Safest older model minivan

[Gsanmb]

So we're in need of a minivan and only have about $5k to spend, tops (can NOT go into debt or lease right now...cash only).

Top later-model vans with lower mileage for sale in our area are:

02 or 03 Chevy Venture or Pontiac Montana (one of each), both under 70K miles

02 or 00 Chrysler T&C or Dodge GC, both under 90K miles

02,03 Windstar or 04 Freestar, under 65K miles

I've had a windstar in the past and actually we were fairly happy with it; it had niggling aggravations (power windows broke, etc.) but no major mechanical issues. Other than that we've never had other vans. Can NOT afford a Honda or Toyota unless we go back into the 1990's and I'd rather not, also all of them FS are way over 150K miles in our price range.

Safety ratings seem mixed on these; I've seen differing reports based on who is doing the testing. As far as other issues go I've checked Edmunds and there's always a sort of "yuck american made" bias, which I know is not undeserved, but this is what we can afford.

As far as visibility, ease of installing carseats (right now two nautiluses and one compass b510 booster), etc. go -- any feedback? Thanks.

[TerisBoys]

The GM vans do not crash-test as well as some of the others.

That said, I love my Transport (97 version of the Montana) and ex-DH has an 05 Montana which he also adores.

I've had my Nauti in mine (seatbelt) and it's challenging, but do-able due to rigid buckle stalks on my modular seats (3-across middle row). It was much easier to install in his can (capt chairs).

[lynsgirl]

If you are looking for "safest" of the bunch you've listed, I'd probably go with one of the Fords. The Ventures (and their cousins) were rated lowest in crash tests for several years and while Chrysler vehicles aren't inherently UNsafe, Ford for that era was more consistently on top of the safety game (at least w/minivans). They had more top tether anchors than were required, they had LATCH before the others, etc. GM and Chrysler finally stopped using lapbelts in (most) of their center seats just recently. So while I think you'd be ok with one of the Chrysler vans, I'd avoid (personally, anyway), the GM vans and probably steer toward the Ford vans, if possible. Just my :twocents:, fwiw :p. Happy shopping, regardless of what you decide!

[Gsanmb]

Thanks. Going to ask the sellers about lap belts. All of the vehicles have LATCH at least in the middle row, which is where I'd put the Nautis. Big sister is in a booster so as long as there are a couple lap/shoulder belts in back I'll be okay. I remember from my old Windstar that the middle seat of the back row was lap belt only.

[TerisBoys]

In the Montana, ex's 05 is lap only for the middle wayback, and no headrests either.

My modulars - middle middle is lap-only ALR.

[cpsaddict]

My mom had an 01 Chrysler T & C and I think I would be hardpressed to find a bigger piece of junk. She bought it brand new and within 10,000 miles the whole computer died and it had to be towed. Then the A/C system died within 25,000 miles and the power windows died. The inside completely fell apart within four years. It was car seat friendly, but that's about it. I have an 01 Ford Escape and it's been problem free for the most part. I know the Windstars and Freestars got really good crash ratings for most years.

[BW1426]

My parents have a Mercury Villager and absolutely love it. It gets great gas mileage and ours is a 1998 and people still ask if its new. It's held up wonderfully. I use it when I have more than 3 kids and have always found it to be carseat friendly.

[Gsanmb]

Thanks this is quite helpful. Shifting focus to a Windstar or Freestar I believe.