Help on choosing a large load vehicle
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Help on choosing a large load vehicle
We have recently sold our '01 Sienna XLE mini-van, and are currently searching for a decent 2005 model replacement vehicle that can haul large loads (i.e. groceries, small and med sized furnitures, stuff from Home Depot/Lowe's, you get the idea). We're not particularly interested in a large SUV, but we like a vehicle that can seat 5-7 people (3rd row seating). Also, the car has to be 2-wheel drive, not AWD. We are looking at a pricing range in the high 20's and mid 30's.
Having said that, here are our top choices so far (in no particular order):
- Toyota Sienna XLE
- Honda Odyssey
- Nissan Pathfinder SE
So if you had a choice, which one would you go with? TIA
Having said that, here are our top choices so far (in no particular order):
- Toyota Sienna XLE
- Honda Odyssey
- Nissan Pathfinder SE
So if you had a choice, which one would you go with? TIA
#4
They all have their pros and cons:
Sienna -- Has an interior often described as "Lexus-like" but not the best exterior, IMO
Odyssey -- Nice looking package overall but IIRC you have to get the fully loaded version to get the cylinder-shutoff technology.
Pathfinder -- The most powerful of the three but the least roomy third-row (obviously).
If you need to routinely carry more than five people I'd go the minivan route unless they are children.
Sienna -- Has an interior often described as "Lexus-like" but not the best exterior, IMO
Odyssey -- Nice looking package overall but IIRC you have to get the fully loaded version to get the cylinder-shutoff technology.
Pathfinder -- The most powerful of the three but the least roomy third-row (obviously).
If you need to routinely carry more than five people I'd go the minivan route unless they are children.
#6
Originally Posted by whoster
let's not forget.....
that pathfinder is still a Nissan... currently doing naughty things with the French. (like sharing engines and other technology..)
that pathfinder is still a Nissan... currently doing naughty things with the French. (like sharing engines and other technology..)
Even if you were to, so what?
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#10
Lexus Champion
Originally Posted by Incendiary
Why is AWD out?
Edit: How about a Highlander? A friend of the family who's a painter is able to fit all of his supplies and a few ladders in a Highlander with no issues at all
Last edited by TheRupp; 08-14-05 at 09:44 AM.
#11
Lexus Test Driver
I'd go with the Sienna or Odyssey... you'll prolly get better gas mileage with those that with the Pathfinder. Also those two minivans are excellent vehicles... both are bar-raising in their class. They also have a very smooth car-like ride. I'd say look at both of those thoroughly and just see which one sparks your fancy more. You can't lose with either.
#12
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by bizzy928
Go for another Sienna
I agree with the conclusion that AWD is not needed for snow traction in Florida ( it almost never snows south of the Panhandle and only rarely in the Panhandle ) but AWD offers other advantages as well, especially on wet roads...and Florida DOES get heavy rains....lots of them. The Sienna does offer it. The Odyssey does not.
Last edited by mmarshall; 08-14-05 at 02:41 PM.
#13
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I never knew the automatic door mechanism was designed by GM. My buddy has a '00 (I think thats the year) Oddessy, and they replaced ~4 mechanisms during the warranty period and then one more just recently.
#15
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by bizzy928
I never knew the automatic door mechanism was designed by GM. My buddy has a '00 (I think thats the year) Oddessy, and they replaced ~4 mechanisms during the warranty period and then one more just recently.
So, for whatever reason, Honda markets this brand-new Odyssey.....an excellent minivan in virtually every other respect.....with a junk GM-designed power-door unit that proved VERY troublesome...as you and your friend have found out.
The latest Odyssey.....as I mentioned in my last post.......does not use this mechanism any more. Honda realized their mistake and came up with a better unit of their own for the newer Odysseys.