Daughter has just inherited 3 more kids under 5 and needs something able to transport 6 (3 in car seats).Will only be needed to run around town (10k trips max).As usual has no money.What do you experts suggest we look for!Not a vehicle type I have ever taken any notice of in the past.Thanks.
gammelvind,
Jun 10, 5:30am
Check the search feature on the left column. Check honda odessy, toyota estema/lucida/previa/emina, mazda MPV, nissan (mind going blank about here), anyway there is lots of old discussion, some pretty heated about just what you are looking for.
r15,
Jun 10, 6:05am
and if you want a laugh - have a look at a multipla
there's one guy on here who raves about them, but make your own mind up.
johnf_456,
Jun 10, 7:07am
ssssssssssh r15 don't wake him
russ18,
Jun 10, 7:17am
Nissan Elgrands are not bad to drive for a land whale but the 3.5L V6 does make them a bit thirsty.
gizmsme,
Jun 10, 7:22am
Toyota granvia is another good option, they have a huge amount of space inside and are well appointed.There are both petrol and diesel versions available and prices seem to be good compared toothers.
gmphil,
Jun 10, 8:04am
+1 for granvia had a3.0 diesel turbo great van
mugenb20b,
Jun 10, 9:00am
Great van, yes. But, $600 a year for licencing + RUCs + expensive servicing.
mugenb20b,
Jun 10, 9:04am
1995 Honda Odyssey with a 2.2 litre engine (not the V6) and front wheel drive and they actually have a large boot area when all 7 seats are in use. Another option is a '97 shape Nissan Prairie or if you can cope with something smaller, have a look at a Toyota Ipsum.
Keep away from any old vehicles with diesel or V6 petrol engines.
supernova2,
Jun 10, 9:42am
Thanks guys.Funny you should mention the multipla as it did occur to me but I think it might be a bit small for three car seats and it would be out of the price range for her anyway.I was thinking about the Odyssey rather than the enemia or ElGrande size van type vehicles.Havent seen a Prairie for years.There is a Kia Carnival on TM but as usual its got the stuffed engine and as far as I know there is nothing else that will fit in the thing.Pity really as it would have been an ideal vehicle for sweet fa. Any further advice and thoughts appreciated.
vtecintegra,
Jun 10, 9:44am
There are so many Odysseys around that I'd just look for one of them - you have a better chance of finding one if relatively good condition (it sounds like the budget doesn't give you much to work with)
supernova2,
Jun 10, 11:39am
Budget what budget, its pretty much a case of "Dad can you help!".Its a foster child situation so could be long time or could be all over next week.I dont want to buy something expensive and then find the need has evaporated along with my cash.LOL.Other option could be an oldish van and chuck some seats and belts in.
wimwom,
Jun 10, 11:45am
The Granvia i suggested come in petrol format, 2.7 petrol (3rz fe ) as fitted to hilux etc. They go well and will compete nowadays with any older diesel vans running costs. Unless she is travelling a huge distance a diesel wont be ideal anyway!Buying a van and fitting seats and belts isn't a option either as all mountings will have to be certified.
supernova2,
Jun 10, 11:52am
Don't want to go diesel if we can avoid it.Guessing maybe 150km per week all around town - the school run etc.Do you have to certify seats and belts if you fit the factory set.ie covert an L300 to sportpac spec also as i understand it some vans with the fold up seats dont need belts so how you fit the child seat could become interesting.
kazbanz,
Jun 10, 12:12pm
supernova --does the lady concerned have an existing vehicle! Without question I'd say look at the 2.2 odyssey as the generic answer
supernova2,
Jun 10, 12:21pm
Hey Kaz, yes but ptnr needs it to go to work so can't swop it for a mover.If you say the odyssey I'm picking I wont go wrong.BIL had one of the early odysseys and he never had a problem.Ta
kazbanz,
Jun 10, 2:02pm
Supernova--I've put a bit more thought into this for ya See the thing is we don't know what kind of budget you are working with so I'd hate to put you crook. By your posts it sounds like we are under 5k and fuel costs are a concern A couple of ideas for you 1)2.2 l -TWO wheel drive odyssey.-plently of kid room and parts readilly available. 2)Toyota Ipsum (old shape) -smaller in the very back row of seats but cheaper to run and basicly a corona mechanically 3)Toyota SPACIO old shape--This will ONLY work if the kids concerned are littlies and only if you get the 6 seater version.-to explain -the two middle row seats convert to kiddy seats (no boosters needed) Mechanically they ARE the 94-99 toyota corolla 1600 -bullet proof and pretty economical. 4)Toyota liteace noah diesel 96/97 --the engine is in the front and they are really roomy inside.
These are vehicles That come to mind for me as being safe(er) bets mechanically I wouldn't recommend an el grand -Ive never seen a vehicle before with a 2 star fuel economy rating (you can actually watch the fuel gauge move)
supernova2,
Jun 10, 2:51pm
Once again thanks Kaz.You guessed the funds pretty well.Within reason it can look like a POS and as long as it starts and goes, given its only round town, an older one would be fine.The addon Kids are 1, 3 & 5 (I think!) plus existing that are "adult' sized.The Oddy sounds like the place to start but I keep an eye out for the others.With luck I'll find a repo or tradein special to fit the bill.As usual it needs to be found yesterday but if it becomes a long term thing can always look for a better item down the track.BTW I reckon the Subby Brighton (sp!) had a fuel guage that moved faster than the odo if you put your boot into it!
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