Silhouette, Town & Country, ETA: or Grand Caravan or other? On a budget :)

[sksjasams]

I currently have a very, very reliable 2002 Buick Century with 150k miles on it.

DS14 will be attending a high school about 30 minutes away starting next year. There are usually a good number of kids from his class going, so car pooling is popular.

My Century holds me and 3 kids...could hold 4 but only has a lap belt in the center in the back. Legroom in the back is not great. And like I said, my car already had 150k miles on it.

We are considering selling my car and getting a minivan instead, mainly so we could get into a better carpool. If I can carry more kids, i may only have to drive once or twice a week.

I have never owned anything other than GM cars, mainly Olds prior to this Buick. That's why I started looking at the Silhouette. They stopped making them in 2004. They get good reviews and seem to be reliable. If we got an older car like that, we could pay cash.

I was also looking at the Town & Country, and the Pacifica. The Pacifica appeals to me because it is more like a car than a van, although I'm noot sure about the back leg room, especially in the 3rd row. I have found several T & C's online, newer models like a 2007 for around $8000. We could make a sizable down payment, but then have to get a small loan for the balance. Consumer reports says don't buy a T & C, and many of the reviews are negative, although they are hugely popular.

Please help me decide. Would you look for a bigger vehicle?

Can anyone please share their experiences with the Silhouette, T & C, or Pacifica?

Thank you very much!

 

[luvmarypoppins]

We bought a used 2009 town and country last year. My dh loves the back up camera in it.

The only issue we have had so far is that some wire in the one door just broke so it wont automatically open.

We have 3 ds and they are fine with it too. They are college aged and loved watching hunger games on the dvd player when we went out of state the other month. They had plenty of room in there.

I did read however that chrysler is now going to focus on the dodge grand caravan instead for the new models and I dont know if they are ditching the town and country.

Our friend has the pacifica and they love it too. I saw the back of that and they had a ton of groceries in the back area. Their kids are little though.

 

[CocaColaGuy]

We have owned both a T&C and a Silhouette.

The Silhouette is a decent van, but the engine in that van is notorious for blowing head gaskets. I know 4 people (including me) with that engine in a vehicle, and all four of us have had to replace head gaskets in the 125,xxx miles range. It could be a coincidence, but I doubt it.

The T&C has been a great van for us. Ours is at 171,xxx miles and is still running strong.

Overall, if you are transporting teenagers, you need to make sure you get a van with an extended wheelbase. Most manufacturers make long and short versions of their minivans; make sure you get the long one. Finally, although all of the bells and whistles are nice, keep in mind that those are the first things to go wrong. Example: Our Silhouette had a power sliding door on the passenger side, and a manual sliding door on the driver side. The pass. side stopped working one day, and even after cleaning the contacts on it, we couldn't get it to operate. Eventually, we just started using the manual door full time.

 

[squirrel]

We have owned both a T&C and a Silhouette.

The Silhouette is a decent van, but the engine in that van is notorious for blowing head gaskets. I know 4 people (including me) with that engine in a vehicle, and all four of us have had to replace head gaskets in the 125,xxx miles range. It could be a coincidence, but I doubt it.

The T&C has been a great van for us. Ours is at 171,xxx miles and is still running strong.

Overall, if you are transporting teenagers, you need to make sure you get a van with an extended wheelbase. Most manufacturers make long and short versions of their minivans; make sure you get the long one. Finally, although all of the bells and whistles are nice, keep in mind that those are the first things to go wrong. Example: Our Silhouette had a power sliding door on the passenger side, and a manual sliding door on the driver side. The pass. side stopped working one day, and even after cleaning the contacts on it, we couldn't get it to operate. Eventually, we just started using the manual door full time.

My mom and dad had a Silhouette that they sold to my sister. They only drive it around town. I don't think they have taken very good care of it. The passenger side sliding door doesn't work. I'm not sure what else is wrong with it but my BIL refuses to take it in and get any work done on it.

 

[descovy]

My family just decided to trade in our old minivan. We have 3 kids, and often tote other kids around. We were hoping for SUV (looks) but were considering staying with minivans if we had to.

After seeing cars in person, minivan was by far the way to go for us. #1 issue was legroom and access to the 3rd row. We saw some lovely SUVs where the 3rd row was obviously an afterthought. We use ours every day, and our kids are getting older (age 13, 11, 8 currently. Van should last us the next 10 years)

We aren't talking preschoolers here! Not to mention if carpooling, do you want to be sliding, folding, lifting a seat every*single*morning for a kid to climb into the back row?

So I advise you to take a real look in the backseat of your choices. It may change your mind greatly!

FWIW... we got a Honda Odyssey. The base model, which seats 7 with very easy access to the 3rd row. Lots of good legroom too. And if it matters... built in Alabama

 

[Deb & Bill]

Consumer Reports rates the Chrysler and Dodge minivans as the worst of all. We've had two Toyota Siennas (one got totalled in an accident and we are still driving the other). I'd stick with Toyotas or Hondas.

 

[msmayor]

I still own my Pacifica...it is a 2004, the first model year. Bought it two months after it first hit the market and loved it from day one. It has over 160,000 miles on it...my daughter has it at college now and loves it as well.

Back captains chair seating is very comfortable. Third row seats really designed for kids, although for short trips a smaller adult can fit. When the third row is in use, cargo space is extremely limited.

 

[DisneyGurl5]

We, too, have a Pacifica - it's a 2005. This vehicle is the most awesome vehicle we have ever owned and I must say it looks "cooler" than a minivan, but ofcourse that is subjective...
They stopped making them in 2008, which is a shame in our opinion....we'd love to own another one.
For your purposes, though, I would agree with the other poster about the backseat legroom -- it's limited, plus to access the third row you need to flip up the middle row seats so may be a bit of a pain....
Good luck in your search. Looks like we, too, are going to be car shopping over the next few months.

