Best Van/Wagon for under 5g

[Hakkola]

Brother is coming with his family to Canada for a year, they don't have much money, need good reliable transportation on the cheap for a family of 6. Kids age range from 10 to 2.

Budget up to 5 grand.

Suggestions?

[dino_martini]

Dodge Caravan? It would probably be around 8-10 years old so I can't speak for total reliability.

http://www.canadatrader.com/result/d...calgaryalberta

[Xamim]

Late 90's Subaru Outback, there are a few on AutoTrader for less than $5,000. Not sure about how reliable they are though

[Hakkola]

I'll look into caravans.

Originally posted by Xamim
Late 90's Subaru Outback, there are a few on AutoTrader for less than $5,000. Not sure about how reliable they are though

I did a google search and the first two links were about how shitty this vehicle is, expensive head gasket problems among other things.

[msommers]

Dodge/Plymouth Colt wagon...that fuckin thing is bulletproof and cheap as hell, not to mention ugly!

[dino_martini]

Originally posted by Xamim
Late 90's Subaru Outback, there are a few on AutoTrader for less than $5,000. Not sure about how reliable they are though

Doesnt the subaru only seat 5?

[frozenrice]

First generation Honda Odesseys can be found for under $5000. Once in a while the earlier versions of the 2nd gen Odesseys can be found for just a little over $5000. If they're only going to use it for a year though, they can probably find a newer domestic minivan in their price range.

[leec001]

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ137177167

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ136782200

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ134371136

1st Generation of Sienna is also a good choice

[corsvette]

In past experience be VERY careful of Siennas,just because they are a Toyota does not make them reliable.I would look at the Dodge vans even before another Sienna.

[G-ZUS]

You should be able to get an 02-04 Dodge Caravan for around there. That 99 is overpriced, I picked up a 2000 with 95000 km for my bro-in-law for 1500, and an 02 for my aunt for my aunt with 170 000 km for 2400. Whatever you do, stay away from those Windstars, no matter how cheap.

[johnboy27]

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ131888382

[97'Scort]

My '97 Ford Escort wagon was probably the most reliable car I've ever seen. It purred like a kitten as long as you changed the oil and air filter. Never once had to change the plugs, no headgasket, no nothing. It just ran and ran.

They can be had in good shape for around 2k. I used to haul all my DJ gear around in it too, you can fit a shitload of stuff in there.

[black13]

A family friend is selling their 2001 Ford Windstar for $5000 if your interested. I can vouche that it's been very well taken care of. Lots of features on it as well and very comfy.
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ124387029

[leec001]

Originally posted by corsvette
In past experience be VERY careful of Siennas,just because they are a Toyota does not make them reliable.I would look at the Dodge vans even before another Sienna.

Overall 1998-2003
The 1998-2003 Sienna was very comfortable minivan with car-like handling and smooth, soft Camry-like ride. It was fairly reliable, although lack of maintenance could easily lead to problems .

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/sienna.html

Overall 2001-2007
Dodge Caravan is comfortable, roomy, nice looking minivan and it costs few thousands less than Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna. Yes, it has reputation for not being the most reliable vehicle ,but it is improved compared to previous generation and actually, none of the minivans has flawless reliability records.
If you are planning to buy a used Dodge Caravan, look for models from 2003 and newer - they seem to have fewer problems. I also recommend buying a good extended warranty with your Caravan - some components such as transmission, air conditioner, electronic control units might be costly to repair or replace . If you like the Dodge Caravan, consider also Chrysler Town & Country, which is more luxury version of the Dodge Caravan and Grand Caravan.

http://www.samarins.com/reviews/caravan01.html

[barmanjay]

Pontiac Montana or Chevy Venture

[clem24]

My parents had a 98 Sienna. Owned since brand new. No major problems whatsoever. It was the top end model (leather/sunroof) with less than 170k I think and ended up selling for $7g. It's a good value and a great car. And honestly, buying used means you can get anything - POS Sienna, POS Caravan, etc... So really, just do your due diligence.

Personally I would choose a Sienna anyday over a Caravan but that's just me. Or you might be able to score a 99/2000 Odyssey which are reliable as hell. The first gen Odyssey is simply too small, so I would personally stay away from those.

And yes, 1st gen Outback, or just about any Subaru with a phase 1 2.5L boxer has head gasket issues. Stay away unless they can show that HG was replaced recently. You can always get into a Legacy (non-GT) instead (which has a 2.2L and is apparently one of the strongest engines Subaru made). Or get into a Phase 2 (MY2000 and beyond). But I don't see how this is relevant as you have a family of 6.