4 Used Minivan Buying Tips
- Fold-flat third-row seating- One of the most appealing features of minivans is that they have plenty of cargo space. It’s important for your used minivan to be able to store your groceries and your son’s baseball equipment all without crushing your daughter’s model of the solar system for science class. But when you’re on the go, you don’t have time to remove the third-row seating to make everything fit. Many models offer seats that fold flat into the floor, creating a convenient, flat loading surface. Check out the Ford Freestar, the Nissan Quest and the Saturn Relay.
- Side curtain airbags- If you’re using your minivan to carry your children, you’ll want to make sure it’s one of the safest models on the road. Many used minivans now include side curtain airbags for all three rows so that heads of the driver and passengers are protected in the event of a side-impact collision or rollover. Minivans that currently feature these airbags include the Chrysler Town & Country, the Kia Sedona, and the Toyota Sienna.
- Safety belts- Safety belts are arguably the single most important safety component in your minivan. Look for used minivans with adjustable anchors so that the belt will fit properly across the chests of adults and children alike. Also, look for models with pre-tensioners, which instantly take up the belt’s slack in the event of a frontal impact and can increase the effectiveness of frontal airbags.
- Access- Sliding doors that access the middle and rear seats are common in many minivans. If you will be frequently carrying small children to your minivan, you might consider models with doors that can be opened by simply pressing a button on the key fob. Some pre-owned models also offer power-operated hatches, which are useful if you will be carrying a lot of cargo to the vehicle.
Minivans are comfortable and affordable vehicles for families. When purchasing your used minivan, avoid overspending by making a list of the essential features you need and sticking to it
