For a some time passenger vans also known as “mini-vans” had a stigma attached to them. They were seen as vehicles to haul kids around in.

But thanks to new designs and performance improvements, passenger vans are becoming cool again. And guess what? Passenger vans are still great family vehicles. There is a lot of room for your family. They’re great for road trips. And they’re safe vehicles.

But before you purchase a passenger van for your family, you will want to ask yourself several questions before selecting a model. Answering the questions below will help you make an informed decision when purchasing a passenger van.

What is my budget?

This may seem like an obvious question, but many people do not ask it. Many times people already have a passenger van in mind. This is a mistake. Having a budget in mind will help determine what model and what features you can afford. In this economy, budgeting is very important.

How important is fuel economy?

With the uncertainty of gas prices, it is important to look at the gas milage different passenger vans get. Typically today’s passenger vans will get anywhere from 23-27 miles per gallon on the highway and 17-19 miles per gallon during regular driving.

What type of doors do I prefer?

Passenger vans typically come with sliding side doors. However, some manufactures make standard swinging doors. It all depends on you preference. Additionally some manufactures include remote door options, which make it easier for you to open your sliding side door.

How much horsepower do I want?

Horsepower isn’t just for sports cars and trucks. Having a passenger van with decent horsepower improves the drivability of the vehicle. Additionally, you will want to ask yourself what transmission speeds do you prefer: 4-speed, 5-speed, or 6-speed.

What safety features do I want?

Safety is very important, especially if you are traveling with children. When comparing passenger vans, look at how many air bags are offered. Passenger vans typically come with front and passenger air bags. Some offer side air bags. Also you will have to decide if you want side impact beams.

How many passengers do I plan on having?

Knowing how many people typically will ride in your passenger van is important. Most passenger vans hold anywhere from 7 to 8 people. Consider the comfort level you want your passengers to experience in your passenger van.

The questions above are all very important questions to ask yourself before purchasing a passenger van. Once you have answered the questions, you will then have to decide on a model. Most of the major auto makers have a passenger van option.

Before you visit any dealerships, take some time to read about each of the passenger van models. Think about the answers to your questions as you are doing your research. This will help you narrow down your selection.

When it is finally time to visit the dealership, take the time to test drive each of the passenger vans that you picked out during your research. When talking with the salesperson be sure to ask about parts, repairs and other issues that can arise down the road.

Author Bio: Toyotapartscenter.net sells Toyota Sienna parts, Toyota 4Runner parts, and all other Toyota OEM parts you need and has developed a reputation for honesty, integrity and value for their customers.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: passenger van, mini van