kate
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jul 5, 2017 0:46:35 GMT
DH and I are looking at certified pre-owned minivans. He's partial to the Odyssey; he just likes how it handles a bit better than the Sienna. We're looking at model years 2013-15. I prefer the EX-L to the LX simply because of the right-side camera - I'm a complete Nervous Nellie driver (I rarely drive at all), and I think it would be really helpful in the event I had to drive that monstrous vehicle (LOL).
What can you tell me about those models?
We also wanted to look at Kia Sedonas, but can find few used ones for sale nearby. Ditto for the Nissan Quest. Does anyone have these and love (or hate) them? Is it worth pursuing one, even if we have to go far to find one?
Thanks for any help. This is the first time we're buying a car from a dealer. We should qualify for a good financing deal, but I'm worried about that, too! Our other cars have been cash sales.
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 5, 2017 0:54:21 GMT
I've driven both the Odyssey and Sedona as rental vehicles. They both handled well. I think they would both probably be good cars.
Is a larger suv out of the question? The Acadia is nice to drive.
Do you need awd?
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Post by myboysnme on Jul 5, 2017 0:55:29 GMT
Chrysler Pacifica
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kate
Drama Llama

Posts: 5,667
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
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Post by kate on Jul 5, 2017 1:41:25 GMT
Is a larger suv out of the question? The Acadia is nice to drive. Do you need awd? We'll be doing mostly short drives in the city or just outside, but a couple of times a year, we'll take all the kids and the dog halfway across the country. We need at least 7, and preferably 8 seats in case we want to take anyone else with us to a baseball game, church, etc. AWD is not a big deal - we can easily avoid daily driving when the snow and ice are bad (though of course we'd like a decent safety rating). A friend of ours had a 2010 Pacifica - it seemed cramped when it was full of kids, and the kids are now nearly the size of adults. Would the newer ones seat 6 adults very comfortably and 7 or 8 for shorter rides? We haven't really considered the Pacifica/Pilot/Highlander SUVs just for room's sake. Maybe we should reconsider?
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 19:53:10 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2017 2:22:23 GMT
I am partial to Toyota. I have a 2013 Toyota Sienna and LOVE it. I like the way it handles, the features, and how the outside looks.
I hate that the Odyssey has a cut out on each side where the door slides. The Sienna doesnt do that.
I also hated the molding on the Odyssey how it pokes up and alters the window.
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 5, 2017 2:26:51 GMT
I have a Town and County and there are a lot of features that I really like. I went to Carmax where they had 9? different makes and models all lined up. I just went from van to van trying them all out. It was so much easier than going to separate dealerships and they don't have older vans than what you are looking for. Saves so much time and it's easy to go from van to van comparing cupholders, DVD packages, cargo space, etc.
-For starters, DH is 6' and I'm 5'2". We had to find a van that was comfortable for both of us to drive, as we make a 3,000 mile trip every summer and he does most of the driving. We used to buy the vans with adjustable foot pedals, but now they make the seats that raise and lower as well as move front to back. This helps a lot. -I wanted a lot of cargo room. The T&C had it with the extended version, as well as the foot wells. (The seats lower into the wells instead of taking them out. So if I'm hauling a big load, I just fold the seats into the well. Also, if I have unexpected passengers, I know the seats are in the van and all I need to do is pull them out of the wells. In addition, you can hide valuables in the wells if you leave them in the van. -I also looked at all the nooks and crannies and how easy they were to clean. I thought the T&C won this hands down--no tracks from the back seats to fill with dog hair or Cheerios. Same thing around where the seats lock into the floor, the front consul, etc. -I liked the make up of the front consul. I can change my phone inside it, leaving it out of sight if I have to run into a store and I want my phone to keep charging. -It also has A/C outlets in the back, letting the kids charge laptops/phones on the go (vs just a port for phone charging.) I've also run a crockpot at a picnic as well! -If you haul a stroller around, is there space for that and groceries? When we bought our first mini van, we were deep into the stroller years and so many didn't have room for a stroller and other cargo. -I buy used as well. Get the back up camera. It's a huge safety feature that I sort of pooh-poohed until I used it. I can see if anyone is coming at bumper level--great in parking lots. I can't sing it's praises enough.
