Suddenly I need a minivan

[Cindiloohoo]

Quote:
Actually, that's almost exactly what I'm looking for. Wanna sell it?

I don't want the sticker shock or loss of value of driving new off the lot. I like old and broken in

That "new car smell" smells like lining someone else's pocket to me

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

I don't like the 15 passenger vans, most are just the 12 pass base frame with the body extended more, so thus they roll over way way too easily. Plus the 12 and 15 both get HORRID MPG. I about hit the floor when I realized how much gas DS18's SUV uses. I'm way too spoiled with having a bunch of hybrids. For us it's a 15 passenger van or 2 7+ seaters. Since I refuse a 15 passenger van, we use 2.

I probably sound like the extremely liberal hippie I am, but I will NEVER again buy a non-hybrid.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

I have never had a hybrid, nor am I interested

Repair bills waiting to happen. I am leery of new technology. I like working on my own vehicles, and I know nothing about hybrids. I actually think it would even out in the end anyway. I would prefer to pay for fuel over repairs any day. Just my opinion though.

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

Quote:
Well, one of ours is a fairly old model as far as hybrids go, and no repairs that wouldn't be needed in a standard car. Brakes and such, but nothing major. Crossing my fingers we keep that.

But yeah, the 15 passengers just have that nasty habit of rolling over, so that really is my first reason to NEVER buy one.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Quote:
Well, one of ours is a fairly old model as far as hybrids go, and no repairs that wouldn't be needed in a standard car. Brakes and such, but nothing major. Crossing my fingers we keep that.

But yeah, the 15 passengers just have that nasty habit of rolling over, so that really is my first reason to NEVER buy one.

Yeah safety is important! We live on a verrrry curvy road too...so no, I think I'd rather get a couple mules and build a wagon

 

[babymakes6]

I have a 2001 Pontiac Montana with 240,000 miles on it and still going strong! It seats 7 with a rear bench seat and center bucket seats. We have had it for 4 1/2 years and got it with 150,000 miles for $3000! It was an answer to prayer and I am going to cry when we need to replace it (probably next Spring). It has never had transmission or engine repair. All we've done is the fuel pump, change oil and tires. Very roomy with the extended feature too.

 

[Duramaxgirl]

I drive a 1995 diesel suburban in town is 17mpg and highway is 19+. I don't drive to much though 10-12k a year tops.
If you get a mopar minivan (dodge or Chrysler minivan) look for a towing hitch if its got one... don't buy it

those minivans are notorious for bad transmissions. My mom sister and I all owned 3 of them. Moms tranny in her 1997 went out at 90k my sisters went out at 76k and was out again when she got rid of it at 160k. (Although she's REALLY hard on her cars) my mini van 1998 grand caravan was doing great when I sold it at 180k. It never towed ever and it didn't come with a towing package, something moms and sisters both had. My mechanic told me 'if you need to tow buy a truck because minivans just can't do it' the trannys cost a minumum of $2500, and that was 5 years ago. Anyway we upgraded to the burb because the minivan was to small for us and we've only got 4 kids. And we're not huge people DH is 5'8 and I'm 5'5. At the time most the kids where in car seats so it might be ok now that they are all out. But what a pain trying to fit those huge car seats in that car. It did get good mpg always over 20mpg and when we bought it 24+. I think it needed new O2 sensors when we sold it. It had the dash wiring/flashing lights issues as well but we got that fixed for about $500 I think,? it was awhile back

. After that it really was mostly problem free. Although we do maintain and try hard to not abuse them. At least I do DH is a different story.

I still see that minivan driving around in town today!
Anyhow good luck with your purchase I also didn't buy on time and own my car. It sure is worth it... even if their older and more broke in. Oh go to car forums and look at what others are saying about the model your looking to buy. Its always a good sorce of info. I spend a lot of time on truck forums and have learned a lot that's saved us money in maintenance and repair.

 

[babymakes6]

Forgot to say, we get 22-28 mpg with our '01 Montana.

Hubby's parents have their third Dodge Minivan-the last one went through FOUR transmissions!

My parents had two of them-both were lemons. First one was used and it had more wrong with it than right. Dad bought a new Caravan and had it for eight long, expensive years. Brakes replaced every year, due to rusting, head-gasket went bad, water pump, and numerous other problems. They ride nice, but I'll take my Montana any day!

 

[Duramaxgirl]

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4 trannys! Yikes! We almost got a montana years ago, I've heard good things about them.
Edit: because today I can't spell...sigh...

 

[EweSheep]

Got a Dodge Caravan and I love it! We hauled alot of stuff in it and never had any major issue with it besides the wear and tear. I've got 170,000 on mine and my uncle who owns a garage told me the Dodge vans are one of the best vans you can get. Never had any tranny issues on any of the Dodge vehicles we owned, the Voyagers, Dakotas, Caravans and Grand Caravans. Its all purpose van and moms love it. I get average of 18 to 20 in city and 22 to 25 on highway.

If we ever decide to get out of reenacting, then we will look into a Dodge Avenger or another Dodge van.

I was a die hard Chevy and Dakota truck and Ford Taurus (until they started having problems with tranny) and the newest favorite in my family and extended family, the Ford Escape! Those things are wonderful!