What kind of used Mini Van to buy and why?

[Special T]

My wife seems hell bent on purchasing a new rig. She walks to work 3 days a week and really doesn't commute. She's complaining that her current rig doesn't have enough room. I have 2 kids 5&12yo. She is currently driving an 05 diesel Jetta wagon 140k miles previously owned by my uncle who maticulacly maintained it& have a Thule cargo carrier. I love the rig, it gets 40-48mpg, but doesn't have the leg room my crew cab DODGE does. I'm a paid for kind of car guy and am going to fight like he'll not to buy a different rig..

So you all are my backup plan in case I fail.

What brand, model, year etc would you purchase or stay away from and why?

My first instinct is to purchase a minivan off a rental fleet.

[bowNarrow]

I bought my wife a 08 Chrysler town and country. Has the stow and go if needed. That's where all the seat fold into the floor. Lots of room and gets decent mpg. Seats 7. I can fit my 2 kids, 2 labs and still have room for cargo in the back

[JimmyHoffa]

The older Astrovans have all wheel drive and can fit a ton of stuff (including an elk) in the back.

[Jpmiller]

All I have any experience with were the Chrysler and dodge vans but I always really liked them. The stow and go is a really cool feature and a good way to keep stuff hidden when you park.

[Happy Gilmore]

My best friends wife has had a new dodge van every five years for the last 25 years. I have to admit, the newest van she has is a 2015. It is flippin sweet. We've tailgated Seahawks games, high school kids games, fair, they put a blow up air mattress in the back and day camp in it. He also has always had a jeep. The jeeps they've had numerous issues with over the years. The minivans have never given them any problems. They put 160-170k on them and sell them off.

[Henrydog]

I had a dodge caravan, honest to god it was the best car we have ever owned. FWD with 4 studded tires it would go away where.  Dog and 2 kids super comfortable and got 25mph on the highway.  I bird hunted out of it, and like Gilmore said they are tailgating machines

[WapitiTalk1]

Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van?  I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.       

[Happy Gilmore]

Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van?  I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.     

Had them many times traveling for work. Mid size suv is just an ego excuse not to drive a mini van. They mid size suv might be the most impractical and poorest driving vehicles on the road. They suck for room, visibility, milaeage and power. It isn't like they'd be better than a mini van off road?

I assure you after driving and "using" a dodge caravan you will love it. The stowable seats are amazing and having the room of a flat floor cargo van? Awesome. Not to mention, his kids are a pre teens so they bought the grand caravan with all the luxury features. The seats are amazing in the back. Leather and entertainment system is super cool
 

[pianoman9701]

Regardless of which one you choose ST, if you're going to drive it, get one with an electric sunroof so you can open it for your dignity to escape.

[Special T]

I own several rigs one of which is a jeep Cherokee. A minivan is a tool, not the guy driving it ;-).
DODGE seems to have been the industry leader for quite a while and I'm pretty sure they own the market on rental fleets. I'm satisfied with a 2wd vehicle.

What kind of realistic mileage are people getting?

[pianoman9701]

 

[KimWar1911]

We got 4 kids and picked up a 2005 grand caravan a few years ago. We had a limited hemi Durango before so it was a hard choice, but man it has really worked out well. It is really comfortable, easy to drive, and gets good mpg.

We are eventually get back into an SUV but for now, with all the car seats, van is the only way to go.

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[jackelope]

Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van?  I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.     

Had them many times traveling for work. Mid size suv is just an ego excuse not to drive a mini van. They mid size suv might be the most impractical and poorest driving vehicles on the road. They suck for room, visibility, milaeage and power. It isn't like they'd be better than a mini van off road?

