Aussie seeking advice on US family 7 seat car

[Mick USA]

Hi,

Work is about to relocate me to Washington DC for 3+ years and I will need a good reliable second hand car for the family. If relevant, I intend to live in Northern Virginia.

I'm not familiare with the range of cars available in the US and was hoping that someone could give me some advice as to makes and models to look at.

I was considering some of the following types such as:

VW Routan
Honda Odyssey
Mazda 5
Volvo XC 90

Or an SUV etc. I have very little idea about specific US manufactured cars and models.

My car criteria is as follows:

1) Six or Seven seats (I have 3 kids under 5 and need spare seats for the occasional visitor)
2) FWD or AWD
3) post 2008 model.
4) reliable
5) cheap to maintain / service ( are US made cars significantly cheaper to service / maintain than Korean / Jap or European?)
6) Max price $20,000 preferably less.

Please send me your opinions as to what makes and models I should consider including in my short list ; )

Thanks in advance,

Mike

[Ray paulsen]

Hey Mate, It looks like an SUV crossover type vehicle with 3 middle seats for little buckled up terrors, you have much choice, be it domestic or import maintenance fees will be about the same unless you end up with high end luxury type vehicles.

I could name a dozen vehicle's that would fit the ticket, but my taste - preference - lifestyle and how a car handles may not be the same as yours, so I suggest one avenue for you to consider prior to your arrival to give you a head start.

Go Autotrader.com,,, enter the zip code for the area where you will be relocating to,,, check out vehicles of interest within distance,,, when you find something that arouses your emotions, post a link in this thread and lets check it for red flags.

[Mick USA]

Hi Ray,

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Yes, I think something with three rows of seats will be required. I have decided that as I'll be living in the USA I will complement the adventure with driving a US made car. Sure, I could get a Toyota, Honda, Mazda or VW... but I can drive those here. I want to drive something I can't get back home.

I have noticed that the price of second hand cars appears to be very sensitive with respect to millage. Any car close to or even over 100,000 miles appears to be significantly cheaper than a similar car that may only have 50-60,000 miles. I have no problem with with a high mileage car, i have owned a few that have done over 200,000+ and never been concerned. Is this just the state of play with 2nd hand cars in the US or should I seriously be concerned about purchasing a car with 100,000 miles or more on the clock?

I have looked at a number of cars on the autotrader site and would appreciate any thoughts on the following makes and models. Note that I am not necessarily interested in the specific cars lists, just thoughts on the relative merits of the makes and models listed (reliability, quality, cost of servicing etc):

Chrysler Town and Country 2008
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...&seller_type=b

Chrysler Aspen 2007
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...&seller_type=b

Buick Enclave
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...2012&default_s

Saturn Outlook
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...d_year=2012&de

Dodge Grand Caravan

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...&seller_type=b

Dodge Journey

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e=b&make=DODGE

Saturn Outlook

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...&seller_type=b

Cheers,

Mick

[Ray paulsen]

You have owned a few cars that have done over 200,000 + and never been concerned ,,, correct me if I am wrong,,, you are thinking kilometers not miles ? a huge differ here

Our price of cars appears to be very sensitive with respect to mileage,,, no not at all, the average driver checks in at about 12 to 14K a year, so a model year that should read about 40K should cost much less with 65K in same condition, same car model year with 100K a major discount should be in place.

Let's do this, when you get to arrive from down under and get to stand up straight, post a car of interest and lets go from there.

I appreciate your list of vehicle's and would consider each one at a price, but honestly buying any used car is about getting value for your bucks and that comes with study starting with test drives that fit your needs for lifestyle and knowing how to check for red flags,,, start with this link http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html