https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:54:51 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2807673 Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:55:58 +0000 oskarsmommy 2807673@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>LOVE my Kia </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2807584 Sun, 04 Mar 2018 13:03:24 +0000 imadreamer 2807584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Pacifica and I love it. We had a T&amp;C before, but I prefer the Pacifica. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2807558 Sun, 04 Mar 2018 08:02:25 +0000 ShootingStar 2807558@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We love our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. We got the hybrid and it has so many bells and whistles. It’s DH’a car so I’m not the driver, but I love riding in it and it’s easy to get 2 kids in and out of. </p> <p>We have rented the Town and Cohntry on vacation and though it was ok, and hated the Quest when we rented it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2807377 Sat, 03 Mar 2018 00:43:10 +0000 MrsB2012 2807377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>you Need to look at how many kids you have or are planning on having and what that means for car seat configurations.</p> <p>We have a 2014 sienna and I like it, but don’t love it. It’s incredibly annoying for car seat configuration as I have 3 under 4. You can only put a forward facing seat in the middle seat of the back row. It doesn’t leave enough room to put a booster or a rear facing beside it. You can forward face or rear face in the 2 captain chairs in the middle row. I thought having 8 seats is easily be able to fit 4 kids in car seats ( if we had a 4th or if we were traveling with my nieces or something) but that’s not the case. I’m not sure if the newer models allow for a different configuration though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806955 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 13:12:13 +0000 gingerbebe 2806955@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As an FYI, we found our van using TrueCar's used vehicle search function. It is helpful because it will tell you if its a good deal or not in the search. Our van hit all our parameters, was considered a "great price," but it was like 65 miles away from us. We would never have found it at any of the dealerships near us. We spoke to the salesperson over the phone a few times to verify it had all the features we wanted in the vehicle, got all our paperwork and title and stuff together, and drove out there. We chose to go in the Tuesday or Wednesday before Thanksgiving later in the evening and knew going in we weren't going to be able to haggle much on the price (it was the best priced van we'd seen by far). </p> <p>We walked in at 730pm and were out by 830pm (but we had all our financial stuff lined up already - we just had to negotiate the trade in value a little bit). Easy peasy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806935 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 12:24:44 +0000 oldschooolmama 2806935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just bought a used Honda and really like it so far. Honestly I was pretty set on an SUV but I couldn't pass up on the low miles + price of the van. I'm so glad I did because I can already tell how much easier getting to the third row is in the van. Plus it has a ton of storage. I honestly wasn't willing to get any other brand of minivan but I agree with the others posters that you should test drive them all and research the best option for your family. Let me know if you have any specific questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806919 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 11:40:56 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2806919@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with sticking to a Honda or Toyota. Your resale value will be much better too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806897 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 10:37:23 +0000 josina 2806897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We just bought a 2017 Grand Caravan GT and so far love it. I'm still struggling with the idea of owning a van (would've preferred an SUV, but $$)</p> <p>It doesn't feel any different to drive than my traverse did, size wise. The GT offers all the features - leather, heated seats/steering wheel, power doors, remote start. I liked the Caravan better than the Pacifica and the Town &amp; Country, but mainly because the GT had all the luxury features.<br /> We paid just under $20k for 35,000 miles, and did put an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty on it. With all the electronic/tech features on the new vehicles little issues can add up, so that was highly recommended.<br /> Fingers crossed this vehicle lasts us a long time! The tranny was going out in my '14 Traverse which is why we traded up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806882 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 10:11:25 +0000 Mrs D 2806882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a Pacifica...I have had it for two years. They are still a newer body style - so the used deals may not be as good.</p> <p>I have driven my sisters Toyota and preferred mine to it.</p> <p>I love all the automation (side doors, third row of seats) and that the middle bucket seats fold to lie completely flat. Its really helpful for hauling things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806858 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 09:07:52 +0000 MrsADS 2806858@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely do your research and a lot of test drives. We just bought a used 2015 Honda Odyssey and we love it. In comparison the Grand Caravans felt cheap and didn't drive well, but obviously there's a big price difference. My husband was really interested in the new Chrysler Pacifica but after we test drove it, we both hated it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806857 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 09:03:51 +0000 caitcat 2806857@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: Thanks! I drove a Dodge Caravan as a rental car last year, and it definitely felt like a boat to me. At the time, I thought that might be my impression of all vans though. :) I'm going to check into the Kia more - thanks for the suggestion! We're taking a day to test drive vans this weekend. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806856 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 08:57:57 +0000 caitcat 2806856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all so much! This is very helpful! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806846 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 07:02:35 +0000 ElbieKay 2806846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have never shopped for a minivan but I know several people who have. They have all chosen the Odyssey, no exceptions that I know of. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806845 Thu, 01 Mar 2018 05:58:50 +0000 ValentineMommy 2806845@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd say test drive them to be sure.