danceintherain
New member
I've started my preliminary research for minivan shopping.
Our budget is pretty firmly at $10,000, which seems to limit us to years 2010 and prior. If we can spend less and still get something suitable, then I'll be happy. Right now, we have 2 kids (6FF and 2RF) with plans to have at least one more. After that, who knows...
I've pretty much narrowed it down to two models:
Kia Sedona and Honda Odyssey
I came to those two due to the availability of top tether anchors. It's unlikely that we'll ever have more than 3 kids in forward facing car seats at the same time, but it's possible, and I'd like the flexibility of multiple options for seating configurations anyway.
Also, those two seem to get the highest safety ratings consistently across the board.
So down to the nitty gritty....
Interior upholstery - I originally thought I'd definitely want leather due to the ease of cleaning. A sauce got trapped below a car seat at some point last year, and I was amazed at how easy it was to clean off the seat after I found it.
However, it's hard to find the Kia Sedona, in particular with leather seats, so I'm not sure if I'm boxing myself into something that can be solved for cheaper in a different way.
So, after market seat covers, yay or nay?
I haven't bothered putting them in the car we have with the cloth interior, and I don't actually let my kids eat in the car that much anyway (they only drink water when we're outside of the house too) but I have had a few stains that have been less than pleasant to deal with, and I imagine that will get more prominent as our family grows. So am I fixated on the leather interior for no good reason?
Backup Camera - I see that those can be installed aftermarket as well, but do the ones on the rearview mirror make driving any less safe?
Maybe it's just something to get used to...
Auto sliding doors - I know the Odyssey, in particular, has had some issues with this. I don't mind maintenance, as long as it's effective maintenance (such as replacing a door, and not having to replace it again for a few years...)
Under 100,000 miles - Obviously, more difficult to find in older vehicles. I know Hondas can run forever, but I'm not sure if spending more for a higher mileage vehicle makes sense just to get a Honda, especially considering the known transmission problems in the years I can afford.
Is there anything I should add to my list?
Thanks!
Our budget is pretty firmly at $10,000, which seems to limit us to years 2010 and prior. If we can spend less and still get something suitable, then I'll be happy. Right now, we have 2 kids (6FF and 2RF) with plans to have at least one more. After that, who knows...
I've pretty much narrowed it down to two models:
Kia Sedona and Honda Odyssey
I came to those two due to the availability of top tether anchors. It's unlikely that we'll ever have more than 3 kids in forward facing car seats at the same time, but it's possible, and I'd like the flexibility of multiple options for seating configurations anyway.
Also, those two seem to get the highest safety ratings consistently across the board.
So down to the nitty gritty....
Interior upholstery - I originally thought I'd definitely want leather due to the ease of cleaning. A sauce got trapped below a car seat at some point last year, and I was amazed at how easy it was to clean off the seat after I found it.
However, it's hard to find the Kia Sedona, in particular with leather seats, so I'm not sure if I'm boxing myself into something that can be solved for cheaper in a different way.
So, after market seat covers, yay or nay?
I haven't bothered putting them in the car we have with the cloth interior, and I don't actually let my kids eat in the car that much anyway (they only drink water when we're outside of the house too) but I have had a few stains that have been less than pleasant to deal with, and I imagine that will get more prominent as our family grows. So am I fixated on the leather interior for no good reason?
Backup Camera - I see that those can be installed aftermarket as well, but do the ones on the rearview mirror make driving any less safe?
Maybe it's just something to get used to...
Auto sliding doors - I know the Odyssey, in particular, has had some issues with this. I don't mind maintenance, as long as it's effective maintenance (such as replacing a door, and not having to replace it again for a few years...)
Under 100,000 miles - Obviously, more difficult to find in older vehicles. I know Hondas can run forever, but I'm not sure if spending more for a higher mileage vehicle makes sense just to get a Honda, especially considering the known transmission problems in the years I can afford.
Is there anything I should add to my list?
Thanks!