talk to me about mini vans....

corrielainedd

New member
I love my Ford Expedition (05), but alas, it has been crapping out on us.
Im really a "truck" kinda gal, I don't really want a van... But...

If we were to start shopping, here is what Id want:
Middle row captains chairs.
Back row, at least 2 ffing tether anchors.
Back row fit 3 across (radians ok)
Storage/cargo space.
Older, like no newer than 2010 (cant afford newer!).
Reliable.
 
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Brianna

New member
I'm not sure exactly how it meshes with your wish list, but 2006-2010 Siennas and 2006+ Kia Sedonas are often recommended, along with 2011+ Odysseys- based on overall tether setup and car seat friendliness. Avoid the Grand Caravan/Town and Country. Their 3rd row seats do not play nicely with boosters, and I don't think they play well with Radians either.

Feel free to share the seats you currently own along with info for each kiddo if you want help with where to put who if you're having a hard time :)
 

jaemom

New member
I'm not sure exactly how it meshes with your wish list, but 2006-2010 Siennas and 2006+ Kia Sedonas are often recommended, along with 2011+ Odysseys- based on overall tether setup and car seat friendliness. Avoid the Grand Caravan/Town and Country. Their 3rd row seats do not play nicely with boosters, and I don't think they play well with Radians either. Feel free to share the seats you currently own along with info for each kiddo if you want help with where to put who if you're having a hard time :)


Yes RUN from the Dodge/Chrysler if you have more than 1 or 2 kids!
 

jjordan

Moderator
My 2008 Kia Sedona (not the short wheel base as I think the 3rd row in that trim is different) has everything on your wish list. We have had 3 across the back row for a while now. Top tethers center and passenger's side back there. It's a 60/40 split and the trick to 3 across is getting two seats that fit in the "60" part (driver/center). Then you can fit lots of different seats in the "40" part (passenger's side). Right now we have RF Radian driver's side, FF Radian center, and Recaro Performance Booster (which is quite wide) passenger's side. We've also had small boosters - Incognito and BubbleBum - in place of the RF Radian on driver's side.

Another vote for avoiding Dodge/Chrysler. 3 across the back row is super challenging!

HTH!
 

Baylor

New member
I had and still have a dodge 2001 Caravan and Loved it for the kids. It was so awesome to have all that space and the seats installed great in there. IT had LATCH at all positions so that made it easy..
I don't know much about Minivans now as my dh has taken ours for a work car when I got my Edge but I will say with kids, Minivans are the bomb!
Good luck!
 

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