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

Outline

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#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.

#3577 of 3643: Buying a new Minivan by rewjlw; Jan 20, 2009 (4:39 am)

I am planning on buying a new minivan. I amlookoing for some advice about the best/most economic minivan.

thegraduate (Jan 20, 2009 7:55 am)

#3578 of 3643: Re: Buying a new Minivan [rewjlw] by thegraduate; Jan 20, 2009 (7:55 am)

Replying to: rewjlw (Jan 20, 2009 4:39 am)

Could you be more specific about your needs, preferences? There's not really a bad one out there!

#3579 of 3643: by swampfox28; Jan 20, 2009 (8:13 am)

Truthfully we suffered when trying to choose between a Sienna and an Odyssey in late '04, but we chose the Odyssey because we felt we got more "bang for the buck". I love Toyotas, but I love Honda, too, and I just want to feel like I got a fair deal (or, as fair as possible, considering how expensive vehicles are/can be!!)

We decided on the Odyssey and the ONLY bad thing I could say is that they're not as quiet as Toyotas generally are. I wish Honda would spend whatever trivial amount it would take to make them a bit quieter; but it's in no way a "deal breaker" for us. We LOVE our '05 Ody and actually were drooling over an '08 just the other day; now that we've gotten an Odyssey, I don't think we'll ever get another kind of van. It just suits us - we LOVE it!!

-Sarah

kbella3 (Jan 23, 2009 12:04 pm)
- jpf (Jan 27, 2009 12:16 pm)
  - hause7 (Jan 27, 2009 1:04 pm)
- ateixeira (Feb 03, 2009 1:15 pm)

#3580 of 3643: Toyota Sienna by kbella3; Jan 23, 2009 (12:04 pm)

Replying to: swampfox28 (Jan 20, 2009 8:13 am)

Just wondering Is there a particular year Sienna that has less issues, etc. I'm looking at used 2005+. Although just found a used 2004 that has everything we want. Has about 44k miles.

jpf (Jan 27, 2009 12:16 pm)
- hause7 (Jan 27, 2009 1:04 pm)
ateixeira (Feb 03, 2009 1:15 pm)

#3581 of 3643: Re: Toyota Sienna [kbella3] by jpf; Jan 27, 2009 (12:16 pm)

Replying to: kbella3 (Jan 23, 2009 12:04 pm)

You'll probably want to check out the oil sludge problem that affected Toyotas of a few years ago. They may have an extended warranty on these vehicles.