Our 3rd child is arriving soon and I have been doing some research about minivans. From what I have read, the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are tops. I've also been told that Dodge and Chrysler town and country were good picks too.

The two main things I am concerned with are:

1) Price
and
2) Safety

Since we are not all millionares, I have to find a balance. My thoughts are these. We are going to buy used. I like the Toyota Sienna with all wheel drive and just about at the top with safety ratings, just under the Honda. But the Dodge and Chryslers are much much cheaper, some being just as good for safety. I've also worked on alot of Dodges and Chryslers and seen alot of issues with them. Some can be attributed to people just plain not taking care of their vehicles though.

So the choices are plenty and I'd like to gather more info if anyone has some trinkets of knowledge or experience they'd like to share. The local papers always have used Dodges and Chryslers in them for anywhere from 2k to 8k. I'm mulling over the possibility of going cheaper since I can repair it myself, but still want good safety for my family and some extra things. i.e. DVD, 7 passenger, all wheel drive etc.

Thanks for your replys!

What is your budget liek? I know you said you saw in the paper some Chryslers for 2 to 8 K but are you willing to go higher? The reason I ask is that there are some good deals to be had on some newer model years especially 2007s as that was the last year before the latest redesign. Many dealers tend to discount these vehicles nicely in order to get them off the lot to make room for the new model. I've seen some '08s(used) heavily discounted as well probably due to the slowing market and inventory that is creeping up on the lots. The new '08s that were redesigned were done well in the fact that they contain many "family friendly" options like DVD/sound sytem, seats that swivel 180 degrees and store in the floor, etc.
But if you're budget is limited, then an older model should do quite well for your growing family, as some have infant seats built in to the seat itself, and still have options for the kids . The best thing to do is to thoroughly research the vehicle to make sure the maintenance was performed on it was done regularly, a sign that it was well taken care of, and possibly have a mechanic give it a good "look-over, and you lessen your chances of getting a "problem vehicle".

Thanks for the reply,

The mechanical part does not concern me because I work on cars. It was really the reliability and safety of these vehicles since I've never owned one. After discussion, we may just go cheaper because I can maintain what needs to be, if so. But a good followup question would be: What are the pro's and cons of the van type you have? Just out of curiosity. I haven't heard much about that type.