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Ok, now we know that you're not a mechanic - that helps. Even being mechanically inclined does not always help. For example, I bought a new 2009 Subaru Outback this spring and it broke down 2 months later at 4000 miles while crossing a busy highway. Even if I could have found the wire that rubbed against the valve cover and shorted out a main fuse, there would have been nothing I could have done. It was towed 50 miles to the nearest dealer. I use this as an example that no matter what you do - there are no guarantees about reliability. Even new cars fail unexpectedly. One of my most reliable cars was a 1968 Dodge Dart that I had as a grad student in the 1970's - that I bought used for $400 and drove all over the US East Coast - with none of the problems I've had with new cars. Today, such a basic car would be unacceptable to nearly everyone - with its 3 speed manual column shifter and no power anything or AC. But I could afford to buy it with cash - a method I highly recommend. The engine from that Dart may still be running - now in a boat in the Chesapeake Bay.
I have nothing against Caravans and we actually had 3 of them and never had any problem with them - unless you count speeders running stop signs & T-boning us once, and a stolen car that sideswiped another...These may not be the easiest to buy used because typically they are used for families with small children and the interiors take a beating. Like any car, some may not get the maintenance they deserve. So, its important to take any vehicle under consideration to a mechanic for a complete check-up - especially the Chrysler transmission. It will be the best 75-$100 you will spend. I don't know where you are, but there are sites to find reviews of mechanics. I have used this one:
http://www.cartalk.com/content/mechx/
and had good luck finding a great mechanic for my son in college over 100 miles from home who was unfamiliar with local garages.
One of the tools many people use is the April issue of Consumer Reports. Its the annual auto issue and has specific recommended used car models (these were good new and could be good used - if checked out). The library will have a copy. In addition, browse among the many forums here at Edmunds. We're all volunteers who share a common belief that this is a great site for information.
I can't come right out and say: "buy one of these" because your needs may not be the same as mine are today. But there have never been better, safer, more reliable cars in general than right now. Notice I did not say "easy to work on" because the improvements have come at the expense of complexity - more reason to have anything checked out by a qualified mechanic because there's always been a lot of junk for sale. That hasn't changed!
Consider all factors when considering a car. We often see people focus on the fuel economy rather than the total cost to own. Some cars are so cheap to insure (such as the Caravan - possibly the lowest insurance cost in the US) that the savings more than makes up for less fuel economy. And you can join AAA for road service for the breakdowns that might occur.
Let us know more about your specific needs - things like how many kids to haul, are they in carseats, highway driving or city, snow driving or not, and special needs like do you need to carry a canoe on the roof, or tow a trailer, carry building materials or tools, and we'll be able to suggest some of our favorites for your needs.
All of us who post here are here to help - don't be afraid to ask questions. There are hundreds to thousands of combined years of experience here.
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