Looking for a used car, have a budget in the 3-3.5K range.

Need something large enough to transport a family of 4. Minimum size would be Corolla sort of class, prefer midsize, stationwagon or minivan.

Looking for advice on vehicles in the 2003-2005 range that might fit this price range and still be fairly reliable.

Considering models such as:

Camry (not likely in price range)
Taurus
Various Hyundai
Various minivans (Chrysler, GM, Ford, etc.)

Would appreciate any advice y'all can give on, especially, models to avoid.

I know Chrysler has had issues with minivan trannies in the past, but the vast majority of older vans on the road are Chryslers. Should they stay on my list, or be struck?

Thanks for any thoughts.

J

Isn't it incredible? Chrysler has had a bad rap (rightfully so) on their trannies since the late 60's! You'd think in 50 years they'd figure it out...

Hondas and Toyotas are tops in my book. Having dealt with Korean manufacturing (extensively) when I was with Cat, no way I'd buy anything using their steel...

I've owned Plymouth, Dodge, and Honda minivans that were all bought used. The Chrysler products gave only fair service and the Honda (2002) is a far superior vehicle and worth a premium price. My wife has owned 4 Honda Accords (5 speeds bought used) and they were all very reliable and economical. The Honda Civic has also been very reliable according to Consumer Reports.

Toyotas have also been consistently very reliable for many years. Although the quality of the Korean cars has become very good in recent years, the early ones were not so good.

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Don't forget Subaru AWD....
considering your driving in snow all the time
(except for July hehe)

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I doubt I can afford any Subaru's in useful condition.

Also, I've had several close friends who owned Subaru's. Their advice has universally been "Own one only if it's under warranty". Frightful tales of AWD system maintenance issues.

I dunno.

J

I have been quite happy with my two (older) Chrysler mini-vans.

Driving a '94 GMC Safari now and love it, except for MPG.

Just bought a Mercury Tracer. (Ford Escort wagon clone) Really like it too. Almost double MPG, but it won't pull the boat.

Paid under $1200 for the last two, under $1000 for the minis.

I'd say watch for rust, or signs of accident repair. The mechanics can all be taken care of readily. The most popular in your area will mean cheaper replacement parts and a larger pool of used parts.

I've never owned one myself but have never met a dissatisfied Taurus owner. They definitely have a cult-like following...at least in the Midwest. Good luck.

I have to put my two bucks in for Hyundai..We had two Elantras from 2002 and within the last two years sold them and bought two new Santa Fe's..Good bang for the buck...lot of eqipment is standard in these that are options in other makes...Santa Fe's the 4 cylinder have as much HP as the small sixes and way better mileage..VG accelleration as well..Tuscons back seat may be a bit cramped..check them out...Have had zero problems with any of them back to the 2002's other than brakes, tires, ..2002's still had the original exhaust..Sonata's would deserve a look see too

Thanks, folks, great input.

I'll letcha know what I can scare up over the next couple weeks. I've basically got until end of August to wrap this up.

J

Hmm.... Wifey just found an 04 caravan with 100,000miles (160Kkm), fresh inspection, various recent repairs (brakes, shocks and the like) for $3K.... I think we'll have a look at it.

It's a strange thing to find onesself looking at minivans without derision...

J