Used Minivans, Best Rated Used Mini Vans For Sale

Archive for the ‘Used Mini Vans’ Category

[Editor's Note: In this article, we take a look at what the best minivan should have. To find a great selection of used minivans, check out eBay Motors - the largest Internet auto auction in the world.]

The leading online source of auto information, Edmunds.com, has been giving tips to car buyers for as long as we, and even they, can remember. The company’s tradition of providing information is continuous as more and more cars are being launched in the global auto market.

The coming summer season is expected to see the increasing number of car buyers purchasing new cars. Parents will be once again looking for that certain vehicle that will accommodate their growing family. One of the most recommended vehicle body styles for families is the minivan. That is why Edmunds.com came up with a list containing the attributes that a good minivan must have.

The first thing that should be checked on a minivan is the presence of adjustable pedals or telescoping steering wheels. The reason for this is that with these features, the driver can be comfortable while driving. Since minivans are aimed at families, extra care should be taken when driving and this means that the more comfortable the driver is, the less chances that he or she will be distracted.

The adjustable pedal allows drivers to adjust the pedals to suit their height. The telescoping steering wheel also has the same function. For shorter people, the telescoping steering wheel means that they do not have to move the seat closer to the steering wheel. Aside from keeping the driver comfortable, these features also offer convenience.

Another must-have for a minivan is an in-floor storage. This storage area is found beneath the floor of the rear cargo area. This is an important feature for a minivan since these family cars haul a lot of load in its lifetime. The in-floor storage provides a room where valuables can be safely stowed away. This also makes the vehicle safer for its occupants. With cargoes safely stowed away under the floor, the risk of them rolling around the cargo bay and into the cabin is eliminated. The rear most row of seats can also be folded down onto the in-floor storage area therefore giving the vehicle a bigger cargo space.

The third must have for a family car is a conversation mirror. This is actually a convex overhead mirror which allows the driver to inspect what is happening at the rear of the vehicle. This reduces the risk of drivers turning around to look behind them – this action, of course, can lead to accidents for we know that driving is a task that needs our complete attention on the road ahead. Some current models equipped with this feature are the Ford Freestar 1000 , Kia Sedona, and the Honda Odyssey.

Another feature that minivan buyer should look for in a vehicle is the fold-flat third row seat. This feature gives a minivan huge amount of cargo space if the seat will not be used. The advantage of these fold-flat seats is that you can significantly increase the cargo capacity of a minivan without manually removing the third row of seats out of the family car.

The next must-have for a minivan is true for any vehicle. Edmunds.com stated that one important feature that a minivan should have is a tire-pressure monitoring system. This is very important that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has mandated that new vehicles should be equipped with the tire pressure monitoring system. This feature warns the driver if the vehicle’s tires are over inflated or under inflated. Proper inflation should be observed to ensure that steering will not be affected by it. Under inflation can lead to sluggish steering while over inflation can cause tire blowouts. This is a very dangerous situation especially if the vehicle is being driven at high speeds. Blowing a tire out while driving at a high speed can cause the driver to loose control of a car. In this case, not even a car equipped with a host of safety features and aftermarket parts like the Apexi cold air intake can be safe from a possible crash.

Edmunds also advises car buyers to opt for minivans with a reconfigurable second row of seating. Aside from the fold-flat third row seating, a second row of seats that can be configured is convenient for consumers. This allows minivan owners to position the seats to fit their needs or to accommodate more cargoes. Aside from those features, consumers should also look for a reverse-sensing feature or a rearview camera. This feature comes in handy when parking a car in a crowded parking lot. With the minivan being a large vehicle, backing it up in a crowded parking space can be quite a feat. That is why parking aid features should be checked by consumers before buying a minivan.

To keep the occupants safe even in cases of crashes, car buyers should opt for minivans equipped with side curtain airbags for all rows of seating. These airbags play a major role in protecting the head of the occupants of minivans in cases of side impact crash or rollovers. Traction and stability control features should also be checked by minivan buyers. These features give the vehicle good traction even on harsh road conditions. Even if the roads are slippery, the stability control kicks in and gives the vehicle a good grip on the road surface. For convenience purposes, Edmunds also advises car buyers to look for minivans equipped with side window shades. This protects the occupants of the vehicle from the heat and the glare of the sun.

