Minivan-small SUV suggestions

Calestus · 05-04-03, 01:32

Howdy guys!

Its about time for my mom to get a new vehicle, and I would like to call upon your knowledge/experiences.

We are looking for a mini-van or smallish sized SUV in the 95-2002 range. (Maybe 03-04)

I've been reading some reviews and talking to people, but always come away with the feeling that they are biased.

Any suggestions for a vehicle I may want to look at are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance guys and gals!
Erick

bretfraz · 05-04-03, 02:42

1995-2004 is a massive range. There will be literally millions of vehicles to choose from. Can you narrow it down a bit for us? Is she on a tight budget (how much)? Does she prefer a brand new vehicle? There's some big decisions there; a '95 Ford Windstar can be had for $5000. An '04 Toyota Sienna Limited is over $40,000. So both a huge vehicle range and price range.

There's a diff in functionality between a mini-ute and a minivan. Does she need the room and size of a minivan?

Don't forget all reviews are mainly opinion and all opinions are biased. Its human nature. We all have preferences in life but there's nothing wrong with that. Your mom should probably make a list of her preferences and start the process from there.

Shiny Lil Detlr · 05-04-03, 02:51

and also, a "small-ish SUV" could mean either like a ford escape, or a ford explorer sport, or regular explorer, etc. which are three different sized SUV's. Looks like you'll need to narrow it down a lot more before you can really get a concept of what you're looking for.

Scottwax · 05-04-03, 02:59

Ford Explorer or Honda Passport.

Calestus · 05-04-03, 03:04

I was looking for more of a "I own this vehicle and can vouch for it, its been great" type of opinion.

But, id like to spend 35K or less if we decide to go for a new one. Yes she needs the room of a minivan.

Thanks so much for the stuff to think about.

We are in the broad make a list of vehicles to look at phase. We are no where near the narowing down phase.

Thanks aBunch!

Scottwax · 05-04-03, 03:09

"I was looking for more of a "I own this vehicle and can vouch for it, its been great" type of opinion."

My Dad really liked his Explorer and I have customers who are on their 2nd and 3rd Explorers since I've been detailing their cars, so they must be happy if they keep buying them.

Honda Passports are really nice too with. So is their new minivan.

BradE · 05-04-03, 03:35

I have a 1997 Ford Explorer with 84K miles on it, owned it since day 1 and have zero problems. I have the V6 OHV engine. I just changed the plugs and wires in it and I get about 16-18 MPG in the city and about 21-23 highway.

If you end up getting a used Explorer you might want to look into getting one with the 4.0L V6 OHV or the 5.0L V8 OHV. They are considered "old school" engines by todays standards, but they are just about bullet proof in terms of reliability. Parts are cheap and easy available too!

Calestus · 05-04-03, 04:33

"old school" engine is just fine! she does alot of traveling to mexico. They dont have alot of the equipment needed to correctly diagnose and repair higher end very computer dependent engines, should they break down.

BradE · 05-04-03, 04:55

If you want to research problems, fixes and just some info on Explorers check out www.explorerforum.com I'm a member over there, it's probably the best site for Explorer's I've found.

Calestus · 05-04-03, 04:57

Cool! Thanks Super Moderator!

BW · 05-04-03, 04:58

Don't get the Honda Passport - it's a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo with sloppy handling, awful safety, and poor resale value... you can't buy a new one anymore. If you want a $35,000 SUV with seating for seven, get the new Pilot. It has a 240 horsepower engine and is nicely screwed together.

If you don¡¦t care for the tough SUV look and don¡¦t need all-wheel drive traction, check out the Odyssey. It has the same VTEC engine as the Pilot, but seats seven more comfortably for less money. I have a 2003 EX-L myself, and it¡¦s a hoot to drive. It goes from 0-60 in 7.9 seconds and has surprisingly nimble handling. Some have reported problems with the 5-speed automatic transmission, though.

I never thought I would ever modify, or even drive a minivan, but now I have one parked in my garage with performance mods ready to be installed. I've put 3500 miles on it in less than a month. Check out www.odyclub.com... some members have auto-X'd their Odys.

The 2004 Sienna came out too, but you won¡¦t get much of a discount. Plus, the new 3.3L V6 seems to have sludge problems. The 60/40 folding third-row, power sliding rear windows, and laser cruise control are all clever though.

Calestus · 05-04-03, 05:01

BW...Thanks for the Passport info!! greatly appreciated.