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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 291 of 381

#2893 of 3798 My Two Cents.... by jchan2

Dec 17, 2006 (11:42 am)

Personally, given the choice between the year old Town and Country and the 2004 Odyssey, I would probably go with the Odyssey, mainly because it is Certified, and the 2004s did not have the transmission and other problems that earlier years had.
 
But when you add the leftover 2005 Mazda MPV LX into the mix, along with the Mazda5 and Kia Sedona, the situation gets more interesting. For me, what it would come down to is what kind of interest rate I would get if I financed each of those vehicles.
 
In Conclusion:
 
I definitely wouldn't get the Town & Country. It does not have the warranty that the Certified Odyssey has, nor is it brand new like the MPV/Mazda5/Kia Sedona are.
 
The Mazda5, while appealing, is probably too small for your family. So I'd eliminate it. The extra space that the Sedona, MPV, and Odyssey provide will come in handy down the road.
 
So now we are down to 3. The Certified Odyssey, the brand new Sedona, and the leftover MPV. I would test drive all 3, and bargain hard with all 3 sellers. And, since you'll be financing, you might want to take interest rates into account. The MPV might still have 0% APR for 60 months leftover from the 2005 blowout, I don't think the Sedona has any special financing rates on it right now, and the Certified Odyssey might not either.
 
I do know that if you go with the Odyssey, you'll probably be able to hold on to it for quite a while with minimal repair costs. And the extra space of the Odyssey is definitely versatile.
 
I'm leaning Odyssey, but something tells me that you should give the MPV and Sedona a good, long, hard look.
 
Good Luck!

#2894 of 3798 Re: My Two Cents.... [jchan2] by jipster

Dec 17, 2006 (1:20 pm)

Replying to: jchan2 (Dec 17, 2006 11:42 am)
I agree. I would take another look at the MPV. I bought my MPV after taking a second look and reassesing my needs, and am glad I did. After I test drove the cavernous Ody, Sienna and Quest, the MPV did feel small... in comparison. But, you compare it to any large size sedan, or midsize to large SUV, and there is more interior space than a family of 4 could ever need. Plenty of room behind 3rd row for the baby stroller.
 
In terms of amenities...which were lacking that you require? The Mazda5 is very nice, but seemed "small" after being in my "cavernous" MPV for the past 2 years. The MPV has plenty of room to ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!

#2895 of 3798 Re: decisions,decisions,decisions [mazdax605] by

Dec 17, 2006 (6:40 pm)

Replying to: mazdax605 (Dec 16, 2006 8:18 pm)
Instead of comparing the size of the 05 MPV to the Oddysey or Caravan, compare it to ANY sedan or the Mazda 5.
     Do you REALLY want an OLD Honda Odyssey with so many miles on it when you could have an almost new MPV. The MPV would hold ALL the luggage for your family and is probably JUST THE RIGHT SIZE for your family.

#2896 of 3798 Re: decisions,decisions,decisions [] by bobber1

Dec 17, 2006 (7:45 pm)

Replying to: unknown (Dec 17, 2006 6:40 pm)
Mazdas are small. I looked at them when shopping and you're comparing apples to oranges if you're going to put them up against the Hondas and Dodges.
 
It may be right for your family, but they weren't the right size for mine.

#2897 of 3798 decisions,decisions,decisions by mazdax605

Dec 17, 2006 (7:54 pm)

I think that we may look at another MPV,because the one we test drove was really stripped down,and it had some issues.The van had steel wheels with covers(15"),clear side glass that made the van look really cheap,and it had some serious scratches down the rocker of the drivers side,and the mirror glass was missing on the driver side.I know these things are minor,but it also didn't seem quite right,and the color was sort of ehhh(titanium grey which I loved on the RX-8,not the MPV).
 
I agree the MPV will probably fit our needs just fine,but my wife was concerned about the space behind the third row being too small,and it seemed the second row of seat should slide back further.
 
I liked the Honda best of all the vans we drove,and the Mazda5 the best all around,but I think that car is just too small for us.Not that the 5 is small,but the iidea is to be able to take the 2 kids around,and possible friends while holding all the gear we need for kids which takes up what little room is behind the third row of the 5.
 
I am concerned about buying a used van especially with 40+K miles when it will need a timing belt in 20k,or less miles,and the price is high for used even though it is certified.I am also concerned about buying an MPV as I know the van is discontinued,and may not be supported well in the future.I think we are going to test drive a nice 05 MPV in whitewater pearl that I found local that is better equipped,and the color we like.It is used,but not much.
 
We also found a 04 Odyssey EX-RES with 29K miles,and a nice color with the certified program,but the price is $20881 which is really high I think,but it is in line with Edmunds pricing.
 
We are so confused.Why are there so many options?I guess it hurts that we are on a tight budget of around 17-18-19k to finance on a van that we would like to keep for a long time.Maybe Kia certifies used cars,and we can find one a year old or so cheap.
 
Keep the post coming.
 
Chris

#2898 of 3798 A Reply by jchan2

Dec 17, 2006 (8:17 pm)

I wouldn't worry about the mileage of the Odyssey- it is, first and foremost, a Honda which means that it is still rather reliable despite some teething problems with the 99s and some of the 02s.
 
I do know that Sedonas (the base model) can be had for under $20K. There is an eBay listing from a Kia dealer advertising brand new Sedonas at $19,000 or so. Although it's probably stripped, it's not a bad deal, and definitely worth a look.
 
