Its ironic just few days ago i was looking for a car for myself and then today our family minivan dies on us. We have had a 1990 Dodge Grand Caravan for the last five years. Took it from 174,000 km to 304,000 km without any engine or transmission problems. Amazing car with an even more comfortable ride. Took it to New York City once and Chicago like 8 times (from Toronto). Just today it took its last breath when its transmisison finally gave up.
So since you’ve guessed we need to buy a van in the next week or so. I have my eyes set on a 97-98 Dodge Grand Caravan which can be obtained for around $7500-$8000 CAD. Which is also our budget for now.
I thought i’d ask for some experience based opinions if any of you have any to share. What van would you recommend for that budget? Thanks.
i've been contemplating a minivan for a while.. it makes sense for my needs .. and of course being desi means to stay away from the Dodge's and Chryslers and stick to the Sienna or the Odyssey.
I had the Odyssey in mind.. a couple of years old.. but that's gonna cost like $20K.
You can't beat Dodge Caravan in affordability.. my sis has one.. and though it drives like an American vehicle should.. (poor handling) it has ample space and does the job of the second car... for that price do it all over again.
Although minivans are cheaper upfront, they have horrible mileage (yes, horrible compared to even SUV's). The drive is unsure, especially if you go pre-2000 models. They are comfortable yes, and modular too.
If you don't want to pay the prices of Toyota or Honda and want to stay away from American brands, then check out Mazda MPV. Its underrated, but the 2000 model has some cool features.
The shape hasn't change since 2000, so even now it is as good as 2003 styling.
Middle row captain seats. Most other models charge extra for this.
Both sides sliding doors on the second row and both doors have windows that can roll down. No other minivan in that year offered that.
Thrid row seat, folds flat on the floor. Second row can be removed.
Pretty reliable in terms of build quality.
Disadvantages are:
1. Even if it is V6, the power is abysmal. It will climb the mountains, true, but you will see the effort.
2. Smart-size. Which essentially means it is narrower than Grand Caravan. Probably good for Japan, not sure about US/Canada.
3. Ford owns Mazda so you may get stuck with the US label :p
4. Fuel economy is horrible, but thats true for all minivans.
5. Its not easily available in the used car market, and color choice may be even more limited.
The 2000 model of Mazda MPV may cost slightly higher than what you laid out in the budget, but if the option is between a beat up American model and this one, a few thousand extra may be worth it.
Those 2 don’t really compare Kaleem mian. I have an SUV, but the space that a minivan has is not there in my SUV, hence we have to keep borrowing one from relatives. I’m in the market for a minivan too as a matter of fact, have been thinking Dodge myself, maybe 2000 or so.
Ofcourse I’ve told my wife that she’s going to be the only one driving it
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*Originally posted by Kaleem: *
BabaG why not a SUV? They are better than minivans. You know what they say about a man who drives a minivan do you? :D
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as a matter of fact i don't .. what do they say??
i do know what they say about people with large SUV's.. something about compensating for something.. :D