</p> <p>I was pretty set on the Toyota vs. the Honda, but when we test drove them, it was a no brainer for us and the Honda won out. We have never been happier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806828 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:19:38 +0000 birdofafeather 2806828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: thanks for talking pricing! We’ll be looking for a new car for me in hopefully 1-2 years and I’m pretty convinced of a van as long as I have the power everything and backup cam. I figured I could get that in a few year old van and now I do think it’s realistic. With 3, I think I’ll love it even though DH thinks it’s end times. Ha. I would be looking sooner but DH just bought a new truck last year. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806798 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:26:20 +0000 gingerbebe 2806798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We bought our 2012 Sienna XLE in 2015 - so 3 years used - with 38,000 miles on it Certified Used from the dealership. We typically buy 2 year used vehicles, but because the mileage was so low, we went with it. We paid $26,500.</p> <p>I think the difference in Toyota vs. Honda is down to personal preference in terms of the drive. We prefer Toyotas - we have a Prius plugin that we love as well. Generally, they feel heavier and more solid vs. a peppier Honda. The V6 engine in our van has a good amount of power, its a very comfortable ride for the driver and all the passengers (DH and I are tall and larger bodied), and the mileage is really good I feel - usually about 23 mpg for us.</p> <p>When compared to buying a similarly equipped van new, we were saving about $20K, so getting the used vehicle was a no-brainer. But I told my husband that I only wanted to drive a van if it had leather (the kids will DESTROY cloth seats), automatic doors, and automatic liftgate. I did not care about navigation or touchscreens, since we have phones that can give directions, but I did want a backup camera. My preference was captain's chairs for 2 kids in their own carseat.</p> <p>Our Sienna XLE delivered all of those things and the captain's chairs actually have an insert where you can seat 3 people across in a bench formation, but it wouldn't work for a 3-carseat situation. The cargo space is amazing (we usually just keep the 3rd row folded down) and I absolutely cannot live without power doors and lift-gate anymore - with an armful of kids and all their stuff, it is the best thing ever.</p> <p>We bought the van with the idea that it would be our only minivan and then we could get a nicer/more fun car later on, but my husband, who was very on the fence about it and had to give up his beloved Jeep Grand Cherokee for the van, actually loves it more than I do. He ADORES the van, its really funny. He says its the best car he's ever had. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806796 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:12:19 +0000 codeitall 2806796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oops, double post. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806794 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:11:45 +0000 codeitall 2806794@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and here's why I crossed them off the list in addition to a bad test drive:<br /> Grand Caravan/Town and Country: Felt like a boat more than our old Buick did. Terrible. Also, I hated the hinges on the floormats for the stow and go seating. My kids crawl in and I can see them scraping their shins way too easily.<br /> Sienna: I thought I'd love it, but it also drove poorly. In addition, the plastic trim on the captain's chairs appears easily damaged and was sometimes missing altogether.<br /> Quest: TERRIBLE crash ratings. Also didn't like the front view, I felt limited.<br /> Odyssey: Also didn't drive great, but I'm pretty sure this is the one with the open area in the front seats. I HATE when my child jumps up front to push all the buttons and drive the car, so I prefer having a console. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806793 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 17:09:32 +0000 birdofafeather 2806793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve heard nothing but love for Toyotas and Hondas. My mom kept her sienna for 13 years with almost 200K miles. It looked like crap but still ran! Ha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806785 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 16:56:14 +0000 codeitall 2806785@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It isn't on your list, but I'd highly recommend taking a Kia Sedona for a test drive. We took a day to do test drives on all the vans. And I mean ALL. We did older models and nearly new models of the Sienna, Odyssey, T&amp;C, Grand Caravan, Quest and Sedona.</p> <p>Turned out my inclinations towards the Odyssey were totally outweighed by how much I loved the Kia.<br /> They really prioritized cabin noise, so it was super quiet AND it was way more nimble and peppy than the others we tried.</p> <p>We picked our commuter for longevity (Consumer Reports, J.D. Power and Edmunds ratings were all considered), and while I did the same level of research for my minivan, it really came down to the test drive for me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806758 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:24:28 +0000 snowjewelz 2806758@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I personally would shell out more for Japanese cars. I mean, you KNOW you can run a Honda/Toyota to the ground, and parts aren't too expensive. We have Sienna but if we could have chosen (long story), DH would have gone for a Honda since he's a die hard Honda fan and we already have a CRV. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806754 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:20:16 +0000 tinyperson 2806754@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't have a recommendation, but if you go with a Caravan or Town &amp; Country, be aware of limitations of the back row: </p> [attach=3240/18/p4vn5s.497x600.27973849_10160566159335131_7030043629844123276_n.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/minivan-recommendation#post-2806752 Wed, 28 Feb 2018 15:16:34 +0000 caitcat 2806752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're in the market for a minivan and I'm trying to weigh our options. If you have a minivan you're particularly happy with (or considered multiple options that led you to choose one over another?), I'd love to hear what you like about it or what tipped the scale to choose it. </p> <p>We're looking at used cars, and we've found a variety of decent options for a Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, and Dodge Grand Caravan in our price range with relatively low mileage and the features we're after. The Honda and Toyota are on the pricier end of what we're looking at, but still doable, though I'm not sure if they're worth the extra cost? We want something reliable that will make it through the minivan stage with kids, but I'm feeling very indecisive. </p>