Buying a Minivan
Finding the van that’s right for you (and your family) can sometimes be a challenging task. There are a bewildering array of choices and options, and finding a van that fits your needs can take some research. In this article we’ll take a look at some advice and suggestions that should help you when visiting auto dealers and perusing the newspaper classifieds for your new minivan.
What are your needs?
One of your first steps is to determine what your specific budget and needs are with regards to a new vehicle. Most new minivans range in price from around $20,000 for base models to $40,000 (and beyond) for luxury trim levels loaded with options.
Depending on the make and model, minivans excel at carrying 5 to 8 people and their related baggage and accoutrements. Sliding side doors and top-hinged rear lift gates make for easy access into the vehicle, which makes minivans ideal for busy parents who are often shepherding kids while lugging groceries and sports gear.
While minivans have been unfairly typecast as the vehicle of choice for “soccer moms”, they also excel in many other areas as well. Minivans have a lower ride height than SUVs, which may make entry and exit easier for the elderly and for people with disabilities.
That said, if you have certain needs a minivan may not be right for you. For example: If you regularly travel on rough or unpaved roads and need to tow a large trailer, boat or other heavy load, you may want to consider looking at a full-size SUV instead of a minivan.
Pick the right wheelbase
Several manufacturers – such as Dodge -- make a standard wheelbase and an extended wheelbase version of their minivans. While the shorter wheelbase models may cost less, the extended versions typically add more space behind the third seat row and give third seat passengers some additional leg room. My advice would be to buy the extended wheelbase version, especially if you expect to regularly carry more than 3 passengers.
Engines and drive train
Most minivans are offered with a variety of engines and drive train types. Entry level and basic models may be equipped with a 4-cylinder engine, while more powerful 6-cylinder engines are often optional extras.
If you live in a largely flat area, do a lot of highway driving and don’t plan on carrying heavy loads or towing anything, a 4-cylinder will give you better fuel economy at the expense of power and towing capacity.
For most instances a 6-cylinder with the largest displacement available may be your best option, as it will help you accelerate and merge into traffic more easily when you’re loaded down with luggage and passengers.
Most minivans are also front-wheel drive (FWD), but all wheel drive (AWD) is offered as an option on some minivans. FWD is perfectly acceptable in the vast majority of cases, but drivers living in extremely cold climates with nasty winter conditions may want to consider an AWD option for added traction and security. AWD does add cost and weight to your vehicle, and may also diminish your gas mileage slightly.
Safety Features
Most modern minivans have a host of safety features available standard or as optional extras. Look for vehicles that offer a full complement of airbags – front, side and side curtain airbags that run the length of the vehicle can be lifesavers in accidents, particularly in the case of a side impact with a larger vehicle.
Many more recommended safety options are commonly available, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), four wheel disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), traction control, specially-designed doors and side pillars to disperse impact energy, tire pressure monitoring systems and other options.
One of the most important and useful safety technologies to appear over the last few years has been electronic stability control or ESC, which is occasionally referred to with a manufacturer-specific brand name as well. Using a complex array of sensors and software, ESC can sense when a driver may be close to losing control of a vehicle in an adverse driving situation. The ESC then attempts to activate selective braking and throttle control to bring the vehicle back under control. ESC has helped make the latest crop of SUVs much more resistant to rollover, and has been proven to save lives.
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