We are basically going to be looking for a used minivan, on the premise that we will continue to be a one-car family that frequently makes 300 mile round-trips and occasionally makes 800 mile round-trips.
So for you I would actually guess that physical shape is among the most important requirements. Can you get in/out, do the kids fit, does the stuff fit, does it turn decently well loaded with everyone, how hard are the seats to get out, etc. These are harder for me to advise on. ;)
I will say that recent Fords have been less crappy than older ones, but in general I would still advise a Honda or Toyota, especially used (as that implies both older technology, and more wear on the vehicle). I was pretty impressed with my uncle's Odyssey a few years back. However, given that the used car market is soaring right now, and your limited budget, it may not be possible. Nevertheless if you add in repair costs over the next 5-ish years, a bigger investment up front might be better (if doable).
We bought galaneia's car off of Craigslist, but that was a bit of a stroke of luck (and we could afford to wait a while for the right deal). Still, don't discount private sale like that if you have a mechanic you can trust to look it over.
...random checks of used car prices leave me gobsmacked at how cheap things are right now. Not a bad time to buy, maybe.
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Date: 2009-07-13 04:31 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-07-13 04:52 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2009-07-13 05:19 pm (UTC)We are basically going to be looking for a used minivan, on the premise that we will continue to be a one-car family that frequently makes 300 mile round-trips and occasionally makes 800 mile round-trips.
Useless advice follows...
Date: 2009-07-13 09:42 pm (UTC)So for you I would actually guess that physical shape is among the most important requirements. Can you get in/out, do the kids fit, does the stuff fit, does it turn decently well loaded with everyone, how hard are the seats to get out, etc. These are harder for me to advise on. ;)
I will say that recent Fords have been less crappy than older ones, but in general I would still advise a Honda or Toyota, especially used (as that implies both older technology, and more wear on the vehicle). I was pretty impressed with my uncle's Odyssey a few years back. However, given that the used car market is soaring right now, and your limited budget, it may not be possible. Nevertheless if you add in repair costs over the next 5-ish years, a bigger investment up front might be better (if doable).
We bought
...random checks of used car prices leave me gobsmacked at how cheap things are right now. Not a bad time to buy, maybe.