huckleberry wrote:

Shit.  Didn't see the budget. 
Why not just keep the car you have and add a cargo box or something?

Nothing we own will fit the baby, us, and the dogs.  The element is close, but no good for anything more than an hour or so.

I've looked at the Mazda 5, but it's small and doesn't have a folding 3rd row.  The more I look the more it seems the Odyssey is the only choice.  The Astro doesn't get good enough mileage and I'm just not a huge fan.  Plus the wife said hell no.  I don't really want anything domestic so the Caravan/Town & Country is out.  And since it's a van I can't say I'm really worried about handling.  Slow and slushy...

AspenMike wrote:

Is the third seat in the Mazda 5 removable?

For some reason I think they fold into or level with the floor....I'm not 100% positive on that though.

the 5's are definitely the most stylish option in my opinion, i'm just not convinced they're big enough to do what he needs it for.
man, hyperboarder, how many vehicles have you blown through in the past 5 years?

If you can find a Ford Flex for $4-8k, good for you.

had to reread.

I say something like this jalopy (@1:27)  :



edit: fucking youtube embedding. No URL at current time? Bullshit. 

Last edited by Justin86 (2012-05-10 11:23:32)

OK so this is not about minivans ;-).

I have two now adult sized kids, two good sized dogs, and tons of toys.  I have never owned a minivan.  We have always had a decent sized wagon with a roof box.  This works and is a nice daily driver.  The only thing you don't get is the third row seats, and having looked at a bunch of these they are pretty much useless, unless the occupants are dwarfs.

Our Passat will take the kids + the dogs + gear for a week or weekend pretty easily.  Yes you need to pack a bit more carefully.

If you really think you need a minivan, then get the AWD Sienna but I can't see it in your price range.

What about renting one for the few weekends a year you might need it?

Destiny? Mountain backdrop. 



$4-8 grand is going to be a dumpy, old Honda or Toyota. 

Enjoy

Great in Diesel!

Another wacky alternative indestructible diesel fun. People forget how fun giant old beasts can be!

cjaama wrote:

the 5's are definitely the most stylish option in my opinion, i'm just not convinced they're big enough to do what he needs it for.
man, hyperboarder, how many vehicles have you blown through in the past 5 years?

Let's see...Protege 5, 92x, Altima, Wrangler, Outback, FJ60, Element, Excursion, Cherokee.  That doesn't include the bikes .  I have had the Outback for almost 3 years/50k miles and my wife has had her Element for about a year and a half, so I've calmed down a lot.

I should clarify more on the 3rd row, we want the capability to carry at least 5 people, when my parents or the in laws are in town it's a pain having to take 2 cars everywhere.  When we travel back home, I want to be able to bring the dogs but have the seats available when we get there, hence the folding seat requirement.

The Excursion was close, but ended up being too damn big and not getting good enough gas mileage to justify keeping it.  I tend to think the Suburban would be in the same boat.  I'd probably be ok with a diesel wagon, but the 3rd row requirement pretty much kills that.  The renting idea is interesting, but I'm not sure how ok they'd be with the dogs.  Back to the Mazda 5, looking decent but I'm having trouble finding any in a manual.  I'd definitely take one for a test drive.

Mercedes R class. Used. Thats going to be my wifes next car/wagon/ *sigh* minivan....

iamchris wrote:

I had always thought you still had your 9-2x.  Not sure where I missed out on these threads!

Nah, sold it and got the Outback in the fall of 09. I miss the handling, but I can say the Outback is the best car I've owned thus far.

hyperboarder wrote:

cjaama wrote:

the 5's are definitely the most stylish option in my opinion, i'm just not convinced they're big enough to do what he needs it for.
man, hyperboarder, how many vehicles have you blown through in the past 5 years?

Let's see...Protege 5, 92x, Altima, Wrangler, Outback, FJ60, Element, Excursion, Cherokee.  That doesn't include the bikes .  I have had the Outback for almost 3 years/50k miles and my wife has had her Element for about a year and a half, so I've calmed down a lot.

I should clarify more on the 3rd row, we want the capability to carry at least 5 people, when my parents or the in laws are in town it's a pain having to take 2 cars everywhere.  When we travel back home, I want to be able to bring the dogs but have the seats available when we get there, hence the folding seat requirement.

The Excursion was close, but ended up being too damn big and not getting good enough gas mileage to justify keeping it.  I tend to think the Suburban would be in the same boat.  I'd probably be ok with a diesel wagon, but the 3rd row requirement pretty much kills that.  The renting idea is interesting, but I'm not sure how ok they'd be with the dogs.  Back to the Mazda 5, looking decent but I'm having trouble finding any in a manual.  I'd definitely take one for a test drive.

The 5 will not be big enough.  Not a chance.  The lack of the third second row seatbelt in the Element killed it for us.  I wonder how many other people had the same reaction.

Third row seating really cramps the second row in most vehicles unless you get a minivan.  Have a look at the XC90 as an example.

I vote AWD Astro with a 4.3. . . as LT1/4 LSx motors drop right in without issue