If you are in the predicament of having to cart family members from one place to another, need to move people around for your job, or needing wheelchair access, then a minivan is a necessity. These vehicles won’t win any beauty pageants but they will give you space, practicality and reliability – the three essential reasons for selecting a minivan in the first place. So, let’s take a look at the best minivans for under $10,000.
Mazda 5 (2004-2015)
Following on from the first generation ‘Premacy’, Mazda’s second and third generation ‘5’ minivans provided an easy-to-use, slightly larger body with three rows seating six people comfortably and safely – a great choice for a first time buyer wanting reliability without too much bulk. The smaller 2.3 liter 4 cylinder engine size means better fuel economy, while the smaller body (compared to other minivans) means it’s easier to park.
The one I found – A one-owner 2006 Mazda 5 Sport in ‘Platinum Silver’ featuring a 4-speed automatic transmission and alloy wheels. You will be amazed at the low 54,666 miles on the clock, clean interior, and user-friendly dashboard. It also has no previous accidents or damage, has power windows and remote keyless entry for just $8,491.
Dodge Grand Caravan (2008-2020)
The fifth generation Dodge Grand Caravan came with a new facelift, six-speed automatic transmission, and a range of updated engines including the 3.8 and 4.0 liter V6 options. You could opt for the basic SE trim, the SXT with a lot of extras including the ‘Stow N Go’ fold down flat rear seats, and the SXT Premium which added a power sunroof, chrome side mirrors and 17 inch alloy wheels. A great option if you wanted to use the Caravan as a surfing van or overnight camper. There are a lot of models on the market with mileage averaging from 79,000 to 99,000, so make sure to check for service records and when any major servicing is required next.
The one I found – I opted for a 2008 SXT 3.8 liter V6 model in ‘Bright Silver’ with no previous or current accidents or damage, tinted mid and rear windows, clean interior, and 88,471 miles traveled for $8,995. The price was reduced from $10,000 just recently.
Honda Odyssey (2005-2012)
Known for their smooth, sporty ride, Honda’s Odyssey is one of the more popular used minivans on the market. You can find plenty on the market, but if you want one with low mileage (under 100,000), then you are drastically reduced to a handful.
The one I found – If you’re looking for value for money, then you can’t go past this 2005 EX model in ‘Champagne’. Not only has it got an incredibly clean ‘Tan’ interior, the exterior is just as great with side roof racks, and as a bonus – a Harmer Wheelchair Hoist bolted into the trunk if that’s something you’re after. Those alone can cost roughly $1,000. Its 5-speed automatic transmission handles well, and it has only traveled 76,851 miles. Just under the 10k at $9,995.
Kia Sedona (2005-2012)
One of the safest minivans on the market according to the IIHS, the Sedona came in two trim models – the base model LX which has an impressive list of features including rear parking sensors, fog lights, cruise control, roof rack rails, air-conditioning with rear controls, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker stereo system with CD player, while the EX also included power lift-gate, leather seats, and dual-zone climate control.
The one I found – 2008 ‘Blue/Grey’ LX model with side roof racks and an amazingly low 53,000 miles for the low $7,900 price tag. With a $10,000 budget, you could add some form of mobility conversion or pimp it out with side-boards, bigger alloy wheels, and a moon-roof.
Toyota Sienna (2004-2010)
The second generation Sienna has a similar 3.5 liter V6 engine under the hood just like the Honda Odyssey. In fact, they sell for a similar price with similar mileage as well. According to U.S. News & World Report, the 2009 Sienna is listed as the ‘Best Used Minivan Under $20,000’ beating out the 2010 model in second place. It is also the only used minivan under $10,000 that has All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as an option – so you may want to check out the adverts carefully to see if this is on the one you’re looking at.
The one I found – I stumbled across an All-Wheel Drive 2005 ‘Silver Shadow’ with a DVD Rear Seat Entertainment System, HomeLink Wireless Control System, and no previous accidents or damage. It has seating for up to eight passengers, a fold flat third row seat, and a low 68,853 miles on the dash. All this is within budget for $9,997.
If you want to pimp your ride up, you could end up with a mean street machine. If you are looking for a mobility conversion minivan, check out https://www.amsvans.com/handicap-vans/mobility-classifieds and https://www.mobilityvansales.com/used-handicap-vans/usa-mini%20van-vansales.html for both private sales and auctions.