Question Need Car Options. Minivan, SUV?

bm317

New member
We are looking to buy a used car.

Right now we are 2 adults (shorter/avg) and 2 kids- 3yo FF and 18mo RF, with another baby on the way in a couple more months. We hope to have a larger family and want to buy a car that seats 8 so it will last us the longest (plus we have carpools to consider.)

What cars would you recommend? Any opinions on what will be easiest?

Im leaning to a minivan, DH is thinking of an Astro or SUV. I think a minivan will be easier to get little kids and infant bucket seats in and out of. He likes the luggage and towing capacity of the other cars. However we arent travelling THAT much and we are towing even less, so i feel day to day should come before occasional trips.

any input on how hard loading kids in an SUV is compared to a minivan?

Our budget is up to $20,000 at this point. (tho we will take something good for cheaper)

any ideas or opinions or anything would be very helpful! Thanks!!
 
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Dillipop

Well-known member
2006 to 2010 8 passenger toyota sienna. They should be under $20K (we bought our 08 3 years ago for around $16K.). The flexibility is awesome, reliability is great, and it drives well, IMO.

It is 10 times better, possibly more, than an Astro.
 

Phineasmama

New member
A minivan is going to be a million times easier to load kids in and out of than an SUV. Plus, if you have an SUV with the third row in use, you will likely have less cargo space than a minivan. You can also find a nicer used minivan for cheaper, with less miles and more features, than you would for the same budget with an SUV. And I tell everyone this, but once you have 3 kids, power sliding doors (and minivans in general) are your new best friend.

I know the Sienna and Odyssey are the top rated vans for hauling kids, as well as for safety features and things like that. From what I've seen most people tend to prefer one or the other, but it's really just a preference thing. Get out there and test drive and I'm sure you'll be able to find out what you like :)

ETA: I just got a 2008 Odyssey and am very happy with it, but the 2011+ models have five sets of LATCH, which would be nice, especially for boosters. Stay away from the Caravan/Town & Country vans unless you have to, their third row is NOT car seat friendly.
 

bm317

New member
Thank you!

I have told DH that a minivan would be easier then an SUV or Astro and he thinks its not that big a deal and im just making it sound bigger. good to have backup.
 

Dillipop

Well-known member
Thank you! I have told DH that a minivan would be easier then an SUV or Astro and he thinks its not that big a deal and im just making it sound bigger. good to have backup.

So, the problem with the Astro is that it hasn't been made since 2005 and crash test ratings were mediocre at the time. I think there was only one sliding door on Astros as well, which makes loading a bit harder. Going with a 2006+ sienna or odyssey will get you many more safety features, such as side curtain airbags, stability control, 4-5 tether anchors, and good crash test scores. The 8 seater Astro is also 2 3 seater benches, whereas the sienna and odyssey have modified captains chairs that can be moved forward and back independently and can be tumbled for 3rd row access. The Astro itself isn't such a bad vehicle but the sienna and odyssey are just so much more!

If you can get away with a 7 seater, 2006+ Kia Sedonas are good choices as well.
 

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