The one thing my van doesn't have that I really want is the vacuum that the Odyssey has. Some day! I just bought a handheld Dyson and saved a ton of money. The Odyssey was almost $10,000 more for all the same bells and whistles. $150 vs $10,000 was a no brainer for me.
Good luck!
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kate
Drama Llama

Posts: 5,667
Location: The city that doesn't sleep
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Jul 5, 2017 2:58:51 GMT
Thanks, @calimom2 and Basket1lady - lots of good food for thought here. We're scheduled to go to a dealer tomorrow; maybe I'll see if we can find a Carmax to visit, as well.
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Post by peanutterbutter on Jul 5, 2017 3:08:26 GMT
I buy vans for work, accessibility and space for adults is a huge consideration. My two finalists consistently have been the Sienna and the Odyssey. We have bought Siennas consistently because they were a little less in price, and seem to have a bit more head room etc. They have been very reliable vehicles so far, and I don't have to worry too much abut who can ride in the back, which is nice. The Odyssey was very close, and you probably won't go wrong with either choice.
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Post by alyssam on Jul 5, 2017 3:38:06 GMT
I have a 2016 Kia Sedona. I love it. We bought it this April and got a killer deal because they 2018 models are rolling in. We seriously paid less then the 2015's are selling for used.
As for financing, our credit card gave us the best deal (bank of America). I think it was something in the 2.5% range. If you get preapproved they give you something to take to the dealership.
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Post by iteach3rdgrade on Jul 5, 2017 5:13:14 GMT
I have a Town and County and there are a lot of features that I really like. I went to Carmax where they had 9? different makes and models all lined up. I just went from van to van trying them all out. It was so much easier than going to separate dealerships and they don't have older vans than what you are looking for. Saves so much time and it's easy to go from van to van comparing cupholders, DVD packages, cargo space, etc. -For starters, DH is 6' and I'm 5'2". We had to find a van that was comfortable for both of us to drive, as we make a 3,000 mile trip every summer and he does most of the driving. We used to buy the vans with adjustable foot pedals, but now they make the seats that raise and lower as well as move front to back. This helps a lot. -I wanted a lot of cargo room. The T&C had it with the extended version, as well as the foot wells. (The seats lower into the wells instead of taking them out. So if I'm hauling a big load, I just fold the seats into the well. Also, if I have unexpected passengers, I know the seats are in the van and all I need to do is pull them out of the wells. In addition, you can hide valuables in the wells if you leave them in the van. -I also looked at all the nooks and crannies and how easy they were to clean. I thought the T&C won this hands down--no tracks from the back seats to fill with dog hair or Cheerios. Same thing around where the seats lock into the floor, the front consul, etc. -I liked the make up of the front consul. I can change my phone inside it, leaving it out of sight if I have to run into a store and I want my phone to keep charging. -It also has A/C outlets in the back, letting the kids charge laptops/phones on the go (vs just a port for phone charging.) I've also run a crockpot at a picnic as well! -If you haul a stroller around, is there space for that and groceries? When we bought our first mini van, we were deep into the stroller years and so many didn't have room for a stroller and other cargo. -I buy used as well. Get the back up camera. It's a huge safety feature that I sort of pooh-poohed until I used it. I can see if anyone is coming at bumper level--great in parking lots. I can't sing it's praises enough. The one thing my van doesn't have that I really want is the vacuum that the Odyssey has. Some day! I just bought a handheld Dyson and saved a ton of money. The Odyssey was almost $10,000 more for all the same bells and whistles. $150 vs $10,000 was a no brainer for me. Good luck! I love my T & C. The stow and go is one of my favorite features. We love the outlets, too! I seem to have some rust in two places and that's my main complaint after 8 years.
