Used Minivan - Best ones to get?

[Amuthini]

Looking to buy a used minivan, preferably no more than 3 or 4 years old. What models do you guys suggest I look at? I heard Odyssey's have transmission problems... any suggestions would be great, also any sites you guys can recommend for researching used cars would be awesome also.

[Badman]

Well if you want something different from the usual Honda or Toyota that people here would recommend then look at the Mazda mvp. Nice van and easy to drive around with.

[sunnybono]

Well if you want something different from the usual Honda or Toyota that people here would recommend then look at the Mazda mvp. Nice van and easy to drive around with. Yaah Mazda's are fun to drive with, but take a look at the price of parts for Mazda. IF you plan on buying anything that is 3-5 years old, you really need to look at the vehicles service history (i.e. what will be required in the near future if it hasn't been replaced yet) and the price of parts. One thing I can definitely guarantee you is that Mazda parts are a lot more expensive than Toyota's or Honda's. If you are worried about Honda's past tranny problems, which I beleive has been rectified by Honda, then go for a Sienna!!!!

sk

[MacGyver]

A reliable mini-van? I don't think there is such a thing.

I remember that Phil Edmunston's LemonAid Guide for used cars book, back in 2000 did not recommend ANY minivans. It seems like they all have problems. Maybe because they're generally van bodies built on car frames?

The MPV has head gasket problems and/or transmission problems in certain years. The 2002 year was better than others. My wife really wanted one and we researched it to death, but we got a Matrix instead, as she couldn't afford the gas bills for a mini-van. (and as the previous poster mentioned, I was worried about the cost of repairs)

Go out and buy a copy of the Consumer Reports used car guide as that's the best resource out there to make sure you don't end up with a lemon.

[NuclearBlast]

A reliable mini-van? I don't think there is such a thing.
I disagree. I wouldn't say that a 6-cyl Sienna is less reliable than a 4-cyl Saturn :razz: Tons of cars out there that are less reliable than most minivans.
OP, what is your budget? If it's around $20K your "best" van might be one brand, if it's let's say less than $10K, another brand might be better choice. IMO, www.carsurvey.org is a good site to read the experiences of other owners.

[deep]

I disagree. I wouldn't say that a 6-cyl Sienna is less reliable than a 4-cyl Saturn :razz: Tons of cars out there that are less reliable than most minivans.
Actually, I think you may be surprised. I believe minivans are perennial chart-toppers when it comes to maintenance and repairs. (Sure, you can find individual counter-examples...)

We bought a 2002 MPV and have been quite happy with it so far, although we've only had it for half a year.

[SAV_]

this would depend on your price range and car year range. Let us know that, it makes it really easy.

[and or]

Anything but American.

[VivienM]

Anything but American.

I'm surprised it took 8 posts for someone to make such an... insightful... comment.

[sixer]

What's your price range and max # of yrs old for van?

[and or]

I'm surprised it took 8 posts for someone to make such an... insightful... comment.

And 9 posts, for the first off-topic one.

[deep]

Anything but American.
Anything but and or.

[NuclearBlast]

Actually, I think you may be surprised. I believe minivans are perennial chart-toppers when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
Can you post a link from a reputable source containing the aforementioned charts?