Yahoo Finance 5 Minivans That Will Cost You the Most Money Over Time, According to Car Experts
Known for their comfort and ample space, minivans have been the go-to choice for families when car shopping. But not all are created equally. Many have been plagued with reliability issues and poor reputations, and experts warn there are a few makes and models to avoid because they will cost you more money over time.
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With the rising cost of new cars now averaging $47,218, which is more than $7,000 higher than five years ago in 2019, used cars are the way to go, but there are five used minivans to steer clear of, according to an automotive expert GOBankingRates spoke with.
Chrysler Town & Country
Maintenance Cost: $11,364 during the first 10 years of service, $4,550 higher than the industry average, per CarEdge.
The Chrysler Town & Country was a popular minivan that launched in 1989 but was discontinued in 2016. While the seven-seat passenger car was ideal for families, it had a slew of problems with electrical, reliability, and more.
“The Chrysler Town & Country is notorious for its high maintenance costs,” Rob Dillan, automotive expert and founder of EVhype stated. “Frequent mechanical issues and recalls lead to expensive repairs,” he added. “Additionally, it has poor fuel efficiency, averaging 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. Its rapid depreciation makes it a less sound financial investment over time.”
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Dodge Grand Caravan
Maintenance Cost: $10,332 during its first 10 years, which is $1,001 higher than the industry average, per CarEdge.
The Dodge Grand Caravan was a budget-friendly minivan that lacked a stylish design and performance but had strong selling points for families, such as an easy-to-clean interior that made picking up after children’s messes a breeze. In 2020, the long-serving car was discontinued, and Dillan advised against purchasing a used one.
“The Dodge Grand Caravan often requires frequent repairs, including transmission and electrical issues,” he told us. “Its fuel economy is below average, at an estimated 17 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. High maintenance costs also add up over time, making it a costly choice.”
Nissan Quest
Maintenance Cost: According to CarEdge, “Nissan models average around $8,088 for maintenance and repair costs during their first 10 years of service,” which is $1,274 higher than the industry average.
The Nissan Quest was a fairly popular minivan but was discounted in 2017. The car often had poor safety ratings and several complaints about the engine, transmission, brakes, and more.
“Parts and repairs for the Nissan Quest are notably expensive,” Dillan stated. ” It offers lower fuel efficiency, averaging 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. Additionally, the Quest experiences significant depreciation, losing value faster than many of its competitors.”
2020 Toyota Sienna 2WD
Maintenance Cost: According to U.S. News, “The 2020 Sienna’s five-year costs for gas, insurance, taxes, fees, repairs, and maintenance are projected to be about $32,290 or $6,458 per year. These ownership costs are high for the class.”
Toyota has long been known as a durable brand with limited major repair issues, but Dillan explained that’s not the case with the 2020 Toyota Sienna 2WD.
“While generally reliable, older models of the Toyota Sienna can have high repair costs as parts age,” he said. “Their fuel efficiency is moderately lower compared to newer models, with around 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. These older models also depreciate quickly, reducing their long-term value.”
Honda Odyssey 2014 and 2018
Maintenance Cost: $7,379 during its first 10 years. While that’s $1,952 lower than the industry average, there’s a 21.58% chance the Odyssey will need a major repair in that time frame, per CarEdge.
Most years of the Honda Odyssey are known to be reliable and without issues, but the 2014 and 2018 have a high number of recalls and complaints.
“Older models of the Honda Odyssey are known for transmission issues, which lead to expensive repairs,” Dillan stated. “They also have poorer fuel efficiency, averaging around 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These older models depreciate more quickly compared to newer versions, impacting their resale value.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Minivans That Will Cost You the Most Money Over Time, According to Car Experts
