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#1
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which minivan to buy?
My 1992 Dodge Caravan is getting old (it runs well, been lucky..at 150,000)
and I am planning to buy a minivan this summer. It won't be a new one. It will be most likely 2 to 4 years old depending on the model. I noticed that Ford minivans are the cheapest, followed by Dodge. The Toyota Siennas and Honda Odyssey are the most expensive. I figure a 2 year old Ford or Dodge will cost about the same as a 4 year old Sienna or Honda. For argument's sake, say I got $12,000 cash to spend. Should I go with a 2 year old Ford, or Dodge? Or go with the more reliable but slightly older 4 year old Toyota or Honda minivan?? It seems Ford's have a so-so reputation. Here in Maine the Windstar and Caravan are everywhere, but very few Hondas or Toyota minivans. It is a poor state, I suspect that is a factor. Any information/opinions appreciated. My plan to to buy this summer. |
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#2
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My advice is to stick with an import brand, namely Honda or Toyota.
I've researched the subject for a few years now and come to the conclusion, that although all automakers will, at sometime or other, manufacture a lemon, you will generally find far fewer problems with a Japanese import than a domestic make. One advantage with a domestic brand, however, is that they are usually less expensive to repair should a problem surface. |
#3
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I want to add that besides owning the 1992 Dodge Caravan, I also own a 1998
Subaru Legacy station wagon that has been excellant. I also have owned several Toyota sedans over the years with no troubles. Thus I am willing to pay a bit extra for a Toyota or Honda minivan, but since they are expensive it will likely be a 2000 or 2001 model. Again, I can get a 2003 Ford or Dodge minivan at the same price. Thus the conflict over which to buy. The newer one or slightly older import. "snow" > wrote in message news:vSSMd.12861$QS5.11843@trndny06... > My 1992 Dodge Caravan is getting old (it runs well, been lucky..at 150,000) > and I am planning to buy a minivan this summer. It won't be a new one. It > will be most likely 2 to 4 years old depending on the model. I noticed that > Ford minivans are the cheapest, > followed by Dodge. The Toyota Siennas and Honda Odyssey are the most > expensive. I figure a 2 year old Ford or Dodge will cost about the same as a > 4 year old > Sienna or Honda. For argument's sake, say I got $12,000 > cash to spend. Should I go with a 2 year old Ford, or Dodge? Or go with the > more reliable but slightly older > 4 year old Toyota or Honda minivan?? It seems Ford's have a so-so > reputation. Here in Maine the Windstar and Caravan are everywhere, but very > few Hondas or Toyota minivans. It is a poor state, I suspect that is a > factor. Any information/opinions appreciated. My plan to to buy this summer. > > |
#4
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snow wrote:
> Sienna or Honda. For argument's sake, say I got $12,000 > cash to spend. Should I go with a 2 year old Ford, or Dodge? Or go with the > more reliable but slightly older > 4 year old Toyota or Honda minivan?? if you can get a low mileage honda or toyota, sure. even at 4 years old. |
#5
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Granted, some people run into problems, though most don't. I personally
own a 95 Honda Civic and a 94 Dodge Grand Caravan, and would have to say that the reliability of the Civic beats the Dodge hands down. Despite numerous other problems, I've had to replace the tranny in the van three times. |
#6
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Dodge/Chrysler makes the superior van for the money. Have you checked
the insurance rate on the Sienna and Odyssee lately??? They are about triple that of the domestics. Also, the Chrysler/Dodge vans use less gas. "snow" > wrote in message news:<vSSMd.12861$QS5.11843@trndny06>... > My 1992 Dodge Caravan is getting old (it runs well, been lucky..at 150,000) > and I am planning to buy a minivan this summer. It won't be a new one. It > will be most likely 2 to 4 years old depending on the model. I noticed that > Ford minivans are the cheapest, > followed by Dodge. The Toyota Siennas and Honda Odyssey are the most > expensive. I figure a 2 year old Ford or Dodge will cost about the same as a > 4 year old > Sienna or Honda. For argument's sake, say I got $12,000 > cash to spend. Should I go with a 2 year old Ford, or Dodge? Or go with the > more reliable but slightly older > 4 year old Toyota or Honda minivan?? It seems Ford's have a so-so > reputation. Here in Maine the Windstar and Caravan are everywhere, but very > few Hondas or Toyota minivans. It is a poor state, I suspect that is a > factor. Any information/opinions appreciated. My plan to to buy this summer. |
#7
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In article >,
SoCalMike > wrote: >if you can get a low mileage honda or toyota, sure. even at 4 years old. Low mileage is not necessarily desirable -- city driving is considered "severe service" but runs up only small numbers of miles compared to highway driving. Short trips from cold start also produce low mileage, but are extremely hard on the vehicle. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Timothy J. Lee Unsolicited bulk or commercial email is not welcome. No warranty of any kind is provided with this message. |
#8
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#9
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I'm glad some people do their homework!
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