Who has a mini van?

k0ua · Oct 17, 2016

One question I have is why the other manufactures all don't have some version of "stow and go" seating. It doesn't seem like rocket science.

EddieWalker · Oct 17, 2016

k0ua said:
One question I have is why the other manufactures all don't have some version of "stow and go" seating. It doesn't seem like rocket science.

Great question. If Honda or Toyota had stow and go seating, they would be at the top of our list. My guess is that most people buy mini vans to haul kids around, and not so much for dogs. The fact that you have to remove the middle seat and leave it at home when you go somewhere that you need the space makes it unattractive to us since a big part of dog shows is the socializing after the event. Not having that seat is something that my wife feels is a deal breaker. Looking at the Honda and Toyota's way of folding up their seats is also a deal breaker, so it looks like Chrysler is our only option.

We've expanded our search to older models with less then 30,000 miles on them and have found a dozen of them for under $20,000. The question is which one we'll end up with, because this seems to be what she wants.

KubotainNH · Oct 17, 2016

I can't speak for Toyota but the Honda's store the spare tire in the middle of the van, just in front of the gas tank. You pick up the velcro'd carpeting and open a door, there it is nice and clean. They don't hang it under the rear where it is hard to access and ends up disappearing up here in the rust belt. If they found a better different place for the spare then maybe they could do it but the gas tank takes up considerable space too. Also, those middle seats are thick and quite comfortable so would take up lots of depth. Last time I looked at the Chrysler (when they still had Caravans) the seats were quite thin and not very comfortable. That was like 10 years ago so maybe they are better now but if rarely used it's not a biggie. Our kids grew up in our van so we wanted comfy seats for long rides. Good luck with the new ride!

KennyG · Oct 18, 2016

The new stow 'n go seats aren't bad as far as comfort goes, but there is an obvious compromise. Our '98 Town & Country with leather interior had the most luxurious seating I've every experienced. Still, I don't think anyone would complain about the 2016 Dodge I recently rented.

ray66v · Oct 18, 2016

My Sedona has stow, and go in the back, and conventional buckets in the middle.

There is a difference in comfort.

HHR · Oct 18, 2016

The newer Grand Caravan/Town & Country store their spare between the driver and passenger seat under the floor (outside).

Haoleguy · Oct 18, 2016

Eddie - If your spouse is sold on the Chrysler check out a VW minivan as they were rebadged Chryslers. If they have the stow seats it might be a slight change from the Chrysler bunch. My kids have a Sienna to haul the grandkids around. The Honda prdts really last . We have an Acura at 210k with no problems.

BlessedMess · Oct 18, 2016

Garandman said:
You might also look at the Ford Transit Connect. It's available as a van, with seats and windows, but is practical and doesn't cost as much as the bigger models. And I guess you could throw in the Mercedes Metris, though dealers are sparse.

Agree with this. Lots of low mile used in the $16-$20k range. We bought our Transit Connect LWB wagon (passenger windows/seats) in February and had it certified for $500... longer warranty than a new one for less than 2/3 the price.

Mid-20s MPG and it actually fit a big cub cadet woodchipper in the back with room to spare. Enormous head room, drives just like a longer Focus, and really handles highway duty great too. Dogs might enjoy the really low rear cargo area (jump in/out) and multiple rear AC vents at snout level. Also it is no longer than a Camry, so easy to park and navigate in tighter spaces.

The only downside is the complex rear seat folding, but they do create a flat floor and the unique styling has grown on us. Also the rear hatch will take your head off when opening/closing (stand back). Wish ours had the barn door style and the giant rear glass roof.

EddieWalker · Oct 18, 2016

I didn't know VW sold vans. I looked at their website and didn't see any. What are they called?

aczlan · Oct 18, 2016

EddieWalker said:
I didn't know VW sold vans. I looked at their website and didn't see any. What are they called?

Its the Routan. Just imagine Chrustler build quality (or the lack thereof) paired with VW's German complexity...
I might second looking at the passenger version of the Transit Connect. I have heard good things about them.

Aaron Z