How to Find a Used Minivan

Minivans are great cars for families or individuals who transport a lot of material for business. You've got many outlets for finding a used minivan within your budget. When buying a used minivan from a dealer, check with the Better Business Bureau beforehand to make sure there are no complaints. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a vehicle safety hotline that provides information of type and frequency of repairs for specific car models, so check with them before you purchase. Doing thorough research will help you ensure that your used minivan is both safe and fairly priced.

Instructions

1

List the features you absolutely need in a used minivan and create another list with amenities that you like but don't need. While most minivans have certain features in common, not all models have a rearview camera or in-floor storage. Edmunds has a lost of Top 10 minivan features with lists of models that carry those traits. Once you've determined key features, figure out your budget.

2

Shop at local dealerships to see what kinds of used minivans they have in stock. If you can't afford to pay for the minivan all at once, a dealership is a good idea. You can finance the minivan and offer a down payment up front. If you don't see the ideal car at your local dealer, let the dealer know what make or model you want. He might agree to call you if one comes in stock.

3

Tell your friends, family and coworkers that you're looking for a used minivan. If you've narrowed it down to certain models, or if you have a preference for the mileage on the car, let them know this too. Your friends or family might know someone looking to sell a minivan. If you buy from someone in your social circle, you have the advantage of trusting the seller and being able to find out honest information about past car repairs and maintenance issues.

4

Review classifieds in your local newspaper. See if any automobile auctions or used car shows are coming up, since this information will also be listed in the automotive section. Plan to attend upcoming shows or auctions to get an idea of how the auction process works.

5

Check Internet auction sites like eBay, or car sales sites like Autotrader, CarMax, or Cars.com. The downside with buying on the Internet is that you may have to arrange for vehicle transportation unless you find a seller located within a few hours from you. If you've exhausted other opportunities, however, searching on the Internet could help you find the right car. You can search by zip code, so that will at least narrow the field.