The Right Car for Me: quality made 7+ seater, 4 kids seats, 6ft5 driver, long commute

quality made 7+ seater, 4 kids seats, 6ft5 driver, long commute

Member5335

interior space (for 4 children's car seats and a tall driver), fuel efficiency (highway/incity 50/50), and build quality are very important, as is overall bang for buck/value. Seat quality for the driver is as well, as I have problems with sciatica/lower back pain.
I have looked at the chrysler, hyundai, family of vans - quality for price seems poor.
We own a 2011 ford flex - love the space and ride, but the quality is poor - everything breaks constantly and parts are surprisingly expensive!
We have owned a 2003 Volvo XC70, which was wonderful but alas not enough seats for 7.
Have looked at Toyota Sienna - looks like a great vehicle, although expensive. Not sure what other SUV or van options to consider for something this large. Would prefer not to get into v8+ vehicles for gas consumption reasons. Thanks for your thoughts,

Priorities: Reliability & durability / Ride smoothness / Fuel economy / Rear seat room & comfort / Warranty, maintenance cost

Preferred Bodystyle(s): Wagon / Minivan / SUV

Car Needs: Daily commuter / Family transporter / Long trips / Towing or hauling

Primary Driver(s): Tall driver

Need minimum of 7 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 80000
Maximum age: 6 years

Maximum price: US $ 20000

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Aside from the Toyota Sienna, the other obvious option is the Honda Odyssey. Especially used these will be considerably more expensive than a Chrysler or Hyundai / Kia owing to largely accurate perceptions of their superior reliability. (Though older Odyssey minivans were prone to transmission failures.)

Some people do buy the Chryslers, paying much less up front or getting a newer vehicle, and then are okay with a few extra repairs because the van initially cost less. Which model year did you look at? The 2011 and newer Chrysler vans do tend to be better and more reliable than earlier ones, but they are still cramped inside compared to the Toyota and Honda.

Crossovers and SUVs will have a more cramped third row and far less cargo capacity. As a family of six I'm sure you need plenty of the latter.

I'd drive the Sienna and Odyssey and see which you like best.

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quality made 7+ seater, 4 kids seats, 6ft5 driver, long commute

Member5335

Response from ezgobob

1:25 pm May 31, 2015

Response from mkaresh

1:39 pm June 3, 2015