Talk to me about ::whispers:: minivans

damabo80 · June 2012

My car, old faithful, is at the end of its life. I've always been adamantly against minivans, but I'm starting to come around. Let's face it, they have a lot of nice features that makes life easier with multiple young kids.

I'm looking to spend $15-20k for a used (preferable 3-5 years old). What kind do you recommend?

The idea of being able to open the trunk with the key fob makes me giddy. An easy to remove third row seat is also on my "need" list. A good a/c system is a must as well.

drcolleen · June 2012

Lurker here, but I have a 2012 Sienna we bought 2 weeks before DD2 arrived, it's great! We leave the 3rd row down much of the time, carseats are in the bucket seats. There is a "jumpseat" that goes between the middle row bucket seats that's not bad, we took a car trip with 3 kids <3y/o and 5 adults and were comfortable (though it was loud for a little bit with a choir of screams).

Sarai28 · June 2012

Chrysler Town and Country/ Dodge Grand Caravan are great minivans! We just got one and even though I was really dreading the "van"- it makes life a lot easier! All of the seats in the back fold into the floor- the two bench seats in the middle and the third row. Sooo much easier that removable seats like in a larger suv! You have a ton of room for cargo if you ever need it! The rear hatch and both side sliding doors can be opened with the remote. These things were built for moms!! It also gets a lot better gas mileage than our suv did. I believe Chrysler basically invented the minivan, so they've had a lot of practice perfecting it! Good luck!

celiabwatson · June 2012

I'd definitely put seats that fold into the floor on my must have list if I were doing the purchasing. We're getting my parents old minivan from them and you have to remove the seats. You need two people to carry a seat (either the 2 or 3 seater) and you need a place to store it at your house. Also, if you want to have the rear seat out most of the time (for storage, strollers etc) then you are stuck that way and can't give a friend a ride etc without going home and having another adult available to help you install the seat. Anyway, it's a pain and I'm so glad they invented the folding seats. If we ever buy our own that is high on my list.

Mom2Mack1 · June 2012

Fold down seats is a def must. We have an older Honda Odyssey and the main reason I got it was for this feature & it was in our budget. We keep the seat in the back down. It's so easy to just throw everything in and go. The bucket seats are easy to take out. I can do it myself, even pregnant. Also, auto doors are a good feature. My back hatch doesn't open automatically but the side doors do. Love it except when the one gets stuck, but like I said it's an older vehicle (2002).

MammaBear81 · June 2012

I've had a dodge grand caravan, and currently have a Honda Odyssey, and loved them both. I never had the power liftgate, but I'm sure it would be nice. My favorite thing is the power sliding doors, just click a button and the kids climb in on their own (except LO of course). I don't think a minivan is a "NEED" for 2 under 2, but if you are planning on having more kids, travel a lot, or have a dog it makes a lot of sense. We didn't get a minivan until about 2 months before we had #3, we had a Honda civic and a VW passat, but we were VERY light packers!

jf198400 · June 2012

We have a 2011 Toyota Sienna and I LOVE love love it! I agree that power sliding doors are essential, especially with a baby. We don't have the power liftgate, and I honestly think its fine without it, although it would be a nice to have. And having the fold down 3rd row seats is also a must have.

amywalt1684 · June 2012

NOOOOOOOO!!! Don't do it!!!!

LOL, just kidding.

While we don't have one... yet, my parents, aunt, and cousin have the Chrysler Town and Country and they all love them. I have to admit that we have borrowed my parents' a few times and love the power tailgate and sliding doors, love the fold down seats, etc.

GL!

Wildlandwife · June 2012

I have the 2011 Toyota Sienna. As much as I said I'd never drive a minivan in my life, I have to admit...with 2u2, I love it. It's so nice to have the power doors, be able to move around inside if needed when we're traveling. Love the third row that stows in the floor too. I'm able to fit my double stroller, two kids and my greyhound in there with extra room.

My only condition when we bought the van is that I needed a few bells and whistles: heated seats, back up camera, power doors, bluetooth.

moonfaerie · June 2012

From an auto mechanic's POV, go for a used Hnoda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. They cost a bit more, but in the long run you'll need less repairs, the repairs you will need will cost less than those on other brands, and you'll get more miles out of it. Plus, the re-sell/trade-in value will be greater if you don't drive it until it dies. Chrysler products are the worst investment, in general, as they have the biggest and most expensive known problems.

ErinDarryl · July 2012

sienna lover here as well. i traded in my echo for a 2006 toyota sienna and i love everything about it! it drives amazing, hauls what we need, tons of room and toys our trailer better than our tacoma. all around a great move for us!

BabyBrainJane · July 2012

I'm a ttc lurked, but I have to agree about the Toyota Sienna-- I rode in one recently, and thought that I wouldn't mind having one-- and I don't even have kids yet! They are looking much better than the older versions now too. I'm sure I'll be joining the minivan whispering in a few years, as I hope to have several children

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