I assure you after driving and "using" a dodge caravan you will love it. The stowable seats are amazing and having the room of a flat floor cargo van? Awesome. Not to mention, his kids are a pre teens so they bought the grand caravan with all the luxury features. The seats are amazing in the back. Leather and entertainment system is super cool
 

Not sure what you're talking about. I have a 2014 Explorer. I'm 6'4" and can stretch my legs out in the back seat. The front seat slides back to the point I can't reach the pedals. It gets 21mpg, seats 8 people and has the same engine the state patrol interceptors have in them. What I mean is that it has plenty of power. It's 4x4 and is easy to drive. I'm not sure I could come up with a complaint at all regarding visibility. If you're talking about a specific mid sized SUV, then please expand. Otherwise, you're off base.
The Chrysler mini vans are super handy. The utility function of them is great and they are super popular. However when I worked in the Chrysler service drive, I could bank on them bringing in lots of $$ in repair tickets. Especially brakes and transmission problems. Water pumps all the time. Brakes lasted 20-30k for  the folks that drive in town. We had a technician we nicknamed Unit because he had replaced so many transmission "units" in those vans. 

I'd look hard at the Honda Odyssey and/or the Toyota Sienna if it were me.


 

[Special T]

Was there a vintage of DODGE van that was better than others, or a mileage to stay under?

I have friends with a Honda odyssey and they love it. They don't come cheap. DODGE has had a long standing issues with auto transmissions, which is horrible because they can be had reasonable out of rental fleet sales.

So far from the discussion it looks like I need to dig in and keep the Nazi Wagon, and do some investigative work on the caravans.

 

[Happy Gilmore]

Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van?  I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.     

Had them many times traveling for work. Mid size suv is just an ego excuse not to drive a mini van. They mid size suv might be the most impractical and poorest driving vehicles on the road. They suck for room, visibility, milaeage and power. It isn't like they'd be better than a mini van off road?

I assure you after driving and "using" a dodge caravan you will love it. The stowable seats are amazing and having the room of a flat floor cargo van? Awesome. Not to mention, his kids are a pre teens so they bought the grand caravan with all the luxury features. The seats are amazing in the back. Leather and entertainment system is super cool
 

Not sure what you're talking about. I have a 2014 Explorer. I'm 6'4" and can stretch my legs out in the back seat. The front seat slides back to the point I can't reach the pedals. It gets 21mpg, seats 8 people and has the same engine the state patrol interceptors have in them. What I mean is that it has plenty of power. It's 4x4 and is easy to drive. I'm not sure I could come up with a complaint at all regarding visibility. If you're talking about a specific mid sized SUV, then please expand. Otherwise, you're off base.
The Chrysler mini vans are super handy. The utility function of them is great and they are super popular. However when I worked in the Chrysler service drive, I could bank on them bringing in lots of $$ in repair tickets. Especially brakes and transmission problems. Water pumps all the time. Brakes lasted 20-30k for  the folks that drive in town. We had a technician we nicknamed Unit because he had replaced so many transmission "units" in those vans. 

I'd look hard at the Honda Odyssey and/or the Toyota Sienna if it were me.

The explorer is hardly a crossover. It's the same damn size as a first generation expedition. Lol. I'll edit though, I've driven it a bit. The dash is big enough for the fire department to hold their Sunday pancake cook off on for a small town.

[Happy Gilmore]

I had a Cherokee when I last was in Wyoming and had to drive out to a coal plant. It had a cvt transmission. Possibly the worst vehicle I've ever driven on the open highway. Not enough power to pass, pull out and the wind and wind lash from semis was nerve racking.

I had a Chevy traverse last time in Spokane to Montana trip. It was nice but, cramped compared to a mini van. I couldn't see the reason to get one over a caravan besides simple "I refuse to drive a minivan" mentality.

Many moons ago I worked for Coca-Cola as a salesman.i had a 98 Astro with a 4.3L. It was sweet. Rode good. Hauled ass when you stepped on it and was easy to drive in traffic and tight parking lots. Loved that little van. Took it skiing, fishing, camping ect. Slept on a cot in the back many times. Even downtown Seattle a time or two😊 
 

[westsidehntr]

If you don't want to spend the money on a Toyota Sienna but want to buy used, don't go test drive a Sienna. Nothing else will feel good enough after driving a Sienna. 

[cookingdaily]

Ford Flex
has amazing leg room and all wheel drive

[Bofire]

  Every time I rent a car it is a durability test from the start, most folks I know who will admit it tell me they drive rentals the same.
my 2
Carl

[jackelope]

Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van?  I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.     

