Need new car; no clue on what to buy

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Beleive me, I am sensitive to the "Toyota/Honda" cult mentality and the premium it does take to join that cult.

I had actually considered a Chrysler Town and Country - for 4K less, the satisfaction seems comparable.

[MonkeyMama]

Beleive me, I am sensitive to the "Toyota/Honda" cult mentality and the premium it does take to join that cult.

I had actually considered a Chrysler Town and Country - for 4K less, the satisfaction seems comparable.

I wouldn't recommend Toyota/Honda due to price - agreed with last couple of comments. Minivans are expensive compared to sedans.

Research the Town and Country a bit. IT is IDENTICAL to the Dodge Grand Caravan. Isn't it???

I have the Grand Caravan. LOVE the minivan. Is a nice vehicle. Bought (2005) because friends had great older models. I am less impressed. Mixed feelings though. It was $10k cheaper, at the least, compared to any used Japanese minivan. My problems have been superficial (mostly the windows have never worked consistently). I probably wouldn't buy another Dodge - expect more quality from my vehicles - but in the end it was better than paying the premium for Toyota or Honda. It's 6-years old now - has been pretty low maintenance as a whole. Computer/window issues aside - nothing else to complain about in 6 years of owning a 2005 Caravan.

Anyway, if you don't want to go the Caravan route, I wouldn't recommend Town & Country. They just re-market it to jack up the price. Maybe more bells and whistles, but it is identical under the hood.

I like Ford, but haven't heard much about their minivans. C-MAX looks interesting, but is just rolling out, so no used options. I liked Toyots in the 80s, but think Ford is a far better deal today. High quality and low cost.

The only mivinans that come to mind are Sienna, Odyssey, Caravan. Don't see many others on the road I guess. I suppose that leaves "cheap" and "Expensive" and not a lot in between?

Have you looked at Kia?

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A Kia Pet? K-k-k-k-KIA!

YEs, I had test driven the Sedona a logn time ago. I was actually pretty impressed with it. They do tend to get beaten bad (like anyone says - any minivan does - they are a family workhorse by definition).

The warranty is the best. . .but I have heard it is as the dealership a lot for minor repairs here and there. I tend to like to use mechanics (one within walking distance).

I should see what a used one is going for.

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Dumb question - I just went to Yahoo Auto and I see a Kia minivan with 46K and listed at 12K (2007). I am interested because I may be able to negotiate down to 9K.

Really makes monthly payment affordable.

Anyway, how does warranty transfers work? I have never owned a used car other than a Klunker, way beyond any warrany by the time I get it.

The Kia Dealership isn't real close, but not real far either. . .do warranties transfer?

[littleroc02us]

I'm a big fan of Mitsubishi from owning one now for 2 years, very reliable and reasonably priced because everyone wants Toyota/Honda. The 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor has received good reviews and you could get into one for around $12-15 and it seats 5 easily with gear in the back.

[snafu]

Warranties transfer on used vehicles but salesmen seem to balk on this extra paperwork. Dealerships try to add a fee but just tell them it's a deal breaker as it isn't charged by the maker/manufacturer. Kia brand is getting better because they are using Hyundai's program for product improvement. Did you know many years ago, Hyundai hired the entire Honda product improvement team with a gia-normous salary/ bonus system to work for them in S. Korea.

[NolaP]

A good friend of mine has a Honda Element and loves it. She says it is unlike any other car she has ever owned because it's more fun. I also personally think they are very cute, especially if you live close to the beach and like to camp. They are definitely hipper than a minivan. Just sayin'...

[wincrasher]

I have a 2009 Odyssey and love it. Powerful engine, room for 7 plus some cargo. I consistently get 28 mpg on the highway. Element is cramped, weak engine and gets poor mileage. They are interesting and different though. But I think you have too many kids for that.

Hondas are expensive for a reason. They are built well, are reliable and have better resale. Certainly a better ownership than a Chrysler product.

I've often said a mini-van is a smart man's SUV. I've had the gas guzzling SUV's in the past. Tne van holds alot more stuff and you can take the seats out if you want. They also drive like a car and are easy to park (especially in town in parking garages)

Another good option might be a Ford Flex. It's essentially a big front wheel drive wagon. They ain't cheap either.