Will be looking for a minivan in the spring ...

Lea_Ontario · Nov 17, 2008

We will be looking to purchase a van come spring time (tax return time).

It will be a used van, we cannot afford to add on a vehicle payment at all.

So - we're thinking of looking for a used van, around the $5,000 CDN mark. Hopefully 2002 or newer though.

What suggestions do you have for vehicles to look into ? Ones to avoid ?

ginny4 · Nov 17, 2008

what's CDN mean?

i just got a 2001 gr caravan for $4100plus tax. FULLY LOADED. i didn't notice when we bought it but one seatbelt was ripped so i replaced it & was nearly $300. keep in mind that teh 01 was the ONLY year that dodge/chryslar with 5 latch positions. 3rd row: you can only use the center alone or the outboards never all 3 at once. but after that only the middle posiiton in 3rd row had latch

Lea_Ontario · Nov 17, 2008

CDN = Canadian.

canadianmom2three · Nov 17, 2008

Well, we had the 8 passanger Montana, and although it isn't well known for its safety like a sienna or whatever, I don't think it's among the worst either. What I LOVED about the montana was the 3 seats across the middle row - made it amazing for 3 across (all 3 positions had tether), or you could take out one of the modular seats alltogether and have very roomy access to the back row (2 positions with tether back there). We sold our 2003 just this spring for $6000 so you should be able to get a 2002 in your range. HTH

ETA: Oh, the one downfall which might be a bit of a PITA given your seats- MISERABLE Radian install with the seatbelt........forward of the bight seatbelts!

Lea_Ontario · Nov 20, 2008

canadianmom2three said:
Well, we had the 8 passanger Montana, and although it isn't well known for its safety like a sienna or whatever, I don't think it's among the worst either. What I LOVED about the montana was the 3 seats across the middle row - made it amazing for 3 across (all 3 positions had tether), or you could take out one of the modular seats alltogether and have very roomy access to the back row (2 positions with tether back there). We sold our 2003 just this spring for $6000 so you should be able to get a 2002 in your range. HTH

ETA: Oh, the one downfall which might be a bit of a PITA given your seats- MISERABLE Radian install with the seatbelt........forward of the bight seatbelts!

Ugh - that wouldn't be good. I *NEED* to be able to get the Radians in.

northernmommy · Nov 30, 2008

Kashi said:
Ugh - that wouldn't be good. I *NEED* to be able to get the Radians in.

You can get the buckle replaced with a flexible one, free of charge. I've had a RN in every position in mine:twocents:

jerenaud · Nov 30, 2008

We've had our radians installed in my grandparents' 2003 Montana with no problems, and I really doubt that my grandparents changed the belts. We installed one in the 3rd row, driver's side, outboard, with no problems. The other was in the same position but 2nd row.

Erica

Gypsy · Nov 30, 2008

I don't know if it's in the right price range, but 2006 or newer Kia Sedona's are awesome - high safety ratings, very carseat friendly (as long as they have the 60/40 3rd row bench). I LOVE mine!

Lea_Ontario · Nov 30, 2008

Gypsy said:
I don't know if it's in the right price range, but 2006 or newer Kia Sedona's are awesome - high safety ratings, very carseat friendly (as long as they have the 60/40 3rd row bench). I LOVE mine!

Oh, if I had *my* way - there would be no discussion, we'd be getting a Sedona. Not sure that an '06 model will be in the budget though.

Will be looking for a minivan in the spring ...

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