Minivans are one of the most versatile designs ever made. Certainly the most versatile and compact design. While that one is clearly overloaded, for an equal weight, they handle it better, I think, than a half-ton pickup because their load sits much more evenly loaded between wheelbase as opposed to balancing over the rear axle alone.
It is not chance that they are a favorite target of thieves for transporting stolen cargo.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
@xwesx said:
Minivans are one of the most versatile designs ever made. Certainly the most versatile and compact design. While that one is clearly overloaded, for an equal weight, they handle it better, I think, than a half-ton pickup because their load sits much more evenly loaded between wheelbase as opposed to balancing over the rear axle alone.
It is not chance that they are a favorite target of thieves for transporting stolen cargo.
I’ve talked about this before but years ago at my old job we had a 96 Town and Country minivan. We used to load that thing up like it was a 2500 HD pickup. I don’t know how we didn’t blow it up.
@xwesx said:
Minivans are one of the most versatile designs ever made. Certainly the most versatile and compact design. While that one is clearly overloaded, for an equal weight, they handle it better, I think, than a half-ton pickup because their load sits much more evenly loaded between wheelbase as opposed to balancing over the rear axle alone.
It is not chance that they are a favorite target of thieves for transporting stolen cargo.
As I mentioned before Son #1 has a bad engine in his ‘15 Kia van with 110K miles on it (still no word if Kia will do all/some goodwill replacement of it).
He has had 3 vans so far but doesn’t need one now. Wants to get a Telluride type thing now. He always felt uneasy about saying he had a “van” but has to admit they are the most versatile vehicle you can have when your kids are growing up and into sports, especially hauling around hockey gear.
He’s almost smiling that he won’t have to see a “van” in his garage anymore.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I've never understood the stigma of mini-van vs SUV. They both look utilitarian and are meant to be people movers and/or hold cargo. I prefer the mini-van, which are hardly mini anymore. They have more room, ride and drive better and often get better mpg. If I needed to haul a heavy trailer or boat then a HD pickup gets the job.
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
We swore we'd never drive a mini-van for whatever reason. Then when the boys were born, we could barely fit three car seats across the 2nd row of the 4Runner. The Odyssey was one of the best vehicles we've ever owned for the same reasons @sda mentioned. And it had plenty of power to warrant that "look" from mom23 when the punks next to us thought they could take us when the light turned green!
Screw stigma - I'd like a minivan that I could use for hiking/biking/mountain biking/skiing. Bikes go in back, has AWD minimum or 4wd, and useful ground clearance. All of the current AWD offerings are pretty low to the ground, or don't have removable seats. And the Sprinter class is just ginormous.
@tifighter said:
Screw stigma - I'd like a minivan that I could use for hiking/biking/mountain biking/skiing. Bikes go in back, has AWD minimum or 4wd, and useful ground clearance. All of the current AWD offerings are pretty low to the ground, or don't have removable seats. And the Sprinter class is just ginormous.
Would you be interested in a 2015 Kia van that needs an engine? Other than that it’s in pretty good shape for it’s age. Don’t know how we’d have been able to get the family (7 of us) to Myrtle Beach about 5 times without it. It also has roof rails for a carrier up top too, and oh, a bike rack that can handle 4 bikes. Going once, going twice. You better hurry up.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis Ultimate just like jmonroe's. '18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
Screw stigma - I'd like a minivan that I could use for hiking/biking/mountain biking/skiing. Bikes go in back, has AWD minimum or 4wd, and useful ground clearance. All of the current AWD offerings are pretty low to the ground, or don't have removable seats. And the Sprinter class is just ginormous.
That’d be the Honda Element.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Oh wow. I love those. Even in that color! I might register to bid on it. Doubt I’d win, but hard to tell where this goes. Great low miles, but a plain base model in boring colors.
Too bad it’s not still in NJ so I could go get it.
Screw stigma - I'd like a minivan that I could use for hiking/biking/mountain biking/skiing. Bikes go in back, has AWD minimum or 4wd, and useful ground clearance. All of the current AWD offerings are pretty low to the ground, or don't have removable seats. And the Sprinter class is just ginormous.
I'd like a Pacifica 392. Why you ask? Well...why not?
