Ferrari doesn't make a mininvan...

[RC45]

...so that leaves me with few choices of which one to get.

All you import lovers ..would you have faith in a 116,000 mile Honda minivan?

http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?result_car_id=218311277&dealership_view_name=kartown&dealer_id=1383039&car_id=217322439

I am looking for a cheap minivan as a 3rd car. I heard these Honda thingamajigs can keep going to 250,000 miles and not fall to pieces.

Is this true?

[5vz-fe]

Make sure the recall on the transmission is performed.... I think that generation of Odyssey has transmission problems.

2002, 2003, 2004: Transport Canada Recall Number 2004143. Units affected: 86331. Certain operating conditions can result in heat build-up between the countershaft and secondary shaft second gears in the automatic transmission, eventually leading to gear tooth chipping or, in very rare cases, gear breakage can occur. Gear failure could result in transmission lock-up.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/99-04odyssey.htm

[RC45]

WHat about a 110,000 mile old Ford Windstar?

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=220562789&dealer_id=622720&car_year=2000&search_type=both&num_records=25&keywordsfyc=&make=FORD&transmission=&make3=&model=AERO&distance=25&make2=FORD&address=77095&default_sort=priceDESC&advanced=&certified=&model2=WINDST&max_mileage=&max_price=&sort_type=priceDESC&min_price=&body_code=0&end_year=2003&keywordsrep=&color=&start_year=2000&drive=&engine=&fuel=&doors=&style_flag=1&cardist=25

At least its only $4900 vs $8400 for the Honda.

Choices :P

[5vz-fe]

LOL...any chance you are willing to settle with a Toyota?

[RC45]

ARe they any better / worse? The Toyota was is the Sienna - right?

I think we are going to get an early 90's Diesel Ford E250 Econoline as a tow vehicle - will make a great workshop at the track ;)

[5vz-fe]

^Well, the space wise in the Sienna should be less compare to Honda and Ford, but it is definitely more reliable. At the end of the day, they all drive like minivans.

Ford Econoline will definitely be a good choice for towing given that it is a diesel, but would be more noisy in the highway and huge for small parking lots. I really can't give any advice for that since it is really down to personal preference and usage.

(You could prolly fit 2 sets of tires and still have room to spare in the econoline)

[ViperASR]

I would say go for the Honda. The V6 should be able to tow almost anything you want to. We tow the FV with our Quest. I would say to avoid the Ford Winstar, as they are really bad on reliability and the car is kinda shady.

Honda FTW :good:

[novass]

Buy American! :mrgreen:

Says bmw06m6 :P

I would go for the Econoline myself since you said you will be towing with it and nothing tows better than a diesel.

[RC45]

Buy American! :mrgreen:

Says bmw06m6 :P

I would go for the Econoline myself since you said you will be towing with it and nothing tows better than a diesel.

Econoline will be the tow vehicle.. the minivan will be a family vehicle.

I am such a cheap bastard I would want to spend $4000 on any used POS ;)

And buying a used Honda minivan in my mind is not "not buying amercian" as the car is sued ;)

Now I would have a problem buying a new Honda... although i hve a problem buying any new car. :P Why should I take the hit on first depreciation? ;)

[5vz-fe]

Make more sense to me now lol...silly me.

At first I thought you want a Honda Odyssey, then all of a sudden jumpship to the econoline for tow vehicle :D

[Pokiou]

Get a subaru forester GT :)... awsome torque and roomy and a also ... fun ? :D :P

[Mattk]

Out of the choices you presented, the Honda Odyssey seems most appealing, if only because it seems some thought was actually given to its exterior design.

[novass]

Ah ok RC, I thought you were gonna get the Econoline to kill two birds with one stone.

I don't know much about minivans (something I am very proud of BTW) but I used to have a Chevy Astro van, late 80s-early 90s or thereabouts, that was passed around in the family and it was a pretty solid vehicle. I used to do all kinds of stupid crap in it and it would still keep on truckin', or I guess vannin' in this case. But I am sure thats not much help to you LOL