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Honda Odyssey vs Dodge/Chrysler minivans
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Comments
Anyone have any topical questions or comments? :-)
Steve
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SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Besides, there are other ways (e.g. IP address tracking) that make it pretty easy to confirm that! ;-) Additionally, I have caught him in the act when he posted a message under "carleton1", only to have it disappear 5 minutes later with the identical message being posted under Ody01. That pretty much confirmed it for me!
I just continue to be amused as to his messages. Now just watch Ody01 disappear for a while because of the sudden interests in Carleton, and then reappear shortly after the heat has cooled off, heh.
It still doesn't seem like Carleton. After all, he fessed up to the problems with his GC and even admitted--gasp--owning VW vans (my first love I must admit--illogical as it is).
Topical statement- I like minivans, including Hondas and some Caravans (the earlier 4cyl/3spd or 5 spd without all the electronic stuff to fail).
Anyone got any new comparison stuff they want to talk about to get us back on topic?
Steve
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In contrast my wife uses the power hatch every day. She is about 5 foot and has a hard time with the height and dirt of the hatch. The kids are even smaller but they would not mind the dirt.
The question is - which one of these options are more useful? It seems if you are a cargo type - buy the Honda ... for young kids buy the T&C. Others ... please comment.
I know that both systems have their issues. On the T&C it is another thing that can break and it could hit things in a parking garage if you are not careful. The Honda cannot have a full size spare, has less noise insulation and has a flater gas tank that has to warns much earlier.
I guess I am suprised on how much we use the power hatch and how little I remove the seats. I guess is was like the first remote sliding door. You never thought you would use it, until you had it.
Wanted to get back on topic - without name calling.
What do you guys think about the 2003 Explorer and 2003 Navigator?
Don't have too. Just pull the headrests off, put them in their storage place and flip a lever and fold the seat down the reverse way and it becomes a reverse facing seat and the heavest thing I have to lift is the couple pound headrests.
Personally, I drive vehicles until the wheels fall off. I prefer 150,000-200,000 miles per vehicle. Of course all the vw's combined didn't make it half that far! But I mean I drive the wheels off my transportation vehicles as opposed to my hobby vehicles.
I think all Chryslers have a long way to go before they are mentioned in the same breath as Toyota or Honda. Of course, a Vito based Caravan (weekend camper?) would be very interesting.
I'm amazed at how some people buy the latest gadget (remember when it was driver's side sliding doors or power sliding doors) and claim that life without this gizmo is not possible. Same folks drive cars and live in homes without power doors. They are capable of opening a door on other cars and their homes, so I guess the physical disability is only temporary.
The Magic Seat is nice, but I wouldn't hinge my purchase on this. The cargo van marketing crap is in the speaking points for caravan salesman. I hear it far too often. I have a first generation oddy (accord wagon?). I think the biggest attribute of the magic seat is the ability to have both cargo space and occasional use of the rear seat on trips. We pack the van full for the trip with the seat folded away, unload when we arrive at the vacation destination, and then unfold the rear seat and have the ability to seat a friend or two back there. I'm not sure that it is drastically superior to the split roll and tumble arrangement on the sienna or a split roller seat that folds forward such as on the DC or older GM vans. But it's nice on those occasions.
Mandatory Carleton Content- I miss Carleton.
Dmat- that is exactly what we did this week. Faced the rear of the van towards the fireworks and placed the back seat in the tailgating position.
Enough of this off-topic "where are they now" talk and back to vans.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Sorry to see you go though.
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Lucky to get half cost of Avalanche on trade in 2 years. Chrysler minivan depreciation less than most GM vehicle.
Many people bought Volkswagen years ago. Some Honda dealer rude like Volkswagen dealer but Honda not build junk like Volkswagen.
Chrysler copy Volkswagen idea but call bus a minivan. Chrysler add comfort item like heater, air conditioner, quality stereo, adequate power. Chrysler never build junk like Volkswagen.
Time to SELL, SELL, SELL!!
Sorry but you come off ill educated when you write.
Any help out there?
1) It doesn't cover many problem-prone items such as AC system or window actuators.
2)DC's customer service leaves something to be desired: you may have to live with a problem until you can convince them there is one, unless you want to pay for it yourself.
If you want seven year protection, you might look at mechanical breakdown insurance such as GEICO's which may be more economical than an extended warranty and more flexible as far as who can do the repair.
My 2 cents.
Add the road noise of the Ody (from the well for the Magic seat?) and you have a not too enjoyable ride IMO. But if you're a Honda fan, you will never be satisfied with the DC van (which is not perfect, either) so it's really a question of brand preference IMO. Anyway, DC parts are cheap!
Agree best use pickup heavy items. Use Nissan King Cab haul cement blocks, heavy fence posts, heavy garden supplies.
You are doing the right thing in asking for opinions. My advice is to drive both and try out the features. Fold the third seat of the Honda and then take out the bench in the DC. Spend time in the seats to determine your comfort level. Talk to friends and make a decision you are comfortable with. Good luck!
On the other hand, DC has been making minivans. for almost 20 years. If you want a 200 H.P. push rod engine, 2 wheel disk rear drum brake, I- beam rear suspension vehicle, buy the DC.
Van sales May 2002:
http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolva.asp
#1 Dodge Caravan
#2 Chrysler Town & Country
#3 Ford Windstar
#4 Honda Odyssey
#6 Toyota Sienna
#9 Chrysler Voyager
No discount, no rebate, no gimmick Honda Odyssey. Odyssey many feature, great demand cause waiting list.