Hey Scotty! Hello Everyone!
I'm looking to trade in my gas guzzler 2004 Chevy Suburban (139K miles, runs like a clock with no issues) for a more economical minivan. I have a wife and two small children. I'm considering a few options. I'm looking in the $5000 - $6500 range.
I'd like a Toyota Sienna, but they are generally out of my price-range and the ones that are in my price-range all have 220K+ on them. Should I ever consider a vehicle with that many miles?
There is a gentleman that lives near me that is willing to do an even trade with my Suburban for his 2005 Chevy Uplander with 150k miles on it. It's tempting on the surface. Should I consider this?
I also have found multiple Kia Sedonas and Dodge Caravans/Town and Country's near me with reasonable price-to-mileage ratios. Should I consider these?
What do you all think of the Ford Freestars? There are a couple of those floating around also that don't seem too bad.
Lastly, I was considering a Honda Odyssey with 220K miles on it for $4000. I've driven it. Seems to run quite well. Many front-end components were recently replaced. AC blows cold. No lights, is being sold by a big car dealer. The only thing that's giving me pause is the mileage. 220k is an awful lot, and trading in a vehicle with 80K less miles doesn't seem like a good idea. Even if it is for a Honda.
Any recommendations you fine people have would be much appreciated. Thanks for all you do!
I would rather have your 'Burban than all those other options you mentioned.
+1 @mmj
Stick with the devil you know, rather than..
Plus, you said it’s running just fine. Why end up with something that may potentially cost you more in repairs, than peace of mind and just higher fuel bills?
All the other choices - given your price budget - won’t be as good as what you got. Even those Toyotas and Hondas with high mileage (again to fit your budget) MAY end up costing you more in repairs, esp. if it was not well taken care of.
Despite paying more at the gas pump the Suburbans were pretty solid back then and it still has more life in it.
I would keep what you got, for now.
I’m with the guys on keeping the suburban. But gas prices right now are really hurting people, and sometimes you gotta at least weigh your options.
Everything is overpriced right now, but minivans seem to be especially inflated. And you’re right, a Toyota minivan is not gonna be in your price range.
So maybe look at minivan-ish vehicles that people don’t usually think of. For example, the MAZDA5 was a great car, a little on the small side for a minivan, but super useable. If you look, you might find a bare bones unit in your price range.
I’d avoid an older Kia like the plague; dodge too. And even though Honda is usually reliable, the odyssey is not one of their better efforts. Is an older Element in your price range? Like Volvo’s in Crazy People, “they’re boxy, but they’re good.”
The Ford Freestar is an intriguing option; I don’t think they’re great, but a lot of them lived easy lives as grandma cars.
The uplander is extremely maintenance dependent. They are more reliable than you would think for a GM product. But once the transmission starts to go they’re trash.
Keep in mind none of the vehicles you mention have anywhere near the ground clearance of the Suburban. If you live in the snow belt keep that in mind.
