Looking for a new (or almost new) vehicle

[albertGQ]

Well my wife and I are finally thinking of retiring the 2002 VW Golf. We are officially in the market for a new (or almost new) vehicle. We are leaning towards a Honda Odyssey or a Dodge Grand Caravan but we can be convinced on a different make and model. We initially didn't want a van, but with three kids, I feel this is the most practical choice.

So CP world, I'm looking for recommendations on other vehicles, reviews of the above two, and hookups (who doesn't love getting a great deal on a new car?) so we can get the best value. Also, if anyone is looking to purchase our Golf, let me know. It's older but has been maintained well. We just finally outgrew it.

Thanks in advance!

[billybob123]

How high a trim level are you looking at? The Kia Sedona in the SXL trim has reclining second row captains chairs with leg rests. Nowhere near as convenient as the stow and go on the Caravan, which is what sells me on the Dodge/Chrysler Pacifica.

Eta: don't let the popular opinion on minivans deter you from buying one. They beat SUV at everything: space, fuel economy, third row access, cargo space, ease of entry and exit.

[REDVAN]

Minivans are the best!

[Canehdianman]

It's hard to direct you without you providing information about what you are looking for, as well as a price.

I'd buy a 5 year old Toyota Sienna before I'd buy a new Caravan.

[sketchyt]

Step 1: Contact Pylon at Northland VW
Step 2: See Step 1

[Table 5]

Good for you with going with a van instead of trying to cram your kids into some crossover.

You’re not going to get more bang for your buck than a Caravan. Yes, the Odyssey and Sienna are better, but often they are a good 10-15k more expensive, which I’m not sure is worth it considering how kids destroy cars. Lots of cash on the hood for Caravans and I think they are actually quite well appointed these days. Some poor results with small-overlap tests though.

One van you may want to give a try is a Ford Transit Connect passenger van. You don’t see a ton of them (and for some reason the passenger versions are listed on the commercial side of the Autotrader website). But they have driving characteristics of a car, and are quite roomy on the inside even though the exterior is much smaller than most vans.

I also find the new Metris to be an interesting option if you need more space, but it’s more of a spartan choice compared to what people want their kid haulers to be. But hey, Mercedes…oooh…

[VladtheImpaler]

I have a 2013 Cadillac SRX with only 26.7K on it that needs a new home. Locke can verify that it exists.

[Canada 02]

how old are your kids? Are they in car seats?

We just had our third, so in a similar situation that required a bigger people mover. The oldest is in a booster seat, two youngest are in car seats. For us, a mini-van was the only option because it allowed easy access to the third row seating, even with the car seats in place.

We looked at SUVs with 3rd row seating. Tried to fit the car seats in the middle row - did not find any vehicle that allowed the 2nd row to slide forward enough (w/ a car seat in place) for a 5 year old to squeeze into the back row. Caveat - we were only looking at used vehicles that were couple years old.

There are a few new model SUVs that have 2nd row captain seats that allow better access to the back row. If you have kids with car seats, this is the only practical alternative to a mini-van

here is a list of SUVs that have 2nd row captains chairs:
https://www.cars.com/articles/which-...1420683375332/

[Bagor]

Get the autotrader app.
At the very least you can walk in with info on comparables in your hand.

[Northendzone]

a minivan - don't let your wife make the decision for you. man up!!!

[Scoopdogg]

Similar to what Table 5 stated earlier, kids will destroy your vehicle so what's the point of over spending on it, especially a people mover. I'd go with the caravan because of the price point and the fact that it meets all your needs. Plus you can't beat the stow n' go system.