Post by: Special T on April 05, 2017, 02:56:06 PM
So you all are my backup plan in case I fail.
What brand, model, year etc would you purchase or stay away from and why?
My first instinct is to purchase a minivan off a rental fleet.
Post by: bowNarrow on April 05, 2017, 10:15:55 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on April 05, 2017, 10:20:58 PM
Post by: Jpmiller on April 06, 2017, 06:45:44 AM
Post by: Happy Gilmore on April 06, 2017, 08:09:39 AM
Post by: Henrydog on April 06, 2017, 08:18:25 AM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on April 06, 2017, 08:27:12 AM
Post by: Happy Gilmore on April 06, 2017, 08:45:37 AM
Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van? I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.
Had them many times traveling for work. Mid size suv is just an ego excuse not to drive a mini van. They mid size suv might be the most impractical and poorest driving vehicles on the road. They suck for room, visibility, milaeage and power. It isn't like they'd be better than a mini van off road?
I assure you after driving and "using" a dodge caravan you will love it. The stowable seats are amazing and having the room of a flat floor cargo van? Awesome. Not to mention, his kids are a pre teens so they bought the grand caravan with all the luxury features. The seats are amazing in the back. Leather and entertainment system is super cool
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 06, 2017, 08:59:15 AM
Post by: Special T on April 06, 2017, 09:18:09 AM
DODGE seems to have been the industry leader for quite a while and I'm pretty sure they own the market on rental fleets. I'm satisfied with a 2wd vehicle.
What kind of realistic mileage are people getting?
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 06, 2017, 09:55:12 AM
Post by: KimWar1911 on April 06, 2017, 10:38:01 AM
We are eventually get back into an SUV but for now, with all the car seats, van is the only way to go.
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Post by: jackelope on April 06, 2017, 11:00:36 AM
Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van? I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.
Had them many times traveling for work. Mid size suv is just an ego excuse not to drive a mini van. They mid size suv might be the most impractical and poorest driving vehicles on the road. They suck for room, visibility, milaeage and power. It isn't like they'd be better than a mini van off road?
I assure you after driving and "using" a dodge caravan you will love it. The stowable seats are amazing and having the room of a flat floor cargo van? Awesome. Not to mention, his kids are a pre teens so they bought the grand caravan with all the luxury features. The seats are amazing in the back. Leather and entertainment system is super cool
Not sure what you're talking about. I have a 2014 Explorer. I'm 6'4" and can stretch my legs out in the back seat. The front seat slides back to the point I can't reach the pedals. It gets 21mpg, seats 8 people and has the same engine the state patrol interceptors have in them. What I mean is that it has plenty of power. It's 4x4 and is easy to drive. I'm not sure I could come up with a complaint at all regarding visibility. If you're talking about a specific mid sized SUV, then please expand. Otherwise, you're off base.
The Chrysler mini vans are super handy. The utility function of them is great and they are super popular. However when I worked in the Chrysler service drive, I could bank on them bringing in lots of $$ in repair tickets. Especially brakes and transmission problems. Water pumps all the time. Brakes lasted 20-30k for the folks that drive in town. We had a technician we nicknamed Unit because he had replaced so many transmission "units" in those vans.
I'd look hard at the Honda Odyssey and/or the Toyota Sienna if it were me.
:twocents:
Post by: Special T on April 06, 2017, 11:20:29 AM
I have friends with a Honda odyssey and they love it. They don't come cheap. DODGE has had a long standing issues with auto transmissions, which is horrible because they can be had reasonable out of rental fleet sales.
So far from the discussion it looks like I need to dig in and keep the Nazi Wagon, and do some investigative work on the caravans.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on April 06, 2017, 12:22:44 PM
Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van? I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.
Had them many times traveling for work. Mid size suv is just an ego excuse not to drive a mini van. They mid size suv might be the most impractical and poorest driving vehicles on the road. They suck for room, visibility, milaeage and power. It isn't like they'd be better than a mini van off road?
I assure you after driving and "using" a dodge caravan you will love it. The stowable seats are amazing and having the room of a flat floor cargo van? Awesome. Not to mention, his kids are a pre teens so they bought the grand caravan with all the luxury features. The seats are amazing in the back. Leather and entertainment system is super cool
Not sure what you're talking about. I have a 2014 Explorer. I'm 6'4" and can stretch my legs out in the back seat. The front seat slides back to the point I can't reach the pedals. It gets 21mpg, seats 8 people and has the same engine the state patrol interceptors have in them. What I mean is that it has plenty of power. It's 4x4 and is easy to drive. I'm not sure I could come up with a complaint at all regarding visibility. If you're talking about a specific mid sized SUV, then please expand. Otherwise, you're off base.
