Minivans....

[RachelRentas]

Totally unrelated to homeschooling but....

Our family is expanding and we are looking into getting a minivan. What I would really like is a Honda or Toyota....but they seem to be out of our price range right now.

So, I'm just wondering if anyone has a van that's not one of those that they like/dislike? Anyone have an opinion on the Kia Sedona?

Thanks.

[CINDY LB OH]

I just had to laugh because it seems minivans ARE related to homeschooling.

Aren't they the standard transportation of all homeschooling families, unless you have a 12 passenger van!

[Tiffany]

Just wanted to say that we bought a Toyota Sienna a few years ago even though we thought it was out of our price range too. We bought it used, at Car Max (did I spell that right? I don't think so) and we've been very happy with both the car and our experience at Car Max (because they don't pressure you). That might not be the direction you are interested in going but I thought I would share just in case.

[Julie Y]

When we were buying a mini van, we went to the Honda dealership and ended up buying a slightly used Pontiac Montana minivan. It was a deluxe model that cost about the same or less than a stripped-down Honda mini van. I decided I wanted the bells and whistles . We've been happy with that decision (although now, after 214,000 miles, we'll soon be looking again).

My point is, we got this mini van with very few miles on it because apparently someone bought it and then traded it in for a Honda. So you might look at Honda and Toyota dealership for slightly used other makes.

[DD in IL]

I have a 2004 Chev Venture van and a 2010 Honda. I have been happy with both. We got a good deal and good financing on our Honda. We were rear ended while stopped on the interstate by 2 cars that did not stop in time interstate when the van was 3 months old while driving through Atlanta. The car suffered 15,000 dollars damage but all 6 of us (3 adults, 3 children) were fine.

[Tracy-chi]

not a true minivan- but we have & love the Mazda 5. we call it our "vagon" a van plus station wagon. has 2 captain's chairs & 2 seats in 3rd row. limited cargo space when third row is up. Just sharing

[Christi in OH]

We have a town and country and I am very happy with it.

[DD in IL]

Get the price from edmunds.com; we tried a local dealer....would not give us the price. We went online and bought one 50 minutes away. The dealer quoted us less than what edmunds said.....we made all the arrangements by phone and online....drove up, signed papers, drove away with the new honda. Hondas and Toyotas keep their value longer....just know what you need to pay and shop til you get it for that. Also check your local banks to see what financing is available and get the best deal there too.

[Beth in FL]

We've had two Nissan minivans, and both were trouble-free. Our first one was a Mercury Villager whose engine was made by Nissan. The second was a 2007 Quest. We would still have that van if we hadn't needed something to pull our camper.

And let me just throw this out there: I recommend that you don't buy a van that has electronic doors. We had a used Honda with those doors, and they were constantly breaking (the van was 10 years old at that point). The doors were really hard to open manually when the electronics weren't working.