Topic: buy van dodge or toyota

[4sunny0]

 hello everyone,

                   Thanks for all suggestion ,I have sortlisted two van dodge caravan and toyota sienna some say go for dodge as cheaper than toyota,other say you will save lot on fuel and repair and it is also best(toyota sienna) my budget is 15000 to 20000 what model i can get for both and what are things i look for while buying used vehicle , I thanks everyone in advance whosoever read or reply this   

[HeliDriver]

If style or image is a concern, then you are probably looking for an SUV.

If cargo space and room for lots of passengers is your priority, then you can't beat a minivan.

If you decide on a minivan, Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are the ones to beat. The price reflects that, of course, so you'll have to pay lots more for one of those than a Caravan or other domestic.
How much more? Sorry, no idea. 

[Mr. Meow]

Well you need to work out your needs and budget first, that will help you decide what Year your buying. then you also know if going to be new new or used.
.

[haris]

I think a van is always a better choice. More interior room, better mileage, cheaper to buy and operate... you're driving a van though. Some people have a problem with that...

[mdxtasy]

If you need the room, get a van.  SUV's are NOT the most efficient of designs, and the box of a minivan is.  Tons of space, well thought out, and very versatile/practical.  SUV's are nice if you want an SUV...ground clearance, image, and AWD.  Some vans have AWD, but they are the pricey ones.

[Mr. Meow]

Minivan Comparison

http://drivingtelevision.com/?epID=406  <----click here then on the Minivan Comparison link on the website.
.

[Scaerio]

  SUV's are the most efficient of designs

I'm guessing you meant to say "aren't..."

[mrthompson]

First, tell us your needs.  How many people will you normally cart around?  Will you be towing a boat or trailer?  Do you wish to explore back roads, etc.?

Minivans can't be beat for their combination of interior space and (relatively) good fuel economy.  SUVs on the other hand, have the rugged good looks that minivans often lack.

[safristi]

IF I woz OUT WEST I'd BUY "SUN"...screw the SUV.....

[mdxtasy]

  SUV's are the most efficient of designs

I'm guessing you meant to say "aren't..."

No.  I meant to say are not. 

[mrthompson]

"Sun" - do you mean the Ford FUSION?  

[safristi]

No the "HOTTIE " on page three Nutballs.....sheesh.............Oooh Brandy new ..never been ridden before...??

[Trainman]

hello everyone,

                   I am confused on buying van or suv , my preference in suv is hyundai santa fe for van dodge or ford caravan help me or suggest better option model prefrence 2004 to 2006 tell price range

We have both, a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder and a 2004 Toyota Sienna (both are base models).  I would never own a SUV unless I had a real use for it (I use the Pathfinder for my forestry work), the Sienna is way more practical, more comfortable and also much cheaper to operate.

However, if you need/want to get off the beaten tracks then a suitable SUV is the way to go.

Some more info on your part would be appreciated so we can give better opinions.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

Less than 5 years, probably a Freestar (Consumer Reports give it the same rating (average) as the Honda Odyssey, reliability wise). Longer than that, and the Sienna is the way to go.

The Dodge is worse that average according to CR.

Remember free advise is worth what you paid for it.

[Arthur Dent]

Be aware the early Odyssey vans had flaky transmissions.

[Trainman]

Be aware the early Odyssey vans had flaky transmissions.

Not the "early" ones but rather these (99-2004 or so?):



Early ones look like this:

[Arthur Dent]

Be aware the early Odyssey vans had flaky transmissions.

Not the "early" ones but rather these (99-2004 or so?):

these ones with the 5spd auto. V6 Accords and MDXs were effected as well but Accords to a less extent due to lower curb weight.

[1TSX]

How long are you gonna keep the van for?

Long term : Sienna
Short term: Caravan