Minivans - Domestic or Foreign

3643 messages, Last post on May 20, 2009 at 6:32 AM

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

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#3569 of 3643: Re: "In my opinion"? [hansienna] by ateixeira; Nov 24, 2008 (1:52 pm)

Replying to: hansienna (Nov 10, 2008 7:03 pm)

It should be a default Sig file.

#3570 of 3643: Used or new by kbella3; Jan 11, 2009 (6:23 pm)

We're planning on buying a minivan within the next couple months. Not worried about resale value as we keep our vehicles a long time. Our price range is 20-22K max. We've been looking at Kia Sedonas, we like the warranty and the price. Can't really buy a NEW equally equipped van in T&C or Sienna (and not really crazy about what I've read regarding the new T&C anyway). Though we could buy a used loaded Sienna for the price of a new mid-range Sedona. But we keep going back to that 10 year warranty.

This is going to be our first car payment in a while, so want to make the right decision. Posting here to see if I could get some other opinions. All are welcome.

hause7 (Jan 11, 2009 10:28 pm)
stush (Jan 12, 2009 5:44 pm)

#3571 of 3643: Re: Used or new [kbella3] by hause7; Jan 11, 2009 (10:28 pm)

Replying to: kbella3 (Jan 11, 2009 6:23 pm)

I would go with a Sienna. We owned an 04 that was very good to us and now own an 07 and it is awesome. Drove both and see what you like. The Sedona was rated low reliability wise and the Sienna was rated number one(according to Consumer Reports).

Right now in my area you can get an LE model Sienna equipped nicely brand new for $22-23K.

thegraduate (Jan 12, 2009 7:24 am)
eandlcubed (Feb 07, 2009 8:27 am)
- hause7 (Feb 07, 2009 1:57 pm)

#3572 of 3643: Re: Used or new [hause7] by thegraduate; Jan 12, 2009 (7:24 am)

Replying to: hause7 (Jan 11, 2009 10:28 pm)

If you are limiting your list to these two (Sedona or Sienna) I'd go with the Sienna, even if you get a low-miles used one. The Hyundai/Kia minivans aren't doing so hot in the reliability ratings. Honda's Odyssey drives the most like a sedan (firmer/sportier) if you are used to a car, you might test-out one of those, as their reliability is notably better than the Hyundai/Kia, and slightly behind the smoother Sienna.

#3573 of 3643: Long Term Costs - look at fuel efficiency... by ateixeira; Jan 12, 2009 (10:34 am)

I test drove a Kia and liked it as a $19k alternative, but I don't regret spending more on a Sienna. Having said that, for under $20k Kia owes no apologies, they are a good value. I just wanted the best van, not the best price.

Find the Car & Driver article where they were compared - the Sienna is quicker and got significantly better gas mileage. In the long-term, even if you don't care about resale, you will save $$$ on gas, to offset the initial expense.

A CE is about $21k but I'd spring for an LE at just over $22k.

Here, I found part of the article that I scanned in. 14 mpg for the Entourage (a clone), vs. 19 mpg for the Sienna.

At that mileage, over 100,000 miles, a lifetime of ownership, you would use 5263 gallons of gas on the Toyota, vs. 7143 gallons for the Hyundai (or its clone, the Kia). Even if gas stays at a cheap $1.50 per gallon, you would spend $2820 more on gas for the Korean van.

That more than makes up for it. Go more than 100k miles and the advantage keeps stretching.

Keep in mind this was the mileage at the hands of C&D editors, but you get the idea of the relative efficiency of these engines.

Toyota's 2GR V6 is a gem. It made Wards' 10 best list for a reason.

See chart below - quickest and most efficient. Sound good? To me it did.

kbella3 (Jan 12, 2009 6:02 pm)
- ateixeira (Jan 13, 2009 11:38 am)

Minivans.jpg
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#3574 of 3643: Re: Used or new [kbella3] by stush; Jan 12, 2009 (5:44 pm)

Replying to: kbella3 (Jan 11, 2009 6:23 pm)

I have the Hyundai Entourage. Bought it June of 06. It's listed as an 07. I almost have 40,000 miles on it. I did have 1 of the common problems that came with the new model, but the dealer quickly fixed the problem. I've just put on 4 new tires, about 36,000 out of the factory set. It's driving fine. Average about 17.5 around town and got between 23 - 25 on the last road trip. I also have an 02 Santa Fe. I have 70,000 on it now. It's been bullet proof. 1 driver side power window motor ( fixed under warranty) Front wheel bearing replaced and 1 of the power steering hoses broke. Just tires, brakes and rotors. So, I guess what I'm saying is, don't be afraid of the Kia. Sure you may have some little problems, as with any brand, but if the dealer takes care of the problem quickly and with no hassle. Thats all you can ask.

#3575 of 3643: Re: Long Term Costs - look at fuel efficiency... [ateixeira] by kbella3; Jan 12, 2009 (6:02 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jan 12, 2009 10:34 am)

Thanks everyone. I sorta figured the Sienna might be the way to go, you all kind of just solidified that. I do like the looks of the Sienna better than the Sedona also. However, I will still test drive both of course. Also didn't realize Sienna's gas mileage was better (and sadly gas by me is already approaching $2 again). My only real requirements are the power sliding doors and DVD system. I could get that in an LE? Will start researching now....

ateixeira (Jan 13, 2009 11:38 am)

#3576 of 3643: Re: Long Term Costs - look at fuel efficiency... [kbella3] by ateixeira; Jan 13, 2009 (11:38 am)

Replying to: kbella3 (Jan 12, 2009 6:02 pm)

Let's see, I believe the LE model EVP #2 has power sliding doors.

I would go aftermarket for the DVD player. I got a 12" Jensen (installed) at Circuit City for $900. The factory one is only 9" and costs a lot more, but one is available if you really want that.

My mileage is excellent. Full disclosure - I do take it easy, and drive in the most efficient way possible, but I get 21-24 even around town. I've broken 30 on some trips, though I kept speeds below 60mph to do that. I still usually get 27-28 mpg on trips, even at 65-70 mph.