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Two Under 2
minivans - tell me which one you have & why you like it!
smashing two carseats into my volkswagen jetta is just too tight. we're going to start looking at new cars, most likely minivans!
i love the looks of the toyota sienna. i'm not crazy about the looks of the new dodge caravan (it's so boxy, looks kind of like a van?)
we haven't started really "looking" yet, so i'm not aware of all of the different models or what the internal features of all of the different types.
tell me what you have and why you love it!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: minivans - tell me which one you have & why you like it!
We have a Kia Sedona (in blue), and I love it! It has most of the features I wanted, leather seats (super easy to clean), stow'n go seats in the third row (which gives tons of space when traveling), middle row captain's seats, dual climate controls, etc. but at such a great price. I think Kia has come a long way. The only feature it doesn't have that would have been nice is power doors. I think they offer that feature, but ours just doesn't have it.
If I was going solely based on looks, I really liked the Nissan Quest. I don't know, something about it just doesn't look all that minivan-ish to me.
Logan David 03.27.08
Jacob Riley 05.18.09
{Member since 2007}
We have the Mazda 5, which seats six (instead of 7 or 8). We wanted the Honda Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna but the Mazda was about $10k cheaper and it works for us.
Since you already have a VW, you might be interested in the VW Routan, which is what we have and I love it! I got it in black and I love that, while yes, it's a mini-van, it's not the same 'ole mini-van that everyone else has.
We also looked at the Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey and the Kia Sedona.
One of the things I liked best about the Routan is that you can kind of mix and match the features. For example, on the Sienna, if you want a DVD player, you have to buy the top of the line most expensive model. Similar deal with the Honda. On the Routan, you can get a baseline model and add features. We have an SE with the power sliding doors and liftgate (a MUST with 2 under 2), DVD player, sunroof, rear back up camera, satellite radio and a roof top rack. Did not go for the leather seats because I'm not really a fan. And we paid $26K - about $10K less than Toyota and Honda wanted for similar features.
There was something about the Kia that was off to me. When I was test driving it, I felt like it was going to fall apart. Could have just been the one I was driving but that sealed the deal for me.
We looked at all the minivans and chose the Honda Odyssey - we have a 2009 Touring model (top of the line, all the features). We liked the Honda the best because it drives more like a car. Also, Honda has the highest resale value of all of the minivans, and we liked that as well. We bought our car new, and below invoice price.
The Toyota was our second choice, but it's a very "heavy" drive because of the AWD (we wanted that as an option if we were going for the Toyota). Also, Toyotas are "outdated" in terms of look. They don't update very often. And with all of the recalls they have had, we're glad we didn't opt for one.
We looked at the Routan - we like the interior since it's a Volkswagen, but the engine, etc. is a Chrysler. It's a spinoff of the Chrysler RT (basically a pricer Dodge Caravan). You're better off getting the Chrysler T&C or the Dodge (same as Chrysler, only cheaper). The Routan interior is also smaller than the other minivans we looked at. Since it was new, we didn't really opt for it either since it hadn't been on the market and we didn't know if it was going to have any issues at all.
The Town&Country and Caravan are good minivans for those that are on a budget. You can get more "bang for your buck" with those. If you're really on a budget, the Caravan is much cheaper than the T&C, but is made by the same company (Chrysler).
We didn't like the Hyundai or the Kia - they both felt "skimpy" to me and DH.
GL in your search!!!
This won't be helpful, but we have a 2000 Dodge Caravan.
I love it because there is no payment, and it's a van. Lol. Nothing fancy, but it's nice and roomy and holds us all.
same here. We have the touring 2005. Love all the features like the doors and trunk that opens/closes with the press of a button. The memory front seat is great, it just drives well too. Love how easy it is to get DS in it without bending over and getting in a sedan. its awesome.
We have the toyota sienna. we went back and forth between the honda and the toyota - the only two choices in my opinion. (i've only driven acura/honda and toyotas anyway). i personally liked the way the toyota drove better than the honda. just a matter of opinion though. we were able to get a great deal on a 08 limited edition - it has everything and i couldn't be happier. depending on your budget - i'd say go used - certified used
and you'll be able to get all you want - and not pay the brand new price tag.
good luck - i absolutly hate car shopping and hope that i won't have to buy another car for a realllllly long time!
Toyota Sienna and I LOVE IT. The reason we ultimately went with it was the high safety ratings and the all-wheel drive. My mom owned one and got into a wreck with DD #1 in the car (yikes!). While the vehicle was totaled, they walked away without injury or anything.
The Sienna has one of the highest safety ratings for a minivan.
The other things I liked was that mine comes with dual-automatic side doors. This is nice when I have my arms full of kids and gear. I just push the buttons and BAM! both doors open for me.
Furthermoer, I like the amout of room, the easy acceess to the back, the fact that I can stow the back bench and fold over the bucket seats. And all the seats are equipped to latch and tether. I obviously recommend this one