Anyone selling a minivan? Also, suggestions on what van to buy - Page 1

I think my deal fell through on getting a minivan and I wasn't sure where to post this so here goes...
Looking for a CHEAP, good running minivan to make my life easier and for Schutzhund, looking for something that has seen better days, will only be used for the dogs.  Engine, trans, and A/C must work.  Inside can be totally ragged out, outside doesn't have to be nice.  I'm in Alabama but will travel.  Nothing that's been in a lot of snow/salt.  If you've upgraded vans or need to upgrade your van and want to sell, please let me know.  German Shepherds and a Mustang just aren't working and I think I'm going to flip out if any more dog hair gets in my precious Mustang.
Also, suggestions on good dog minivans and not so good dog minivans appreciated.  I have a Zidane son who requires a 48" long crate (can't remember the number) so I need something roomy.  The more crates it will fit, the better.  My other dogs require just regular large crates, but I plan to add another Zidane pup and if I get a male, I won't be surprised if he need the 48" crate too.  What will fit my dogs best?
Thanks all,
Nichole

Hi Nichole,

I do not know if you just truly have to get a Mini Van,but I have owned many of them,but the price of them is higher most times than what I am about to mention,but the Isuzu Rodeo is a good choice to. They are on the lower end in value than most small SUV's,but they will hold much more than you think! I like it better than my Burb,but I can fit 2 500's and one 450{off size from Petsmart} in the back of my Rodeo. I face the first one to where I can open the rear door and just pull a dog out, and the other two are in my hatch door facing outward. You can buy a really decent one with a/c and all that you mention for about 1000 to 2500 and get a quality one. The parts are easy to find, also the Honda Passport is the same thing parts wise, but the Honda will have a higher value just because of the brand,but all same parts! I still have room on top of the crates to carry my suit, sleeves, and all other euipment to. Hope this may help you!

Jerry

IMO the all-time greatest minivans for dogs are not made anymore, but still available, sometimes with reasonably low mileage. I have a '97 Aerostar I love dearly, but which is getting pretty raggedy after 160K (engine still strong, salt took its toll). It holds four #500 crates and a lot more. Its quite tall, so I can pile suitcases, blinds, whatever on top of the crates if needed, but it does not handle like a sports car by any means.  A couple of #700's would be no problem, still room for all my junk, suitcases, whatever. I have the AWD version which gets 22 mpg highway when its tuned up and will pull 3500+ lbs. The 2WD gets better mileage and pulls even more. I wish they still made them.

Another vehicle a lot of dog people love is the Chevy Astro/GMC Safari. That, too, will hold four 500's, probably 2 700's. it doesn't have much leg room for passengers, but is peppier than my Aerostar and corners better, good on gas, and you've gotta love those two half doors and one lift in the back for security with dogs that like to bust open crate doors at events. 2005 was the last model year for those vans, but there are a lot of them around in decent shape.

SS

look at chrysler or dodge minivans starting 2005 with the stow n go seating option- all the back seats fold into the floor.  lots of usable space for crates & gear.   i made the move to the minivan from a chevy tahoe, much more cargo space, better gas mileage, smoother ride for the dogs, etc.

My van at this time is a 95 Chevrolet G 30 cargo van haul everything you got dog wise and gets a whoping 10 miles to the gallon empty or fully loaded. 283000 miles and still ticking (aka dog van 1)   

I had an astro. lots of room but didnt care for the ride. Upgraded to a dodge mini van. It was nice. lots of room and I love the double doors. We have a dodge conversion van. Great for hauling the kids or for long trips with the family but not too good with large crates.
 
I have a town and country. Love this van. Plenty of room for large crates and tons of gear. Fully loaded and I love the rear heat/ac. Rides like a caddy too. Its a 99 with low miles and we got it for a steal. I cant imagine owning anything other then a 4 door mini van for the dogs. very easy to load and unload. it also handles great in our maine winters.

I rented a Dodge minivan in San Jose last spring. It was comfortable enough to ride in, handled well enough, ok power, but I found the new rounded design limiting in space for two 500 crates and 3 passengers with a week's worth of show/training gear, ice chest, horrible with 4 passengers and two crates because you can't place the two 500's side-by-side facing rear anymore. My next dog-van will be a full-size conversion, crummy mileage and all, but I have a 4-dog trailer to pull (eyeing a 3,000 lb. 6-dog) and can only use 2WD 3 seasons of the year here in PA.

SS

I bought a Chrysler T&C with the stow and go seats. Stuck 2 Midwest SUV crates in the back and I absolutely love it. It gets 21mpg in town and 25 on the interstate.

I was in Las Vegas a couple of years back and a lot of the Taxi's were Dodge mini vans. I asked one of the drivers how long they lasted and he said they expect to get 300 - 400,000 miles on them. Hard to beat that.

Rik

Nichole,
Its not a van but I'll make you a great deal on this fixer upper,


Original miles, low rider kit, runs so quietly you'd swear you were coasting.
Moons.

Moons,
Do you and the dogs come with it?  Looks like a good project...not what I need for my dogs, but would be fun to get her going again....looks like she has some stories to tell.

I am thinking like a 99-00-ish Caravan or a Chevy Venture.  Maybe I can find one cheap enough.  You guys with Caravan or Ventures, how many miles do they usually make it to before they fall apart?  Everything in price range is high miles...I REALLY want to avoid financing, so I am aiming for a really cheap van that will be dependable.  I know that sounds impossible, BUT I am flexible on looks and the inside can be totally ragged out, and I have my own stereo, so it can be in pretty rough condition as long as it's dependable.
-Nichole