Minivans
 

Hi all

We are looking at buying a minivan shortly after landing next week. It is likely that we will go for a used one rather than brand new.

We have read most of the reviews of most of the main makes/models but I have hit a snag when trying to work out which makes/models have removable rear seats (either stow and go type or remove and place in garage type).

Could anyone of you with minivans confirm whether your particular one has removable seats and, if so, whether they remain in the vehicle or the garage once removed. It would also be helpful if you would rate the ease of removal.

I am fairly up to speed on Caravans it's the other makes/models that I am struggling with

We intend to remove the seats fairly regularly and so this is an important consideration for us

Many thanks:D

Re: Minivans
 

Hi DTLE

When we have been over we have rented Chrysler Voyager and a Pontiac Montana both 7 seaters - don't ever remember being able to remove the seats on these two

Gaynor

Re: Minivans
 

Cheers

I think you can on the Montana but I don't have a clue about the Voyager :p

Re: Minivans
 

Hi DTLE

Whenever we go away - Phil has to have a look around a vehicle as does our 10 year old Gadget man and being sure that they would have both (or at least one of them) noticed being able to remove seats then my info is an assumption as neither of them have ever mentioned it.

If I speak to my friend in Canada this weekend I will be sure to ask her about the voyager as she has one herself.

Good luck with the move

Gaynor

Re: Minivans
 

One small point regarding the Caravan's Stow and go system (only available in the Grand Caravan). Apparently, the seats which stow - particularly the back row are not as comfortable as the removable seats as they are thinner for stowing.

We have the Regular Caravan and get the seats in and out quite a lot, they are heavy, but not unmanageable.

Mark

Re: Minivans
 

LOL :D

Many thanks

Re: Minivans
 

Mark

Many thanks for the reply

Re: Minivans
 

Hi,

we have a Honda Odyessey. the two middle seats come out no problem (they dont stow anywhere in the car though and the back seat can be pulled down into the boot to give a flat surface. we are really happy with it. we got an 8 foot xmas tree in the back as well as our 2 year old son and the removed seat. we were very surprised!!!

Re: Minivans
 

Fantastic - sounds like a barn !! :D

Re: Minivans
 

AFAIK All minivans have removable seating, but sometimes its a two people job.


This recent article might be of use...
http://www.globeauto.com/servlet/sto...cialGlobeAuto/


If you can afford it the Odessey is the way to go. If you cant the Dodge / Chrysler clones are good bang for the buck.

This site is also a wealth of usefull info...
http://www.canadiandriver.com/used.htm

Re: Minivans
 

Hi - we have a Montana - we keep the back two seats out permanently - just makes life easier - we brought home a new snowblower in its box a few weeks ago, with just the back seats removed! The middle two seats come out just as easily (and snap back in) if we've anything larger to move.....for example, mattress for a double bed, dinings table & chairs....saved a huge amount of delivery charges this way. Ours is a 2002 model - there's a difference in the configuration of seats in later models, I beleive. :D

Re: Minivans
 

Many thanks - I didn't realise that they all had removable seating - this is certainly a bonus :D

It sounds like they are fairly easily removed as well.

Many thanks for the reply :D

Re: Minivans
 

or perhaps the Kia, lotsa stuff, long warranty, low cost. Biiiiink's a fan.

Re: Minivans
 

Thanks for the reply

How do you rate the Montana as a vehicle (rather than just its ease of seat removal) ? It would appear that most of the minivans have similar mileage per gallon of gas ?

Re: Minivans
 

If (the wife would say when) we bite the minivan bullet it will be either an Odessey for the bullet proof reputation and great dynamics, or (if I have to drive a pig) something with stow and go for the convenience . Experience at work with a ford windstar makes the thought of having to manhandle the seats in and out very unatractive if the alternative of folding them into the floor easily is available at a similar price.

If fuel economy is a consideration then consider a station wagon instead...Im leaning towards a Subaru Legacy Wagon when the time comes, although the Mazda 6 wagons also look to be an attractive alternative. The Dodge Magnum is cool, but a bit too thirsty I suspect.