I hate minivans ... - Page 3

victory · 06-26-06, 12:56

Then there was the 1999 Kenny Brown Windstar....that was a mans minivan.

Accumulator · 06-27-06, 08:46

Victory- yeah, and nobody bought 'em so nobody else will probably ever build such a thing

Quote:

Originally Posted by SpoiledMan

Accumulator, the Odyssey isn't like the "other" mini vans. Take one for a spin one day.

I'm starting to get that impression

If I were shopping for a new minivan it'd be at the top of the list. I keep resisting the urge to dump the MPV as (with 25K on it) it can probably haul the dogs for near-free forever. What we *need* is something for nasty winter weather (well, something besides the two Quattros, man am I spoiled

).

victory · 06-27-06, 10:22

I think the $50,000-60,000 price tag had something to do with no one buying them. But, yeah, full tuned race suspension and over 250hp at the wheels. Just the fact that it can be done is impressive.

TortoiseAWD · 06-27-06, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

What we *need* is something for nasty winter weather (well, something besides the two Quattros, man am I spoiled

).

Accumulator,

I really wish your first experience with Subaru had been better . . . the B9 Tribeca is getting decent reviews, and would do well in inclement weather (and for a lot less money that some of the competition).

Tort
(totally biased Suby fanatic)

victory · 06-27-06, 10:57

good idea. subaru's are great cars.

Accumulator · 06-27-06, 02:36

Actually this thread had me thinking the last time I took the dogs out...I actually *like* how the MPV looks. But then my taste in vehicles has been questioned before

Heh heh, the same people who snicker at my dog cars are all

when I'm in the good ones. Actually had a pair of guys in a TA cut me off in the Volvo and laugh about it and then give me a

a few days later when I was in the Mallett

Never occurred to them that I was the same guy.

Victory- And IIRC the FWD dynamics of the Windstar weren't all that happy with the extra power. Build one in AWD and I'd write the check.

Tort- You mean *both* my initial experiences with 'em

A lot of it was the incredibly bad local Subaru dealers.

I sincerely wish that Subarus had worked out better for us...I still recommend them to people. I think it's great that so many people (including you) are so happy with them. I recommended them to some relatives who were thrilled with 'em.

Our situation is kinda unique due to the dogs and all their stuff, the B9 wouldn't work if we *did* want to try one.

Tasty · 06-27-06, 04:24

Accumulator - Actually, the MPV is one of the less offensive looking minivans. I think the new ones look pretty good with that chrome trim around the bottom and the fog lights. Not a bad effort. When you look at the Chrysler and Ford options....makes me shudder.

I was reading up on this Kenny Brown Windstar simply because I'd never heard of it before, and Edmunds said that he specifically used that Eaton supercharger to AVOID horrendous torque steer and sudden surges in weird places on the power band. Sounds like it was pretty cool...for a minivan. The debate shall rage on...

I actually have to give some props to those of you who buy them and then revel in the utility and practicality that you get. When it comes to cars and real life usage, mileage, and what you really need a vehicle for this entire country needs an attitude adjustment.

SpoiledMan · 06-27-06, 06:24

Just decided today that we're going to exercise the utility in our mini van for a "short" road trip from Los Angeles to Little Rock. With two kids, we will be able to take pretty much what we want with room to spare.

I'll have to check with PT91 to see if I have anything he wants to sample since I'm driving.

Accumulator · 06-28-06, 06:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tasty

When it comes to cars and real life usage, mileage, and what you really need a vehicle for this entire country needs an attitude adjustment.

Yeah, amen to that. Heh heh, too many people seem to consider their vehicles to be primarily a fashion accessory

SpoiledMan- By the end of that trip you'll sure know how you feel about that minivan!

SpoiledMan · 06-28-06, 06:58

Accumulator, it's 6.5 years old. It's done it's share of 600+ mile trips. I still like it like the day I drove it off the lot.

Accumulator · 06-28-06, 07:00

Spoiledman- Sounds like that was one smart purchase then

TortoiseAWD · 06-28-06, 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

Tort- You mean *both* my initial experiences with 'em

A lot of it was the incredibly bad local Subaru dealers.

D'oh! I remember you had a WRX, what was the other Sube?

I'll have to admit, though, part of my huge bias for Subaru comes from having awesome local support. You might not expect it, but the Nebraska Subaru Owner's Club (NSOC) is very active, and chock full of people who wrench on their own cars to one extent or another. Plus, one of our members is a mechanic on the side, and only charges $30/hour for labor (less than half of what the stealerships charge). He's also happy to teach you how to work on your own car, if you're willing to learn. If I didn't have the club to fall back on, and had to rely on dealerships, I don't think I'd be nearly as enthusiastic about the marque.

Tort