Minivans aren’t dead, and if you’re shopping for reliable and affordable family transport, there’s more on the menu than just the brand-new Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival, and Chrysler Pacifica. Shopping used allows you to maximize value without sacrificing peace of mind.
To help you find the best used minivan options, this ranking highlights top pre-owned minivans of the last 16 years that won’t let you down for dependability, but also won’t break the bank.
This ranking of the best used minivan models is based on JD Power scores, from lowest to highest, supplemented by recall information and NHTSA-logged owner complaints. ‘Used’ models are any models produced between 2010 and 2025. Where models have the same JD Power ranking, fewer recalls/complaints rank higher.
10
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
JD Power Rating: 66/100
Average used price range: $50,000 – $59,000
This list kicks off with an electric minivan – the only one on this list – and also the only one with a below-average rating from JD Power. Hear us out, though: the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz was only on sale for one year in the US, with slow sales stopping its production run, which also means there hasn’t really been enough data to support the 66 out of 100 score. And, if you look at NHTSA data, the two recalls lodged against it (one for incorrect seat widths on the rear seat bench, and the second for an incorrect brake system warning light) are not related to mechanical reliability. JD Power rates the 2025 ID. Buzz at 72 out of 100 overall.
The retro-styled bus is a charming option on the used market right now, with pricing as low as $40,000, and well-looked after models going up to the mid-$50k mark. That’s not necessarily cheap, but given that you could save up to $7,500 over five years on fuel, you could be buying a used bargain. Additionally, CarEdge says the ID. Buzz retains up to 71% of its value after 5 years. Price trends are likely to fluctuate, too, since a second-generation VW ID. Buzz has just been confirmed.
9
2010 Volkswagen Routan
JD Power Rating: 78/100*
Average used price range: $6,000 – $10,000
The Volkswagen Routan was introduced in 2009 as part of VW’s goal to sell a large volume of cars by 2018, and it turned to Chrysler for some help – the Routan shared much of its DNA with the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town And Country, both models that make an appearance on this list, but with German flair that gave it a slightly more refined interior. The 2010 model year is a good one to look for on the used market – given its age, it comes in really cheaply, averaging around $6,500.
2010 was a little before JD Power had specific ratings for quality and reliability, but the authority did score the Routan a total of 78 out of 100 at the time, and the NHTSA lists just two recalls for this model year – both for an ignition switch issue affecting around 35,000 units overall.
Power comes from a pair of V6s, the base engine making 197 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, while the more powerful version made 253 hp and 262 lb-ft.
8
2025 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
JD Power Rating: 77/100
Average used price range: $25,000 – $37,000
Much more modern and much more recent is the well-known Chrysler Pacifica, and in this case, we specifically recommend the hybrid models. JD Power rates the Pacifica as 77 out of 100 for quality and reliability, but the NHTSA highlights 11 recalls for this model year – however, most of these apply to the non-hybrid models. The 2020 Pacifica Hybrid has one recall for loss of control from a loose brake caliper bracket, making the hybrids (and especially those that haven’t been modified for wheelchair access) the least problematic of the lineup.
Being a 2025 model, it’s fairly new, so buyers can capitalize on the new tech and advanced safety features, as well as saving on maintenance costs and repairs: CarEdge estimates buyers will spend around $3,624 in the first five years of ownership, and if you’re buying a lightly used one such as this, some of that should already have been done. The hybrid Pacifica uses a 3.6-liter V6 with electric power to make 260 hp, which is less than gas-only models, but translates to much better efficiency: EPA ratings come to 82 MPGe, 32 miles of electric range, and a combined 30 mpg once the battery runs out.
7
2025 Honda Odyssey
JD Power Rating: 80/100
Average used price range: $35,000 – $45,000
Another familiar face from more recent years is the 2025 Honda Odyssey, a minivan lauded for its practicality and usability (thanks Magic Slide seats) as well as actually driving well. JD Power rates it as one of the more reliable minivans with an 80 out of 100 score. The NHTSA notes three recalls are active for this model year, but two of those apply to models that have been customized for wheelchair access (so ensure the recall work has been carried out if you’re looking for one of these), with the remaining recall pertaining to unintentional airbag deployment.
CarEdge says the Odyssey is a good buy in terms of low maintenance costs in the first five years (expect around $2,582 in years one through five), with just a 10.42% chance of needing a major repair during that time. These figures are better than most other models in the segment. This model year also earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, which is great if you also prioritize safety. Price trends suggest an average used value of around $35,000, which is around $10,000 cheaper than a new model costs going into 2027.
6
2024 Kia Carnival
JD Power Rating: 80/100
Average used price range: $27,000 – $37,000
Kia calls it an MPV and not a minivan, but that’s just semantics. The Kia Carnival does have the advantage that it doesn’t look as much like a minivan as some of its rivals, but it’s all minivan on the inside where it will seat up to eight passengers in three rows. Later models have a hybrid setup, but opting for the 2024 models means you have only a 3.5-liter V6 with 290 hp to deal with. That returns 19/26/22 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles, which is par for the course for minivans with non-hybrid powertrains.
As far as reliability goes, JD Power rates it at 80 out of 100 for quality and reliability for 2024, up from 74/100 for the preceding year, indicative of some improvements made by the automaker. There are two active recalls for 2024 model year Carnivals, but if you can find one of the later-release models from the same year, they’re recall-free. Otherwise, just ensure the fuel leak and loose roof molding recalls were carried out on the vehicle you’re looking at, if applicable. Average used pricing for these models comes in well under $30k.
