Topic: Best/Worst - cheap 7 or 8 seaters

[twinmamma]

Since my family is about to expand I need to get a 7 or 8 seater. I want to make sure I stay away from lemons and get as many nice features as I can. I really can't afford much so it will have to be in the $1000-3000 range.
As I will be going on mat leave at the end of the year I need something that won't start costing me a fortune and that I can rely on. I currently have a Volvo 960 wagon which I will have to sell and even though it is 1993 it has been a dream to own & drive so I just want to try to find something that will be as safe and reliable for me and the kids this winter.
I have no idea what has a good and bad rep so I would really love some advice
Thanks

[Ilpav]

In that price range, you can forget about any Japanese minivans, you would have to go domestic. The best of the domestic minivans has always been the Dodge Caravan. It has been by far the most reliable domestic minivan. Also, try to find one that is '96 and up with the 3.3 L V6 (apart from the 3.8 L) because they are bulletproof; I have a '96 Plymouth Grand Voyager (twin of the Caravan) with the 3.3 L with 300k kms, and the engine still runs great.

Good luck!

[rrocket]

IIRC, the Toyota Previa seats 7-8.  You should be able to find one in your price range.  The Caravan too.

[1TSX]

Anything between $1000-$3000 is gonna be trouble, IMO. I would recommend a 1st generation Honda Odyssey (1995-1998). However, it only seats 6.

[Arthur Dent]

Could consider a used limo as well.

[Cord]

Buying a $1000-$3000 vehicle based on brand is not a great strategy. A very well kept and well treated example of the worst model based on whoever's ratings will be a much better buy than a poorly maintained and badly treated example of the model with the best ratings. In that price range, it's is all about the condition of the car.

[y2chuck]

Buying a $1000-$3000 vehicle based on brand is not a great strategy. A very well kept and well treated example of the worst model based on whoever's ratings will be a much better buy than a poorly maintained and badly treated example of the model with the best ratings. In that price range, it's is all about the condition of the car.

[twinmamma]

Buying a $1000-$3000 vehicle based on brand is not a great strategy. A very well kept and well treated example of the worst model based on whoever's ratings will be a much better buy than a poorly maintained and badly treated example of the model with the best ratings. In that price range, it's is all about the condition of the car.

Of course I and anyone buying a vehicle wants to pick up a well kept/treated one BUT you can't tell me if I have two different makes sitting in front of me that have similar care/maintainance histories that there are not going to be certain makes/models that have people waving red flags about or others that tend to have a good track record. I need to narrow the field a bit. Every ad selling a car pretty much will lead you to believe it has been well cared for... I will of course be trying to pick something out that I am convinced has been but it doesn't mean to say that others haven't had some experience of what tends to be the best value for money (especially at this sort of rate).

[Cord]

BUT you can't tell me...

OK, good luck.

[rrocket]

As I said...the Previa has a few things going for it.  It seats the number of people you want.  It's in your price range.  It has a 4 banger to save on fuel.  It's pretty reliable.  It comes in AWD.  The bad?  It looks like a hard boiled egg......

[Careener]

Avoid the Windstar. There's a startingpoint. Not Ford's finest product.

[initial_D]

As I said...the Previa has a few things going for it.  It seats the number of people you want.  It's in your price range.  It has a 4 banger to save on fuel.  It's pretty reliable.  It comes in AWD.  The bad?  It looks like a hard boiled egg......

The Chinese call it the Bread Car ... as in looks like a loaf of bread ... not just in looks either.

[1TSX]

As I said...the Previa has a few things going for it.  It seats the number of people you want.  It's in your price range.  It has a 4 banger to save on fuel.  It's pretty reliable.  It comes in AWD.  The bad?  It looks like a hard boiled egg......

Good luck finding parts?

[Ilpav]

As I said...the Previa has a few things going for it.  It seats the number of people you want.  It's in your price range.  It has a 4 banger to save on fuel.  It's pretty reliable.  It comes in AWD.  The bad?  It looks like a hard boiled egg......

Remember, also, where the engine is located in the Previa. It's in the MIDDLE, where the kids will be sitting, not in the front like normal cars.

[Hank Horsey]

Remember, also, where the engine is located in the Previa. It's in the MIDDLE, where the kids will be sitting, not in the front like normal cars.

Mid-engined! WOW! I'll trade you for my Outback!

Actually, I never like to bet against Japanese but I have to agree with a Caravan over a Previa, only because when something inevitably goes wrong it's going to be easy to find parts for the Caravan.

Does anyone know how maintenance costs compare? A funny engine location doesn't sound cheap to maintain.

On the other hand, if you find a Previa with low km and a service record, I wouldn't turn it down.

[Honda Owner]

On the other hand, if you find a Previa with low km and a service record, I wouldn't turn it down.

That is kind of an oxymoron. The Previa is getting old, the last ones were brought in in 1997 so actually finding that might be a rather difficult thing.

This car was designed for the Japanese market where large displacement vehicles have insane road taxes. They were always expensive and for that reason, not many were sold here.

[blairb]

How about checking out the Canadian used car website (you know the one I mean).

They have a 2001 Chrysler Town & Country listed with 144K and is $3000. Not a bad deal and there are lots of other on there too. Just be sure to have your mechanic check it out before you buy one.