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Once it was the king of the road, so to speak, at least in terms of family versatility and popularity. But the minivan, which debuted in the mid-1980s with the introduction of the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager, is definitely on the decline, according to the editors of Consumer Guide. Although it’s been replaced by more popular crossover vehicles, the minivan still serves the needs of many families across America. It costs less to buy, less to insure, and less to maintain than full-size vans, SUVS and some crossovers.

Minivans come in three sizes: compact, regular and large. For 2009, there are 8 minivans available: Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, Nissan Quest, Toyota Sienna and Volkswagen Routan.

If the prices of brand-new minivans is not in your reach and you’re looking to buy used, you may well ask what the best used minivans are. Consumer Reports, in their Best of the Best lists of various vehicle segments, lists only two: Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey. Their research includes vehicles from 1999 through 2008 and includes only vehicles with multiple years of above-average reliability. Listed here are the major design and/or equipment changes for these two minivans, along with pertinent EPA fuel economy numbers and crash-test ratings.

Toyota Sienna

First introduced in 1998, the Toyota Sienna is a good choice, new or used, according to Edmunds.com. Posting good crash-test scores, Sienna has exceptional reputation for both long-term overall dependability and overall quality, Edmunds’ editors say. A look at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals Toyota Sienna scored 5 stars for driver frontal and 4 stars for passenger frontal and 5 stars for driver and passenger in side-impact tests from 2000-2003. In 2004, Sienna earned a 5-star rating in frontal and side impact testing. From 2005-2009, Odyssey’s NHTSA ratings were 4-star driver frontal, 5-star passenger frontal and 5 stars in side-impact testing.

First-generation Toyota Sienna (1998-2003) models seat up to 7 passengers. There was no fold-flat seating in the 3rd row. The first-generation did post excellent crash test scores, had a great ride and a respectable 210 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Consumer Reports says the first-generation has “refined design, cut tight space in the 3rd row.”

The right side power door appeared in the 1999 model year. Front seat airbags and stability control became optional in 2001. Also in 2001, dealer-installed rear-seat entertainment system was available, although it was VHS. If you’re looking to buy a Toyota Sienna from that time period, you’re better off to install your own DVD system.

The second-generation Toyota Sienna debuted in 2003 as a 2004 model, powered by a 215-hp 3.3-liter V-6 engine. Consumer Reports hails the redesigned model as “roomier, more powerful, with available all-wheel drive (AWD), and overall good reliability.” You may want to buy a 2005 and newer Sienna, since Toyota strengthened the side structure in 2005 and revised the side airbags to improve performance in side-impact crashes. Side airbags were standard on all Sienna models in the 2006 model year. Before that time, side airbags were standard only on the XLE Limited, and optional on other trims.

Edmunds.com lists used Toyota Sienna dealer retail prices ranging from $4,785 (1998) to $28,743 (2008). For 2009, Toyota Sienna base prices range from $24,540 to $37,865. Offering 7- or 8-passenger seating and a 230-hp 3.3-liter V-6 engine, the 2009 model is well-equipped and benefits from Toyota’s reputation for strong resale value. EPA fuel economy range for 2009 models is 17 to 23 mpg. Toyota Sienna is the only 2009 minivan available with AWD for better traction control on slick roads.

Honda Odyssey (2001-2006)

While Honda Odyssey has been around since the first-generation (1995-1998), Consumer Reports lists the second-generation (2001-2006) as the best used minivans. From 1999 to 2004, Odyssey was available in front-wheel drive (FWD) only in LX and EX (EX featured the dual power-sliding doors). Power came from a 210-hp 3.5-liter V-6 engine (240 horsepower from 2000 to 2004). Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were standard, 2nd-row seats folded or could be easily removed, and 3rd-row seats folded flat into the floor.

In 2005 models, Odyssey was redesigned (its third-generation model), with only minor changes through 2008. Available in EX, EX-L and Touring, Odyssey boasted a 244-hp V-6 that still qualified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV-2) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). EPA fuel economy was 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway – the highest in the segment, according to the 2005 EPA Fuel Economy Guide. Touring trim included the Honda DVD rear entertainment system.

