Mini Van Vs A Suv

[corerunner]

I have a family of six -- me, wife, seven year old, five year old, three year old, and a six monther. And a 110 lb dog. We need to get a larger vehicle and we are trying to decide between a mini van and a suv. Anyone out there with suggestions on something that has worked well for them? Recomendations on brands and models are welcomed!

thanks!

[mom_of_jcchlsm]

planning to have more kids or are you sure you're done? plan to keep it 'til it dies of old age or do you trade out vehicles every few years? do you go on roadtrips with the whole family often? sometimes? rarely? do you care about the status/look of the vehicle or do you just need it to get you where you're going safely and reliably?

We are so glad that we bought a van much larger than we needed because over time the family has grown (and the budget has not, so we couldn't afford to get anything new). Also realize that depending on your callings and what activities your kids get involved in, by 5th or 6th grade, you will be hauling around much more than just your family - you'll be transporting friends and other people from Church.

I believe fuel economy is a significant factor in choice of vehicle. The gas you buy over the lifetime of the vehicle will cost more than the vehicle itself. And I expect the price of gas to rise over the next five years.

If you have the luxury of time and a little money before you have to make a decission, I suggest you rent several different models for a week or so each and try them out.

I have heard that Ford's new line next year will include a minivan-sized vehicle on a car platform - more like a big station wagon. I'm curious to see that. I don't like the truck-like feel of most family-sized vehicles.

[Palerider]

The Ford vehicle thats being mentioned in the previous post is a Freestyle.....pretty good vehicles.....we will keep this fair since I use to sell at a Ford Dealership.... .......Chrysler makes a Pacifica ...I believe thats what its called......check them out.....if you buy a used one always check the price they give you on the internet....this might help you get a better price..... .....feel free to ask me any questions in this area and I will try to help you.....

[LionHeart]

Be careful!!! The minute you buy a mini-van, that is when you are stripped of all your rights and kicked clean out of coolville.

[Dror]

Purely practical viewpoint: Buy whatever will get the best gas mileage and hold your family. Gas prices are going up, and will continue to do so!

[BenRaines]

A friend of mine buys cars at auction and has already sold them or will buy one or two a month and sell them. His site is mikesautoshack.com

Get on his email list. Well if Nevada is close to you. I have known Mike for thirty years.

[Laureltree]

The Ford vehicle thats being mentioned in the previous post is a Freestyle.....pretty good vehicles.....we will keep this fair since I use to sell at a Ford Dealership.... .......Chrysler makes a Pacifica ...I believe thats what its called......check them out.....if you buy a used one always check the price they give you on the internet....this might help you get a better price..... .....feel free to ask me any questions in this area and I will try to help you.....
[/b]

Sorry...I have had several ford and NOTHING BUT A PROBLEM for me and MY check book....
go to www.jdpower.com, they are the best and will tell you the best vehicle for the year you are looking at buying for. Don't get it cause it looks good, get it cause it runs Sorry pale,

[Palerider]

thats ok Laurel ////I don't sell Fords anymore.......just remember all of them make Lemons.....all I have ever owned are Ford vehicles.....always had great luck with them......LOL!!!!!!

[Laureltree]

thats ok Laurel ////I don't sell Fords anymore.......just remember all of them make Lemons.....all I have ever owned are Ford vehicles.....always had great luck with them......LOL!!!!!!
[/b]

I think it also has allot to do with the owner. ......My van however is a different story...I think it was bad luck...