an older Caravan that I love but be wary of Dodge vans - they are known to have transmission problems. Dropped a new tranny in ours before I left Dallas but it's a 96. Another piece of advice - LOOK OUTSIDE DALLAS.

When Becky and I were going around looking for mine we found the pickin's very slim. It was after I bought mine that my mechanic, who I've known like 25 years, told me that the reason cars in the DFW area were so outrageously priced for used vehicles was because of the influx of the illegal immigrant population there in the area. He knew someone who went to the valley to get cars and would bring them back to DFW and sell them for 3 times as much as he could in the valley.

z-man · Post by **z-man** » January 16, 2006 11:00 pm

Four Play wrote:Go ahead. Laugh...

What's a good minivan to get? We'll probably be looking for a 2002 - 2004 model in good condition. What are some good makes/models to keep in mind and which ones should we avoid? I've never looked at them and I didn't think I ever would...

OK, you can stop laughing now...

I detest minivans, but the Honda Odyssey is a pretty impressive piece of engineering! Based on what I've seen, and heard from the minivan owners I know, I would start my search with that one!

Mr Play · Post by **Mr Play** » January 16, 2006 11:11 pm

I like the Odyssey more than the others I've noticed on the road the last few days. That one is definitely on the radar...

Mr Play · Post by **Mr Play** » January 16, 2006 11:13 pm

I'm also thinking about a Yukon/Tahoe or 3/4 ton Suburban, but the minivan would get better mileage.
We may still decide to go that route though...

shakerofsalt · Post by **shakerofsalt** » January 16, 2006 11:14 pm

Suburban. I love mine. (I'm on my 2nd one.)

ragtopW · Post by **ragtopW** » January 16, 2006 11:19 pm

My Mom and Dad have had 3 Dodge/Chryslers

yes check the Tranny. but I have loved driving
all three..

Brown Eyed Girl · Post by **Brown Eyed Girl** » January 16, 2006 11:19 pm

I'd check the safety ratings. Honda and Toyota build sturdy vehicles.

The 3rd seats in the SUVs are a bad idea in my opinion. Dangerous for kids and uncomfortable for adults.

Good luck in your search.

conched · Post by **conched** » January 16, 2006 11:20 pm

Four Play wrote:I'm also thinking about a Yukon/Tahoe or 3/4 ton Suburban, but the minivan would get better mileage.
We may still decide to go that route though...

You could still pull your boat with the Tahoe.

RinglingRingling · Post by **RinglingRingling** » January 17, 2006 6:40 am

Four Play wrote:Go ahead. Laugh...

What's a good minivan to get? We'll probably be looking for a 2002 - 2004 model in good condition. What are some good makes/models to keep in mind and which ones should we avoid? I've never looked at them and I didn't think I ever would...

OK, you can stop laughing now...

Shouldn't you ask Troy?

big hat carmen · Post by **big hat carmen** » January 17, 2006 8:29 am

We have driven 3 Dodge/Chrysler mini vans and loved all of them.

Lots of room for the kids and their stuff, great tailgating vehicles, better milage and comfort than SUVs (we also have one of those), especially on long trips.

Our next choice will probably be another Chrysler with all of the storage.

We had some engine problems with the first one, but no problems with the last two.

Laugh all you want, we will always keep a mini van as one of our vehicles.

ToplessRideFL · Post by **ToplessRideFL** » January 17, 2006 9:02 am

Four Play wrote:Go ahead. Laugh...

OK.....

Seriously.....I survived with an SUV in lieu of the mini van approach.... but I also only had one keet.

Cubbie Bear · Post by **Cubbie Bear** » January 17, 2006 9:14 am

Had great luck with Ford Aerostars back in the day, but my Winstar was a piece of crap. But I bought it from a used car whore who was gone a couple weeks later and the engine block was filled with stop leak and I was taken, so it might not be Winstars in general, just that one

nycparrothead · Post by **nycparrothead** » January 17, 2006 9:18 am

Damn! Where's that pic of Troy's Queervan when I need it..

windknot · Post by **windknot** » January 17, 2006 10:24 am

We had horrible luck with our Dodge Caravan, transmission problems that were luckily under warranty and several AC problems that cost big $$. The thing was so bad that parts were litterally falling off of it before it had 30,000 miles on it.

Big Red Parrothead · Post by **Big Red Parrothead** » January 17, 2006 10:32 am

RinglingRingling wrote: Shouldn't you ask Troy?

I was just thinking that same thing.

I miss the beerman.

SharkOnLand · Post by **SharkOnLand** » January 17, 2006 10:32 am

Get one of these
http://www.airstream.com/product_line/t ... index.html

Then you can have something to tailgate Buffett concerts in.

If not, I would go with either the Honda or the Nissan

iuparrothead · Post by **iuparrothead** » January 17, 2006 10:35 am

nycparrothead wrote:Damn! Where's that pic of Troy's Queervan when I need it..

This thread makes me miss Troy even more!

nycparrothead · Post by **nycparrothead** » January 17, 2006 10:40 am

iuparrothead wrote:
nycparrothead wrote:Damn! Where's that pic of Troy's Queervan when I need it..
This thread makes me miss Troy even more!

Me too dude... Me too.... Hold me!

springparrot · Post by **springparrot** » January 17, 2006 10:40 am

We had a Toyota when Ryan was younger and have had 2 AstroVans. Still have one.
We drive vans until the wheels fall off and have had good luck with all our vans.
Good luck!

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