Oppo! Help me come up with a list of replacements for the Odyssey!

"Alex B" (alexb420)
12/08/2014 at 12:55 • Filed to: Honda Odyssey

(Pictured, my families 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L)

I, personally think it's time to move on from the Odyssey. So, here are some requirements:

Better fuel economy than the Odyssey (must beat 15-18 combined)

Preferably runs on regular fuel (unless overall running cost difference is minimal). Although, I think my parents would be open to a diesel car (If running costs work out to be cheaper than a comparable gasoline car)

Must seat at least 5 in relative comfort.

Must be reliable!

AWD

I'm not sure when my parents would be ready to switch, but I want to have a list of car and a spreadsheet analyzing costs ready for when they are. Oh, and they are open to used/CPO. Oppo, based on these guidelines, what car(s) would you recommend?

DISCUSSION (23)

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 12:59

Mazda CX-5 or Mazda5?

bob and john > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:01

ok, step one: diesel will ALWAYS cost less to run then a gas car. EPA valuyes for diesels are horribly skewed. a diesel will almost always beat their high rating by AT LEAST 5MPG (our A3 tdi is rated for 36 highway...we can get 50 without trying to hard)

second: do they want a CAR, or another minivan? what are they going to use it for?

EDIT: also, budget. with that, I can just say: tesla model S with the dual motors.

FromTheBackSeat > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:06

Subaru Outback. New they are claiming 25/33mpg city/hwy. If you go used stay away from turbo models and I think they can run on regular gas. Taken care of these can be fairly reliable.

Aaron James > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:06

I'd recommend another Odyssey, you said 5 comfortably, so either an Odyssey or a big suv that gets worse mileage. 3 people side by side in one row is never comfortable unless all 3 are under 10 and get along great.

Alex B > bob and john
12/08/2014 at 13:09

Well, they don't want another minivan. Other than that it's used for longer family trips. The Leaf is the DD. I know my dad would do a Model S, but my mom is nervous what would happen if we lost electricity for an extended period of time (you know, having two electric cars only). I could see a Jetta Sportwagen TDI or Touareg TDI.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:10

ticks all your boxes runs on premium fuel but the extra $.30 is offset by getting way more than 15-18 combines.

Kinja'd!!!

and something a little bigger and almost as quick

Kinja'd!!!

Alex B > Aaron James
12/08/2014 at 13:10

This is true.

Alex B > Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif
12/08/2014 at 13:14

Eh, the 5 is going out of production so... As for the CX-5 though, maybe.

My citroen won't start > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:15

I will never miss the opportunity to R-Class (Carmax preferably)

Kinja'd!!!

Lumpy44, Proprietor Of Fine Gif > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:17

Not easy to find something that holds that many people and is AWD but happy looking!

Alex B > My citroen won't start
12/08/2014 at 13:18

My friend had one. It was nice. I'm going to check Carmax.

Alex B > OPPOsaurus WRX
12/08/2014 at 13:19

I wish we could do a WRX. The Flex is cool.

bob and john > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:19

just noticed they want to seat 5. plus luggage. you not looking for a JSW if your going to carry 6 on a regular basis.

A7 TDI. A6 TDI. the touareg as you mentioned.

or one of the GM large SUV's. (suburban)

Audi Q7 diesel. BMW x5 diesel.

sorry, but for road tripping, with 5, you are going to need more space and power then a small car will give you. your looking at either a big car, or a SUV/extended cab pickup or another minivan

are you towing anything in these trips? A Ram 1500 diesel works great for that.

Alex B > bob and john
12/08/2014 at 13:24

No towing, just a tow-hitch bike rack. The third row of the Q7 would be nice in a pinch.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:25

i've had it for almost a year now. no real complaints. The Flex is on my list for my wife is a few yrs when the WRX is paid off. i think its just 1/10th a second slower to 60. I'd imagine there is a bigger difference in handling.

JR1 > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:32

Ford Flex. 18 city and 25 highway. Plus is one of those family DDs that are just cool.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Alex B
12/08/2014 at 13:41

When in doubt, GMC Acadia/Chevy Traverse/Buick Enclave for 3-row CUV with AWD.

I don't think there's anything inherently unreliable about them. The 3.6 is powerful enough for someone who doesn't want insane performance.

Or go used and get a Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. Which get shockingly good MPG and will be super reliable because LS motor.

Other options include:

Ford Flex or Explorer:

Wait for Explorer refresh if you go that route. The Flex it just a lifted wagon. Nothing unreliable about them as far as I know. I think there was issues with the Ecoboost turbos at one point, but don't quote me on that.

Dodge Durango:

No diesel option like the GC, but the Pentastar probably gets good MPG. Hell the Hemi might.