So, what van should we buy?

[JimboJones123]

We're in the market. We've been looking. Started test driving.

First of all, when will these salespeople understand that we will not purchase until we know everything we could know about our big decision. We've tested Town/Country (Chrysler) , Grand Caravan (Dodge), and Oddessy (Honda). We know we don't like the Quest at all.

WHAT DO WE DO???

We're not talking price right now, but what does anybody suggest? What does anybody say "stay away" from?

Right now, the Honda really grabs the ground like most Hondas do. So it feels more like driving a car. That's a big step up.

The Dodge has a very rough feel to it and look inside. Because of this, we've already ruled it out.

So far, our favorite is the Chrysler. Love the Stow and Go seating where all 5 back seats tuck away into the floor. The big empty space that doesn't fill up the corner of your garage is AWESOME! We also dig the Sirius TV where you can now get Nick, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel broadcast LIVE into your car. That's AWESOME.

But is there anything we're missing from Toyota, Hundai, Chevy, Kia, and anything else? We're very much shying away from the Hundai and Kia. And have had WAY to many Fords to go that direction again (once had to pay $600 for a mandatory computer upgrade so I could make my check engine light go off and pass inspection).

 

[BigB911]

Well...the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town & Country are the same van! Both manufactured by the same compay (MOPAR), and both have the same stowe n go stuff.

I have an '07 Caravan...not the Grand version. And I love it. Gas milage sucks, but it is such a smooth ride.

...Just my 2 cents...

 

[miles1]

The previous poster is correct, the T&C and Grand Caravan are the same vehicle, just trimmed differently. If you drive a higher trim level of the Grand Caravan, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference, and the price is probably somewhat lower than the T&C.

We have a 2001 Grand Caravan that now has 80,000 miles. It's been very reliable and most repairs have been very minor and inexpensive. (And DW drives it like a Taxi Cab!) The only major problem we've had is the transmission, which cost $2400 to replace. The owner of the transmission shop told us to install an auxilliary transmission cooler and we've had no problems since. The original design did not adequately cool the transmission and it's been the car's only big repair problem.

I agree on the Ford thing. Prior to this we had a Taurus wagon that nearly bankrupted us with expensive repairs; three transmissions and blown head gaskets in five years, plus other stuff.

JMHO, but I would go with the Grand Caravan with a larger engine (3.8 or 4.0 Litre), have the dealer install a transmission cooler (about $200) and a higher trim level like the EX and save the money you would spend for the Honda.

My only experience with a Honda was with an Accord a long time ago. We have a number of friends that own Oddesseys- a few have had the same transmission problems as us, plus emssions and electrical problems, but overall they seem happy with them.

 

[JustPlainBill]

We bought a 2006 Town & Country (Touring) van and have been driving it for a little over two years and we love it. The previous poster is correct about the Dodge/Chrysler version comparison. We were looking at both, one dealer gave us a better deal on the T & C than another dealer would give us on the Grand Caravan. I was working for a Chrysler supplier at the time and got a supplier discount, 1% below invoice. It came down to what they would give me on my trade in. The Dodge dealer wouldn't budge on his offer. After 3 hours of haggling, the Chrysler dealer finally caved, I wound up getting the T & C for less than the Grand Caravan. The Chrysler dealer once tried to sell the T & C, over the Grand Caravan saying the T & C was a better van, but he didn't get far with that argument. The plant my company supplied had been assembling the Dodge Neon, (out of production today) and they were making three versions, Plymouth Neon, Dodge Neon and Chrysler Neon. A manager I was friends with would laugh when people would insist on one version or the other, seeing that all the cars were virtually the same until they attached the name.
Good luck with your purchase, whichever you choose!

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I would say my vote go towards the Honda.

IMHO All Dodge/Chrysler products are cheaply made and this year their quality plummeted in the rankings.

 

[pinkrose]

I have a Honda Odyssey and LOVE it! I also have several friends who own one and they all love thiers as well.

 

[artvandelay]

Toyota Sienna rocks. Doesn't have stow and go seating, but it's solid, dependable, and gets around 19 mpg.

 

[tink68]

Ok I am doing the same thing as you right now. Trying to decide between the Honda, Toyota and maybe Mazda5 which is kind of a mini minivan. I have a small station wagon right now that my two kids have outgrown and if they have a friend with them then you can forget it. No one will fit so I am having to upgrade. Good luck with your search. Let me know what you pick. :wave:
Sheri

 

[Timmay]

You would be making a mistake if you went with anything other than the Honda Odyssey. Best vehicle purchase we ever made. We spent months deciding on a van and have never once been sorry.

 

[SpongeChampion]

Just get what you think is the best one.

 

[WildcatDen]

Wow. So many Ford 'haters'. We had a Windstar and had practically no issues. The van was, IMO the best looking minivan on the raod and always got decent mileage. After 5 years, we traded it in for a Fusion.

As for your choice, I would lean toward the Honda but would consider the Hyundai if only for the warranty.

Good luck in your choice :wave:

 

[Master Yoda]

I have a Kia Sedona and have been quite pleased with it. We bought it the first year it came out (2002) and the newer models have added quite a few features and fixed a number of bugs that were present in the first model year. The big selling point for this van was it was a full $10,000 less for similarly equipped Dodge, Honda, etc mini-vans. The van also had a considerable amount of power and decent gas millage for the vehicle category I am at nearly 120,000 miles and have only had to replace pretty much standard stuff (radiator, battery and a wheel bearing). I would take one for a spin before you buy something else.

 

[Erika]

We're saving for the T&C. I know two families who are huge fans, have been for quite a while, and also happen to be some of the pickiest people I know. So their opinion means a lot!

I also know a few people who love their Toyota Siennas. We rented one for a week and it was a great vehicle.

Consumer Reports loves the Honda and the Toyota.

I know I'm getting old when I'm posting about minivans

 

[Master Yoda]

We're saving for the T&C. I know two families who are huge fans, have been for quite a while, and also happen to be some of the pickiest people I know. So their opinion means a lot!

I also know a few people who love their Toyota Siennas. We rented one for a week and it was a great vehicle.

Consumer Reports loves the Honda and the Toyota.

I know I'm getting old when I'm posting about minivans

Don't feel too bad. I traded in my 99 Ram Air Trans Am when I had to get a mini-van.

Stupid third kid

 

[WDWFREAK53]

Don't feel too bad. I traded in my 99 Ram Air Trans Am when I had to get a mini-van.

Stupid third kid

There is only one thing to do...add a Ram Air system to the mini-van :lol:

It could be a Ram Air Trans-Van!!!

EDIT: Are your first two kids smarter?

 

[Master Yoda]

There is only one thing to do...add a Ram Air system to the mini-van :lol:

It could be a Ram Air Trans-Van!!!

EDIT: Are your first two kids smarter?

I would be lying if I said that the thought of doing something like that did not go through my head. The wife however never warmed up to the idea of me hot rodding the van.

The first 2 aren't any smarter the third kid just made a 4 seater impractical.

 

[WDWFREAK53]

I would be lying if I said that the thought of doing something like that did not go through my head. The wife however never warmed up to the idea of me hot rodding the van.

The first 2 aren't any smarter the third kid just made a 4 seater impractical.

...that is until she gets behind the wheel of a supercharged grocery-go-getter!

 

[Erika]

EDIT: Are your first two kids smarter?

 

[momof3girls]

We have a 2015 Toyota Sienna XLE minivan. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Captain's chairs, recliners on second-row seats, TV screen, on-screen navigation, sliding doors, and so much more! LOVE!

 

[Nemo14]

I'm pretty sure the OP decided by now...