Ok I was planning to buy a 2001 Ford Taurus for $1000 but my dad just offered me his 1999 Toyota Sienna for free. I know having a minivan has its benefits esp. for a college kid like me but I don't want to be riding like an old man with family. Which should I choose?

Are you kidding? A taurus with no real value vs. a sienna for free that is worth at least 4-6000 if it is in good shape is a no brainer.

Well,
If the $1000 is yours......you could accept the minivan from your dad..and if you feel that the minivan is not suitable for your age, you can use the extra $$ you have to make some custom changes to it, or a paint job, or accessories, etc etc , express yourself with the $$ you have and you will be happier with the minivan.
Good luck :)

Go with the sienna...not only 'cause it's free...but it's got a camry engine in it. it will run forever and you can hit it with the hose after those *ehem* wild nights. You'll be in college and wont (I presume) be driving very often 'cept around the neighborhood so don't worry about MPG. Vans are great for road trips...and I don't think a chick ever dated someone with a ford taurus over a van...at that point it really doesn't matter.

Save your money and put it towards something that matters. Personify the van, make it your own, and everything will be sweet.

get the sienna, my mom had both, fell in love with the sienna, it was really reliable, and the taurus kept breaking down and she hated it, like the headlight randomly stopped working, and the only problem with the sienna was the AC stopped working once during the winter

the free car because it is free. boy you really do need to go to college