10 best minivans on the secondary market

*Review of the best, according to the editorial board. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and is not a buying guide. You should consult with an expert before buying.

A minivan is a passenger car based on a single-volume body, usually with three rows of seats. High and spacious interior, the availability of at least 5-7 seats for passengers in addition to the driver, good security and a set of options for comfort – these factors made the minivan a great car for a large family. There are a lot of interesting specimens in the secondary car market of Russia: now we will consider 10 best variants according to our editorial.

Nuances while choosing a minivan at secondary market

Minivans, due to their roominess and comfort, are often used in cabs and for commercial transportation of both passengers and some cargo. Because of this, on the secondary market there are many examples with high mileage and in a sad technical condition, and not always evident. To buy a good car rather than auto junk, follow some simple recommendations:

1. Inspect the interior for scuffs. Pay special attention to the steering wheel, gearshift, driver’s seat, pedal pads. If all this is worn down literally to holes, and the inscriptions on the buttons are not visible any more, but the mileage is small, it probably was simply twisted.
2. Check the bodywork with a thickness gauge. Buy an inexpensive device and “probe” the body all around, measure the thickness of coverage on all parts, including the struts. If you see 3-digit numbers, it means the elements were painted – the auto was in an accident or is a sawed-off.
3. Don’t skimp on checking the car’s history. Today, there are many online services that have already gathered all the information about the car for you. The report can tell you if the car was in an accident, if it was used in a cab, if it has any restrictions, or if it is stolen.
4. Ideally, use the services of a professional auto picker. You’ll spend money for a professional, but you’ll most likely avoid buying a broken, stolen, or sawn-and-assembled car. A small fee will potentially save hundreds of thousands of rubles.

Top 10 minivans on the aftermarket

Chevrolet Orlando

Rating: 5.0

The seven-seat minivan is produced from 2011 to the present day, has two generations, with the second appeared relatively recently, in 2018. Three rows of seats allow the whole family to sit comfortably, and the trip will be not only comfortable, but also safe – the model has a rating of Euro NCAP 5 stars. In Russia, a version with a gasoline 1.8-liter motor rated at 141 hp.s. and manual transmission. Consumption per 100 kilometers for this variant varies from 7 to 7.9 liters in the mixed cycle, at least such figures are officially mentioned by the manufacturer.

Chevrolet Orlando minivan has a high rating on topical motorist forums – it’s rated at an average of 4.7 out of a possible 5.0. The car is really comfortable, well suited for a family, though the actual city consumption is a bit higher than the stated and reaches 9 liters.

Advantages

• sufficiently powerful engine;
• high safety rating;
• Stylish for a minivan design;
• relatively low cost.

Disadvantages

• low ground clearance.

Hyundai H-1

Rating: 4.9

The South Korean minivan is presented in the Russian aftermarket in two generations. Certainly, if possible you should buy the second one – it has both higher safety and better equipment. In spite of the fact that the model has received 3 stars of 5 possible according to Euro NCAP, it is popular also among families. In the Russian expanses there are examples with 2,5-liter diesel engine with 116 and 170 liters capacity.s. Depending on the modification, as well as with a gasoline engine at 170 liters.s. The basic version has ABS, EBD, front airbags and disc brakes.

Users Hyundai H-1 minivan earned the reputation of a utilitarian and easy-to-drive minivan and deservedly collected many positive reviews. Certainly, the model with the engine of 116 hp.s. quite logically “overgrown” with complaints of poor dynamics, but this version is also more economical.

Advantages

• Primitive and economical engine;
• spacious seven-seat interior;
• low maintenance costs;
• Moderately high ground clearance.

Disadvantages

• no all-wheel drive.

Kia Carnival

Rating: 4.8

This recently updated minivan from South Korea is available in Russia both on the secondary market and at official dealerships in a new condition. There are copies of the seven-seat and eight-seat layout, including with separate seats of the second row for a more comfortable landing. There are many options, for example, the current generation is equipped with a 3.5-liter gasoline or 2.2-liter diesel engine at 249 and 199 liters.s. power, respectively. The dynamics of the minivan is excellent, as well as the controllability due to the front-wheel drive.

In terms of combination of economy and technical parameters, the diesel version of the van is preferred by many buyers. It is understandable, such cars are not customary to ride and accelerate too quickly, but the tractability of diesel for them is much more important.

Advantages

• line of powerful engines;
• spacious interior with 7 or 8 seats;
• Large trunk – from 960 liters;
• Flexible adjustment of all seats.

Disadvantages

• relatively high price.

Volkswagen Caravelle

Rating: 4.7

A large and roomy family car that is part of the famous “T” series. The buyer faces a choice between one of two turbocharged diesel engines. Engineers, when developing the model, paid special attention to the interior finish. All materials can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, there is factory tinting for privacy and a rubber floor covering, which is not afraid of dirt. If you fold down the second and third rows of seats, you can turn the car into a vehicle for the safe and convenient transportation of a variety of goods, including long.

On the basis of the reviews we can conclude that Volkswagen Caravelle is a rather big car for the everyday city trips, but for the trips to the country house or for traveling it is almost ideal. True, be prepared for not the cheapest service.

