Minivan choices
- Thread starter ram_man
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100% Toyota Sienna or might luck out on a ex Hertz "out of business" caravan or one coming out of a lease
to bad you cant make it down to the DFW . Late model Caravans are STUPID cheap down here
Dave
to bad you cant make it down to the DFW . Late model Caravans are STUPID cheap down here
Dave
Rental Minivan (likely Dodge) with low mileage would be way to go at your price point. Honda are decent but do hold their value as do Sienna.
If you shop around you can score an ex rental Grand Caravan with relatively low mileage AND get FCA's CPO warranty, which covers the Powertrain for 7 years/100k miles. Ours was an ex-Enterprise vehicle and had 42k on it.
The "GT" trim was exclusive to rental companies, and came very nicely loaded. Ours has power doors and hatch, remote start, 506w stereo, heated steering wheel and front seats, and Stow n Go is simply amazing.
The "GT" trim was exclusive to rental companies, and came very nicely loaded. Ours has power doors and hatch, remote start, 506w stereo, heated steering wheel and front seats, and Stow n Go is simply amazing.
Originally Posted by ram_man
Originally I was just going to consider dodge and Chrysler vans but oh boy have I seen a lot of junk ones. The owners don't take care of them at all or they have issues. So I'm broadening my horizons looking to spend no more than 12,000. The siennas appear to be a bad value just based on age and mileage for the price but how are they? I've seen a few v6 model 2011-13 100-140,000 miles around 10k
Also seen a few Kia Sedona and odyssey's I know older Honda's had terrible transmissions. Was this ever resolved? Thoughts on 2011-2015 Kia Sedona or Toyota Sienna?
Here are some Caravans in your area on cars.com
Good luck
https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action/?mdId=21249&mkId=20012&page=1&perPage=20&prMx=15000&rd=200&searchSource=SORT&sort=distance-nearest&yrId=51683%2C56007%2C58487%2C30031936%2C35797618%2C36362520&zc=65714
Originally I was just going to consider dodge and Chrysler vans but oh boy have I seen a lot of junk ones. The owners don't take care of them at all or they have issues. So I'm broadening my horizons looking to spend no more than 12,000. The siennas appear to be a bad value just based on age and mileage for the price but how are they? I've seen a few v6 model 2011-13 100-140,000 miles around 10k
Also seen a few Kia Sedona and odyssey's I know older Honda's had terrible transmissions. Was this ever resolved? Thoughts on 2011-2015 Kia Sedona or Toyota Sienna?
Here are some Caravans in your area on cars.com
Good luck
https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searchresults.action/?mdId=21249&mkId=20012&page=1&perPage=20&prMx=15000&rd=200&searchSource=SORT&sort=distance-nearest&yrId=51683%2C56007%2C58487%2C30031936%2C35797618%2C36362520&zc=65714
Originally Posted by edyvw
Originally Posted by t1snwrbrdr12
We have a 2011 sienna. Got it with 40k and have it up to 140k now. It's been reliable, but I've never been a huge Toyota fan. I hoped this would change when I had one personally, thought maybe it was just drivers being hard on Toyota's around here, but they're still require more maintenance than I expected. I mean it's a heavy van so I may have had high expectations...
Have only been through 1 set of brakes and it was mainly bc the dealer put the cheapest pads possible on it.
Water pump whined for awhile but never leaked. Has since quieted down.
Rear shocks knocked, replaced, they began knocking again after another 30k or so...we just decided to get used to it unless they leak.
Front strut mounts are shot. Still ignoring it for the time being. Oem stuff is very expensive even with a technicians discount. Aftermarket is too iffy on quality for me to want to use it.
Steering intermediate shaft gets noisy every few years. Bought a special flat needle grease injector that quiets it down (TSB Toyota issued).
Eats tires. Got about 35k on some Firestone's new when purchased. Maybe 45k on some 60 or 80k rated continentals. Rotated every oil change, which I do around 5-7k depending on what's going on in life at the time.
**I was spoiled by an 03 accord that required next to no maintenance the duration of the 200k I owned it I think. **
I'd still pick the Toyota over a Honda due to transmission issues. I like the new Kia, but their first van that Hyundai shares was junk. I have no real knowledge and I don't know any Kia techs to get an educated opinion on the new ones. It'd be on my list to replace our sienna down the road, especially since Toyota is going hybrid.
I think I am there too at 69k. I took vehicle today for 50 mile trip in one direction to install hitch for bike rack, and it has been probably 6 months since I made such long trip with it. Rear suspension is hitting really hard. I am having a feeling I am in public trans. bus.