Had them many times traveling for work. Mid size suv is just an ego excuse not to drive a mini van. They mid size suv might be the most impractical and poorest driving vehicles on the road. They suck for room, visibility, milaeage and power. It isn't like they'd be better than a mini van off road?

I assure you after driving and "using" a dodge caravan you will love it. The stowable seats are amazing and having the room of a flat floor cargo van? Awesome. Not to mention, his kids are a pre teens so they bought the grand caravan with all the luxury features. The seats are amazing in the back. Leather and entertainment system is super cool
 

Not sure what you're talking about. I have a 2014 Explorer. I'm 6'4" and can stretch my legs out in the back seat. The front seat slides back to the point I can't reach the pedals. It gets 21mpg, seats 8 people and has the same engine the state patrol interceptors have in them. What I mean is that it has plenty of power. It's 4x4 and is easy to drive. I'm not sure I could come up with a complaint at all regarding visibility. If you're talking about a specific mid sized SUV, then please expand. Otherwise, you're off base.
The Chrysler mini vans are super handy. The utility function of them is great and they are super popular. However when I worked in the Chrysler service drive, I could bank on them bringing in lots of $$ in repair tickets. Especially brakes and transmission problems. Water pumps all the time. Brakes lasted 20-30k for  the folks that drive in town. We had a technician we nicknamed Unit because he had replaced so many transmission "units" in those vans. 

I'd look hard at the Honda Odyssey and/or the Toyota Sienna if it were me.

The explorer is hardly a crossover. It's the same damn size as a first generation expedition. Lol. I'll edit though, I've driven it a bit. The dash is big enough for the fire department to hold their Sunday pancake cook off on for a small town.

I was responding to the midsize SUV comment. I didn't see anything about crossovers. Apples and oranges.

An explorer is bigger than a Cherokee and smaller than a suburban and about the same size as the newest Grand Cherokee.

[jackelope]

I had a Cherokee when I last was in Wyoming and had to drive out to a coal plant. It had a cvt transmission. Possibly the worst vehicle I've ever driven on the open highway. Not enough power to pass, pull out and the wind and wind lash from semis was nerve racking.

I had a Chevy traverse last time in Spokane to Montana trip. It was nice but, cramped compared to a mini van. I couldn't see the reason to get one over a caravan besides simple "I refuse to drive a minivan" mentality.

Many moons ago I worked for Coca-Cola as a salesman.i had a 98 Astro with a 4.3L. It was sweet. Rode good. Hauled ass when you stepped on it and was easy to drive in traffic and tight parking lots. Loved that little van. Took it skiing, fishing, camping ect. Slept on a cot in the back many times. Even downtown Seattle a time or two😊 
 

But the new Cherokee is tiny. Nowhere near a mid sized SUV.

I agree, the Astro vans were awesome. When I first got into the car biz I was a shuttle driver. Drove a couple of them into the ground.

[Buzz2401]

Been married 10 years and we have zero kids.  We have not been without a minivan ever since we bought one 9 years ago.  At one point we owned two.  I own a big truck but find I use the minivan way more.  They tow small trailers great, are super roomy and we have ours set up so that we can sleep in it if we want and we do so often.  I am partial to Toyota minivans but I think the minivan is one product that dodge does well and has been for many years.  I would stay away from any Ford or GM minivan because they are way under par compared to their competitors, unless of course you go back to the Astro era. Most people who get over their egos and give minivans a try rarely go back to driving a car or large SUV.

[Mark Brenckle]

Get her an old VW transporter, easy to work on, decent mileage and way more style points than any mini van.

[Stickerbush]

I love my 02 town and country. Stole it from my wife in fact, it's awd

[Pnwrider]

My wife fought me hard over getting a minivan. I thought they were practical and reasonable price wise. But she absolutely refused to drive one, so ended up with a highlander instead. It's worked out since I think we've used the third row twice in two years of ownership.


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[Happy Gilmore]

You need a Pontiac Aztec. That's the one.