OT-- looking for a new van

[mousy_in_canada]

I need something that has a good transmission, and yet good on gas.. we are getting killed with gas prices. (I currently have a 1994 Chevy Astro) I need something that can pull the boat and make the 10 hour drive up north yet be good for us the rest of the year.. I was thinking Honda Odyssey but it is hard to find one with lower KM (under 160K) and yet be under 10K which is my limit. I am seriously thinking of buying in the states and driving it back over and paying the taxes and duty, I think it would be cheaper in the long run... or is it not really that easy to buy it and bring it back over. anyway what do you all suggest that I get that is good for our family of 6?


TIA

 

[yxe dad]

I had the Honda and loved it! If I was to ever get a Minivan again I wouldn't shop around, I'd go straight to the Honda dealership and get the best price I could.

 

[michelle1]

I need something that has a good transmission, and yet good on gas.. we are getting killed with gas prices. (I currently have a 1994 Chevy Astro) I need something that can pull the boat and make the 10 hour drive up north yet be good for us the rest of the year.. I was thinking Honda Odyssey but it is hard to find one with lower KM (under 160K) and yet be under 10K which is my limit. I am seriously thinking of buying in the states and driving it back over and paying the taxes and duty, I think it would be cheaper in the long run... or is it not really that easy to buy it and bring it back over. anyway what do you all suggest that I get that is good for our family of 6?


TIA

Honda and Toyota seem to have the best vans on the market and are always top rated in the consumer reports. The thought of buying a vehicle in the states has crossed our minds also...has anyone ever done this, or is it even possible?

 

[Aliceacc]

For what it's worth, I bought a Kia Sedona in November and absolutely LOVE it!!!

I have no idea about towing capacity or anything, but its safety and reliability ratings were high and the price was low. It handles great too!!

 

[great white north]

The first thing you need to do is determine the towing capacity you require. Your present van will tow up to 5500lb, but any front FWD mini van will pull only 3500 max(not recommended), some only 2000lb. What is the weight of your boat and trailer loaded, with weight of passengers and cargo. The last thing you want to do is buy something that will not pull your boat safely. Does your boat trailer have its own surge brakes? If your van is required to stop both, look for a van with good braking system. I,ve had a 93 safari and now use a 2001 safari to tow with. You can't beat a RWD solid frame van for towing. If you don't require more than 3000lb, you can buy a GM venture or montana. Used ones can be had within your price range and they have load leveling rear air shocks that are good for towing. These vans have the best gas miliage in the catagory.

 

[mousy_in_canada]

The first thing you need to do is determine the towing capacity you require. Your present van will tow up to 5500lb, but any front FWD mini van will pull only 3500 max(not recommended), some only 2000lb. What is the weight of your boat and trailer loaded, with weight of passengers and cargo. The last thing you want to do is buy something that will not pull your boat safely. Does your boat trailer have its own surge brakes? If your van is required to stop both, look for a van with good braking system. I,ve had a 93 safari and now use a 2001 safari to tow with. You can't beat a RWD solid frame van for towing. If you don't require more than 3000lb, you can buy a GM venture or montana. Used ones can be had within your price range and they have load leveling rear air shocks that are good for towing. These vans have the best gas miliage in the catagory.

Thanks for the numbers.. I actually don't know how heavy the boat is it is 16 foot fiberglass hull if that helps. And it does not have its own breaks just a normal trailer on it.

Thanks!

 

[katiesmom2]

We have a Honday Odyssey and absolutely love it. My sister's family and my MIL/FIL also each have one and rave about it.

I don't think we'll ever go with a different brand when we need to replace this one. We haven't had one single problem with it and it is a little over 5 years old.

 

[Torontogal]

Love my Toyota Sienna.

 

[dhluvsDisney]

Love, triple love my Toyota Sienna! It's a 2002 and has been just wonderful! Loads of KM"s and still great!

 

[digskat]

We just got a Pontiac Montana and love it.

 

[PBX1]

With today's gas prices, does anyone make a hybrid minivan?

 

[Parkerpooh]

We have a 2000 Honda Odyssey with 235,000 kms on it and it's never left us stranded or been in the shop!!! Well worth it IMO. We have CAA for the hotel discounts not for our vehicle .

 

[Csaks]

Thanks for the numbers.. I actually don't know how heavy the boat is it is 16 foot fiberglass hull if that helps. And it does not have its own breaks just a normal trailer on it.

Thanks!

The only way to know for sure is to go to a local truck stop with a scale. For a small fee you can weigh your boat, trailer and load it up with the stuff you normally would. Nothing worse than having a trailer control you. Our old 99 Jeep could pull our boat but it was white knuckle driving, where as our pickup with the longer wheelbase doesn't even notice it.

Good luck with your search.

Chris.

 

[3BoysRDisneyFreaks]

With today's gas prices, does anyone make a hybrid minivan?

I think Toyota is working on one for 2010. Just when my lease will be up on my current Sienna. Yeah!

Sarah

 

[canron]

do not get a dodge caravan,,,,,,,,,you will do the tranny every 2 to 3 years if not earlier,,,,iv had 3 ,,and we just got 5 new ones for work,,,2008,,tank of gas every 2 days city driving..all stop and go..

 

[sunshinemummy]

do not get a dodge caravan,,,,,,,,,you will do the tranny every 2 to 3 years if not earlier,,,,iv had 3 ,,and we just got 5 new ones for work,,,2008,,tank of gas every 2 days city driving..all stop and go..

That is odd, we are on our 4th caravan in 15 years and we've never had an issue. We leased a new 2008 Grand Caravan a few months ago and I'm in love! I really love my new van and all the bells and whistles it has, plus is drives beautifully. I get a new van every 4 years and never had an issue with the caravans. There is no hybrids in a van yet, you'd have to go with a car or SUV.

 

[mousy_in_canada]

Right now I am looking at an 2006 Uplander LT does anyone own this and what is your experience with it?
Thanks!

 

[calliemom]

Had a dodge caravan a few years ago and absolutely hated it! The transmission work it required cost us a fortune and it never ran great.
We just bought a Toyota Sienna in January and absolutely love it....I know I'm a dork for saying it but I do love those dual remote sliding doors!
Although at $1.22/litre it cost me $71 to fill up on Sunday...Yikes!

 

[MikeJ]

We're in the midst of replacing our 98 Grand Caravan. It's got 225k and although it's in decent shape mechanically the body is starting to go. Now that the kids are older (19 & 17) we're looking to move away from a van and go with a midsize SUV. (We also need something with enough oomph to pull the boat.) We have it narrowed down to the Honda Pilot and the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. I got my best price from the Honda dealer yesterday and I hit the Toyota dealer this afternoon. Right now we're leaning towards the Pilot but given today's gas prices the Hybrid option is appealing. I'm just not sure the price differential is worth it for the better gas mileage.

Anyway, we'll be deciding by tomorrow, at which point we sign away another four years of our lives...

- Mike

 

[BKMETV]

Had a Ford and absolutely hated it...love my replacement...another vote for the Sienna.