2025 Jetta GLI Autobahn, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xE
Screw stigma - I'd like a minivan that I could use for hiking/biking/mountain biking/skiing. Bikes go in back, has AWD minimum or 4wd, and useful ground clearance. All of the current AWD offerings are pretty low to the ground, or don't have removable seats. And the Sprinter class is just ginormous.
That’d be the Honda Element.
Too small. Mountain bikes inside - with the wheels on.
Meh. 26" wheels with small frames (look at the head tubes). Still, it will work for some people. I'd like a minivan that a 29er could roll into, wheels on. With no intrusion into the front row. And 7"+ ground clearance. Like the Vito/Metris 4x4 we don't get.
It's funny that Toyota has this Sienna Woodland thing coming out, but you can't take the seats out. Missed opportunity given one of the minivan strengths is practicality.
My parents had one and loved it. I thought it was noisy, underpowered, and had terrible blind spots... The Prius is also noisy and underpowered, but will easily do 40+ MPG on the highway, whereas the Element might get 25 with a heavy tailwind.
I wouldn't mind an AWD minivan, so long as it was adequately discounted to reflect the market reality that "most people" would prefer a CUV. The AWD Sienna used to omit a spare tire, which is also undesirable to me.
Minivans are one of the most versatile designs ever made. Certainly the most versatile and compact design. While that one is clearly overloaded, for an equal weight, they handle it better, I think, than a half-ton pickup because their load sits much more evenly loaded between wheelbase as opposed to balancing over the rear axle alone.
It is not chance that they are a favorite target of thieves for transporting stolen cargo.
As I mentioned before Son #1 has a bad engine in his ‘15 Kia van with 110K miles on it (still no word if Kia will do all/some goodwill replacement of it).
He has had 3 vans so far but doesn’t need one now. Wants to get a Telluride type thing now. He always felt uneasy about saying he had a “van” but has to admit they are the most versatile vehicle you can have when your kids are growing up and into sports, especially hauling around hockey gear.
He’s almost smiling that he won’t have to see a “van” in his garage anymore.
jmonroe
My wife hates minivan more than I do- of course having only one kid let us get away with using the Club sport for vacations. Which was nice.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Got lost looking at the auction sites. I don't know where BaT comes up with so many cars to list, or keeps track of them all with the sellers. 425+ active listings now. wow.
but, I saw this. Test drove one when they first came out, and it was quite fun. Plus I fit way better than in a same vintage Miata. The big problem is not enough room to carry a box of tissues. Not with 2 people. might get a couple of sports bag in it, as long as the passenger did not mind having on their lap. So taking it for a weekend away, not happening.
@roadburner said:
I've almost talked my wife into letting me bid on this.
I can’t believe some idiot is looking at this kit car and complaining the mirrors aren’t positioned like an original Daytona. You’d think maybe the fact it has a 351W, just for starters, would tip him off that it isn’t supposed to be a perfect replica. Or point out one of another 100 things that don’t match. Nah, let’s talk about mirror adjustment. Sigh.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
The letter I got simply said “15 years/150,000 miles” so I’m assuming that’s total not additional.
Oh BTW, I got to drive a Stinger GT today. Very fast. I also got to drive a new Jeep Wagoneer. Very smooth, which it should be for $90k+. Reminds me of a Lincoln Navigator or Chevy Tahoe.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Screw stigma - I'd like a minivan that I could use for hiking/biking/mountain biking/skiing. Bikes go in back, has AWD minimum or 4wd, and useful ground clearance. All of the current AWD offerings are pretty low to the ground, or don't have removable seats. And the Sprinter class is just ginormous.
I'd like a Pacifica 392. Why you ask? Well...why not?
A 392 in a FWD van? You can spin the wheels all day long with the 3.6L as it is.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
$10k Already and it isn't even a Type S. The RSX was on my radar back in 2002 when I was shopping for my Prelude. My goal was to buy a Prelude Type SH. If I couldn't find a Type SH Prelude, I was going to search for a Base Prelude with a stick. If no 5 Speed Preludes were around, I was going to check out the RSX.