I just put a hitch for our bike rack on mine last week too. You should've done it yourself. Even alone, and I bought the hidden one that tucks up under the bumper, I was done in about an hour. It's only 6 bolts that are already a factory provision, nuts welded in. Not like some other cars where you're fishing a nut and large flat washer up into a cavity in the frame and hoping it'll stay put.
Originally Posted by t1snwrbrdr12
We have a 2011 sienna. Got it with 40k and have it up to 140k now. It's been reliable, but I've never been a huge Toyota fan. I hoped this would change when I had one personally, thought maybe it was just drivers being hard on Toyota's around here, but they're still require more maintenance than I expected. I mean it's a heavy van so I may have had high expectations...
Have only been through 1 set of brakes and it was mainly bc the dealer put the cheapest pads possible on it.
Water pump whined for awhile but never leaked. Has since quieted down.
Rear shocks knocked, replaced, they began knocking again after another 30k or so...we just decided to get used to it unless they leak.
Front strut mounts are shot. Still ignoring it for the time being. Oem stuff is very expensive even with a technicians discount. Aftermarket is too iffy on quality for me to want to use it.
Steering intermediate shaft gets noisy every few years. Bought a special flat needle grease injector that quiets it down (TSB Toyota issued).
Eats tires. Got about 35k on some Firestone's new when purchased. Maybe 45k on some 60 or 80k rated continentals. Rotated every oil change, which I do around 5-7k depending on what's going on in life at the time.
**I was spoiled by an 03 accord that required next to no maintenance the duration of the 200k I owned it I think. **
I'd still pick the Toyota over a Honda due to transmission issues. I like the new Kia, but their first van that Hyundai shares was junk. I have no real knowledge and I don't know any Kia techs to get an educated opinion on the new ones. It'd be on my list to replace our sienna down the road, especially since Toyota is going hybrid.
I think I am there too at 69k. I took vehicle today for 50 mile trip in one direction to install hitch for bike rack, and it has been probably 6 months since I made such long trip with it. Rear suspension is hitting really hard. I am having a feeling I am in public trans. bus.
I just put a hitch for our bike rack on mine last week too. You should've done it yourself. Even alone, and I bought the hidden one that tucks up under the bumper, I was done in about an hour. It's only 6 bolts that are already a factory provision, nuts welded in. Not like some other cars where you're fishing a nut and large flat washer up into a cavity in the frame and hoping it'll stay put.
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Here's my review of a rental Sienna that likely slots into the years you are looking at:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4465215/Toyota_Sienna_Rental_Review
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4465215/Toyota_Sienna_Rental_Review
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
JHZR2
Staff member
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
Whats wrong with the review?
I had a sienna rental about a year ago - the radio controls were the worst Ive ever seen.
When we were shopping for vans I initially wanted a Sienna, because we had such good experience with our 94 Previa.
It quickly fell off our list to a toss-up between the Odyssey and the Chrysler products.
I know there re plenty that love them. Out neighbors have one that has gone through multiple new drivers, and multiple accidents. It gets fixed and then is hit and damaged again... And still runs.
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
Whats wrong with the review?
I had a sienna rental about a year ago - the radio controls were the worst Ive ever seen.
When we were shopping for vans I initially wanted a Sienna, because we had such good experience with our 94 Previa.
It quickly fell off our list to a toss-up between the Odyssey and the Chrysler products.
I know there re plenty that love them. Out neighbors have one that has gone through multiple new drivers, and multiple accidents. It gets fixed and then is hit and damaged again... And still runs.
My buddies 07 Odyssey, seems to be trucking along fine except for AC issues. The Odyssey is the one van you're more likely to be able to find one privately owned by someone who keeps maintenance records. If I had time I'd try buying privately before buying a $12k one at a dealer without knowing its history.
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
Amusing deflection to assert that I hate Toyota products in order to avoid content that might not jive with your obvious bias. Then attempting to justify it because I presently drive FCA products? Ridiculous.
I don't "hate" any marque and my ownership history has been relatively diverse. I attempt to make my reviews as balanced as possible, which might not sit well with "fanboys" or "haters" who demand either glowing praise and adoration or utter contempt and condemnation.
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
Amusing deflection to assert that I hate Toyota products in order to avoid content that might not jive with your obvious bias. Then attempting to justify it because I presently drive FCA products? Ridiculous.
I don't "hate" any marque and my ownership history has been relatively diverse. I attempt to make my reviews as balanced as possible, which might not sit well with "fanboys" or "haters" who demand either glowing praise and adoration or utter contempt and condemnation.
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted by IndyIan
My buddies 07 Odyssey, seems to be trucking along fine except for AC issues. The Odyssey is the one van you're more likely to be able to find one privately owned by someone who keeps maintenance records. If I had time I'd try buying privately before buying a $12k one at a dealer without knowing its history.