In NHTSA testing, Honda Odyssey from 2001-2009 achieved a 5-star rating in frontal and side-impact tests.

Edmunds lists used Odyssey dealer retail prices ranging from $2,913 (1995) to $33,341 (2008). For 2009, Honda Odyssey dealer retail prices range from $24,214 to $37,355. Consumer Guide lists 2009 prices ranging from $26,255 to $41,605, and EPA fuel economy at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

What To Look For

Using these two minivans as a starting point, compare other available minivans out there. Consider their NHTSA crash-test ratings, EPA fuel economy, costs to buy, insure and maintain. Also check the vehicle’s maintenance records to ensure it’s been serviced properly.

As for features: look for good V-6 power, seats that are easy to adjust (reconfigurable 2nd-row seats, 3rd row that folds flat), rear air conditioning, entertainment system, storage containers, power sliding doors, and overall comfort.

Are there other really great used minivans? You bet. Consumers have their favorites, as indicated by blog postings all over the Web. But you have to start somewhere, so use these two that Consumer Reports list as the best and go from there.

For more unbiased tips & advice on car buying and selling, see http://blog.iseecars.com.  To start your car search, visit http://www.iSeeCars.com , a leading search engine for finding over 2 million cars for sale from more than 11,000 websites with ONE SEARCH.

With gasoline prices having come down significantly from its peak of over $3 / gallon, it may be time to consider a SUV.  When it comes to versatility and spaciousness, you can’t beat a sport utility vehicles or SUV. Gone are the days of the purely utilitarian and box-like SUVs, replaced by increasingly sophisticated palaces on wheels with every conceivable amenity. Sure, all this comes with a penalty – often a steep price tag too much for your wallet. But you can find some great deals in used SUVs. What should you look for? Low mileage, plenty of safety and convenience features, of course, good styling and performance and finally, price. Here we list the top 5 best used SUVs according to one leading source, Consumer Reports. Note that these aren’t the be-all and end-all of the best used SUVs. Use this top 5 list of used SUVs as a starting point to drive home your best deal.

* Hyundai Santa Fe (2004) – The base SUV is the one you want for overall best value. Powered by a 138-hp 4-cylinder engine mated with automatic transmission, the 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe in front-wheel drive achieves 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway. According to Consumer Reports, this model with 66,000 miles can be purchased used for about $6,500 (versus $18,799 new).

* Toyota Sequoia Ltd (2005) – The magazine’s next used SUV best buy pick is the rear-wheel drive (RWD) Sequoia Ltd with 282-hp V-8 engine and automatic transmission. This model gets EPA fuel economy ratings of 15 mpg city/18 mpg highway. With some 51,000 miles on the odometer, this SUV, which sold new for $41,605, is available to buy used for about $17,000, according to Consumer Reports.

* Subaru B9 Tribeca (2006) – The base 5-passenger SUV model with 40,000 miles in all-wheel drive configuration, 250-hp 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, carries a used car price of about $15,000, per the editors of Consumer Reports. Other sources cite the vehicle’s new car price range at between $10,800 and $19,000. For 2006, the B9 Tribeca base utility’s EPA numbers are 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway.

* Mitsubishi Outlander ES (2007) – Another RWD model on Consumer Reports list of best used SUVs is this 220-hp 6-cylinder Mitsubishi Outlander ES with automatic transmission. Look for around 33,000 miles. New, the model cost around $21,270, but you can find a great deal used for about $10,000. The ES in this configuration gets 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway.

* Honda Pilot VP (2008) – With 20,000 miles on the odometer, this 2008 Pilot VP is a 2-wheel drive 244-hp 6-cylinder 4-door model with automatic transmission. New, this model sold for nearly $28,000, but you can find it used for under $18,000, says Consumer Reports. The Honda Pilot VP in this configuration achieves 16 mpg city/22 mpg highway fuel economy.