On paper, the RSX Type S was a much better all around car than the Prelude. It was lighter and faster to 60 mph (by almost a second). It had an extra cog in the transmission and got better fuel economy. It had a more driver focused interior, a nicer interior, and a longer warranty. It was a hatchback instead of a coupe. HID lights from the factory instead of those reflective halogens on my car.
As someone who had wanted a 4th Generation Prelude, then a 5th Generation, I didn't LOVE the fact that Acura switched from 4 Wheel Double Wishbone Suspension to MacPherson Struts Up front and a multi-link in the rear. It also took me a while to warm up to the styling.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
I flipped a well used F150 a few months ago to a guy who had a 1 year old Toyota Sienna. He gave me a ride in it when we went to his bank for a cashier’s check. I was duly impressed. I can certainly see the appeal of minivans, at least the Toyota versions.
Rode like a Lexus and seemed to have nice build quality.
As someone who had wanted a 4th Generation Prelude, then a 5th Generation, I didn't LOVE the fact that Acura switched from 4 Wheel Double Wishbone Suspension to MacPherson Struts Up front and a multi-link in the rear. It also took me a while to warm up to the styling.
The styling on these was a half-hearted effort at best. They never looked right, and appeared too much like just a slightly modded Civic. This was not a good period for Honda.
Minivans are one of the most versatile designs ever made. Certainly the most versatile and compact design. While that one is clearly overloaded, for an equal weight, they handle it better, I think, than a half-ton pickup because their load sits much more evenly loaded between wheelbase as opposed to balancing over the rear axle alone.
It is not chance that they are a favorite target of thieves for transporting stolen cargo.
As I mentioned before Son #1 has a bad engine in his ‘15 Kia van with 110K miles on it (still no word if Kia will do all/some goodwill replacement of it).
He has had 3 vans so far but doesn’t need one now. Wants to get a Telluride type thing now. He always felt uneasy about saying he had a “van” but has to admit they are the most versatile vehicle you can have when your kids are growing up and into sports, especially hauling around hockey gear.
He’s almost smiling that he won’t have to see a “van” in his garage anymore.
jmonroe
My wife hates minivan more than I do- of course having only one kid let us get away with using the Club sport for vacations. Which was nice.
Just got the bad news on my kid’s Fusion. It wasn’t a head gasket, thank goodness but it was a gasket related to the timing chain cover which was an even bigger job. $2500 which include a free oil pan because the tech cracked it while doing the other work.
On most of the old cars I run it wouldn’t be worth it but at 38k miles it’s probably still worth more than I paid for it 18 months ago considering the market.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Just to see where I stand, I submitted the mach-e to a couple of the usual suspects. Winner thus far is ALgo (who I sold my Jeep to) at $50,500. That would put me at $10k in my favor.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Made it official this AM. Still waiting for my 2021 4xe to be repaired & delivered. Placed my order for a '22. Hydro/Saddle, Anti-Spin, Gorilla Glass, All Weather Mats, Open Sky Roof, Safety, Advanced Safety, Towing. Same as the 2021 Except the '21 has a Black Interior and I didn't order the Anti-Spin Diff.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Comments
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
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Can’t believe the tires haven’t popped.
Hey, I didn’t buy this van just to take the kids to their sporting events.
Jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
It is not chance that they are a favorite target of thieves for transporting stolen cargo.
I’ve talked about this before but years ago at my old job we had a 96 Town and Country minivan. We used to load that thing up like it was a 2500 HD pickup. I don’t know how we didn’t blow it up.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
As I mentioned before Son #1 has a bad engine in his ‘15 Kia van with 110K miles on it (still no word if Kia will do all/some goodwill replacement of it).
He has had 3 vans so far but doesn’t need one now. Wants to get a Telluride type thing now. He always felt uneasy about saying he had a “van” but has to admit they are the most versatile vehicle you can have when your kids are growing up and into sports, especially hauling around hockey gear.
He’s almost smiling that he won’t have to see a “van” in his garage anymore.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2021 VW Arteon SEL 4-motion, 2018 VW Passat SE w/tech, 2016 Audi Q5 Premium Plus w/tech
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Would you be interested in a 2015 Kia van that needs an engine? Other than that it’s in pretty good shape for it’s age. Don’t know how we’d have been able to get the family (7 of us) to Myrtle Beach about 5 times without it. It also has roof rails for a carrier up top too, and oh, a bike rack that can handle 4 bikes. Going once, going twice. You better hurry up.
