How to Pick a Used Minivan
Minivans had their start in the 1980's, when Chrysler and Toyota introduced their multi-passenger vehicle in response to the Baby Boom generation's having their own families. The need for larger vehicles to transport kids around suburbs and on vacations made the minivan a popular choice until it was supplanted by the SUV. Today, minivans are 4 or 6-cylinder vehicles with many family-friendly features like sliding doors, adjustable seating, entertainment systems and side-airbags for safety. Buying a minivan is generally cheaper than an SUV, costing less to buy, insure and maintain according to Edmunds.com, (see reference 1)
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Instructions
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How to Pick a Used Mini Van
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Assess your needs. Consider what you will be using the minivans for and how many people it will carry routinely. Minivans come in compact, medium and large sizes. If you do a lot of highway driving, the large V6 engine may be the better choice for you. The 4-wheel drive feature can be convenient in areas with heavy snowfall. Also think about cargo capacity if you intend to carry home improvement supplies or other loads. Also consider how much your budget will allow for the vehicle. The Internetautoguide.com suggests allowing 20 percent of your monthly income for a car payment.
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Research available models. Minivan fuel economy, safety features and interior capacity can vary widely. Used minivans may be limited in your area, so you may have to venture further from your community to find a good selection.
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Pay attention to mileage, condition and age when considering a used car. According to Carclicks.com, you should also consider the availability of warranties and financing for the used vehicle. These can vary widely on used cars.
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Test drive the vehicle. Pay attention to pick-up ability at high speeds and any sounds coming from the engine. Note the condition of tires, interior.locks and gauges, and any damage to seating.
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Ask a mechanic to look at the car. If you are fortunate enough to have a good relationship with an auto mechanic, ask them to check the vehicle for overall engine wear and potential problems. Otherwise, you may be able to ask a mechanic to look over the used minivan for you for a small consultation fee
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Consider your aesthetic tastes. Is the used minivan a color you can live with, or will it be a source of embarrassment and annoyance? If there is visible exterior damage, think about how it can be fixed without a great deal of expense.
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Negotiate for the best price. Stick to your budget. Don't let yourself be talked into spending more than you have determined.
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Tips & Warnings
Used car dealers offer some type of warranty. A private party selling their minivan will not
Make sure the airbags are in working condition. A used minivan may have been in an accident in which the airbags have deployed, but not been repaired.
References
- Photo Credit Family van image by Avesun from Fotolia.com
