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looking for a newer used mini van, suggestions?

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

We currently have a 2003 town and country that I love, except the rusting on the bottom of the doors UGH.... Did they improve that defect in more recent years? Are the newer ones 2012 or 2013 any better. We are pretty much open to any make, as long as it is a mini van and will be a good reliable van. Thanks in advance...

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Comments (3)

300ft_anin
6 years ago
hi, what part of the country do you live? out of curiosity, i checked the local CL for 20 yr old mini vans. there wasn't alot of people mentioning rust issues, i'm in the PNW (pretty wet). most of the dodge/chrysler where in as expected condition.
kenjwy
6 years ago
The Town and Country and Caravan went to a new generation in '08 with a new body design so any problems of the earlier generation could well have been addressed. I have always liked the body style of the '01 - '07 version that you have though; seems more timeless and smooth than the later ones.

I think you're smart to be willing to consider other makes as well because when you look at used cars you're buying a previous owner or owners as much as you're buying a particular make/model. I have some friends that have a mid-2000s Toyota Sienna and they're happy with it. The Honda Odyssey would also probably be worth a look too as they just came out with a new generation with the 2018 model, which tends to make earlier models less costly on the used vehicle market.
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jemdandy
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People that I know who have Honda Odysseys like those. Its larger than the CR-V. The Odyssey has the V-6 engine and is peppier and more responsive than the CR-V. The CR-V is supplied with only the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine with variable timing of the cam shafts. I have driven both and own a pair of CR-Vs.

The Odyssey has plenty of power and easily attacks hills; The power of the CR-V is adequate, but requires down-shifting to maintain cruising speed on shallow grades or significant head-winds. The difference is fuel mileage. The CR-V gets 27 to 30 mpg at highway speeds.

I recommend the AWD versions although both versions are ok when cruising. The problem is inadequate traction when starting especially on wet pavement. Add a little oil or grease present at stop lights and it gets worse. These mini-vans are top heavy and tends to lighten the load on the inside front wheel when turning at a traffic light. Wheel spin occurs at low to medium throttle application. The AWD version is very helpful in combating this condition. Also, the AWD versions are superior in snow or slippery roads. The AWD adds weight and will reduce fuel mileage up to 1 mpg. Straight line acceleration is slightly less for the AWD version die to the added weight. However, that might not be the case for the Odyssey with the much more powerful engine because It has enough power to slip the front wheels on straight line acceleration without AWD.

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