The MPV, especially if you are worried about having to change the timing belt on the Certified Odyssey, is probably the best way to go.
 
Good Luck!

#2899 of 3798 Re: decisions,decisions,decisions [mazdax605] by bobber1

Dec 17, 2006 (8:23 pm)

Replying to: mazdax605 (Dec 17, 2006 7:54 pm)
Chris,
 
If money is the issue, you really should take a hard look at the Dodge or Chrysler products. You should use their quick depreciation as a tool to help find a good used one with low miles that is loaded with options that's inexpensive. While they tend not to be as polished as the imports and their mechanics are old; they are fundamentally sound vehicles. I had a friend who drove his Dodge 300,000 miles with out doing hardly anything to it!
 
I bought a Honda because I liked them better, but my budget is not as tight as yours and I can afford it now. 10 years ago I would have bought a used Dodge because I didn't have as much cash and for the reasons I listed above.
 
Don't break your budget on a stupid vehicle! Save if for the kids!
 
Good luck.

#2900 of 3798 Re: decisions,decisions,decisions [mazdax605] by garandman

Dec 17, 2006 (10:32 pm)

Replying to: mazdax605 (Dec 17, 2006 7:54 pm)
think that we may look at another MPV,because the one we test drove was really stripped down,and it had some issues.The van had steel wheels with covers(15"),clear side glass that made the van look really cheap,and it had some serious scratches down the rocker of the drivers side,and the mirror glass was missing on the driver side.I know these things are minor,but it also didn't seem quite right,and the color was sort of ehhh(titanium grey which I loved on the RX-8,not the MPV).
  
I agree the MPV will probably fit our needs just fine,but my wife was concerned about the space behind the third row being too small,and it seemed the second row of seat should slide back further.
 
That was probably the LX-SV model - a cost reduced LX. The LX is much better equipped. Many have power side doors and rear AC. Some have the Four Seasons package. They are hard to find with the optional side curtain airbags.
 
Are you carrying kids or adults in the 2nd and third rows? The MPV is a whole lot more agile than the standard US size minivans, and the seats are fine for any but large adults. Parking is a breeze. One FYI, though - the rear seat is really set up for two people and an occasional third. If you look around you'll find folks paying $20K or less for new 06 LX's, since the model has been discontinued in the US and the new model is not being brought to the US for the 07 model year, if ever.
 
Mazda may go the way of corporate parent Ford in getting away from minivans for Pacifica-like crossover "vanagans."

#2901 of 3798 Re: decisions,decisions,decisions [mazdax605] by jipster

Dec 18, 2006 (7:10 am)

Replying to: mazdax605 (Dec 17, 2006 7:54 pm)
You should be able to get a loaded 2006 MPV with MSRP of $26,000 for around $19,000. That's 17" alloy wheels, 6 disc cd changer, leather wrapped steering wheel, all-sport package which includes window tinting, rearview mirror with compass and temp)You also will probably get the LX Plus package which includes rear air with controls, foglights and bodyside molding...which really gives the MPV it's sporty good looks.
 
With the space behind the 3rd seat...try it out. We had a toddler stroller plus assorted other belongings fit well in the storeage space. The 3rd row seat does fold down for extra space when needed.
 
If you have two small children, the second row captain chairs not moving further back shouldn't be a problem.
 
Yes, the MPV is being discontinued..but only in the U.S. It is still being sold in other parts of the world. Getting parts and service shouldn't be a problem.
 
If possible take your time and make sure you get what you will enjoy and can afford. I think a large percent of minivan buyers struggle with which van to get, options, price etc. The wife and I went thru the same thing you're going thru. It'll work out.

#2902 of 3798 Not the used Sedona! by zoomzoomitis

Dec 18, 2006 (9:27 am)

Minivan shoppers: FWIW, I researched the Kia entrants in this segment like you wouldn't believe a little while back and found the new '06 Sedona to be LIGHT YEARS ahead of the previous models. The '05 and before models had many issues to say the least (excessive vehicle weight, mpg, no fold flat seating, reliability etc. etc.) and Kia/Hyundai, for their part, does seem to "get it right" the second time around. (Can someone say Sonata?). That '06 Sedona, although a plain-jane whale if ever there was one, is equipped rather well considering it's target market. Considerably lower price point than the others in this field after the generous year end rebates. The pure size of the thing is impressive along with it's 244hp engine. All the safety features covered that you would expect from a company pushing crash test ratings - standard! I do think one of the drawbacks though on this new entrant is the seating material just IMO. Rather light colors AND cheap feel for a vehicle that by and large will be hauling kids around. Give credit to the Chrysler/Dodge folks here in that they KNOW who buys these things.
 
Honda/Toyota? Still think you pay for that nameplate on the used market. Why not just take the plunge on a new one and keep it forever? My research didn't show much depreciation on either.
 
Zoomin' MPV? I still think when you buy cars and trucks, look at how each corporate entity is set up in a particular segment. WHO are they targeting with WHAT? Mazda is ZOOOOOOM ZOOOOOOM across the board!!! What is not traditionally ZOOM-ZOOM material in their lineup and sticks out like a sore thumb? Right! The MPV Minivan. Look who the leaders are in the minivan market (and the upstarts...not the backsliders!) and focus your search there.
 
All JMHO.
 
Zoooooooom on!
PS Tight budget - Sedona or SWB Dodge SXT/Chrysler T&C (w/6cyl). Money not an issue - Honda/Toyota new.

Messages Page 291 of 381

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