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caangel
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Posts: 6,025
Location: So Cal
Jun 26, 2014 16:42:12 GMT
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Post by caangel on Jul 5, 2017 5:40:45 GMT
Is a larger suv out of the question? The Acadia is nice to drive. Do you need awd? We'll be doing mostly short drives in the city or just outside, but a couple of times a year, we'll take all the kids and the dog halfway across the country. We need at least 7, and preferably 8 seats in case we want to take anyone else with us to a baseball game, church, etc. AWD is not a big deal - we can easily avoid daily driving when the snow and ice are bad (though of course we'd like a decent safety rating). A friend of ours had a 2010 Pacifica - it seemed cramped when it was full of kids, and the kids are now nearly the size of adults. Would the newer ones seat 6 adults very comfortably and 7 or 8 for shorter rides? We haven't really considered the Pacifica/Pilot/Highlander SUVs just for room's sake. Maybe we should reconsider? That was the old Pacifica which was a crossover. The new Pacifica is the new name of the Town and Country. It is a mini van. We are getting a Odyssey some time this year. My DH loves the Pacifica minivan but I don't have a ton of confidence in the brand. Doesn't help that they just recalled all the Pacifica Hybrids and stopped making them for 2017 due to them losing power and it not being an easy fix. I have an 04 Pilot at almost 183k miles that is still going strong. I think my brother may buy it since SIL's subaru completely died on them and she is driving a 1990s Mercedes with over 300k miles.
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Grom Pea
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,944
Jun 27, 2014 0:21:07 GMT
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Post by Grom Pea on Jul 5, 2017 6:38:50 GMT
We'll be doing mostly short drives in the city or just outside, but a couple of times a year, we'll take all the kids and the dog halfway across the country. We need at least 7, and preferably 8 seats in case we want to take anyone else with us to a baseball game, church, etc. AWD is not a big deal - we can easily avoid daily driving when the snow and ice are bad (though of course we'd like a decent safety rating). A friend of ours had a 2010 Pacifica - it seemed cramped when it was full of kids, and the kids are now nearly the size of adults. Would the newer ones seat 6 adults very comfortably and 7 or 8 for shorter rides? We haven't really considered the Pacifica/Pilot/Highlander SUVs just for room's sake. Maybe we should reconsider? That was the old Pacifica which was a crossover. The new Pacifica is the new name of the Town and Country. It is a mini van. We are getting a Odyssey some time this year. My DH loves the Pacifica minivan but I don't have a ton of confidence in the brand. Doesn't help that they just recalled all the Pacifica Hybrids and stopped making them for 2017 due to them losing power and it not being an easy fix. I have an 04 Pilot at almost 183k miles that is still going strong. I think my brother may buy it since SIL's subaru completely died on them and she is driving a 1990s Mercedes with over 300k miles. That's too bad about the hybrids, I was really interested in one when it came out but i wanted to see what people thought about them first, sounds like it was a good idea to wait. My car is dying, or at least there's a problem that seems to happen in the spring that stops by the summer, same thing happened last year which was making me look at mini vans. Since my car is happy again I guess I'll just keep looking instead of being really serious.
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Post by monklady123 on Jul 5, 2017 10:16:21 GMT
I can't speak to those model years that you mentioned, but overall I would say go for Honda. I'm driving a 2002 (yes, not a typo) Odyssey and it's still going strong. It just passed inspection with no repairs required.  Yay for our Honda dealer's service department. Anyway... we have stuffed this van full of kids and dogs and furniture and whatever else... The cargo space is excellent. However, I'm biased since we've never owned any vehicle except Hondas over the years.
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Post by epeanymous on Jul 5, 2017 13:01:33 GMT
We are a two-minivan family. We have a 2008 Kia Sedona and a 2012 Honda Odyssey. Both handle well, are reliable, don't require much maintenance, and are comfortable. The Odyssey has many more features, although the fact that it is newer is part of that; things like remote door-opening, however, are pretty nice for us, with very small children.
As an FYI, we had a Kia Sedona before our current one. We got rear-ended on the highway by someone doing 60+; the car had problems after that required us to replace it, but looked almost undamaged and kept my kids safe and sound; the car that hit us looked like a crushed tin can (the driver was ok, thankfully).
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Post by stampnscrap1128 on Jul 5, 2017 13:49:59 GMT
I bought a pre-owned certified 2009 Toyota Sienna in early 2010 and still drive it. One of the best cars I've ever owned. I'd definitely purchase another Sienna when it comes time.
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craftymom101
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Jul 31, 2014 5:23:25 GMT
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Post by craftymom101 on Jul 6, 2017 4:09:13 GMT
I have a 2015 Kia Sedona and I love it. I have the middle model and have zero complaints. It handles well, tons of features, and seats 8 comfortably. I love that the middle 8th seat is removable, and the back three seats fold completely into the floor, giving me tons of storage space. I would definitely buy another Sedona.
