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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 376 of 381

#3744 of 3798 Quest info by ateixeira

Dec 16, 2010 (11:50 am)

Autoblog First Drive:
 
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/16/2011-nissan-quest-first-drive-review-road-tes- t/
 
PDF Press Kit for more details:
 
http://www.nissannews.com/newsrelease.do?id=2084&mid=
 
My impressions:
 
Good
 
Boxy = space efficient
Nice interior
Clever folding 2nd/3rd row seats
Piping on the seats is pimpin'
 
Bad
 
last decade power/torque levels with no mpg edge
6" shorter wheelbase?
Cargo length is just 86.5"
 
That means it's a good 10 inches (!) shorter than the vans that can carry a sheet of plywood inside. I've done that in a Sienna, so I know it's 96" plus. I think Dodge and Honda can also do that.
 
So it's a smaller van, with middling power. I'm a bit disappointed, to be honest.
 
Could be just the ticket for people looking for something a bit smaller/nicer.

#3745 of 3798 Re: Quest info [ateixeira] by tifighter

Dec 16, 2010 (2:28 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 16, 2010 11:50 am)
Could be just the ticket for people looking for something a bit smaller/nicer.

 
That's the problem...it isn't smaller at all. Its actually longer than the Sienna by about 1/2 an inch, and only a 1/2 inch narrower. Plus it is 2.5 inches taller.
 
When I first heard this was based on the Elgrand, I hoped that the JDM platform might give us a slightly more compact and easier to park van. Didn't happen.

#3746 of 3798 Re: Quest info [tifighter] by ateixeira

Dec 17, 2010 (8:27 am)

Replying to: tifighter (Dec 16, 2010 2:28 pm)
Where'd the 10 inches go?
 
Bad packaging by Nissan. Fail.

#3747 of 3798 Quest Navi has a category for... by ateixeira

Dec 17, 2010 (2:39 pm)

Well, see for yourself.
 

 
 

#3748 of 3798 Looking to buy a used minivan for $6-7K by gs451

Dec 22, 2010 (2:19 am)

Hi everyone,
I am selling my Nissan Armada to Carmax pretty soon. For now, I need a small minivan/SUV that is not too old/not too high on mileage to be a daily driver and to be used occasionally for long trips. I know that I can't be too rough with it and have very high expectations, but I was wondering what will be the best option for me in terms of overall use on the long term (reliability, fuel efficiency, safety, problems etc.). It seems all the Japanese vans (Sienna, Odyssey, MPV, Quest) all have some type of trnasmission issues. Are american vans just as bad or if not worse? How is the pilot or any other SUV from Suzuki/Mitsubishi. Space isn't a big concern for me as I just need it to haul my 2 kids. I'm a pretty good driver and just want something that is safe to use (ratings, etc.) and won't leave me stranded.
 
Considering my price point, it would probably have to be something with horrible depreciaiton. I feel at this price point though, everything has lost all the value it was going to use.
 
Your responses are appreciated.
 
Thaks and Happy Holidays!

#3749 of 3798 Re: Looking to buy a used minivan for $6-7K [gs451] by sebring95

Dec 22, 2010 (6:19 am)

Replying to: gs451 (Dec 22, 2010 2:19 am)
You'll get far more bang for your buck with a minivan over an SUV. Of course the next question is...do you really need a minivan for two kids? You've already said space isnt' an issue...and these "mini" vans are about the same size as a full-size SUV. Our Odyssey is within inches of the Tahoe it replaced but has far more space on the inside though.
 
An Odyssey in your price range is too old and high miles. I would look for a nice Caravan (maybe even the shorty version if you don't need a lot of features) or a Chevy Uplander. You can likely get something in the 2005-2006 range if you shop carefully or work the private market.

#3750 of 3798 Re: Looking to buy a used minivan for $6-7K [gs451] by ateixeira

Dec 22, 2010 (9:29 am)

Replying to: gs451 (Dec 22, 2010 2:19 am)
It seems all the Japanese vans (Sienna, Odyssey, MPV, Quest) all have some type of trnasmission issues
 
That's a myth.
 
Odys trannys have been fine since about 2004 or so. I doubt you're shopping for something 2003 or older.
 
Siennas never had trans problems. In fact Toyota waited to put the 6EAT in the Sienna only after early issues were resolved, so used ones go with the proven 5 speed automatic.
 
I think either of those, used, would be fine for you. May be overkill with 2 kids, though. Consider a Mazda5 or Kia Rondo, which are a tad smaller. Ford will bring the C-Max soon, also.

#3751 of 3798 Re: Looking to buy a used minivan for $6-7K [ateixeira] by tifighter

Dec 22, 2010 (10:19 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 22, 2010 9:29 am)
I would keep an eye out for a Kia Rondo; they depreciate quickly and have very good reliability ratings. However, even one of those will be a stretch at this price point....I've seen ex-rentals down to $8500 so that's still high. Maybe a 04-06 Mazda MPV if you can find one?

#3752 of 3798 Re: Looking to buy a used minivan for $6-7K [tifighter] by ateixeira

Dec 22, 2010 (10:54 am)

Replying to: tifighter (Dec 22, 2010 10:19 am)
Yup - steep depreciation means the first owner paid it off, you get it dirt cheap.

#3753 of 3798 Re: Looking to buy a used minivan for $6-7K [ateixeira] by gs451

Dec 22, 2010 (11:34 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Dec 22, 2010 10:54 am)
Thanks for the responses guys. I had thought that the First Generation Sienna had some type of issue with sludging and tranny issues. My dad had the 2002 Odyssey and Honda was gracious enough to fix his issues for free as they extended the warranty for him. But I should not look at anything earlier than 2003?
 
With regards to two kids, I should have specified, I have two kids but we occasionally go out as a family on long trips (6-7 hours) and need the space then...but that is honestly 10% of the time. Most of the time a sedan does the job for us. How are the Suzuki and Mitsubishi SUV's?
 
Anything to watch out for on the Rondo or Mazda MPV? How is the Sedona as well (2005/2006 models)? Any reliability/engine issues?
 
I know every car will age, but I just want something reliable for day to day inner city driving. I am in the Orange County, California area and I will look at Public Motor Auctions..would you guys advise not to? Any reputable used car places to go besides CarMax?
 
Thanks again for all the help! Merry Christmas!

Messages Page 376 of 381

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