If a minivan is in your future, you’re not alone. These vehicles have become incredibly popular and come with dozens of options and features. Choosing the right one for your needs should begin with some research. Find auto reviews of minivans and see what others are saying. Remember that reviews have the potential to be slanted so be wary of reviews that are posted on manufacturer’s websites. Naturally, they’re only going to offer up the most positive reviews. Check more general websites and look at auto magazines to find what the customers are saying about their minivans. While a particular feature that is getting rave reviews (or prompting negative comments) isn’t that important to you, you could very well find some points that you need to consider.
As you read reviews and other information, take notes. Make yourself a list of questions you need to ask about the minivan you’re considering and a list of features that you consider important.
Price plays an important role in decisions like this for most people. The price range you can afford may very well limit the minivans you have to choose from. Even if that’s the case, take time to shop around. You may find some great deals if you take time to shop and compare.
Steps
Decide if you can afford a new or used minivan. You can find online calculators to determine how much you can afford.
If you are buying new, visit each of the major minivan manufacturer's website to determine the features of each minivan.
Make a list of the common features in a minivan and if it is Very Important, Neutral, or Not Important.
Compare your list to the minivans available.
Determine how much you can afford and how you can get financing.
Visit the dealerships (and don't forget independents like CarMax) to review what they have in inventory for new, late model, and older minivans.
Negotiate the price of your minivan using the invoice prices you learned during research.
Drive away in your new minivan!
Tips and Tactics
Research how much you can afford and how your credit is before going to the dealership.
Look up the invoice prices or Kelley Blue Book values for minivans before visiting the dealers. Print them out and bring them with you.
Don't forget to look at late model minivans; they can save you thousands off the price of a new one.
If you're looking for a minivan with GPS or DVD system - remember, these features add thousands to the cost of the minivan. You can add these systems easily aftermarket for a couple hundred dollars each.
Be prepared to walk away from a dealer if they won't give you what you want. Don't get emotionally tied to a purchase!