By: Lauren Woods

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.

What is the Best Arragement for Car Seats in a Minivan?

Hi, I just got a new Chrysler Town and Country minivan. I have 2 month old twins, and a 2 year old. What would be the best safest way to place.

Mazda MVP – The Best Minivan in the World

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my minivan. Which is saying a lot, because I never wanted to be a minivan driving momma. But with four kids, well… it’s illegal to stow any of them in the trunk or strap a few onto the roof… so minivan it is.

Crumbs in the Minivan: Things to Do With Kids In The Car

Yeah, despite our best efforts, they are still kids and still had their issues along the way. (How often does one really need to stop and pee, I ask? I mean, really?! UGH!) 

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[Editor's Note: Some of the best gas mileage minivans are also some of the best. In today's economy, it's certainly a good idea to think about choosing good milage minivans over their gas-guzzling counterparts. Find some used minivans with great gas mileage over at eBay Motors. You can find hundreds of listings - many of them locally.]

Contrary to popular belief, other people besides soccer moms own minivans. As a matter of fact, minivans are becoming increasingly popular as the family car. Sales numbers have shown that the minivan is quickly gaining ground on the SUV. Why wouldn’t it? They are cheaper cost wise, cheaper insurance wise, and are more fuel efficient.

Finding a minivan that’s right for you can be a challenging task. There are an unbelievable array of choices and options such as fold down seats, swinging doors, and safety features. You need a van that fits all of your needs which isn’t an easy thing to do. It’s going to take some homework.

If you’re in the market to buy a new minivan this year, you’ll definitely want to do your homework and research which one will work best for you and your family’s needs. You’ll want to see which gets the best gas mileage, which has the most options, and which has the best pricing. Here is a review by Car and Driver Magazine of 2007’s best minivans:

Chrysler Town and Country – Redesigned from the previous 2005 model, this one is a smooth driver with class-competitive steering and handling, but it isn’t very fast. Whether you’re using it as a work van or a Romper Room on wheels, this one is for you. High Points: 250 possible seat configurations, full set of standard and optional safety equipment. Low Points: Its basic chassis hasn’t been updated for a while, lags behind others in its class in modernity and refinement.

Honda Odyssey – This one is five-time Trucks trophy winner in the van category. It’s a quiet, refined, and roomy vehicle, with quality materials and exemplary ergonomics. It abounds with safety features, and from the driver’s seat it’s the best van on the market. Highs: Smooth singing V-6, fold-into-the-floor third-row seat, comfortable ride, precise steering and handling, spacious interior, useful nooks and crannies. Lows: No all-wheel-drive option, with iffy fuel economy.

Hyundai Entourage – The latest version of this minivan is a credible effort to take on the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Unlike its predecessor, this is a full-size mini with much more power. Roomy and versatile, it has a flip-and-fold second row and a third row that disappears right into the floor. Highs: A sweet combination of size, power, safety features, and value allows this van to play with the big boys. Lows: It takes some muscle to flip the second-row seats, and some of the interior trim is rather cheap-looking.

Mazda 5 – This sporty van has the ride of a sedan, the convenience of a hatchback, the easy access of a minivan, and the utility of a small SUV. Inside, three rows of seating offer great flexibility, with a double-fold mechanism for the second row and a flat-floor design for maximum legroom. Highs: With the high price of gasoline, this may be the ideal compromise. It is a little big car. Lows: Small for a minivan, this is more of a cross between an old-time station wagon and a hatchback.

Nissan Quest – Now we switch over to the largest of the minivans. Its long wheelbase allows for the widest-opening sliding doors in the segment, and its wide track and arching roofline make for a distinctive if whale-like appearance. Inside there are easy-folding second and third rows for up to seven or lots of cargo. Highs: Myriad features to please and entertain, including the spectacular SkyView glass-paneled roof. Lows: Style trumps function in the case of hard-to-see instruments in the outer-space central console.

