Hi. I've been looking at options and this is where I have landed at present. The Mazda MPV looks like the next best option. I need something that can handle two rearward facing car seats with room for grandparents in the back. Also I want a deep boot (third row folds into the floor) so we can fit a double buggy with the rear seats up.
3.5 V6 6 Speed Auto or 2.4 7 Speed CVT
- CVT. Scary or ok? - How bad is the fuel economy around town? The V6 on the open road will be ok as it only revs at 1850rpm at 100kph. - General reliability? - Have a missed another option? - Is the Mazda better? Its much tighter in the 3rd row of seats though.
Check out the Vellfire and Alphard vans from Toyota. Similar motors and transmissions but more luxurious.
seadubya,
Sep 28, 6:11pm
Grand Voyagers have full seat belts, room for a double buggy and an automatic transmission. I have seen a few with 300,000km on them so they seem to be capable of lasting if serviced correctly. I have driven two different ones and they are not my cup of tea, but they seem to tick your boxes.
kazbanz,
Sep 28, 6:59pm
Icebuurg--I don't have great faith in the V6 versions of the estima. They seem to have an aptite for Transmissions. being third generation I might be being unreasonably untrusting. The suggested alternartive is the Toyota Alphard which Is really REALLY nice to be a passenger iin and a LOT more room.
icebuurg,
Sep 28, 7:47pm
The Toyota Alphard is just so massive though and surely they must strain the wee 2.4?
kazbanz,
Sep 28, 10:56pm
The ones I've driven don't seem to be an issue
clark20,
Sep 29, 12:55am
Guy at work just went from a 2004 V6 to a 2013 2.4 and commented last week a huge difference in economy. Did not give numbers though.
extrayda,
Apr 17, 12:17pm
The problem with these (if you have booster seats) is that the middle row of seats is solid, unlike the import ones, which are split, so a single behind the front passenger, and a 'double' for the rest. Much more practical. Not sure if all NZ New had the solid middle seats, but the ones I have looked at did. (note that the one you showed and I am talking about are the previous gen).
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