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2003-acura-rsx-4/
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
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2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R / 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
Too bad it’s not still in NJ so I could go get it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
That’s going to bring stupid money
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
And back then, I don’t think they could hardly give them away.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Velvet Red over Wicker Beige
2024 Audi Q5 Premium Plus Daytona Gray over Beige
2017 BMW X1 Jet Black over Mocha
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
It's funny that Toyota has this Sienna Woodland thing coming out, but you can't take the seats out. Missed opportunity given one of the minivan strengths is practicality.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
Here you go:
https://www.autotrader.com/car-news/mercedes-benz-r63-amg-was-rare-v8-powered-minivan-our-dreams-257149
Sub 5 second Minivan. Yeah I’d dig that.
In some sick way I’d always thought it would be cool to hot rod one of these. Yes I know .. I’m not right in the head.
92 Grand Caravan ES, they made 9 or 10 of them
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Where are you right?
jmonroe
'18 Legacy Limited with 3.6R (Mrs. j's)
I wouldn't mind an AWD minivan, so long as it was adequately discounted to reflect the market reality that "most people" would prefer a CUV. The AWD Sienna used to omit a spare tire, which is also undesirable to me.
As I mentioned before Son #1 has a bad engine in his ‘15 Kia van with 110K miles on it (still no word if Kia will do all/some goodwill replacement of it).
He has had 3 vans so far but doesn’t need one now. Wants to get a Telluride type thing now. He always felt uneasy about saying he had a “van” but has to admit they are the most versatile vehicle you can have when your kids are growing up and into sports, especially hauling around hockey gear.
He’s almost smiling that he won’t have to see a “van” in his garage anymore.
jmonroe
My wife hates minivan more than I do- of course having only one kid let us get away with using the Club sport for vacations.
Which was nice.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
but, I saw this. Test drove one when they first came out, and it was quite fun. Plus I fit way better than in a same vintage Miata. The big problem is not enough room to carry a box of tissues. Not with 2 people. might get a couple of sports bag in it, as long as the passenger did not mind having on their lap. So taking it for a weekend away, not happening.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2002-toyota-mr2-spyder-14/
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I can’t believe some idiot is looking at this kit car and complaining the mirrors aren’t positioned like an original Daytona. You’d think maybe the fact it has a 351W, just for starters, would tip him off that it isn’t supposed to be a perfect replica. Or point out one of another 100 things that don’t match. Nah, let’s talk about mirror adjustment. Sigh.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Oh BTW, I got to drive a Stinger GT today. Very fast. I also got to drive a new Jeep Wagoneer. Very smooth, which it should be for $90k+. Reminds me of a Lincoln Navigator or Chevy Tahoe.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/how-the-3g-shutdown-in-2022-could-screw-your-car/ar-AARF1Ri?ocid=hponeservicefeed
On paper, the RSX Type S was a much better all around car than the Prelude. It was lighter and faster to 60 mph (by almost a second). It had an extra cog in the transmission and got better fuel economy. It had a more driver focused interior, a nicer interior, and a longer warranty. It was a hatchback instead of a coupe. HID lights from the factory instead of those reflective halogens on my car.
As someone who had wanted a 4th Generation Prelude, then a 5th Generation, I didn't LOVE the fact that Acura switched from 4 Wheel Double Wishbone Suspension to MacPherson Struts Up front and a multi-link in the rear. It also took me a while to warm up to the styling.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Rode like a Lexus and seemed to have nice build quality.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Which was nice.
Just got the bad news on my kid’s Fusion. It wasn’t a head gasket, thank goodness but it was a gasket related to the timing chain cover which was an even bigger job. $2500 which include a free oil pan because the tech cracked it while doing the other work.
On most of the old cars I run it wouldn’t be worth it but at 38k miles it’s probably still worth more than I paid for it 18 months ago considering the market.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Fortunately my cars are pretty light on tech features so I’ll never notice them not working.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.