Toyota Sienna – This version of Toyota’s ultra-practical, Camry-based Sienna was introduced as a 2004 model and was voted one of the 5Best Trucks that year. The Sienna’s interior is rife with hooks, grab bars, storage spaces, and power sockets. All-wheel drive is available on all but the base CE model. Highs: Everything a minivan should be; it’s roomy, versatile and well built. Lows: The steering is slightly isolated and it isn’t very sexy. It’s a minivan. What were you expecting?

Any one of these cars on this list is available at a dealership near you and sold for a reasonable price.

By: J Simkhai

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For further information on any of these trucks listed above be sure to check Car and Driver Magazine available for purchase at Magsforless at www.magsforless.com. They sell over 75 different automotive cheap magazinesand hundreds of other magazine subscriptions to choose from.

Rocking My Minivan

(I know, I really need to get over myself.) So I just wanted to show how WE rock OUR minivan, which to be honest drives fantastically, gets fabulous gas mileage and has a lot of room. Darn you, minivan. Photobucket. And the music?

Hybrid Minivan

So as of right now, the US minivan buyer has a choice between an economical non-hybrid minivan or a small SUV. The best gas mileage you can get with a minivan is the Mazda 5, which has a rating of 22 mpg in the city and 28 miles per gallon.

Minivans, Mom-mobiles, And The Best Choices For Family Haulers

The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are leaders in the dwindling class with excellent cargo space, a usable and comfortable third row, and both have better gas mileage than most three-row SUVs.

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[Editor's Note: Hybrid minivans haven't quite caught on yet here in North America. However, eBay Motors is the best place to find hybrid vehicles of all types. Both used and new minivans are available, and there are hundreds of listings.]

With all the styles of cars coming out in hybrid versions, choices in hybrid minivan are still in short supply. One has to wonder why the automakers are focused on making sedans, SUVs and the like, but not minivans. These modern versions of the old station wagons are a practical mainstay for growing families, with their storage space and ample seating options.

Toyota was rumored to be releasing a hybrid version of its Sienna minivan in 2008, but it does not seem to be available yet. They have released a hybrid Estima, a smaller minivan than the Sienna, in Japan only. In fact, they made the first Estima hybrid way back in 2001, then completely redesigned it in 2007. Hopefully one of these vehicles will hit the North American market within a few years.

The Estima available in Japan has seating for eight passengers, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds. It is reported to be comfortable and have roomy storage, as well as being a reliable vehicle. The newer ones have a high output, high efficiency, four-cylinder, 2.4 liter engine.

Toyota has led the way in hybrid vehicles, with the Prius car being the most economical hybrid vehicle available in North America. They also have the Camry, a bit roomier car, and the Highlander, a sport utility vehicle, available in hybrid.

So as of right now, the US minivan buyer has a choice between an economical non-hybrid minivan or a small SUV. The best gas mileage you can get with a minivan is the Mazda 5, which has a rating of 22 mpg in the city and 28 miles per gallon for highway driving. These figures are for the model with standard 5-speed manual transmission and a four cylinder engine. Prices start at $17,995 for this six passenger family vehicle.

Contrast that to the Ford Escape Hybrid, which seats five, but gets 34 miles to the gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. If you do mostly highway driving, you could get by just about as well with the non-hybrid Mazda. Of course, there may be tax incentives for buying a hybrid, but the starting price is a lot more, at about $26,000.

Hybrids are tempting, but remember that they really are more helpful for those who live in the city than for those who live in the country, at least for the time being. Country families are still better off with a small minivan like the Mazda 5. Almost all other minivans get about 16 miles to the gallon in town and 23 miles to the gallon on the highway. Other flex fuel minivans are available that can burn ethanol. Among these is the Chevy Uplander.

It seems amazing that of all classes of vehicle, minivans are the last to emerge on the North American scene as hybrids. Hopefully the automakers will get on the ball and provide the hybrid minivans that everyone is waiting for before much longer.

Author: Dean Forster

Read more about hybrid vehicle options including buying a Hybrid Electric Car, Hybrid comparisons and gas mileage savings at http://www.gasmileageimprove.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dean_Forster

Hybrid Minivans

If you have a big family with a few kids, live in the suburbs, and like to go to big box stores, chances are you either own or have considered owning a minivan.