My MIL had a trans problem era Odyssey and it was a pretty nice van, save the obvious trans issues. I agree with your recommendation.
My buddies 07 Odyssey, seems to be trucking along fine except for AC issues. The Odyssey is the one van you're more likely to be able to find one privately owned by someone who keeps maintenance records. If I had time I'd try buying privately before buying a $12k one at a dealer without knowing its history.
My MIL had a trans problem era Odyssey and it was a pretty nice van, save the obvious trans issues. I agree with your recommendation.
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
My couple rides in them gave me the impression that Toyota was trying to make pickup truck profits per unit on those. Seemed like a Yaris plastic interior stretched out to cover many square feet. Not that there's anything really wrong with that for a family hauler, just for similar money the Honda is nicer inside.
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
My couple rides in them gave me the impression that Toyota was trying to make pickup truck profits per unit on those. Seemed like a Yaris plastic interior stretched out to cover many square feet. Not that there's anything really wrong with that for a family hauler, just for similar money the Honda is nicer inside.
Originally Posted by OVERKILL
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
Amusing deflection to assert that I hate Toyota products in order to avoid content that might not jive with your obvious bias. Then attempting to justify it because I presently drive FCA products? Ridiculous.
I don't "hate" any marque and my ownership history has been relatively diverse. I attempt to make my reviews as balanced as possible, which might not sit well with "fanboys" or "haters" who demand either glowing praise and adoration or utter contempt and condemnation.
You really need to go back and read your bashing of the Tundra review from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that? The reviewer posted several negatives and yet you called it a "puff piece". I can quote it for you if you like: "This doesn't really come off as a review but rather a puff piece shrug.
The fake wood reminds me of a 2011 GMC and it is the thirstiest truck in its class.
Whenever I do a review (and I've done several) I try and break it down into pros and cons. This entire piece was raving about the pros with almost no attention given to the cons, which makes it come across as extremely biased.
While I appreciate the time you put into writing it, I implore you to employ a greater degree of objectivity going forward".
And then there's the review you posted of your own truck. I could use your words, "Puff piece".
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
^^^ A review by a Fiat fanboy that hates Toyota. Yeah, we'll pass.
Amusing deflection to assert that I hate Toyota products in order to avoid content that might not jive with your obvious bias. Then attempting to justify it because I presently drive FCA products? Ridiculous.
I don't "hate" any marque and my ownership history has been relatively diverse. I attempt to make my reviews as balanced as possible, which might not sit well with "fanboys" or "haters" who demand either glowing praise and adoration or utter contempt and condemnation.
You really need to go back and read your bashing of the Tundra review from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that? The reviewer posted several negatives and yet you called it a "puff piece". I can quote it for you if you like: "This doesn't really come off as a review but rather a puff piece shrug.
The fake wood reminds me of a 2011 GMC and it is the thirstiest truck in its class.
Whenever I do a review (and I've done several) I try and break it down into pros and cons. This entire piece was raving about the pros with almost no attention given to the cons, which makes it come across as extremely biased.
While I appreciate the time you put into writing it, I implore you to employ a greater degree of objectivity going forward".
And then there's the review you posted of your own truck. I could use your words, "Puff piece".
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
You really need to go back and read your bashing of the Tundra review from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that? The reviewer posted several negatives and yet you called it a "puff piece".
Bashing? Funny, you are the only person to categorize my politely presented critique as a bash, wonder why that is? I noted that it read like a puff piece because it read like a puff piece, kind of like how you read like a complete [censored] bag
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
And then there's the review you posted of your own truck. I could use your words, "Puff piece".
You mean the review where I covered a rather reasonably long list of critiques? I wouldn't expect the likes of you to be able to interpret it any other way however, as you are so far from neutral you wouldn't know balanced if it hit you in the face.
You have got to be the most appallingly unpleasant piece of work I've ever encountered on here, and that's saying something.
You really need to go back and read your bashing of the Tundra review from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that? The reviewer posted several negatives and yet you called it a "puff piece".
Bashing? Funny, you are the only person to categorize my politely presented critique as a bash, wonder why that is? I noted that it read like a puff piece because it read like a puff piece, kind of like how you read like a complete [censored] bag
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
And then there's the review you posted of your own truck. I could use your words, "Puff piece".
You mean the review where I covered a rather reasonably long list of critiques? I wouldn't expect the likes of you to be able to interpret it any other way however, as you are so far from neutral you wouldn't know balanced if it hit you in the face.
You have got to be the most appallingly unpleasant piece of work I've ever encountered on here, and that's saying something.
