Minivan

[elitehak]

Hi everyone,

Been reading a lot on this site, but i would like your feedback.
My current car, Mazda Protege is now too small for our kids, and yep, i need a minivan. I am looking to buy a 7 passenger minivan.
A few details:

- we do about 15 000K a year, not a lot
- looking to buy new 2006 minivan within next 3 months
- been looking at Mazda MPV, Toyota Sienna or even Caravan (but I am not really sold on the caravan, i hear too many horror stories) but the price is so cheap compared to others
- price range is about 32K + tax etc.

Any feedback would be appreciated,

Thanks

Eli

[allen]

Stay away from the Caravan, all the bad things you hear are ture, I had one and the transmission went twice and every year I had to fix the AC. They are cheap becuse they are made cheap.

I got the Honda Odessey after the Caravan and it was great, a friend has the Toyota and loves it..

[The General]

Out of your list, I kwould select the Sienna. The MPV is not great and should be completely replaced within 18 months or so. The Caravan's have improved since 2001-02 but I still think the Toyota is a better choice.

[jww]

If you can do with a 6 passenger vehicle, the Mazda 5 might be an option. It drives decently enough, with the only exception being that the engine is weak when loaded down.

The Odessy and Sienna seem to be the front runners in terms of quality, etc. If you are looking at long-term ownership, then I believe either one would work well. I would steer away from the MPV for reasons already stated.

There is one other option you might consider - and that is the new Hyundai (I believe they call it the Entourage) which is due out in spring. If my new Sonata is any indication of what Hyundai can do, it will be some impressive vehicle for the price.

jww