 

[OklahomaTourist]

When we researched minivans for the first time 12 years ago, we ended up with a used Nissan Quest, and we drove the stuffings out of it for seven years. It was fairly utilitarian, not a lot of bells and whistles, but it ran, ran well, and gave us very few problems. It was a twin to the now-discontinued Mercury Villager. We bought one used and had good luck with it.

Its replacement was a new Toyota Sienna, and that little gem just turned five this year. My wife loves it. I think, given a choice between me and the minivan, I'd be in trouble

I read nothing but negatives about the T&C (and Chryslers in general). We nearly bought what I think was the Pontiac twin to the Silhouette the year we bought the Quest, but we couldn't come to terms on price. It was a blessing in disguise, I think, because we read a bit more about them later and decided to pass on the GM vans altogether as a result.

Used Siennas are hard to find at a good price - they tend to carry a premium - but I'd surely give them a hearty endorsement. They're built on the Camry chassis, and the thing drives more like a car than a "van." They do tend to eat tires - as do most minivans - so consider that as a maintenance expense you may encounter more frequently than with a conventional car.

Odd as it might sound, I'd sure at least try to find a van - whatever you get - with middle-row air control. Also, I'd definitely invest in one that already has (or add as an aftermarket) rear-view camera. None of the minivans we drove have great rear/reverse vision.

 

[rusty4]

Have you thought of and looked at the Ford Flex? They have alot more back passenger leg room that would be nice for the teenagers. We have a 9 year old Chrysler T&C. When we replace it we are getting the Ford Flex. Have not found anything that is more roomy on the inside. Including DH's Chevy Tahoe. We want to get away from the sliding power doors. Sometimes they work sometimes they don't.

My parents have the Pacifica. It is a great car to drive. Fun. The middle row is great but the back row is awful. Even for a 9 year old. If you will need the back row then I would skip it. If you just need the 2 middle rows it is fine. My father was in awful accident. He rolled several times. The paramedics flew him to the trauma hospital thinking he would have serious internal injuries. He only had bruising from the seat belt. Bought the same car again! So it is very safe vehicle.

 

[sksjasams]

Thank you for all the responses!

I have not been considering the Sienna or Odyssey because of price. Anything under $8k is older and has very high miles...they just do not seem to be in our price range.

It sounds like the Pacifica might be a little small for our needs in the 3rd row. Most of the boys are taller than 5'7" already, and will only get taller.

I looked online at the Ford Flex, but they are too new and not in our price range. Are there any other affordable crossovers I should consider?

Does anyone have any expereinces with the Ford Freestyle?

It looks like the Nissan Quest might be more affordable than Honda or Toyota. But the reliablity doesn't look great on consumer reports. Any other brands I should be looking for?

Thanks again

 

[Dictator]

Consumer Reports rates the Chrysler and Dodge minivans as the worst of all. We've had two Toyota Siennas (one got totalled in an accident and we are still driving the other). I'd stick with Toyotas or Hondas.

Consumer reports only ever rates Honda and Toyota high. People put such faith in that magazine, but their methodology is flawed at best.
Nearly every other company which rates automobiles rates the Grand Caravan/Town & country highly.

 

[njmom47]

I go on vacation with my friend who drives a Pacifica and there virtually is no room in the 3rd row (our poor tiny friends get stuck back there every year). So if you are carpooling with teenage boys, I would think there won't be enough room back there.
I drive a Grand Caravan (the long one) and since the shortest person in my family is 5'6, it has worked for us. Although I have had to repair some major things in it, I do love the way it rides and it definitely has plenty of room for us (and a few friends).

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I'm a big fan of Nissans ~ I've driven an Altima, Sentra and am back in an Altima - I like Quests, don't have much experience with that specific model but as I said I'm a Nissan fan.

 

[nicolepitts]

we had a pacifica, it will not do what you need. the back is VERY small. We just invested in a new Town and country. My dad and step father are both highly skilled mechanics and both said they are a great choice for the minivan and we are thrilled with our purchase. obviously used ones are a case by case basis, but we wouldn't hesitate if we came across one for a good price.

 

[descovy]

Consider too the Mazda MPV. That was our old van ('02) It was also highly rated back in the day (stopped production in '06) I didn't mention it earlier since you said you only buy american. But if interested in nissan you should check out Mazda MPV too!

Thank you for all the responses!

I have not been considering the Sienna or Odyssey because of price. Anything under $8k is older and has very high miles...they just do not seem to be in our price range.

It sounds like the Pacifica might be a little small for our needs in the 3rd row. Most of the boys are taller than 5'7" already, and will only get taller.

I looked online at the Ford Flex, but they are too new and not in our price range. Are there any other affordable crossovers I should consider?

Does anyone have any expereinces with the Ford Freestyle?

It looks like the Nissan Quest might be more affordable than Honda or Toyota. But the reliablity doesn't look great on consumer reports. Any other brands I should be looking for?

Thanks again

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Consider too the Mazda MPV. That was our old van ('02) It was also highly rated back in the day (stopped production in '06) I didn't mention it earlier since you said you only buy american. But if interested in nissan you should check out Mazda MPV too!

I like Mazdas too ~ my sister has had a couple, other family members and friends have them. I really like the Mazda 5.

 

[tantoria2]

We just purchased a 2011 Traverse and LOVE it! Great third row!

 

[sksjasams]

Thanks again for the input!

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with the Ford Freestyle??

Thank you!

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

Thanks again for the input!

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with the Ford Freestyle??

Thank you!

The freestyle I think had a transmission issue. My bff just had to junk hers after it was 'fixed'.