Originally Posted by OVERKILL
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
You really need to go back and read your bashing of the Tundra review from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that? The reviewer posted several negatives and yet you called it a "puff piece".
Bashing? Funny, you are the only person to categorize my politely presented critique as a bash, wonder why that is? I noted that it read like a puff piece because it read like a puff piece, kind of like how you read like a complete [censored] bag
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
And then there's the review you posted of your own truck. I could use your words, "Puff piece".
You mean the review where I covered a rather reasonably long list of critiques? I wouldn't expect the likes of you to be able to interpret it any other way however, as you are so far from neutral you wouldn't know balanced if it hit you in the face.
You have got to be the most appallingly unpleasant piece of work I've ever encountered on here, and that's saying something.
Coming from you, that's a compliment. You go and have yourself a nice day.
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
You really need to go back and read your bashing of the Tundra review from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that? The reviewer posted several negatives and yet you called it a "puff piece".
Bashing? Funny, you are the only person to categorize my politely presented critique as a bash, wonder why that is? I noted that it read like a puff piece because it read like a puff piece, kind of like how you read like a complete [censored] bag
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
And then there's the review you posted of your own truck. I could use your words, "Puff piece".
You mean the review where I covered a rather reasonably long list of critiques? I wouldn't expect the likes of you to be able to interpret it any other way however, as you are so far from neutral you wouldn't know balanced if it hit you in the face.
You have got to be the most appallingly unpleasant piece of work I've ever encountered on here, and that's saying something.
Coming from you, that's a compliment. You go and have yourself a nice day.
To the OP, yes the Siennas tend to be pricier and higher mileage but it's because they are reliable and durable. I have a 2013 XLE with 110k miles with nothing but regular maintenance. The only issue, and this is with all minivans, is the tires don't last the full tread warranty. Based on my 7 years of ownership and a 2006 Camry with over 200k miles,, 200k miles on the Sienna should be easy.
If high mileage scares you, get a rental Grand Caravan. Avoid the first model year of the Sienna re-design like the 2011 or 2017 and you should be fine. More issues that are corrected in later years.
Good luck.
If high mileage scares you, get a rental Grand Caravan. Avoid the first model year of the Sienna re-design like the 2011 or 2017 and you should be fine. More issues that are corrected in later years.
Good luck.
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
Originally Posted by OVERKILL
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
You really need to go back and read your bashing of the Tundra review from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that? The reviewer posted several negatives and yet you called it a "puff piece".
Bashing? Funny, you are the only person to categorize my politely presented critique as a bash, wonder why that is? I noted that it read like a puff piece because it read like a puff piece, kind of like how you read like a complete [censored] bag
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
And then there's the review you posted of your own truck. I could use your words, "Puff piece".
You mean the review where I covered a rather reasonably long list of critiques? I wouldn't expect the likes of you to be able to interpret it any other way however, as you are so far from neutral you wouldn't know balanced if it hit you in the face.
You have got to be the most appallingly unpleasant piece of work I've ever encountered on here, and that's saying something.
Coming from you, that's a compliment. You go and have yourself a nice day.
Can I just say overkill for years I thought that was me , I'm glad to find out it's not me it's this guy!!...‚...‚ woot!
Originally Posted by OVERKILL
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
You really need to go back and read your bashing of the Tundra review from a couple of weeks ago. Remember that? The reviewer posted several negatives and yet you called it a "puff piece".
Bashing? Funny, you are the only person to categorize my politely presented critique as a bash, wonder why that is? I noted that it read like a puff piece because it read like a puff piece, kind of like how you read like a complete [censored] bag
Originally Posted by PowerSurge
And then there's the review you posted of your own truck. I could use your words, "Puff piece".
You mean the review where I covered a rather reasonably long list of critiques? I wouldn't expect the likes of you to be able to interpret it any other way however, as you are so far from neutral you wouldn't know balanced if it hit you in the face.
You have got to be the most appallingly unpleasant piece of work I've ever encountered on here, and that's saying something.
Coming from you, that's a compliment. You go and have yourself a nice day.
Can I just say overkill for years I thought that was me , I'm glad to find out it's not me it's this guy!!...‚...‚ woot!
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted by ram_man
Can I just say overkill for years I thought that was me , I'm glad to find out it's not me it's this guy!!...‚...‚ woot!
LOL!!
No, you've been a bit...scattered over the years, have a strong tendency not to follow advice, and, under a previous alias or two, tended to get pretty wound-up, but definitely not an unpleasant person overall in my opinion. In other words, I'd have no problem sitting down and having a beer with you.
Can I just say overkill for years I thought that was me , I'm glad to find out it's not me it's this guy!!...‚...‚ woot!
LOL!!
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