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Post by omarakbt on Jul 6, 2017 6:41:05 GMT
I looked at both the Odyssey and the Sienna and ended up with the Sienna. It just fit me better, we have had several Toyota's all of which gave us good service The ONLY thing I wish the Sienna had is the stow and go seats. I am able to slide the seats forward and backward as I need for room but the stow and go seats would be a nice option
Diane
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mlana
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Jun 27, 2014 19:58:15 GMT
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Post by mlana on Jul 8, 2017 6:09:34 GMT
I'm on my 2nd Odyssey. I bought the first one, a 2001 model in 2002 with 12k miles on it. I drove it until 2014 when the transmission went at 254k miles. I will always regret not keeping it and putting a new transmission in it . I bought a 2012 Accord with lots of bells and whistles and drove it for a year. It just wasn't me. LOL. My family really missed having a vehicle that we could pile into and spread out in. I missed being able to carry long items and garden things around. I was always worried about getting the newer vehicle dirty.
When my Dd got back from China, she drove the Accord at school and I looked around for a 'new' van for me. I wanted bells and whistles, but I also wanted to pay cash. I ended up buying a 2006 Odyssey Touring Edition. I love it. I knew going in to the sale that I would need to put some $ into bringing the maintenance up to date. I also expect to have to replace the transmission within the next year, though i may be wrong about that. I don't think the maintenance was done on it so I've just set aside the money to handle it if the occasion arises.
I love the way this vehicle drives; DH loves the way it rides. He says the ride is so much smoother than the Accord or even our previous Odyssey. DD and I, both shorties, love the adjustable pedals and the seat memory. We have yet to even try out the video system. The stereo predates AUX jacks, so I have a little Bluetooth speaker that fits in one of the cup holders that we use when we travel. It works well and will do until I have cause to replace the current audio system. Gotta have my tunes and audio books when I travel.
Why an Odyssey over a Sienna? The service department at my local dealership. I love our service rep, Donna, and I like the dealership's service department. I have bought 3 vehicles from them, but I bought this one from a different place. They don't keep vehicles this old on the used lot. I feel good about following Donna's advice on when a repair is needed ASAP and when it can hold a bit. The same company owns the local Honda and Toyota dealerships, but only Honda has Donna. I handle most of the car maintenance for our family, so I buy vehicles that can be serviced where I think I'm being treated fairly and with respect. So far, all of our Hondas have been relatively free of any major problems not covered by warranties for the first 200k miles.
I seriously suggest that you, or any woman for that matter, visit the facility where you plan to have most of your maintenance and repair work done before you purchase a vehicle. Are there any female service people? You may not choose to use one of the women as your long term service provider, but in my experience, facilities that have females in the service department tend to treat female customers with more respect than those with all male service people. Is there a comfortable waiting area, preferably one where you can work or make phone calls while you wait? If you ask about the cost of a particular service for the vehicle you are interested in, is it the same price that they quote your husband should he call up in a bit and ask?
Marcy
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2017 13:29:21 GMT
Here is my response on another thread last month when someone was looking at a Ford versus a Honda:
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gsquaredmom
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Posts: 4,107
Jun 26, 2014 17:43:22 GMT
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Post by gsquaredmom on Jul 8, 2017 14:14:46 GMT
Here is my response on another thread last month when someone was looking at a Ford versus a Honda: They must have changed the brakes. We have an 06 Odyssey with175k that is still going strong. The brakes wear like iron. We have never had the rotors turned. I think we have replaced the brake pads only 2-3 times. I don't care for the look of the new Odyssey, and you cannot fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in it. If I were looking now, I would also look at the Sienna, but no American labels.
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Post by brandnewrollerskates on Jul 8, 2017 15:14:31 GMT
My Honda Odyssey had a ton of repairs and they were hella expensive. The last year we owned it we had at least $3500 in repairs. I did love how it handled but did not care for the interior design whatsoever.
We have a Toyota Corolla that's still in great shape with 100K miles. So with my limited experience with Toyota, I would choose the Sienna vs the Odyssey.
I drive a Town and Country. The interior design is IMO perfect for our family of five. Very thoughtful design for a family on the go. We have had a couple repairs on it but all significantly less $ than our Honda. Plus our gently used T&C was several thousands less than the Honda. I recommend giving the T&C a look!
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