If you’re hot for an SUV, there are great bargains out there, both on dealer lots (they’re eager to get them out of their inventory) and private sale. Read all the reviews you can on the particular models you’re interested in and go in to see and test-drive the SUV yourself. Be knowledgeable, be confident, and… be willing to walk away. There’s always another great used SUV that meets your needs and your wallet.

To start your car search, visit http://www.iSeeCars.com to find over 2 million used cars for sale from more than 11,000 websites.

NEW CAR TECHNOLOGY:

Some drivers want a new car every three years, so that they have all the latest technology, while other drivers buy a new car and then keep it until it falls apart. With a lease, the vehicle is always under three years old. With a purchase, the vehicle is eventually owned, but by the time it is paid off, there’s lots of new technology available.

PAYMENTS:

The payments on a lease will always be significantly less than the purchase payments on the same vehicle. On a lease, the driver pays for the part of the car used (depreciation) while on a purchase, payments are on the entire vehicle.

CREDIT:

Obtaining a loan on a vehicle purchase is far easier than getting a loan. Those with average or poor credit will most likely not qualify for a lease.

INITIAL OUT OF POCKET COSTS:

Leases only require the first month’s payment, first year license fee and perhaps a security deposit equal to one month’s payment. Buying a car, on the other hand, will generally require 10-20% of the vehicle’s price as a down payment.

INSURANCE:

It’s less expensive to insure a vehicle that’s being purchased, as insurance companies require higher minimums on leased cars.

WARRANTY:

If the lease term is 36 months, and the mileage limits are adhered to, the vehicle will always be under warranty– no unexpected repair bills. On a purchase, once the warranty is up, repair bills are the responsibility of the owner.

MILEAGE:

Buying the vehicle is the better decision if for those drive a lot. Most leases allow just 12,000 miles a year. If circumstances change during a lease and suddenly a leased car is driven significantly more, there will be a large over-mileage penalty after the lease ends.

TRADING OUT OF THE VEHICLE:

While a vehicle loses a lot of equity during the first two years, it’s still easier to trade out of a purchased vehicle. Once the car is 2/3 of the way paid off, it should be close to a break even proposition. A lease is impossible to break without taking a severe financial wallop.

PREPPING A VEHICLE FOR LEASE END/TRADE-IN

If a vehicle is being traded or sold, it’s not necessary to get every little last problem repaired. Not doing so will result in a lower selling price, but won’t cost anywhere near as much as the penalties faced by not fixing a lease d vehicle. Prior to turn-in, the lessee is responsible for even cosmetic problems, as the vehicle must be returned with only “reasonable wear and tear,” Missing knobs and hubcaps need to be replaced, dents and scratches repaired, over-worn tires and chipped windshields need replaced.

So, is leasing a car a good value? If you’re the type of driver that puts a lot of miles on your car, are rather lackadaisical about maintenance and repairs and don’t like the thought of not actually “owning” something, stay away from leasing. Drivers that tend to take good care of a vehicle, drive under 12,000 miles annually and like driving newer cars may be good leasing candidates.

If you have a question you’d like our experts and community to answer, please ask your question at http://forum.iseecars.com.  To start your car search, visit http://www.iSeeCars.com to find over 2 million cars for sale across more than 11,000 websites.

By Ali Koomen, who spent over a dozen years in the car dealership busines, provides her expert insights

A CPO vehicle is not brand new, but it is in such immaculate condition that it is really a misnomer to call it used. While there are many different guidelines as to what qualifications a used vehicle needs in order to be considered as a CPO, the three main characteristics are that the vehicle must be in great condition with low mileage and have original factory warranty remaining.

A ‘dealership certified’ pre-owned vehicle simply means that the place selling the car has checked it out and says it is a good car. A ‘manufacturer certified’ vehicle has gone through a vigorous check-up set by the manufacturer and covers everything from tires to interior to the mechanical components, brakes and more.