The Chrysler mini vans are super handy. The utility function of them is great and they are super popular. However when I worked in the Chrysler service drive, I could bank on them bringing in lots of $$ in repair tickets. Especially brakes and transmission problems. Water pumps all the time. Brakes lasted 20-30k for the folks that drive in town. We had a technician we nicknamed Unit because he had replaced so many transmission "units" in those vans.
I'd look hard at the Honda Odyssey and/or the Toyota Sienna if it were me.
:twocents:
The explorer is hardly a crossover. It's the same damn size as a first generation expedition. Lol. I'll edit though, I've driven it a bit. The dash is big enough for the fire department to hold their Sunday pancake cook off on for a small town.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on April 06, 2017, 12:28:54 PM
I had a Chevy traverse last time in Spokane to Montana trip. It was nice but, cramped compared to a mini van. I couldn't see the reason to get one over a caravan besides simple "I refuse to drive a minivan" mentality.
Many moons ago I worked for Coca-Cola as a salesman.i had a 98 Astro with a 4.3L. It was sweet. Rode good. Hauled ass when you stepped on it and was easy to drive in traffic and tight parking lots. Loved that little van. Took it skiing, fishing, camping ect. Slept on a cot in the back many times. Even downtown Seattle a time or two😊
Post by: westsidehntr on April 06, 2017, 01:07:29 PM
Post by: cookingdaily on April 06, 2017, 01:36:58 PM
has amazing leg room and all wheel drive
Post by: Bofire on April 06, 2017, 02:18:54 PM
my 2
Carl
Post by: jackelope on April 06, 2017, 02:32:39 PM
I was responding to the midsize SUV comment. I didn't see anything about crossovers. Apples and oranges.Have you possibly considered a mid-size SUV (AWD) vs. a mini-van? I would think you could find a pretty good deal on a pre-owned rig.
Had them many times traveling for work. Mid size suv is just an ego excuse not to drive a mini van. They mid size suv might be the most impractical and poorest driving vehicles on the road. They suck for room, visibility, milaeage and power. It isn't like they'd be better than a mini van off road?
I assure you after driving and "using" a dodge caravan you will love it. The stowable seats are amazing and having the room of a flat floor cargo van? Awesome. Not to mention, his kids are a pre teens so they bought the grand caravan with all the luxury features. The seats are amazing in the back. Leather and entertainment system is super cool
Not sure what you're talking about. I have a 2014 Explorer. I'm 6'4" and can stretch my legs out in the back seat. The front seat slides back to the point I can't reach the pedals. It gets 21mpg, seats 8 people and has the same engine the state patrol interceptors have in them. What I mean is that it has plenty of power. It's 4x4 and is easy to drive. I'm not sure I could come up with a complaint at all regarding visibility. If you're talking about a specific mid sized SUV, then please expand. Otherwise, you're off base.
The Chrysler mini vans are super handy. The utility function of them is great and they are super popular. However when I worked in the Chrysler service drive, I could bank on them bringing in lots of $$ in repair tickets. Especially brakes and transmission problems. Water pumps all the time. Brakes lasted 20-30k for the folks that drive in town. We had a technician we nicknamed Unit because he had replaced so many transmission "units" in those vans.
I'd look hard at the Honda Odyssey and/or the Toyota Sienna if it were me.
:twocents:
The explorer is hardly a crossover. It's the same damn size as a first generation expedition. Lol. I'll edit though, I've driven it a bit. The dash is big enough for the fire department to hold their Sunday pancake cook off on for a small town.
:dunno:
An explorer is bigger than a Cherokee and smaller than a suburban and about the same size as the newest Grand Cherokee.
Post by: jackelope on April 06, 2017, 02:34:43 PM
I had a Cherokee when I last was in Wyoming and had to drive out to a coal plant. It had a cvt transmission. Possibly the worst vehicle I've ever driven on the open highway. Not enough power to pass, pull out and the wind and wind lash from semis was nerve racking.
I had a Chevy traverse last time in Spokane to Montana trip. It was nice but, cramped compared to a mini van. I couldn't see the reason to get one over a caravan besides simple "I refuse to drive a minivan" mentality.
Many moons ago I worked for Coca-Cola as a salesman.i had a 98 Astro with a 4.3L. It was sweet. Rode good. Hauled ass when you stepped on it and was easy to drive in traffic and tight parking lots. Loved that little van. Took it skiing, fishing, camping ect. Slept on a cot in the back many times. Even downtown Seattle a time or two😊
But the new Cherokee is tiny. Nowhere near a mid sized SUV.
I agree, the Astro vans were awesome. When I first got into the car biz I was a shuttle driver. Drove a couple of them into the ground.
Post by: Buzz2401 on April 06, 2017, 02:47:01 PM
Post by: Mark Brenckle on April 06, 2017, 05:30:09 PM
Post by: Stickerbush on April 06, 2017, 06:01:54 PM
Post by: Pnwrider on April 06, 2017, 06:38:34 PM
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Post by: Happy Gilmore on April 06, 2017, 08:49:45 PM