5
2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
JD Power Rating: 81/100
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Average used price range: $15,000 – $25,000
In its final years on the market, the Dodge Grand Caravan came in cheaper than all of its rivals, and while many will say you also get the budget interior to match, it’s still a good buy for those looking for reliable transport for a few passengers at a time. It gets a high score from JD Power for quality and reliability, and also ranks highly on resale value from the authority. There are four recalls listed with the NHTSA for 2019 models, but the late-release models in that same year had all but one issue fixed, and the problem pertains to wheelchair restraint retractors being faulty. This recall affects only 47 units, too, so finding a problem-free one might be easier than you think.
The proven V6 engine that moves the Grand Caravan makes 283 hp, and it’s not there for performance as much as dependable power. The Grand Caravan can also tow up to 3,600 lbs when correctly equipped. On the second-hand market, you can pick one up for around $15k.
4
2020 Toyota Sienna
JD Power Rating: 81/100
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Average used price range: $20,000 – $35,000
A reliability list wouldn’t be complete without a Toyota, so it’s no surprise that the Toyota Sienna is located toward the top-end of this list. JD Power rates it at 81 for quality and reliability, with high scores for other metrics, including resale and driver satisfaction. There are only two recalls for the 2020 model year and just 38 complaints logged with the NHTSA, with the recalls pertaining to fuel pump failure and possible loss of steering. The former affects over 152,000 units, so if you’re buying used, check the VIN for whether the recall applied and ensure any work was carried out.
One of the benefits of buying a slightly older minivan with proven reliability is that most of the depreciation hit has already been taken by the first owners. Toyota Siennas also have a lower-than-average chance of needing major repairs overall, with CarEdge reporting that Siennas have a 5.16% lower chance of catastrophic mechanical failure than rivals in the segment. 2020 models can be had with all-wheel drive for the 296-hp V6 engine, which is more than competitors of the time – average used pricing comes in at under $25k.
3
2020 Kia Sedona
JD Power Rating: 81/100
Average used price range: $13,000 – $20,000
Before we had the Kia Carnival, Kia’s minivan offering was called the Sedona. That nameplate was retired in 2021 and replaced with the class-leading Carnival we know today. But in its final years, the Sedona had lots of value to offer, even if it wasn’t as competitive against rivals as its descendent is.
2020 Kia Sedona models come with a smooth and refined V6 engine, as is expected of minivans of this vintage, but offering a much less noisy and harsh approach. The interior is comfortable and spacious, but it’s worth looking for higher-tier trims to ensure you get all the goodies that rivals of the time offered as standard. Where it does stand out, however, is in terms of dependability: JD Power gives it an 81 out of 100, supplemented by similarly high scores for driver and dealer experience, as well as resale value.
The only recall that applies to 2020 models is for an alternator terminal nut that may loosen, and it affected just 5,385 units. With only 20 other complaints listed with the authority, the Kia Sedona is one of the best minivan models to buy used when reliability matters – and at an average used price of $18k for this model year, it’s a veritable bargain, too.
2
2014 Mazda Mazda5
JD Power Rating: 82/100*
Average used price: $5,000 – $10,000
Slightly on the older side is a minivan many have forgotten about – but the Mazda5 is worth remembering and looking into for its unbelievably cheap used pricing. You’ll pay well under $10k for a model with a few thousand miles on it for models from its final production years. The Mazda5 is a slightly less bulky take on the minivans of this era, and it seats up to six – but it offers some great style, an efficient 157-hp four-cylinder powertrain, and great reliability, to boot.
JD Power rated cars slightly differently back then, but at 82 out of 100, the score is undeniably high. There’s just one recall issued for 2014 Mazda 5, and only 12 complaints; the recall pertains to a rear lift gate that may fail and strike occupants on the head – mechanically, the Mazda5 is better off than many other cars of this type and age. And a bonus for those who like to shift their own gears? The Mazda5 is manual transmission only.
1
2016 Chrysler Town And Country
JD Power Rating: 82/100
Average used price: $10,000 – $18,000
Topping this list of best minivans to buy used is a model you can’t even get new anymore – the Chrysler Town And Country. 2016 models specifically rank highest for quality and reliability from JD Power (82 out of 100), and although there are a few recalls for this model year, they’re mostly for less serious issues (or optional equipment only), and mostly affect a small number of cars only. That includes a recall for the fire extinguisher that came as an optional extra, incorrect torque on third-row seats affecting 99 units, and windshield primer being incorrect on 184 models. Around 27,000 units also had an issue with a transmission pump failure, so if you’re buying this car, make sure to check the maintenance history and any recall work carried out.
2016 was the last model year for the Town And Country, and with optional equipment of the time added (like dual-screen Blu-ray players, video game setups, etc.), you can still find a clean example under $15,000 – average price trends for these minivans come to $10,000, which isn’t a lot to pay for reliable family hauling. The Town And Country uses the tried-and-tested 283-hp V6 from other products on this list, and can use Flex Fuel if you’re environmentally minded. With great reliability and an affordable starting price, this is the best used minivan to buy right now.
Base Trim Engine
3.6L V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
6-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
283 hp
Base Trim Torque
260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Economy
17/25 MPG
Segment
Minivan
Sources: Chrysler, Dodge, Kia, Toyota, Mazda, Volkswagen, Honda
FAQ
Q: What is the most reliable minivan to buy used?
The Chrysler Town And Country scores highest on this list for reliability, but any of the models ranked here are good used buys for their dependability and pricing on the used market.
Q: Which minivan has the least amount of problems?
Looking at used models, the 2014 Mazda5 has the fewest recalls and complaints, with the 2020 Kia Sedona right behind it with just one recall.
Q: What is the best second-hand van to buy?
When it comes to minivans, the best second-hand model to buy is the one that meets your budget and practicality needs. The models on this list offer a good mix of both of those criteria.
Q: Who builds the most reliable minivan?
In terms of new models, Kia ranks highest with the Carnival on JD Power, and it also offers the best warranty right now.