“Certified” has a completely different meaning from “guaranteed” but there is a common misconception that a certified car carries a guarantee. However, this is often not the case. Most CPO’s will offer the balance of the new vehicle warranty, which is nothing spectacular as most vehicles with remaining factory warranty transfers those rights to the new owner. Some CPO cars come with a limited satisfaction warranty, above and beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty. Some may offer free loaners or rental reimbursement on repairs that take longer than one business day. Some CPO’s come with a roadside assistance program, and some dealerships offer special financing on certified vehicles.

So is a certified vehicle that much better than one that is not? That depends. First of all, the price on a CPO will range $500 to a couple thousand (depending on the vehicle) more than an identical vehicle that is not certified. For that, you’ll get peace of mind that comes in knowing the car has been thoroughly checked out, and there may be other perks as mentioned above.

Do keep in mind that it is possible to buy a non-certified used vehicle and have it turn out to be a wonderful car. Sometimes the mileage is just a little too high to qualify. Some vehicles may have too many minor things wrong to make certification. Occasionally the vehicle deserves certification but needs repairs that the dealership cannot afford. If a dealer paid too much on a trade-in or auction unit, there’s less wiggle room on the possible pricing when it comes to reselling the unit. In other words, if a vehicle up for certification was found to need a major brake overhaul that would cost the dealer $500, but it had only allowed a $200 get-ready allowance, the extra $300 would come from the profits made when the unit is sold. At this point it is a judgment call from the dealer whether the work should be done so that the vehicle can get certified and be worth an extra $500 or so, or if the vehicle should be left as is so the dealer doesn’t have to come any more money out of pocket.

Since all manufacturers and dealers have different guidelines for certification, be sure to research CPO vehicles just as carefully as you would a brand new vehicle.

If you have a question you’d like our experts and community to answer, please ask your question at http://forum.iseecars.com.  To start your car search, visit http://www.iSeeCars.com to find over 2 million cars for sale across more than 11,000 websites.

As of today, iSeeCars launched its revolutionary used car classified searching service in another 3 cities: Washington DC, San Diego and Austin, bringing the total of city metros we cover to 13. Many more cities to come….

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Over the recent weeks, we have received a number of inquiries about posting car classified listings on iSeeCars. Since iSeeCars is a search engine, it only includes the car listings that are posted on other sites (similar to Google only crawling the content from other sites). For the time being, the way to have your listings included in the iSeeCars search engine is to post your car listings to such free classifieds sites as http://www.craigslist.com or http://www.Googlebase.com.

We will be including more free websites where you can post in the near future. Also, we are in the process of developing an easy way for you to create your listing on our site and have it automatically posted to a number of free classifieds sites. Stay tuned. Keep the feedbacks and inquiries coming. Much appreciate all of them. You can contact us at feedback@iseecars.com

We’re excited to announce the launch of 3 additional metro areas in which you can search for cars for sale. You can now search used cars in the Seattle, Atlanta, and San Francisco (Bay Area) areas, adding to the 3 major metro city areas we already cover: Boston, New York and Philadelphia. iSeeCars now searches close to a million listings across more than 1000 websites including Craigslist, Cars.com, Google, Ebay and a host of other classified, dealership, and newspaper websites. Check it out and let us know what you think. Thanks.

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We’re excited to announce the launch of iSeeCars for Los Angeles.  You can now search for cars for sale or used car classifieds across a number of websites with listings in the LA area.   We’ll be adding other cities on an on-going basis so check back with us if the city you’re interested in is not yet available.

As always, we welcome any feedback and suggestions you may have to make the search service even better.

iSeeCars Team

We’re excited to announce that you can now use iSeeCars to search for cars for sale in 2 new cities: Philadelphia and New York areas. You can search over 145k listings of used cars in the Philadelphia area and close to 160k listings of used cars in the New York area. The classified listings come from more than 400 different car websites. New listings from additional car websites are added continually. Check it out.

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