Dear Tom and Ray:

I'm in the process of shopping for a new car and would like your opinion. I'm in a quandary over safety issues. Our plan all along had been to get a minivan. We have two young kids, currently own a Sable wagon, and we're ready to move on to the "minivan stage of life." I've test-driven a few minivans and really like the new Toyota Sienna. But I also want the safest vehicle I can get, so I drove a Volvo wagon, which I liked. The problem is that the Volvo is not a van and doesn't have the space advantage that we want. My question is, will the Sienna be as safe as the Volvo? I know the Sienna has steel side reinforcements and other stuff, but I want to know if I'd be making a responsible choice if I opted for the Sienna over the Volvo. What do you think? -- Jane

Tom: Geez, Jane. This is a difficult decision to make for another person. Is the Sienna as safe as a Volvo wagon? No. But is it a "responsible" choice? I'd have to say "sure."

Ray: Most of the minivans are reasonably safe vehicles these days. But you do trade off a little safety for their convenience and relatively low price (for the amount of space they afford).

Tom: But if safety is absolutely the most important thing on your list, then a Volvo wagon probably would be a better choice for you. That doesn't mean a minivan is unsafe. It's just not as much of a tank.

Ray: On the other hand, if you drive the Sienna responsibly -- which I know you will -- and keep your kids properly belted or "child-seated" in the back seat where they belong, you'll probably be fine -- unless you happen to be broadsided by a Ford Expedition!

Tom: Of course, you could get a Ford Expedition. It's safe because it's huge and heavy. It's got almost as much room as a minivan, although not as conveniently laid out. And then YOU can be taking up two parking spaces, getting nine miles per gallon in town, and sending other families in minivans swerving in fear!

Ray: It's a tough call, Jane. It basically comes down to how you look at life. If a car accident is your worst fear and you'll sleep better knowing that you've done everything you possibly can to protect your kids in a crash, then you should get the Volvo.

Tom: But if you're the kind of person who is comfortable taking reasonable precautions in exchange for things like convenience, reliability and your preferred style of living, the Sienna is certainly a responsible choice. Good luck with your decision, Jane.

Wait! Don't buy another car without the mechanic's checklist that's included in Tom and Ray's pamphlet "How to Buy a Great Used Car: Secrets Only Your Mechanic Knows." It will help you get a good used car and avoid the clunkers. To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1998 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Back to the March 1998 index