The frontrunner right now is the non-hybrid Chrysler Pacifica.
Monday, February 25, 2019
Shopping for a minivan
I can't believe I'm saying this, but we need a minivan.
The frontrunner right now is the non-hybrid Chrysler Pacifica.
The frontrunner right now is the non-hybrid Chrysler Pacifica.
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Pffft..... Kick it old school. Unless you want all the modern Self Park and Big Screens.
We used all sorts with more kool than you could make a modern tool do. Plus we found with TV/DVD/Internet Streaming the Boy was staying awake but missing all the sights and importantly conversation/talk with us. I was word perfect on Cars/Cars2 before we worked this out though.
Top of the list was VW MultiVan or Caravelle, excellent family wagons. 11 hours to Berlin from our house to a wedding when junior was 10 weeks old, hammer down and the Mrs was set up in the back, sorted. I was fighting a wiring fault for the 2 years we had it but finally replaced the engine loom, win. Tilting rear seats in the Caravelle that were sliding and rotatable for when you need to have a family game of snap, feed on the move/in A/C or to allow the Snooze Cruz was a huge bonus.
Then the Mercedes Viano (V Class), Dim witted Auto Box but that aside the XLWB was amazing for transcontinental travel.
The Mrs had a slew of Classic Waggons to, A Volvo fan she is. Matilda, a 240 (245) was a wonderful place to be summer or a wild wet stormy winter night. Super toasty, good mpg and super kool! Was the old soccer mom version to with the rear facing 6/7 seats, ideal for quick trips back from friends houses or parks. Then we had Helga the Amazon (122S) wagon, Overdive and Rudd Speed head and carb setup, had to fit a handling package to it had Koni's made up and some trial and errr on spring rate but when sorted, that Sweed was a great all rounder. Then we had no name 940 (945) it was too new for us, but we tried it. I'm rebuilding a 240 (245) GLT Auto with Factory Sunroof now, so that will be the New Family Volvo.
Then had a few Merc's W123 300 Diesel Auto was my fav but it was in Metallic Pea, so we didn't get on, was far to nice as well for the Mrs as she is a Car Killer! Speed bumps and Old SLS deffo don't mix. The W124 was the best but couldn't find a 300 Diesel, had to have the 280 Petrol, that drank like a fish! Did try a 230 but that was goose'd as someone had tried to jump start the wrong way around. Hence why i got it for, hmm... i think that was a free one to. like the W140 CL500..... aside from the kool factor it was not a family road trip car, so that went to.
Mazda5 was an interesting one, we never bond with new cars but we have always had one about, think its the Sliders and Get you home quick Diesel engine. Everyone wants one after they borrow it. Its smaller than a 3 Series, but somehow bigger inside and totally familt friendly. Plus the rear (mid row) seats tilt to allow the 'Snooze Cruz' to happen at the magic 50mph. Got a right dinged up one currently as it was a salvage car and needs a few doors but meh, its a tool, so will run it till we get the offer of some thing else.
Cars that didn't work? HAHA,
Fiat 500 Sport TwinAir,
Mercedes 300SL (R107),
VW Golf GTi (MK3, MK4 (Still have the GT TDi) and MK5)
VW Passat, worked well but was just a Golf with a bigger bonnet and boot.
Merc A Class, 'shudder' it was horrid.
Merc C Class, had the C240 Wagon, nice engine but that was it, oh and a Sunroof.
Toyota.... Yaris, Corolla Hatch, Camry (Sedan, if it was the wagon.... then maybe as the twin rear wipers would have made me smile)
Audi S3, was cheap.... but 3 doors.... no.
Audi 80 TDi Wagon. Sebastian he was called, he was a panic purchase as I needed a car for the Brother in Law as he was giving up his company car, turned out old Seb was fun but not right fit for him. I kept it for a year and we had a few road trips to Spain/Morocco in him. Got a E39 525i Wagon for the Brother in Law, he was happier with Sabine.
Series 2 and 3 Land Rovers, Leaf Springs and Children trying to eat or sleep.... didn't work. My chiropractor was always pleased to see me though.
There are tons more.... haha.
We just can't do it. No judgement though. We're still looking for the right 100 Series LC. I drove a Mazda Mazda5 once and was really impressed with how well it drove. They're small though, like 3/5th scale full-size minivan. Toyota needs to recognize the nostalgia for the original Previa and do a Mk1 retro homage model, like the upcoming (finally) VW Bus thing but way cooler.
I thought the whole point of the Land Cruiser search was to avoid the Van?
@Francisco: No sliding door seems to be the deal breaker.
Reckon you do not have Volkswagen T6 Multivans or Toyota Alphards in the USA?
The way interior transforms in Pacifica is awesome. They sell it officially in Russia but it is less popular than Bentayga or 911. I spotted only one in the wild.
@Sanchez: No VW vans. We just have the Toyota Sienna.
I drove a Pacifica rental car a few months ago. Ride was ok but I seriously disliked the instrument cluster! Did you test drive one yet?
@HouseofCadillacs: We will be test driving all of them first.
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