Advantages

• roomy and comfortable interior;
• high ground clearance;
• Suitable for both family and commercial;
• Traction turbocharged diesel.

Disadvantages

• expensive maintenance.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

Rating: 4.6

Rather expensive even for the secondary market, but comfortable and presentable minivan, which is widely used in the field of elite passenger transportation. The interior is made of top-quality materials, including leather with stitching. Atmospheric lighting gives you nighttime comfort, and is just one of the many options. The car got 4MATIC active all-wheel drive system and 4ETS automatic traction control. Due to this car is comfortable not only for passengers but also for the driver himself.

Real owners describe the car as a great family “quiet ride”. And it’s true, the smooth ride combined with excellent interior noise insulation is the hallmark of the model. A sample with a good technical condition is definitely worth the money invested in its purchase.

Advantages

• spacious interior and trunk;
• a range of options for comfort;
• premium interior trim;
• Expensive and stylish appearance.

Flaws

• high cost.

Honda Stepwgn

Rating: 4.5

A minivan with a definitely striking design, and the benefits don’t end there. Russian buyers could not assess the latest generation, since it is produced for the domestic market of Japan, but the previous generations are popular and often flashed on the secondary market. The engine used is a turbocharged VTEC combined with a variable speed drive. There’s also a hybrid option – take it if low fuel consumption is a top priority. Comfort and safety are ensured by the proprietary Honda Sensing package of options. Consumption – up to 12 liters per 100 kilometers.

The model has received a lot of positive feedback from owners, and this can easily be checked on any popular car forum. Owners describe the car as a reliable and roomy companion both for independent travel and for trips with the family.

Advantages

• attractive exterior;
• Large cabin for 7-8 people;
• high quality Japanese assembly;
• moderately low fuel consumption.

Disadvantages

• right-hand steering wheel.

Toyota Alphard

Rating: 4.4

Not for nothing this car is considered “the king of minivans”. Of course, the previously mentioned V-class from Mercedes-Benz may argue with this statement, but comfort and premium Japanese model definitely cannot be questioned. The current generation is quite expensive, including by the standards of the secondary market, but of the past generations can find good options for adequate money. In a popular in Russia complete set under the hood of a 2.5-liter engine with 152 liters.s. with variator. It is an economical hybrid version, but there are also petrol models.

Automobile forum users note the great roominess and comfort of the Toyota Alphard minivan, which is exactly why it is so beloved. The car is primarily positioned as a car for a large family, but is also popular for passenger transport.

Advantages

• high interior capacity;
• good quality of finishing and assembly;
• the line of powerful engines;
• presentable exterior.

Disadvantages

• small ground clearance.

Ford Tourneo Connect

Rating: 4.3

The minivan from Ford is available in four-door and five-door variations and offers very flexible system of adjustment of seats. Rear seats have folding backrests, separated in the ratio of 60 by 40 with the possibility of folding, sliding forward or backward, as well as full removal from the cabin. Useful if you need to make room for transporting large or long loads. It compares favorably with many competitors by its relatively low price on the secondary market. It has a spacious cabin with a high ceiling, so even people with great height will be comfortable.

Owners complain about the rather weak engines in the motor lineup, and it is really so – mostly these units for 90-110 liters.s. If you value comfort and roominess over dynamics and top speed, the Ford Tourneo Connect minivan is definitely the right choice.

Advantages

• spacious interior with a high ceiling;
• wide door opening with sliding door;
• One of the cheapest minivans in Russia.

Disadvantages

• not the most powerful engines.

Dodge Grand Caravan

Rating: 4.2

The American-made family minivan is available in five generations, of which the most popular on the secondary market in Russia are the last two. This is a relatively budget car with a medium-powered engine (152 liters of capacity is popular).s.) and automatic transmission for easy and carefree riding. The cabin is comfortable and spacious, with three rows of seats for a total of 7 seats including the passenger. If you like this model, also consider the Chrysler Town and Country minivan. It’s almost the Dodge’s twin brother in both size and a number of features.

Reviews about the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan not so many, but from them you can understand that the car is still worth its small money. If you are not afraid of high fuel consumption regardless of the mode of operation, you will certainly consider this car as a contender to buy.

Advantages

• relatively low cost;
• Three full rows of seats;
• Quite powerful engines;
• Reliability, maintenance is needed infrequently.

Disadvantages

• high fuel consumption.

Chrysler Pacifica

Rating: 4.1

The minivan was a logical continuation and replacement of the previously mentioned Chrysler Town and Country car, it has been produced since 2016 and attracts attention with modern equipment. In Russia, the car appeared in 2018 and is already available, including on the secondary market. Chrysler engineers didn’t skimp on the engine lineup – the cars are equipped with engines ranging from 253 to 287 hp.s. depending on the configuration. If the price seems too high, as a good alternative you can consider the popular in Russia minivan Volkswagen M

tivan.

Reviews of owners about the Chrysler Pacifica, which from the category of crossover to the class of minivans got in 2016, most of them are positive. Users note the stylish exterior, large interior, ideal for family trips, as well as praise the line of powerful engines.

Advantages

• Stylish exterior in step with fashion;
• good dynamics and high speed;
• Plenty of room on each of the three rows.

Disadvantages

• high tax because of the powerful motor.