Minivans!

[mercanucaribe]

If you only really need it a few times a year, why not buy a $5000 used truck based van? Then you can potentially take care of the need for a pickup too.

 

[Fardringle]

I have a Chrysler Town and Country and I wouldn't trade it (except possibly for a newer model ).

It gets respectable gas mileage for a large vehicle, carries me, my wife, and our three girls very comfortably along with anything else we might need to transport at the time. It handles better than many sedans (and every SUV) I have driven. Plus, the DVD system keeps the girls occupied on longer trips so I don't have to listen to them yelling at each other or tossing things around to distract me from driving.

As an added bonus, the van has enough power to "idle" in cruise control up some of the steepest hills in the mountains around here, or to outrun many of the kids in their wanna-be rice rockets.

 

[skyking]

Originally posted by: engineereeyore
We got the 2003 Honda Odyssey and love it. $15.5K and it's in dang good shape, only 40K miles. Definitely recommend it.

That's a good deal. I haul so much crap around that I need to keep dry, I consider getting one from time to time. Them I cram my poor camry full to the gills and head off to do another project

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
OMG...you said the "SUV" word! :Q Shhh!! The birkenstock-wearing-alternative-fuel-vehicle-driving-vegan-no-meat-eating-guns-
ill-people-alternative-life-style-adopting-children-fur-is-murder majority here at AT will freakin' FLAY the flesh from your bones! :Q

Anyway, SUVs were great and better than minivans hands-down...until gas prices went through the freaking roof.

But still...how about a Mazda3 or whatever that hot 5-door hatchback is called? NOT a minivan, for cryin' out loud! BIG car...donkey cart...anything but the ultimate sign of emasculation!

Stop giving bad advice just because you're too insecure about your image. I know people who have owned both SUV's and minivans and guess what? They prefer the minivan. Generally a minivan has more space, is more versatile, rides better, and gets better gas mileage. Unless you're towing something or need 4WD capability an SUV is a waste of money for a large family vehicle.

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

So, are there any family-folks here who made the dreaded minivan purchase? Is the Honda Odyssey the one to beat? I'm really not wanting to spend over ~$22K on the next large family vehicle, which probably means a 2005 or so.

The reason I'm looking at minivans is for the 5-6 trips per year we take to visit family. Our little Mazda Protege gets pretty cramped, especially at xmas time with the 4 of us and presents for ~400 miles each way.

Maybe a decently large SUV with good gas mileage? I think I'm planning on buying next month sometime.

Open to any family vehicle advice.

The Odyssey is junk. My wife calls it "the gutless wonder". Her favorite is the Toyota Sienna. Personally I like the Saturn Relay van - DVD system (think of your kids here!), dual automatic doors, etc. The base is $22,335 and has a 240hp V6. If you get them used, even a year or two old, you can a heap of money.

Really? My boss and his wife have a 2006 Odyssey and they love it - with the exception of the run flat tires which are very expensive to replace. My bro and sis-in-law have a couple year old Odyssey and they love theirs too. I've ridden in both and they both ride very nice with good pickup. Gas mileage, that's another story but any vehicle that large is going to be low.

 

[vi edit]

You know...the more I look at the Mazda5, the more I think I could put up with it's anemic engine.

It just really is the perfect compromise for somebody that doesn't want to go full on mini-van. It's a cool looking little car. Great people space. Very reasonably priced, and it has sliding doors that makes loading/unloading kids so much easier.

I used to own a Mazda3 hatch and this is a great option for somebody that isn't quite ready to trade in a bit of driving fun just yet.

The grand touring at 20k w/ HID's, leather, ect looks great!

 

[SearchMaster]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
You know...the more I look at the Mazda5, the more I think I could put up with it's anemic engine.

It just really is the perfect compromise for somebody that doesn't want to go full on mini-van. It's a cool looking little car. Great people space. Very reasonably priced, and it has sliding doors that makes loading/unloading kids so much easier.

I used to own a Mazda3 hatch and this is a great option for somebody that isn't quite ready to trade in a bit of driving fun just yet.

The grand touring at 20k w/ HID's, leather, ect looks great!

My wife didn't like them when she test drove one, so I never tested one myself. My boss has one and loves it.

 

[Dracos]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

So, are there any family-folks here who made the dreaded minivan purchase? Is the Honda Odyssey the one to beat? I'm really not wanting to spend over ~$22K on the next large family vehicle, which probably means a 2005 or so.

