Croudsourcing Minivan considerations
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Anonymous
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After many years as a one car family, it is clear that we are in need of a second vehicle due to kids needing to go in opposite directions with growing frequency. It seems like a minivan would be our best option as it would have a third row seating to allow for additional passengers (activity carpool and family) or just additional ease when packing for the occasional road trip. We aren't particularly outdoorsy, so likely do not need an SUV. Our primary concern is to be able to use the vehicle without maintence beyond oil changes and regular wear items like tires and brakes. Gas/cost of upkeep is probably the next biggest concern. And last would be comfort for long road trips/ease of use with little kids. Price isn't a huge concern, but we tend toward value rather than luxury considerations. Willing to pay more if it lasts longer, works better, or costs less over time, but we're not trying to impress anyone. (Can you impress anyone in a minivan?)
Initially, I was thought the PHEV Chyrsler Pacifica would be perfect for us, because the vast majority of our trips are just around the neighborhood. We travel less than 15 miles in probably 95% or more of our trips. But reading the reviews suggests that the reliability is just terrible. More than the financial concern, we just don't want to deal with constantly taking the car to the shop. Then it seemed like the Toyota Sienna was the best option, but it seems like demand is very high for those vehicles, particularly in the used category. Three year old vans with 50K miles are selling for only a slight discount on the cost of a new vehicle. I just have a hard agreeing that a minivan is worth $45K+. And that bring us to the Honda Odyssey, which seems ok, but a bit dated and no hybrid option. But the used versions are selling for $10-15K less than similar Toyotas and don't seem to have the same complaints as the Pacifica regarding reliablity. Here are my questions: -If you have any expierence with these vehicles, what do you think? -Is there an option on your vehicle that you feel is really worth it? (We currently drive a fairly basic Toyota Corolla, but wouldn't mind somthing more plush). -Is there another option that we should consider? -Is there a website that will calculate the gas costs (or other maintence) of hybrid v.s. traditional minivan? -Anything else that non-car people ought to consider when buying a car |
Anonymous
| Get the Odyssey and don’t look back. Absolute best value right now. Toyota prices are insane and the others are not reliable long term. |
Anonymous
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Chrysler Pacifica PHEV owner here, agree with you that you are the perfect candidate for this design. However, also agree with you that Chrysler's reliability rating leaves much to be desired. We personally have not had any issues with our vehicle, but I understand statistics and will not try to sway you with a personal anecdote.
The Toyota Sienna traditional hybrid would probably be a good choice for you. |
Anonymous
| We love our Pacifica PHEV. If you decide to get one, get the extended warranty. You don't have to purchase these when you purchase the vehicle. You can shop around (I think you have to buy before car hits a certain mileage point). |
Anonymous
I'm glad to hear that so many people here love them. I liked the idea, but then it seemed like everything I read about them was electrical problems, transmission problems, and random fires. |
Anonymous
If you are a long term vehicle owner, it can only be Honda or Toyota. In this instance I would choose Honda due to cost. My Odyssey is 10 years old and going strong. Nothing but routine maintenance. |
Anonymous
We like ours. No problems so far. We strongly dislike the infotainment system, which is lousy and annoying, but love the plug-in aspect. It averages out to a "like" rating. |
Anonymous
| I have an odyssey. No issues whatsoever until 10 year 100 k miles but after that quite a few things needed to be fixed |
Anonymous
| With the pacifica, how did you decide between hybrid and stow&go 2nd row? |
Anonymous
| We bought a new sienna 3 years ago and we love it. We did the base package which I prefer to the upgrades as it’s less stuff to go wrong and I prefer the texture of cloth seats. Our friend with the Chrysler has transmission issues and we get a lot more out of the mileage of a hybrid than I realized. We’ve been happy. |
Anonymous
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We love our Sienna. Paid out the nose a year ago for a new one but prices seem to be coming down. Used prices were insane- often more than the MSRP on a new (but it was hard to get one at MSRP anyway).
No, I did not think that the first car I bought that was over $50k would be a minivan, but such is life. |
Anonymous
PP back here- the gas mileage on the Sienna is really good since it is a hybrid. Probably would take a ton of miles to actually make up the price difference from the Odyssey though |
Anonymous
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Love, love, love my Odyssey! Can fit 3 kids, 2 adults, a dog, 5 bikes, luggage for a month and a canoe on top no problem. Is comfortable for all, has plugs and cup holders everywhere, lasts a long time (13 years, 196,000 miles and counting), and is reliable.
The only option I require is leather seats, because the fabric ones stink after a period of time, no matter how clean you and your kids are. That means an expensive option, or after market leather seats. |
Anonymous
| Toyota Grand Highlander. |
Anonymous
| We're on Sienna #2, and the only reason we got rid of Sienna #1 is that some teenager ran a red light and T-boned it so hard it broke the back axel (everyone walked away, one kid had minor bruising from their carseat harness, she hit us hard). Sienna #2 is 12 years old, has over 110K miles on it, and will be going to the teenagers when they get their drivers' licenses in a couple years. |