https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 08 May 2026 08:03:13 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-mini-van-do-you-have-do-you-love-it#post-79184 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:38:59 +0000 chopsuey 79184@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't have a mini van, but it's definitely something I see in our future! We'll probably get a Honda. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-mini-van-do-you-have-do-you-love-it#post-79170 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:31:53 +0000 MH.Abroad 79170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a Toyota Sienna in the states, and I do like it.<br /> It's nice and sleek, not boxy at all, which I like. The seats are leather (easy to clean!) and it has power rear doors that open and close with a button.<br /> We did have a Dodge Caravan before, and HATED it. The fuel pump had to be replaced THREE times in five years, the air conditioning broke, everything went wrong all the time with that van. The Toyota has had no mechanical problems whatsoever. I'm a much bigger fan of the Toyota, personally. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-mini-van-do-you-have-do-you-love-it#post-79158 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 14:03:48 +0000 twinmama 79158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are in the process of shopping too. We're considering a used Honda or Toyota, since we care most about engine longevity and we've had the best luck with those brands. I also like that the models a few years old are slightly smaller than the newest model years.</p> <p>So far we've test driven the Toyota Sienna LE. Really liked the engine power and smoothness of the drive. I liked the newer style of the dash/displays. My biggest drawback was that most of the used options in our area are for the LE model, which is still pretty basic and a lot of options (like power seats or doors) were only on one side of the van. I found that really annoying. An XLE model would help with some of those upgrades, but a sunroof is not standard, which I would really like.</p> <p>While we still need to drive it, we're more seriously considering the Honda Odessy EX-L. The options upgrades are more consistent, and there are more of them available in our area. I like that a sunroof, leather seats, heated front seats, and dvd are standard in this trim package. While the heated seats and dvd are more luxury items, we consider the leather and sunroof a priority - sunroof for airflow and leather for ease of cleaning. My main cosmetic drawback is that the dash isn't as new and sleek looking as the Sienna, but it's not a dealbreaker.</p> <p>I'm really interested to see if anyone else with a mini has feedback! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-mini-van-do-you-have-do-you-love-it#post-78327 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:42:00 +0000 photojane 78327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i'm a fan of the town and country - fold flat seats, nav, two screens in the back, keyless entry and self-closing doors. but if you're looking for something a little cheaper, the dodge caravan is nice. my brother has a caravan, and it's very sleek and pretty well-appointed. it has keyless entry and self-closing doors, and lots of room for storage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-mini-van-do-you-have-do-you-love-it#post-78311 Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:53:34 +0000 heffalump 78311@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're looking at mini vans and I would love to hear some real mom opinions!</p> <p>So far we've looked at the Toyota and Nissan. We don't like the Nissan, it seems like it's hard just to get in it. There's a stupid thing in the middle of the captains chairs so you have to pull the seat back every time you want to get into the back seat. And it's too boxy for my taste. I do love keyless entry though, we have that now and it's so convenient. They also offer free oil changes for the life of the car and life time warrenty. But it's not worth the hassle of not even being able to get in the car.</p> <p>We liked the Toyota. It just seemed easier in general, and has some fun features like a special mirror so you can see the kiddos in the back. </p> <p>Next we're going to try out the Honda. My mom has one from a couple of years ago so we know we like it, we just want to see the updated version and then compare prices.</p> <p>What do you have? What do you like and dislike about it? </p>