The reason I'm looking at minivans is for the 5-6 trips per year we take to visit family. Our little Mazda Protege gets pretty cramped, especially at xmas time with the 4 of us and presents for ~400 miles each way.

Maybe a decently large SUV with good gas mileage? I think I'm planning on buying next month sometime.

Open to any family vehicle advice.

For the last three years I've driven a Dodge Grand Caravan nice car but I grew tired of it and since our eldest child reached 14 and doesnt really go alot of places with the "family". I recently got rid of the minivan for a Ford Freestyle 7-seater.

Now I can still fit the whole family but I dont feel like a soccer mom....and the gas mileage is pretty good 20 City and 27 on the highway.

 

[SampSon]

Sienna.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: SearchMaster

My wife didn't like them when she test drove one, so I never tested one myself. My boss has one and loves it.

What in particular didn't she like? Power? Blindspots? Driving position?

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
You know...the more I look at the Mazda5, the more I think I could put up with it's anemic engine.

It just really is the perfect compromise for somebody that doesn't want to go full on mini-van. It's a cool looking little car. Great people space. Very reasonably priced, and it has sliding doors that makes loading/unloading kids so much easier.

I used to own a Mazda3 hatch and this is a great option for somebody that isn't quite ready to trade in a bit of driving fun just yet.

The grand touring at 20k w/ HID's, leather, ect looks great!

That's what I keep thinking! The sliding doors are great. The size is about perfect. It's somewhat unique-looking, but not hideous. I haven't seen one on the road since I've been looking, whereas I've counted 19 Odysseys and 14 Siennas in the past 2 days. And the pricing is great.

Cons. Not much engine - but I'm driving a Protege with a 1.8L 4cycl, so it's not like I'm not used to crawling up on-ramps with it loaded down. Also, there are very few options/trim levels to choose from. Only the Grand Touring has the almost-necessary cruise control, but then it only comes with leather seats (not my fav for Texas summers.)

We're definitely going test drive one this weekend, just to see the size of it in person. The Black or Dark Silver models seem pretty slick.

 

[vi edit]

FYI - lots of Mazda5 discussions over at Edmunds

 

[Fraggable]

What about the Chrysler Pacifica? I don't know much about it really other than that it's about the right size for you and it's not a van. Someone I work with has one and loves it.

Or a... dare I say it... Chevy HHR? Maybe a little small for you but it has some room and a good sized trunk space. A Magnum seems like a choice for you too.

Hyundai Santa Fe, Tucson, Veracruz?

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
You know...the more I look at the Mazda5, the more I think I could put up with it's anemic engine.

It just really is the perfect compromise for somebody that doesn't want to go full on mini-van. It's a cool looking little car. Great people space. Very reasonably priced, and it has sliding doors that makes loading/unloading kids so much easier.

I used to own a Mazda3 hatch and this is a great option for somebody that isn't quite ready to trade in a bit of driving fun just yet.

The grand touring at 20k w/ HID's, leather, ect looks great!

I was at a dealer and asked about the 5 speed Mazda5s. The sales guy said he had never seen one and he had been with Mazda for years. If they offered the 5 speed in the GT I'd love it.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Maybe a decently large SUV with good gas mileage?

Unless it's a hybrid good luck with that :laugh:

GMC Acadia/ Saturn Outlook seats 8 and get 16 city/24 hwy. Compare that to the Odyssey's 17 city/ 24 hwy rating. I would definitely look at an Acadia or Outlook.

pssst... those are all minivans

 

[JDub02]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

Originally posted by: vi_edit
You know...the more I look at the Mazda5, the more I think I could put up with it's anemic engine.

It just really is the perfect compromise for somebody that doesn't want to go full on mini-van. It's a cool looking little car. Great people space. Very reasonably priced, and it has sliding doors that makes loading/unloading kids so much easier.

I used to own a Mazda3 hatch and this is a great option for somebody that isn't quite ready to trade in a bit of driving fun just yet.

The grand touring at 20k w/ HID's, leather, ect looks great!

That's what I keep thinking! The sliding doors are great. The size is about perfect. It's somewhat unique-looking, but not hideous. I haven't seen one on the road since I've been looking, whereas I've counted 19 Odysseys and 14 Siennas in the past 2 days. And the pricing is great.

Cons. Not much engine - but I'm driving a Protege with a 1.8L 4cycl, so it's not like I'm not used to crawling up on-ramps with it loaded down. Also, there are very few options/trim levels to choose from. Only the Grand Touring has the almost-necessary cruise control, but then it only comes with leather seats (not my fav for Texas summers.)

