Minivan question

[fastivaca]

We're looking to replace our Chev Astro with something that gets better gas mileage whiel still seating seven. One of the vehicles I'm looking at is a Toyota Previa. I'm wondering if anyone on the forum has any experience with the Previa.

Thanks.

[stevewl1164]

How old is it? Sludge issues on them previously. Kia Sedona alternator is a nightmare, Honda Odyssey transmission problems, Have you thought about a used Mazda 5? A little small. The Kia Rondo is nice too, but like the Mazda 5 a bit small. Seems to me a Chrysler minivan would be a good bet...seen the 1996-2007 gen go over 200K and still running strong. Go to carsurvey.org before you buy.

[festyxfi]

Fast,

My second (sometimes 1st) love are Toyota vans. I have a 88 4wd 5-spd model, and have owned two previas. IMHO, you can not find a better van sold in America. There is no end in site to how long they will keep running. Of course it helps to actually maintain them. They often fall victim of "it never gives me any problems, so I just keep driving it..." sentiment. The motors are a litle difficult to reach (under the front seat, and sitting sideways) but luck would have it, rarely do you have to get at it. My 92 auto got 28MPG on the freeway (NOT taking it easy) a 5-spd (hard to find) will pull 30MPG. think about how amazing that is for a van that size!!! They are also cheap. Best to buy out west where rust hasn't run amuck (or anywhere but Ohio....kidding fellas... Unless you need AWD, best to stay away from them only because theres more to go wrong and the MPG goes down some.

I hope this helps.

Check out: www.toyotavanpeople.com I'm over there @ Brenton Netz (my first forum, and thought is was such a good idea to use my REAL name).....?!!!!???

Brenton

[htchbck]

My dad actually just replaced one of his chevy astros with an '02 sienna that he is liking pretty well so far... he said hes averaged around 25mpg driving 50/50 city/country. Plenty of room in there for 7, I actually went over to his house today and we all road around after lunch, mom, dad, me, my bro and my 3 sisters.

[elcamino1]

In my opinion you can't beat a late model Chrysler mini van,1999 and up,parts easy to find.they are easy to work on,plus mine gets good mpg's! 25 or better!!!

There's a friend of mine thats lives down the street from me that has a large family,all of his sisters and brothers drive chrysler mini vans,I never hear them complain about any problems!!!

[FB71]

oh, c'mon... Don't they still have the 41TE paper mache' transsmission?

[htchbck]

I still like my astros personally, but yeah, the 4.3 doesn't get as great of gas mileage at the FWD car/vans... but how many of those will haul 8 people around and still pull a decent sized trailer down the highways and byways without a hiccup (well one of mine has a hiccup but I think is burnt valves lol). I'm getting around 20mpg though with my good astro

[stevewl1164]

The Asto was great..the 4.3 is one of the best engines made. Maybe find another Astro?

[fastivaca]

One other option we're considering... keep the Astro and make some upgrades while doing necessary repairs.

Thanks to all who've made comments suggestions. I just thought of another idea... make a three or four seat roof rack for the Festiva for those sunny days

[ejp2fast]

My parents have a Previa, '93. Bought it brand new in Farmington, NM (4 corners area). Its sure been a great vehile... the odo has i believe 280,000 miles. my dad is pretty religion on oil changes, and nothing major has gone out on it..
The check engine light is on right now, "code 74" which is a sensor in the rear wheel.... its like $300 bucks for that, so the light stays on... and i think he did an O2 sensor a couple of years ago.... its dark grey and a 5spd. PM me if you want more info.

[LittleHoe]

We just upgraded a couple months ago from a 92 grand voyager that got about 13mpg to a Ford Freestyle... its a 2005, it was a lease return and still had the original window sticker in the glove box... it was over $40grand new and we got it for $12500 cdn of course. It has awd and seats six confortably. there is a center console between the 2 middle seats which is nice for the kids to have cup holders and storage... The 2 rear seats fold into the floor but you can still seat 2 adults back there no problem. The wife, mother in law, baby, the boy, and I all toured out to nanaimo for xmas in it with luggage and xmas gifts.

Anyways, it gets about 25-28mpg which is alright for a v6 with awd. We considered the mazda5 and the rondo and really liked the 5 but it wasnt very big with all the seats up and didnt have the awd option... the Rondo I found to be way to small for sure...

When we were looking I told the wife I was going to take 2 festivas and weld them together and make a stretch festiva for her to drive but she didnt really like that idea.

[turqfest]

Hey Fast!

Just wondering if you see many of these in Alberta? :

https://www.delica.ca

There are a few import companies around Vancouver that sell tons of these. They've become very popular around here. Don't know if I could handle the right hand drive setup though...

[fastivaca]

I see quite a few actually. I think the oddest thing with right hand drive would be getting used to shifting with my left hand!

[LittleHoe]

I see quite a few actually. I think the oddest thing with right hand drive would be getting used to shifting with my left hand!

And trying to pass on a two lane highway... really hard to look around the car in front and see if it is good to pass...