Best Used Minivan for under $5K?

KaliShanti · Mar 19, 2011

So I found out today we are expecting our third child! And so I think we're going to want to get a minivan or something like it. We do not buy on credit, so we have to save the money in cash- which will be a miracle, but I have faith.

Please help me create a list of desirable vans. I'm thinking we can save $3000-5000 and MIGHT get $500-$100 for DH's 98 Hombre truck.

We have a almost 4-yr old in a EFTA, and a 15 month old in a XTSL.

Advice?? What should I look for? I know NOTHING about cars.

An Aurora · Mar 19, 2011

Congratulations!

What do you drive now? If you have a sedan, I'd probably keep that and continue to save up for a minivan down the road, when you can get a newer or more reliable one.

KaliShanti · Mar 19, 2011

I drive a 2003 Hyundai Elantra and my DH drives a 98 Isuzu Hombre (both paid for). With my work being as it is, though, it's getting difficult to not have two cars that can transport the kids.

April · Mar 20, 2011

Ford Windstar

LATCH in all rear seating positions, and 6 tether anchors. Fairly carseat friendly, very good safety ratings, reliable, and cheap to fix any issues on it. I had one that got totalled by someone rear ending me, and replaced it with another. They were made from 95-03. Just obviously check to make sure the recalls have been done, because there have been a few.
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Melanie · Mar 21, 2011

You might be pleasantly surprised at what your husband's truck brings if you sell it on your own. My friend's husband just sold the biggest POS truck for $1600. It was and old Dodge Mighty Max or something. Had a ton of miles, leaked oil, the seat moved around when you drove around corners, had a big dent in the side. It was in very rough shape. It sold the first day for full price.

We sold DH's truck on our own years ago. It was 13 years old, had lots of miles, an oil leak, check engine light was on. It did have a new (inexpensive) paint job and a seat cover so it looked good. It blue booked for $500 and we sold it for abt $2,700.

KaliShanti · Mar 26, 2011

Anyone else have recommendations???

Mom2FiveGirls · Mar 26, 2011

We thought we were going to have around $6000 to buy a van and ended up deciding on a 2002-2003ish Grand Caravan. We ended up being able to spend more than that and got a 2007 grand caravan. I love it!

Rosey · Mar 28, 2011

The Kia Sedona is very popular, but I can't recall what year model the better safety ratings/reliability start at.

Melanie · Mar 28, 2011

Rosey said:
The Kia Sedona is very popular, but I can't recall what year model the better safety ratings/reliability start at.

2006 model year.

valleyfam · Mar 28, 2011

Another Windstar fan here. I know recalls, recalls, recalls but mine is currently at the dealer and just past inspection for the latest recall. I've taken it in for every recall and have never had a problem. We've done routine stuff oil changes, transmission flush, and did replace cv joints after 100,000+ but that's common with all front wheel drives. I've been super pleased with mine. 175,000 miles and still riding. It is super easy to install seats in and as someone mentioned 4 sets of latch, 6 anchors only thing is 3 in the back seat can be tricky but there are some combos. I have a 2001. Good luck shopping.

Best Used Minivan for under $5K?

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