Best minivan for the least money? How much to get 2-3 years

[ganchan]

Just out of curiosity, if you folks were limited to purchasing an older, high-mileage minivan that you could squeeze 2-3 more years out of, just how little would you feel comfortable paying? I had planned on setting a $5k max, but I'm actually some interesting possibilities below the $4K mark....

 

[Van-Tramp]

I bought a mid-90's Ford Aerostar for $600 (had minor front bumper damage) and it ran great for the year I had it. I put a few-ten-thousand miles on it. The Aerostars get 26-28 MPG and had a large flat open area in the rear which I built out. It had a great AC too.

I sold it a year later for $1200.

I still see a lot of these guys on the road. Seems very reliable for their age. They even have extended models which will give you a longer van.

 

[Gigi]

I bought a 98 Plymouth Grand Voyager last year with 98,000 miles on it. Paid $1,500.00. You could definitely find one for under $5,000.00. With the conditions you give--I wouldn't pay more than what I paid for this one. Good luck!

 

[John61CT]

Got a Voyager for $600, needed $1200 to get kids-level roadworthy safe, lasted four years daily driving.

Out away from wealthy population centers, Craig's List, looking what's parked with a sign.

And a trusted mechanic to give it a good once-over before purchasing, make a prioritized list what will need attention.

 

[PatchTwist]

I'm in the same boat: looking for a cheep but reliable minivan to get a couple years out of. Personally,  I keep my eyes on Craigslist and local facebook sale pages. I've seen quite a few promising minivans through those means. For example, there was a Town and Country for around $3,500 not too long ago on Craigslist. Only reason I haven't pounced on one is that I don't have enough money saved up to buy my minivan.
Just stay vigilant and you'll find something soon. Good luck!

 

[John61CT]

Trick is hanging on to the money once you've got it saved, keep adding to it, waiting for "the one" crazy deal to come along so you've got enough leftover for the buildout.

All too easy to jump at best of the lot currently available rather than being patient.

 

[ArtW]

I'm starting to lean toward a minivan myself

 

[Canine]

Any number of pre 2003 domestic models from Caravan/Voyagers to Windstars to Venture/Montana can be had on Craigslist here in Phoenix all day long below 2K. Miles will be high (130-160K) and condition a bit rough but will they run, most likely for as long as you are hoping. Course anything can happen.

I just ran a craigslist on 4 and 6 cyl vans, no year specified, priced from $500 to 2,000 in Phoenix and nearby areas (Tucson, Prescott). I stopped counting minivans at 90, the page said there were 138 total including a few full sized. Is that enough?

 

[INTJohn]

Just out of curiosity, if you folks were limited to purchasing an older, high-mileage minivan that you could squeeze 2-3 more years out of, just how little would you feel comfortable paying? I had planned on setting a $5k max, but I'm actually some interesting possibilities below the $4K mark....

http://www.bestusedminivan.com/the-best-used-minivan-under-5000/

Yes; you can find everything on the internet........INTJohn

 

[John61CT]

I can't believe they didn't even try to factor in reliability/average repairs costs, lots more variability there than depreciation or MPG.

But Toyota's lead would likely have just been out further in front, and yes Honda right up there.

There's a rational reason they hold their value longer, so if you get a chance to buy one of these in good shape way "under market", around Kelly Blue Book, grab it.

With US built I'm sure some models, some years are also reliable, haven't done the research.

 

[Urban Fisher]

I bought me a 2005 Kia Sedona. I actually really like it! Kia has been getting some great reviews from the consumer ratings people. They were listed in the top 5 of the most reliable vehicles. I bought mine with 90k miles on it (it has 100k manufacture warranty) and only paid $2,500.00 cash (including TT&L). I spent maybe another $1,500.00 in general maintenance to make sure everything was caught up...new tires, brakes, all fluids changed, timing belt, serpentine belt, various light bulbs and other odds and ends. The $1,500.00 came from my previous vehicle which was a Ford Ranger I sold with 250k miles on it with a bad engine (I actually got $1,700.00 for the old truck...yes even with a blown engine and all!). My minivan has some little dings and dents but I don't mind because I use it for camping and that will happen anyway. But I am very happy with my little van and plan on getting at least 200k miles out of it (another 110 from when I bought it so I figured a good 4-5 more years). If I had a choice I would have gotten a Sienna, but when I compared the Sedona to similar Sienna's (same year, miles ect.) the Siannas were usually more than twice in price than what I paid for my Sedona.

 

[Campor99]

Don't know if you call a Astro or Safari GM van a mini, but you can get them below the price 
you were talking. My Astro AWD cost me 2000. Shop around and take your time and you can
find some good deals out there, good luck. What ever you choose enjoy the Adventure.

Be Safe and enjoy our beautiful country.

 

[John61CT]

mid-size that is