Toyota Hybrid Minivans Coming

Hybrid Minivans made by Toyota could be available in North America in 2010. The Toyota Sienna Minivan is also known as the Estima Hybrid which is currently available in Japan.

Honda Hybrid Cars To Use Alternative Energy For 2010

Honda is also expected to deliver a new hybrid minivan next year which resembles the Odyssey and the Estima, which are already selling in Japan. The 2010 electric car line-up with hybrid technologies is looking good.

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[Editor's Note: In this tough economy, choosing to by a used minivan is a smart move, since buying new means you are facing up front depreciation costs of up to 25% the second you leave the dealership. Instead, check out eBay Motors. They have hundreds of listings for used mini vans and finding vehicles in your area is as simple as entering your postal code.]

Are you looking for a used Dodge minivan? I was and in my search I had to go online to purchase one. Let me explain how I came across my used minivan. A few years ago I found a 1993 used Dodge Caravan for sale which I bought for $850 with 130,000 miles on it. The tires were fair and it was not in bad shape as far as the body was concerned. I loved driving that Dodge minivan and put another 30,000 miles on it with nothing more than normal upkeep expenses. In fact I would still be driving that baby if an Orkin truck had not run a stop sign. I t-boned that pick-up and rolled him over. My Dodge minivan’s airbag went off and the seat belt harness worked like a charm. I was able to walk away with only minor cuts and bruises. Unfortunately, my Dodge minivan was totaled!

I decided rather than replace the Dodge minivan I would buy a small pick-up with the money I got for the accident. Big mistake! Although the truck has done what I wanted it too I was just not happy without my minivan. That little Dodge was so nice to drive and the fuel mileage was great especially compared to the pick-up.

I began to search for a used Dodge minivan for sale in my price range. I figured somewhere between a 1993 and 1999 would work. Trying to find what I wanted turned out to be far more difficult than I expected it to be. I finally went to the internet to locate what I was looking for.

I eventually ended up purchasing a Plymouth Voyager which of course is identical to the Dodge minivan. I love it and am so glad that I am finally back driving a vehicle that is actually fun to drive. Yes, you heard that right there is a minivan that is fun to drive and extremely reliable. When I am not driving the Dodge minivan I am riding my Harley Davidson Fatboy which is way more fun.

So if you find a used Dodge minivan for sale, (or Plymouth Voyager) grab it right away don’t let it slip through your fingers.

Author: D. J. James

If you cannot find one locally, and I could not, then check out http://www.minivans4u.com The nice thing is that you can also find any other kind of minivan there as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D._J._James

Buying a Used Minivan?

Our car is on its last legs and it would cost more than it’s valued at to get it fixed. Plus we have our third baby on the way and need a bigger car.

Minivans

Search new and used vans and minivans in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles. Post your ads on TradeExpress.com and magazine.

Minivan Comparison

When shopping for a vehicle that is going to accommodate a family from road trips and family vacations to hockey games, it can be…

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[Editor's Note: Whether it's a used minivan, wagon, or an SUV, eBay Motors has a huge selection of quality preowned family vehicles. And by entering your zip code, you can even get a listing for vehicles in your local area! Check out eBay Motors and save a fortune on your next vehicle purchase.]

When shopping for a vehicle that is going to accommodate a family from road trips and family vacations to hockey games, it can be tough to choose the right vehicle. Fortunately, most vehicles that are sufficient for families are safe, have enough room for up to seven people and come with features that we have come to know and love like heated seats, sun-roof and power locks and windows. Is a minivan right for your family? Or is an SUV more the speed? Here are some tips and tricks to help determine which vehicle is right for you.

Whether you are just starting a family or debating the purchase of a vehicle to accommodate a growing family, or even pets – an SUV or minivan allows storage, room for children and pets and variable pricing points.

Both choices of vehicle have similar storage and passenger capabilities. Both vehicle choices offer innovative storage under seats in the newer models.

In terms of safety, Sports Utility Vehicle has a slight higher risk of turning over. Both offers airbags within the vehicles and anti lock brakes as standard safety features. Many models are equipped with GPS and navigation features that allow contact with the vehicle company.

