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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.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Sienna, Dodge Caravan, Chevrolet Venture, Mazda MPV, Kia Sedona, Honda Odyssey, Chevrolet Uplander, Nissan Quest, Hyundai Entourage, Van

Messages Page 249 of 381

#2475 of 3798 Short Wheel Base Caravan/Town and Country by badgerfan

Jun 29, 2006 (8:46 am)

I've been doing a bit of preliminary poking around and have decided that a short wheel base Caravan SXT with 3.3L V-6 fits our needs quite nicely. I was pleasantly surprised that DC has an option with a split removable rear bench seat in which the two halves are quite light weight. Thus the negatives associated with not having Stow and Go available on the short wheel base models is somewhat overcome by having the seats so light weight compared to our 1996 Caravan.
 
Biggest dissapointment I have is that ABS is optional on the short wheel base versions, and I could find only one such short wheel base minivan equipped with ABS in an internet inventory search of all the 10-15 Dodge or Chrysler dealers in my area. And that one is gray, which is not a preferred color for us. Bummer! DC should make ABS standard on at least the upper end short wheel base models (IE Caravan SXT). Don't understand why the dealers are not ordering more of them with ABS. ABS is standard on all versions of the long wheel base models, however.
 
The deals are just amazingly good. I can get a comparably equipped short wheel base Caravan similar to our 1996 Caravan for about $4K less than we paid for our 1996 as a leftover new minivan in March 1997! About $6k off MSRP
 
We might just hold off a few months, or even up to a year and keep checking the available stock and work a deal when I see what we want at one of the local dealers. Otherwise, could go with the long wheel base version, but it will be my wife's call as I am not sure whe wants to drive a longer minivan than she has now.

#2476 of 3798 AWD Minivan by staceypmiller

Jun 29, 2006 (11:18 am)

I am searching for an AWD minivan and can't seem to find much. Toyota makes one, but who else? I currently have an SUV and really miss the convience of my van - don't want to go the SUV route again. However, I REALLY need AWD or I will never be able to get up my driveway in the winter. Any help???

#2477 of 3798 Re: AWD Minivan [staceypmiller] by sebring95

Jun 29, 2006 (12:10 pm)

Replying to: staceypmiller (Jun 29, 2006 11:18 am)
Toyota is the only show in town for AWD. You could look for a used AWD Dodge from a few years back, but that's about it.

#2478 of 3798 Re: AWD Minivan [sebring95] by rorr

Jun 29, 2006 (12:18 pm)

Replying to: sebring95 (Jun 29, 2006 12:10 pm)
"Toyota is the only show in town for AWD."
 
Actually, the '06 Pontiac Montana and Buick Terraza are also available with AWD.

#2479 of 3798 Re: AWD Minivan [rorr] by 535353

Jun 29, 2006 (12:36 pm)

Replying to: rorr (Jun 29, 2006 12:18 pm)
As is the Chevy Uplander and Saturn Relay.

#2480 of 3798 Re: AWD Minivan [535353] by rorr

Jun 29, 2006 (12:54 pm)

Replying to: 535353 (Jun 29, 2006 12:36 pm)
I stand corrected; I thought the Uplander wasn't available with AWD and for some reason I completely forgot the Saturn Relay.
 
BTW - I think that it's absolutely criminal that Cadillac, Saab and GMC don't have their own versions of the GM corporate minivan to sell. What is GM thinking, leaving these dealers out in the cold.......
 
 

#2481 of 3798 Re: Short Wheel Base Caravan/Town and Country [badgerfan] by dennisctc

Jun 29, 2006 (1:22 pm)

Replying to: badgerfan (Jun 29, 2006 8:46 am)
We might just hold off a few months, or even up to a year and keep checking the available stock and work a deal when I see what we want at one of the local dealers. Otherwise, could go with the long wheel base version, but it will be my wife's call as I am not sure whe wants to drive a longer minivan than she has now.
 
Employee pricing should be back shortly so I'd hold off until that at least. Also, a dealer should not have any problem finding you a van with ABS, even if they have to get it out of state. Get the color you want with the ABS!!!

#2482 of 3798 Re: AWD Minivan [staceypmiller] by badgerfan

Jun 29, 2006 (1:25 pm)

Replying to: staceypmiller (Jun 29, 2006 11:18 am)
Though it is not strictly a minivan, the Ford Freestyle ()NOT to be confused with Freestar!) is also an option. Gets about minivan fuel mileage, but not quite as spacious inside, and it is available AWD. both rows of seats fold flat as well.

#2483 of 3798 Re: AWD Minivan [rorr] by dennisctc

Jun 29, 2006 (1:28 pm)

Replying to: rorr (Jun 29, 2006 12:54 pm)
BTW - I think that it's absolutely criminal that Cadillac, Saab and GMC don't have their own versions of the GM corporate minivan to sell. What is GM thinking, leaving these dealers out in the cold.......
 
The Buick and Pontiac versions are history after 06 MY!!! Thank God!!! I feel bad for people who have purchased these orphans!! It's typical of domestics, fill a niche with anything that'll fit...think of all the games they play:
 
1) Hey, lets just take a Holden, slap a Pontiac GTO badge on it and sell it!! People will buy it
 
2) Hey! lets take this European Ford and call it Merkur!!

#2484 of 3798 Re: AWD Minivan by staceypmiller

Jun 29, 2006 (6:27 pm)

Replying to: dennisctc (Jun 29, 2006 1:28 pm)
Thanks for the response on the AWD minivan - I am tempted to start over with my search. What I want most of all is a 7 passenger vehicle (front 2, middle 2, back 3). It can be a Van or an SUV (if one fits the layout), but must be AWD. I love the space a van gives me, but might settle for an SUV that can be configured for 7 - with a path between the middle seats to get to the back row. I can't deal with the kids putting up/down seat to get to the 3rd row (actually, they normally just hop over it which is worse).

Messages Page 249 of 381

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