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[quote=Anonymous]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[/quote]

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