ALT-1 Best Mini Vans
If your family is growing too large for the sedan and you find yourself participating in more and more carpools, it might be time to consider purchasing a mini van. The family-friendly mini van is a great option if you need more space in your family vehicle for kids and cargo.
Whether you are looking for a new mini van or a used mini van, there are several features you must consider and compare before making the decision to purchase.
Price
A new mini van will start around $19,000 - $25,000. The fully loaded models can cost up to $40,000. To get the most for your money, research what features are "must haves" and avoid going for pricey options that you do not really need.
Fuel Economy
Mini vans will get lower gas mileage than a car, but usually more than an SUV or truck. Smaller mini vans might offer four cylinder engines, which get better gas mileage but provide less power. The standard V6 engine will give you more power if you are willing to sacrifice some gas mileage. Some models offer all-wheel-drive systems (AWD), which are great for driving on winter roads, but will lower your gas mileage.
Safety
Because they are family vehicles, mini van manufacturers usually pay close attention to safety features. Most models have high safety ratings, but make sure to ask about safety ratings and crash test scores to make sure you keep your family safe.
Family Features
Mini vans are designed for the family. Newer models offer convertible seating options that allow you to easily arrange your seating and cargo areas to fit your needs on the go. Entertainment systems keep the kids occupied with movies and video games. Manufacturers are constantly adding valuable features to make their mini vans the top choice of busy families. Ask your salesman about the features that make each mini van more family friendly.
When you have determined what features are right for you, your family, and your budget, you can start looking for your perfect mini van. Consider test driving many models to get the feel of what is available and how each mini van handles on the road. You might even find mini van rental companies are the way to go. You can rent the model you like best and drive it for a few days to see if it fits your needs before committing to a purchase. Here are some of the top models to consider:
Honda Odyssey
The Odyssey is everything a mini van should be versatile, easy to drive, and safe. Flexible seating allows you to configure your vehicle to fit your needs. This mini van handles like a car, and the V6 engine gives you the power you need on the highway. Electronic stability control and side curtain airbags are just a few of the standard safety features. The Honda Odyssey starts at about $26,000.
Kia Sedona
This Kia mini van is a great choice for the cost and safety conscience. It boasts a five-star crash certification in all seating positions, and an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick rating. Add to that a price tag lower than the top competitors, and this is a mini van worth considering. The Kia Sedona starts at about $21,000.
Chrysler Town and Country
The Chrysler Town and Country mini van offers many amenities with a name you can trust. The Chrysler mini van was the first to offer Stow n' Go seating, which allows seats in the second and third row to fold flat. Newer models have been redesigned to update style and increase power. The Chrysler Town and Country starts at about $24,000.
GMC Mini Van
GMC plans to discontinue the Pontiac Montana, Buick Terraza, and Saturn Relay mini van models in 2009 and replace them with an all-new GMC mini van. The new mini van does not yet have a name, but it will be targeted to families and is sure to have many family-friendly features.