Both vehicles are comparable when it comes to fuel economy. Depending on the model chosen, many vehicles are created as hybrids, to lessen the impact on the pocketbook when filling up the tank.

When considering the decision between an SUV or a minivan – think about the image that may come along with each vehicle. For decades, minivans have been seen to be driven by moms driving their children to after school activities. An SUV has the same capability but allows the mother to remain hip, cool and modern with the sleek lines of an SUV.

With many of the vehicles that are being designed, the lines between minivan and SUV are blurred together. With curved appearances, great storage space and in dash DVD consoles – many of these vehicles are leading the way towards the top of the market because of the improved gas mileage, modern style and improved storage capabilities.

Considering the pricing points, SUVs are often higher in price range than the traditional minivan. Of course, with offers like 0% financing and no down payments, SUVs are becoming more affordable than ever.

Think about where the vehicle is going to be driven. Are you going to go camping and trek through the outdoors? If this is the case, than an SUV may be the smarter choice as it is higher off of the ground, and often comes equipped with four wheel drive which can help to accommodate these less than smooth surfaces. With the added hatchback variations features, the SUV seems like popular choice for a family on the go with children, dogs and lots of baggage.

Regardless of the decision, it is a personal choice that can reflect your style. Choose the vehicle based on the requirements needed from it, and the choice should be easy.

Author: Brenda Williams

Orlando Auto Transport

Orlando Car Transport

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brenda_Williams

Minivan Comparison Test: Honda Odyssey

The second row of the Honda Odyssey. We wouldn’t want to be the kid stuck in that middle seat or the parent who has to remove it to make a walkway into the third row. 

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[Editor's Note: Did you know that you can use eBay Motors to find used minivans in Denver, Colorado? Simply head over to eBay Motors and enter your postal code. eBay Motors will return a ton of local listings for used minivans in your area - instantly!]

With new hybrid cars and SUVs now being released in the United States, there are many people who are wondering if there is a hybrid minivan on the horizon too. While the cars are great and extremely popular, many people need the convenience of a minivan for hauling their kids around.

So, is there a hybrid minivan on the horizon? Well, it appears that a hybrid minivan has already been released in Japan and that there are environmental groups that are hoping that the minivans come on over to the United States as well.

The Toyota Estima Hybrid Minivan Already in Use in Japan

The Toyota Estima hybrid minivan has already been introduced in the country of Japan and it is being used as well. This was introduced in Japan back in 2001 and it was the very first hybrid minivan to be created. The new minivan looks great and it also provide great performance and fuel economy as well. This minivan was actually the first vehicle that has been mass produced to use a unique four wheel driving system that is totally electric. The starting price in Japan is about $32,000, which really is not a bad deal for what you get.

Environmental Groups Want Hybrid Minivans in the U.S.

Since a hybrid minivan has already been released in Japan, there are now environmental groups that want this new minivan to be sold in the United States as well. They feel that having hybrid minivans well help to boost fuel economy, reduce the amount of fuel consumed, and that the environment will be preserved as well. One group, the Union of Concerned Scientists, has actually started a petition with Toyota to have them bring their hybrid minivan from Japan to the United States as well.

Hybrid Minivans Will Help Families Financially

For those who have larger families and need the convenience of a mini van, having a hybrid minivan could really help out financially. Most minivans are very expensive to drive around with the price of gas; however, the hybrid minivan would not use as much gas, which would save many families a huge amount of money.

So, will we see the hybrid minivan in America in the next few years? More than likely we will see these new minivans sold, especially with the huge demand that there seems to be for these minivans to be sold on American soil.

Author: Joseph Then

Learn more about Hybrid Cars. Compare the various hybrid cars and understand their benefits. Know what to take note when buying such car. Visit Joseph’s website on Hybrid Cars for more useful information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joseph_Then

Dodge Caravan – Respect The Family Vehicle!

This should be no surprise, for the minivan concept is one that lends itself to many different possible buyers: from the family user right through to the business sector, the Caravan is a very versatility vehicle indeed.

What Your Minivan Should Have

When it comes to practicality, nothing comes quite close to owning a minivan. A minivan is also known as a multi utility vehicle, or MUV, and also known as a multi purpose vehicle, or MPV. 

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