ALT-1 What to look for when Buying a Minivan
When searching for the right minivan, it can sometimes be difficult especially when there are a lot of options available. In this article, I'll discuss the main things that you should look for when buying a minivan.
Firstly before buying any vehicle, you need to determine your budget and your needs with regards to the options available in minivans. Minivans are not cheap since the price for new minivans range from around $20,000 for base models to $40,000 for luxury trim levels loaded with options. The price may also be above $40,000. Minivans tend to be very spacious but depending on the make & model, minivans carry 5 to 8 people together with their related baggage and accoutrements comfortably.
Properties of minivans make them ideal for busy parents with a lot of kids. Minivans have sliding side doors and top-hinged rear lift gates that give easy access into the vehicle. Minivans have a lower ride height than SUVs, which makes entry and exit easier for the elderly and for people with disabilities.
The first thing to look at when buying a minivan is its wheelbase. Several manufacturers make a standard wheelbase (for example Dodge) and an extended wheelbase version of their minivans. The shorter wheelbase models tend to cost less but the extended versions typically add more space behind the third seat row and give third seat passengers some additional leg room. I would personally advise anyone to buy the extended wheelbase version, especially if you need to carry more than 3 passengers.
The second thing to look at is the engine and drive train present in the minivan. The entry level and basic models are usually equipped with a four-cylinder engine; however more powerful 6-cylinder engines are available as options. The four-cylinder engine would come in handy, if you live in a largely flat area, do a lot of highway driving and don't plan to carry heavy loads or tow anything. It is more suitable because a 4-cylinder would give better fuel economy at the expense of power and towing capacity. The 6-cylinder engine would have the largest displacement which will help you accelerate and merge into traffic more easily when you're loaded down with luggage and passengers. The 6-cylinder may also be very attractive for the "younger" crowd. The majority of minivans are front-wheel drive (FWD), but an all wheel drive (AWD) version is offered in some minivan models. 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 for added traction and security. However, AWD adds cost, weight to your vehicle and may also decrease your gas mileage slightly.
The third thing to look at is safety features, but surprisingly most modern minivans have a lot of safety features available standard or as optional add-ons. Pay attention to vehicles that offer a full set of airbags i.e. front, side and side curtain airbags. Make sure that they run the whole length of the vehicle because this feature can be a lifesaver in accidents, especially if there is a side collision with a larger vehicle. In addition, the other recommended safety features are: anti-lock braking systems (ABS), four wheel disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD) (standard on all systems with ABS), traction control, specially-designed doors and side pillars to disperse impact energy, tire pressure monitoring systems etc. One of the most important safety technologies to appear over the last few years has been electronic stability control (ESC). By utilizing some 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. This feature has helped the latest models of SUV's become more resistant to rollover, which could in some instances save lives.
I have mentioned the stuff you should look for when buying a minivan, be sure to do additional research by searching google for that particular minivan you are interested in and finding out as much as possible about it. This would ensure that whichever minivan you purchase, it would be one that would suit your needs!
