I guess the thread title wasn't catchy enough this time.

Are you looking for a 4-wheel drive vehicle? That might be ideal for family trips, etc. As far as I know, one of the cheapest, yet solid, 4-wheel drives is the Subaru Impreza, and it comes as a wagon, as well, called the Outback.

I won't pretend to know much about cars, but my family is currently looking around for one, so I've heard a thing or two about some cars.

Ok. so b"h with this mechanic trip, I'm out only $40, not the $300 or so I expected. It was something with the brakes so even if I wanted to drive the car for 24 more hours I didn't have much choice as even if I were willing to risk my own life, I'm sure not risking the life of my children.

Anyways, the point is I guess I'm going to have to break down and get a new car, assumption is a minivan/station wagon. Something that can handle a family of 3 easily with stuff. Any suggestions? Price is a BIG consideration, as well as reliability. Any advice? (I know Honda odyessy is the top of the line, but they're the top of the $$ as well.)

I was desperate and couldn't put much effort into a catch title (especially since our internet is going ahywire today)

You definitely want to go the used car route if money is a concern. It sounds like a minivan is best for your needs. You are probably best off going with a used Toyota Sienna or a Honda Odyssey. Figure it will be about 3-5 years old with 30,000 - 60,000 miles on it. If you make sure it was taken care of with proper maintenance etc., that's probably where you'll find the best bang for your buck.

Had you not put it in the Money and Finance forum and had you entitled it, "Need to buy new car," it is possible you would have gotten more hits from people who can actually answer your question. As it is, I thought you won the lottery and need advice as to how to spend all that money. That's what your current thread title tells me.

If you are set on buying a new car and have a lower price point, look into the Hyundia/Kia minivans.

Aren't Kias pure garbage? or is that my imagination?

Much like its Korean countryman and now parent company, Hyundai, Kia has gone from being the recipient of jeers to the object of cheers. The early days (circa mid-1990s) of Kia's foray in the United States were forgettable, consisting of a string of nondescript economy cars and a small SUV. In recent years, thanks chiefly to the infusion of capital and shared engineering from Hyundai, the company has steadily put out more competitive vehicles. The Kia Sedona minivan, in particular, has proven to be a hit with the automotive press and consumers alike.

Right out of the gate, the Sedona had almost everything needed to be a success in the minivan segment. Starting at around $20,000 and loaded with features, the Kia Sedona delivered in the key areas of build quality, passenger comfort, crash test scores and storage space. The major criticism of that first Sedona concerned its pudginess -- it weighed some 400-700 pounds more than its rivals, which blunted acceleration at higher speeds and didn't do much for cornering ability. Still, overall performance was relatively refined, if not exciting.

With the second-generation Sedona benefiting from a diet and more power under the hood, Kia's minivan is no longer huffing and puffing to catch up to the more expensive class leaders. In fact, it's breathing down their necks. For consumers interested in a quality minivan at a very agreeable price, the Sedona is well worth the consideration.

The current Kia Sedona minivan, which represents the vehicle's second generation, debuted in 2006. A concerted effort was made to improve performance over its heavy predecessor, as the Sedona lost 400 pounds and gained nearly 50 horsepower.

With 244 hp and 253 pound-feet of torque from its 3.8-liter V6 running through a five-speed automatic, the Sedona offers a broad spread of power. Around town performance is snappy and passing power is more than adequate. A redesigned suspension tightens up handling while still preserving a smooth ride.

Now 8 inches longer and riding on a 119-inch wheelbase, the Kia Sedona is nearly the same size as a Honda Odyssey. As expected, there is plenty of legroom for all three rows, though the third-row seat is still best left to little kids due to a low cushion and tight headroom. Maximum cargo, although a few cubic feet short of the class leaders, is still generous at 142 cubes, and plenty of cubbies abound for quick stowage of things like cell phones, purses and snacks.

Buyers have a choice of two trim levels: Sedona LX and Sedona EX. The LX comes with second-row captain's chairs, fold-flat third-row seating and most of the common convenience features found on today's minivans. The EX has a few more features, and it can be further equipped with power-sliding doors, a power liftgate or a Luxury package. All Sedonas have a full complement of safety features and boast top safety scores as well.

Although pricier than the previous generation, the latest Sedona still undercuts the competition by at least a couple of thousand dollars and should be a top candidate for almost any minivan shopper.

The first-generation Kia Sedona ran from 2002-'05 and went with the "most features for the money" strategy. But in addition to providing a lot for families on a tight budget, the Sedona also boasted excellent build quality, impressive crash test scores and smooth, though not so potent, performance from its 3.5-liter 195-hp V6. Two trim levels were offered: well-equipped LX and plusher EX.

The debit side of the ledger included a portly weight of 4,800 pounds (anywhere from 400-700 pounds heavier than its competitors), somewhat lazy handling and mediocre steering feel and response. This Sedona also lacks a fold-flat third-row seat and therefore doesn't offer as much cargo flexibility and capacity as some other vans with that feature.

Consumers have praised this Kia Sedona for its comfortable seating, roomy cabin, quiet ride and high crash test scores. Issues noted by owners have included some instances of electrical gremlins involving door locks and the air-conditioning. Only minor detail changes, such as slight revisions to the grille and taillights, occurred during this Sedona's four-year run, so condition and mileage should be the chief considerations when shopping for one.

I guess so, anyway to change it now?

PM a mod.