looking for a used wagon / mini van

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georgeb · #1 Post by **georgeb** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 8:35 am

I'm looking for a slightly larger/more comfortable family vehicle, either in a wagon or mini van format, in the $10K range. I'm doing my research, reading reviews, etc. but so far I cannot hit on anything that remotely seems like a good buy. I've looked into several options but they've either got horrendous customer reviews (Volvo V70, VW Passat, etc.) or they are apparently very good vehicles with major (and sometimes very surprising) quality control issues (Odyssey, Sienna, etc.). Anyhow, at this point I'm fairly dumbfounded and I thought I might post here for some alternative views/experiences. Thanks in advance

#2 Post by **thePCxp** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:42 am

I'm going to be getting a Honda Odyssey. (I just like them so much.)

#3 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 2:10 pm

From which car are you coming?
How large is your family?

If you want to keep it small(ish) and reliable, try the AWD Subaru Forrester.
Slightly bigger: Toyota Camry Station Wagon

jronald · #4 Post by **jronald** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:11 pm

Im darned impressed with the Kia Sedona Minivan
http://www.kia.com/sedona/index.php
We have about equal numbers of the Uplander Grand Caravan and Sedona in our fleet our fleet of roughly 2000 units. We never touch the Sedona's, the Uplander have chronic wiring issues, the Chryslers have a new TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) which is frankly a piece of crappola to the Nth degree.
We simply dont have issues with the Sedona and the warranty as well as the crash rating is great!

Ron

georgeb · #5 Post by **georgeb** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:35 pm

thePCxp wrote:I'm going to be getting a Honda Odyssey. (I just like them so much.)

I really like the Odyssey but i'm concerned about the transmission problems - aren't you? There are many many dissapointed Odyssey owners out there, not just first generation but also the more recent models.

I've looked into '02s (which are just within our budget) but the transmission problem keeps me from being more committed. i'm waiting to hear back from the local dealership on warranty extensions for that generation - we'll see. with an extended warranty i might go for the right Odyssey.

georgeb · #6 Post by **georgeb** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:39 pm

RealBlackStuff wrote:From which car are you coming?
How large is your family?

If you want to keep it small(ish) and reliable, try the AWD Subaru Forrester.
Slightly bigger: Toyota Camry Station Wagon

We're currently in an older Acura sedan but even with only one child it is getting increasingly cramped.

I like the Subaru, it's a car I've always liked. I would like to find a manual, it would be a huge plus since all mini vans are autos.

A camry wagon would be ideal but the few that are out there are usually very high mileage cars getting on in years (and also all automatic). Whoever decided to stop making wagons was a moron, there's just no better car for a family situation than a wagon.

georgeb · #7 Post by **georgeb** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:45 pm

jronald wrote:Im darned impressed with the Kia Sedona Minivan

I've also read good things about the new Sedona but not such good things about the ones I can actually afford. We don't want to buy on credit otherwise I would seriously consider it because that 10/100K warranty does provide a certain peace of mind.

basketb · #8 Post by **basketb** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:01 pm

No matter what kind of car/van you buy for $10,000, you'll take a chance. You may end up with a reliable car or you may end up with a trouble maker (even if it doesn't look like one, even if you have a mechanic check it out beforehand, even if you check the car's history - happened to a couple of friends of mine). I'd still recommend you do the latter two.
You do not take a bigger chance if you look at a $5000 - $7500 Dodge Caravan and save some money (for repairs or a new Thinkpad

).

ajkula66 · #9 Post by **ajkula66** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:28 pm

As an owner of 2000 Odyssey with 120,000 miles on it I'd say go for it. Great family vehicle. And transmission issues only affect the vehicles with 4-speed auto, which was discontinued in 2001.

Personally, I'm keeping this one for as long as it runs...it's been really good to us, and never required anything but basic upkeep.

EDIT: If you're looking for extended warranty on an Odyssey, you'll have to do better than 2002...it's a 7-year, 100,000 miles (whatever comes first) so it won't last that long on a 2002 vehicle...

#10 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 1:57 am

We have an '02 Odyssey which had a transmission problem and was replaced at no cost. This wiki article appears to suggest that the 5-speed version was no better until 2004:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Odyssey

looking for a used wagon / mini van

looking for a used wagon / mini van

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