Let's talk minivans...again. ;)

[KaysKidz]

I'm going to go through the old threads, but figured I'd start my own. ;) I currently have a '00 Suburban 4x4 that I dearly love. However, MPG are killing me. I went back to work a few months ago, and between work, shopping and visits (I'm a foster mom), I'm currently averaging 2k miles a month. And at current gas prices, that's equalling out to around $350 a month, just in fuel.

As much as I love my 'burb, I'm trying to find ways to cut some corners. So I'm looking for something that can haul my brood (ever changing, but currently a 12yr old, and 2 yr old twins in rf DCs).

I'd like a vehicle that will average 20+ mpg, priced under $10k, that's got under 75k miles. Does such a vehicle exist? One that gets good safety ratings to boot. ;)

[KaceyLynn]

look for a 2001-2004 chevy venture

[Rosey]

2007 Dodge Grand Caravan or a newer than 2006 Kia Sedona.

[KaceyLynn]

2007 Dodge Grand Caravan or a newer than 2006 Kia Sedona.

really for under $10000?

[Rosey]

My sis got a Caravan for $10400 that was an 07 with 60K miles. No leather, but it had a CD player and power doors (no power tailgate). This was in Texas about 8 months ago. I want to say they went to a Car Max in person. I think they got a good deal.

Not sure about the Kia's pricing but it is gonna be on the low end of the market but has good crash test ratings.

[Jeanum]

look for a 2001-2004 chevy venture

I would recommend against one of those if possible due to scary crash ratings, especially the IIHS frontal crash testing: http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=492 :o I agree with the suggestions to look into the Sedona or Caravan models in that price range, or possibly an '04 Sienna now that those are around 5 or 6 years old.

[firemomof3]

I would also not recommend the Chevy Venture :thumbsdown:

[KaysKidz]

Well I'm THRILLED to report, I don't have to sell my 'burb afterall. I miscalculated my mileage and it's not as bad as I originally thought. I'm averaging about 17mpg...so my fuel expenses each month are around $270...buying a van will only save about $40 a month (based on what I'm seeing on MPGs on vans), and that's not a big enough savings to justify giving up my beloved 'burb...especially since it'll be paid off in about 1.5yrs. So I'm sticking with my 'burb!

[Maedze]

look for a 2001-2004 chevy venture

TERRIBLE crash ratings. Nuhuh.


Op, you can find an 06 or 07 Sedona in that price range, and I'd recommend it. Great safety ratings.


However, that 20 mpg might be difficult especially if you do short hauls. Now that I do mostly in town driving, I barely get 16 in my minivan, and they're all about the same, mileage speaking.

If you want 20 mpg, get a Mazda 5 :thumbsup: (only seats 6 though, in three rows)

[Maedze]

oops, should have read the whole thread :o

[4boysmom]

However, that 20 mpg might be difficult especially if you do short hauls. Now that I do mostly in town driving, I barely get 16 in my minivan, and they're all about the same, mileage speaking.


Warning: I do not drive so I don't know about these things but how is she getting 17 mph average in her monster vehicle when you are getting 16 in a smaller vehicle? In town vs. highway or something?? Dh is getting his heart set on a "manly" expedition vs a sedona and it sounds mphwise there isn't going to be a big difference so I am loosing that footing. And for a family of soon to be 7 the expie probably would be easier for us for trips like camping or just general hauling stuff to feed etc. the crew... plus I think an expedition might allow us that every once in a while extra adult passenger.

[Maedze]

Overall, a mini has better gas mileage than a huge expedition. Unfortunately (actually fortunately, except for the mpg issue!) I live in a town that has everything I could ever want in a five-ten minute drive. (Sorry, SPB, I'm not biking three preschoolers!) So my gas mileage is absolutely rotten.

Before, when I was living in a town where you actually had to drive at least 15 minutes to get anywhere, my mileage was more 20-22 mpg.

The average mpg for minivans is 16 for town, 23 for highway, and this is pretty universal across the board.

[Jeanum]

Well I'm THRILLED to report, I don't have to sell my 'burb afterall. I miscalculated my mileage and it's not as bad as I originally thought. I'm averaging about 17mpg...so my fuel expenses each month are around $270...buying a van will only save about $40 a month (based on what I'm seeing on MPGs on vans), and that's not a big enough savings to justify giving up my beloved 'burb...especially since it'll be paid off in about 1.5yrs. So I'm sticking with my 'burb!

Thanks for the update. A paid off vehicle is priceless. :)

[KaysKidz]

Most of my driving is 20+ miles one way, so I get a fair amount of highway driving in that number. If I drove around town only, it would likely be 15mpg. But due to more highway, it bumps it up. :) I figure a minivan would average out to 20 based on my driving, and that's not enough of an increase for me to warrant getting a different vehicle at this point.

[codex57]

Glad you can keep your Burb. Paid off is awesome, and there's really nothing wrong with the Burb other than possibly gas mileage.