We're definitely going test drive one this weekend, just to see the size of it in person. The Black or Dark Silver models seem pretty slick.

According to Mazda's web site, all models come with cruise control.

Text

I'd go for the "Sport" w/ a 5 speed. I drove a 5 speed Mazda3 with the 2.3L engine and it zipped pretty good. Not like my V6 Mazda6, but it wasn't shabby.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Maybe a decently large SUV with good gas mileage?

Unless it's a hybrid good luck with that :laugh:

GMC Acadia/ Saturn Outlook seats 8 and get 16 city/24 hwy. Compare that to the Odyssey's 17 city/ 24 hwy rating. I would definitely look at an Acadia or Outlook.

pssst... those are all minivans

crossover SUV != minivan

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: JDub02

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

Originally posted by: vi_edit
You know...the more I look at the Mazda5, the more I think I could put up with it's anemic engine.

It just really is the perfect compromise for somebody that doesn't want to go full on mini-van. It's a cool looking little car. Great people space. Very reasonably priced, and it has sliding doors that makes loading/unloading kids so much easier.

I used to own a Mazda3 hatch and this is a great option for somebody that isn't quite ready to trade in a bit of driving fun just yet.

The grand touring at 20k w/ HID's, leather, ect looks great!

That's what I keep thinking! The sliding doors are great. The size is about perfect. It's somewhat unique-looking, but not hideous. I haven't seen one on the road since I've been looking, whereas I've counted 19 Odysseys and 14 Siennas in the past 2 days. And the pricing is great.

Cons. Not much engine - but I'm driving a Protege with a 1.8L 4cycl, so it's not like I'm not used to crawling up on-ramps with it loaded down. Also, there are very few options/trim levels to choose from. Only the Grand Touring has the almost-necessary cruise control, but then it only comes with leather seats (not my fav for Texas summers.)

We're definitely going test drive one this weekend, just to see the size of it in person. The Black or Dark Silver models seem pretty slick.

According to Mazda's web site, all models come with cruise control.

Text

I'd go for the "Sport" w/ a 5 speed. I drove a 5 speed Mazda3 with the 2.3L engine and it zipped pretty good. Not like my V6 Mazda6, but it wasn't shabby.

Huh - well that makes getting a Touring model all that much better. The only thing I'd really miss from the GT are the HiDs.

This will primarily be my wife's vehicle, so that means no manual transmission (although she can drive one easily)

 

[Toasthead]

We just got a '06 Pilot. Its basically an Odyssey without the lameness of a minivan

 

[jagec]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

EarthRaper 8.0L V12

OMG, I hate SUVs, but if they really sold that I'd probably buy it:laugh:

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Maybe a decently large SUV with good gas mileage?

Unless it's a hybrid good luck with that :laugh:

GMC Acadia/ Saturn Outlook seats 8 and get 16 city/24 hwy. Compare that to the Odyssey's 17 city/ 24 hwy rating. I would definitely look at an Acadia or Outlook.

pssst... those are all minivans

crossover SUV != minivan

I see you buy into that marketing, eh?

 

[CellarDoor]

You should find yourself a used Oldsmobile Silhouette. It is the Cadillac of minivans.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
Maybe a decently large SUV with good gas mileage?

Unless it's a hybrid good luck with that :laugh:

GMC Acadia/ Saturn Outlook seats 8 and get 16 city/24 hwy. Compare that to the Odyssey's 17 city/ 24 hwy rating. I would definitely look at an Acadia or Outlook.

pssst... those are all minivans

crossover SUV != minivan

I see you buy into that marketing, eh?

All right Mr. Smartypants, why are Acadias and Outlooks minivans? I'm all ears.

 

[Parasitic]

Originally posted by: jagec

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

EarthRaper 8.0L V12

OMG, I hate SUVs, but if they really sold that I'd probably buy it:laugh:

Not powerful enough. Needs more torque.
We need an EarthRaper F850 with a 8.1L turbodiesel V12.

edit: maybe with that gas-electric thing slapped onto it. Then Toyota can market it as a "luxury green premium SUV" under the Lexus brand as a upscale model of whatever SUV they have now that costs 60k.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

I see you buy into that marketing, eh?

All right Mr. Smartypants, why are Acadias and Outlooks minivans? I'm all ears.

fwd? check
awd rather than 4wd? check
unibody? check