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Minivans - Domestic or Foreign
3798 messages, Last post on Mar 31, 2013 at 5:37 PM
You are in the Vans & Minivans Forum.- Your Host is kcram
What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan, Chevrolet Venture, Mazda MPV, Kia Sedona, Honda Odyssey, Chevrolet Uplander, Nissan Quest, Hyundai Entourage, Van
#25 of 3798 Each buyer decides which minivan is best....for themself by carleton1
Jan 16, 2002 (9:09 pm)
For my sister, a new 2001 Odyssey EX was the best. For my wife and I, a new 1999 Grand Caravan in March 1999. Inky now drives a 2002 Odyssey after having 2 Siennas and a 1999 Odyssey. Swampcollie is now driving a 1999 Grand Caravan Sport after complete satisfaction with 2 other DC minivans. My friend Kurt got a 2000 Grand Caravan LE after satisfaction with 2 previous DC.Some people do not like Astro and Safari. We had excellent experience with our 91 Astro CL and actually prefer the panel doors to the liftgates that are on most minivans.
Jim W. hates his Windstar (he got used) but there are many friends who love their Windstars. Bill T. traded a Toyota 4Runner on a Windstar a few years ago and now has another Windstar. My good friend Terry A. loves his 98 Sienna LE.
#26 of 3798 pros and cons everywhere by bhump200
Jan 21, 2002 (1:14 pm)
We are in the market for a new minivan for the first time in nearly 10 years. We now own a 93 mercury villager and have loved it for the ease of re-configuation of the seating, car-like driveability and minimal repair (several major this past year, but none prior).There are lots of great alternatives out there and I'm getting overwhelmed with options and compromises.
The one feature I had hoped to get is a numeric keypad entry (frequently lock keys in car). I have only found this option on the Windstar. Do any other models still have this feature. It was available on Villager in '93 but no one seems to offer it now.
Also like the Odyssey for the flip and fold seat but it is missing several small features like conversation mirror (for spying on kids in the back).
Sienna is ok but after having the "instant cargo room" capability on the Villager, we don't relly want to have to remove seats for cargo room.
So, I'm back to the Villager or the Quest. Am I crazy to be considering a discontinued model? Do these vehicles still have the Maxima engine in them (I thought I read that they now have a "bullet-proof" truck engine)?
Any thoughts out there?
#27 of 3798 Hi bhump200 by steve_ HOST
Jan 21, 2002 (1:33 pm)
I don't think you'd be crazy to buy an orphan, assuming you get a great deal on a Quest or Villager. If you traded cars every 3 or 4 years, I'd say no way - the depreciation hit would be too great.If we were looking to replace our '99 Quest, we'd look hard at the Sedona and MPV initially since our preference is for the smaller vans.
Keypads are "passé" now that everyone has gone with fobs. I like the fobs (no scratches around the door lock), but I do keep a spare key hidden under the bumper. Fobs are pricy to replace. I doubt that you'll find any keypads available, but other little touches, like the conversation mirror, are probably available as an aftermarket item to upgrade an Odyssey (or whatever) to your liking. And the Odyssey and MPV have "magic" seats that are convenient for instant cargo room without removing seats.
Steve
Host
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#28 of 3798 bhump200 by yzf
Jan 21, 2002 (2:12 pm)
Steve's right - not too many keypad equipped vehicles out there any more. Key fobs seemed to have done away with the key pads. Have you looked at the GM's? We have an Olds Silo Premiere and are really happy with it. Rear set folds down easily for expanded storage. It has onstar so if you lock your keys in the car, you can call onstar from any phone, give your account and code number and they will unlock the car remotely. Pretty nifty! Other nice features include a car-like ride, rear parking aid, dual power sliding doors, LOTS of cargo space (we got the extended version), leather, heated seats, tow package, rear VCP/Video, triple zone climate control, etc. etc. and a 6/60 bumper to bumper warranty since Olds is on the way out.Since you seem to keep cars like my family (forever), don't worry about going with a Quest if that's what you want. Keep in mind, however, that the Quest does not have a fold flat or hidaway rear seat. Instead, you take out the second row captain's chairs and slide the third row seat on a track all the way to the front. But for that feature, the Quest would have been a very strong contender for us. No keypad either. As for the conversation mirror, we picked up one aftermarket at our local Auto Parts store. It attaches to the windshield with a suction cup and sits right above the rear view mirror. There are also ones that actually attach to the rear view mirror or clip to the visor. I wouldn't base a minivan purchase decision on that feature alone. Good luck!
#29 of 3798 Thanks Steve and YZF by bhump200
Jan 21, 2002 (2:38 pm)
Had a keyfob on my Villager that broke within the first year, but i'm sure they are much sturdier now.I wouldn't base my decision on the reaview conversation mirror but I do get tempted by the keypad on thw Windstar. My significant other says "no way" to the WS as their rear seat does nothing. We love the sliding track rear seat on the Villager and Quest and may go with it again.
Have been looking at the MPV online and reading the town hall notice. Might have to go visit that one in person. Thanks for your quick response.
#30 of 3798 by steve_ HOST
Jan 21, 2002 (4:06 pm)
That's a great plug for OnStar too, yzf. I have a friend who's always locking his keys in his truck - he could sure use it.Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
#31 of 3798 02 GC/Sport by pluto5
Jan 22, 2002 (6:03 pm)
I drove the GC sport also with the H package and was impressed with the ride. However the mechanicals don't appear any different than my '94 GC/SE which has had premature failures in A/C evaporator coil, paint and transmission which the manufacturer paid only part.#32 of 3798 Used Minivans which is the better deal? by skyezmom
Feb 11, 2002 (6:56 pm)
Hi posted this earlier and was asked to use this site.I'm looking at 3 minivans. Need your opinions on which you feel would be the better deal for my $$.
98 Villager...43,000 miles.....asking $14,9
99 Grand Caravan...33,500...$15,995
99 Sihouette.....37,200...16,995
checked CarFax all are clean....Have service records on all, but they don't say much.
I just need a good reliable vehicle. Have heard good things about Villager.
Also any tips on how to haggle price would be appreciated.
Thanx!
#34 of 3798 Info on the Sienna engine by rob133
Feb 18, 2002 (4:48 pm)
Be aware that the 1997-2001 Toyotas have been having problems with engines crapping out becuase of some design change to make the cars pass smog tests, the engines are made to run hotter I guess. So far at least 3000 engines have died and customers are up in arms. It is unclear if the problem was fixed for 2002.
here is the article that describes the engine problem better than I can.
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