Some people require larger vehicles for many reasons and used minivans are a great choice for the versatility and space that they can offer, not to mention the good price.  Expanding families, more cargo room for hauling, or just having the extra space in case you need it.  Whatever your reason a minivan is an excellent all around vehicle that is both economical and spacious.  New cars can be very expensive so a used minivan may be a better value.

New minivans can retail anywhere between 25,000 to 40 or 50,000 dollars depending on the model and options purchased with that model.  That is a huge chunk of change so a used minivan would be a much more appealing option.  Used models, depending on the manufacturer and options, are much more reasonable than their brand new counterparts.

Used vans can be found all over the internet on sites such as autotrader.com or even ebay motors.  Chrysler and Chevy vans tend to be the best value.  Depending on the mileage and options that you are looking at, a used van from one of these manufacturers can be purchased for a few thousand dollars up to 10 or 12,000 for one with low mileage.  These manufacturers have a pretty good track record for quality.

A slightly higher end used van such as a Honda or Toyota will be substantially more because of the strong brand quality.  These are some very solid vehicles.  Even one with high mileage can still go from 16 to 18,000 depending on the condition.

It is always wise to shop around when searching for a used auto.  Dealerships usually have a good selection however a buyer should beware.  If you are looking for a bargain this is probably not the best place to look.  Dealerships have costs for labor, wages, prep work and repairs made to used cars turned in by other people.  All of these costs will be incorporated into your purchase indirectly, making the cost of the car more than it would have otherwise been.  Obviously it won’t be much more than market value but you are better off searching elsewhere.

The classifieds in your local paper is a great place to look for bargains.  Private sellers are often listing used cars for sale.  Of course you should exercise caution here as well by making sure you have any car you plan to buy checked out by a certified mechanic or someone you trust who knows about cars.  Make sure there is a clear title and try to get a history report on the vehicle.

Whatever you end up doing it is usually wiser to purchase a used vehicle even if it is still relatively new.  Brand new cars loose almost half of their value as soon as you drive them off the lot.  Keep these things in mind when purchasing a used minivan

Tagged with: • •

Filed under: Auto • Featured

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!