Which Minivan?

rjaeh · Mar 19, 2013

So, after weeks of trying to figure out the 3 across in our Caravan, it is in the shop for the 3rd time in 3 months. Mechanic says he wouldn't put anymore $ in to it (needs $2500+ in work).

Soooooo....I guess we are going to try to find a different van, I would love some suggestions. I do not want another Caravan if we can help it. I hate the weird belts in the 3rd row.
So here is what we have as far as kiddos:

10 yo (almost 5 stepping)
7 yo in backless TB
5 yo (booster training in a TB Safe surround or harnessed in a Radian)
3 yo in an Evenflo E3
new baby will be in a Graco SR 35

Our budget is $10000-$12000
My mechanic recommended an Odyssey or Sienna, any thoughts on those?

clmchrissy · Mar 19, 2013

I have a 2008 Sienna 7 pass and for a van I really like it. I haven't had a need for 3 across my 3rd row, but from what I have played with seems like it would be very doable (I had a tight 3 across in an Acord sedan prior, so maybe that is why it seems so much easier to me). You should be able to do a Radian in the center of the 3rd row RF or FF and put a booster on each side. Of course someone may chime in who has an 8 pass. and what options are available for 3 across with that.

MommyShannon · Mar 19, 2013

I love our '06 Ody, but with 5 kids and your budget, the older model sienna with 8 seats would probably be more comfortable. The 8th seat in the Ody is really small in 2010 and earlier models.

Guest · Mar 19, 2013

Sienna, absolutely. And yeah, I'd vote for the 8 seater over the 7 as well. My mom has one. Awesome. I think it's a 2006.

jjordan · Mar 19, 2013

Just a heads up, it might be really hard to find an 8 passenger Sienna, and if you do find one in your budget, it will likely be an older one with 100k miles or more. Of course it is worth it to look around and see what is available in your area; you might get lucky.

You might also consider a 2006 or newer Kia Sedona. The back bench on ours is quite low to the ground and I wouldn't be surprised if a 10 year old who is close to 5-stepping would actually 5-step in the back. If that is the case then I'm guessing all 3 older kids could fit back there, and then the captain's chairs are open for the little ones.

Cryssy Jane · Mar 20, 2013

I just last month snagged an 8 passenger sienna, they are difficult to find. I had been looking since September. Keep your eyes open to everything, look on craigslist, call dealerships etc. My sienna is a little older than I would have preferred but I couldn't beat the price or mileage. It's a 2006 sienna Le 8 pass with only 38,500 k miles on it. It was found at an acura dealer of all places.

rjaeh · Mar 22, 2013

Thanks everyone! We ended up getting a 2007 Honda Odyssey. Loving it so far. Wish it were 8 passenger, but we just didn't find one in our price range and didn't have the option of waiting around for one. Now to get all the car seats installed

MommyShannon · Mar 22, 2013

Great! Your best bet then is to slide the passenger side captains chair to the middle. It makes it easy to get to the back.

Which Minivan?

rjaeh

New member

clmchrissy

New member

MommyShannon

New member

Guest

New member

jjordan

Moderator

Cryssy Jane

New member

rjaeh

New member

MommyShannon

New member

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Sponsors

Forum statistics