Remember When I Said (afternoon/night repost)

"Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness" (long-voyager-2nd-edition) 07/08/2019 at 17:10 • Filed to: BOUGHT A THING, car shopping, Mopar, Grand Caravan

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If I could buy a base model Grand Caravan with the GT body/suspension/wheels I would buy it today?

Well, today ended up being Friday afternoon:

This little 2018 Grand Caravan SE was bought brand new at Russ Darrow. The guy that bought it walked in, bought the only black SE with a 2nd row bench on their lot, then walked into their parts department and ordered all the GT exterior parts to be installed before he took delivery.

Apparently, he only keeps vehicles around 50k, so he just walked back in and did the same thing, trading off this van in the process.

Needless to say, I put my money where my mouth is, and we are now the proud owners of this wonderful 2018 Grand Caravan SE.

Complete with the 2nd row bench:

And despite all the hate Chrysler gets for their interiors, this has amazing seats, a well laid out dash with nice materials, nice door panels complete with leather arm rests, and quite a few options for a stripper SE:

Here she is settling in with the other girls:

Sorry for all the potato pics, I didn’t have the camera, I’ll grab some better pics in the next couple days.

So far we’ve driven it 3 days and we love it. It’s smooth, quiet, comfortable while being powerful, with nice handling, and returns respectable mileage ( clocked over 30 mpg cruising at 60 mph ).

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 07:23

1

Congrats!

Also, how long before you start fett ling with it?

pip bip - choose Corrour > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 07/08/2019 at 07:26

2

most likely already has

pip bip - choose Corrour > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 07:26

1

well done, so which one of your fleet does this one replace?

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 07:27

1

Awesome! Still going to keep both vans and the car?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 07/08/2019 at 07:28

2

Not until after the warranty expires at 120k, and likely not even then.

punkgoose17 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 07:29

1

Congratulations!

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 07:34

1

Gotcha. It has a Pentastar right?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 07/08/2019 at 07:36

2

Going to get the 1992 done/painted and sell that.

We’re too attached to the other 2 to let them go.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > pip bip - choose Corrour 07/08/2019 at 07:36

0

The 1992 Caravan will be going away once it’s painted.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 07/08/2019 at 07:46

2

Yep, 3.6/6-speed.

Plenty of “fun” when called upon.

Arrivederci > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 07:55

1

Did he buy the GT suspension to be installed too?

That’s a sweet looking van - looks great in black too.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Arrivederci 07/08/2019 at 07:57

3

Yep, it’s the whole GT exterior including suspension/wheels/brakes.

Kiltedpadre > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:05

6

That’s fantastic. What are the odds you’d find someone that has the same taste in vans to have that done to a brand new van and they don’t keep them long term?

That was definitely a deal you needed to jump at because I doubt you’d find the same thing again.

Arrivederci > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:10

1

That’s so awesome that someone built the van you wanted!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Arrivederci 07/08/2019 at 08:11

2

It’s definitely my unicorn.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Kiltedpadre 07/08/2019 at 08:13

0

We both figured we had to jump because we’d never find it again.

Apparently I’m not the only person who wants a nice driving minivan with the proper 2nd row bench.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:22

5

Sounds like in 50k miles you’ll have another chance to upgrade. Need to tell that dealer to keep your contact info for that occasion.

shop-teacher > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:27

1

Wow! You got lucky there !

WilliamsSW > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:30

1

Very nice! So I guess you no longer need to work on figuring out how to swap a 3.6 into an older van?

Enjoy it!

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:30

1

Point it is a straight line and boom, its gone

boredalways > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:33

1

me likey

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:48

2

That...  is actually kind of an amazing story, bro.

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 08:48

0

So what’s the difference with the GT and the base model with the GT stuff?

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 09:33

1

How's life in the 21st century?

412GTI > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 09:39

1

Nice find! We just had one of these (although with stow n go) in Colorado and they still are nice driving, comfortable vans. Plenty of power with the Pentastar too. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 07/08/2019 at 10:01

1

Pretty much. Passed a guy that was putzing along at 40 mph Saturday, I glanced at the speedo as I pulled in front and went “oh shit!” as I had 95 when I slid back in.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > 412GTI 07/08/2019 at 10:02

1

This has SNG in the 3rd row. The 2nd row bench is completely removable as well.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 07/08/2019 at 10:05

0

Honestly, this was the nicest vehicle we drove Friday.

We drove a 2019 Regal Tourx, a 2019 Journey GT, a 2019 Regal GS AWD, a 2017 Taurus SEL, and this.

The Taurus and the Tourx made my 1995 Acclaim feel luxurious and quiet inside. The Journey was nice, but the 3rd row is pointless. The Regal GS was very nice, but in honesty, nothing special.

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:06

1

It doesn't help that is pretty quiet as well....

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > random001 07/08/2019 at 10:07

1

The GT is loaded with leather/captains chairs/tech, along with better suspension/tires/brakes/body.

The Base model with GT stuff has the better suspension/tires/brakes/body, without all the added crap.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:07

1

Great news! Now you need to get some new car air freshener.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > WilliamsSW 07/08/2019 at 10:08

1

That may still happen at some point, I plan on keeping my 94 for as long as I can keep it alive.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 07/08/2019 at 10:09

1

Na, he bought a Pacifica this time, I don’t like the Pacifica.

Besides, I plan to keep this for a very long time.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/08/2019 at 10:11

1

Still smells like new car inside, no air freshener required.

It was taken amazing care of, it looks brand new inside and out.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 07/08/2019 at 10:12

1

It is very quiet.

Honestly it was the quietest vehicle we drove Friday, and it was up against some decent competition.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:16

5

“The Journey was nice”

It is with regret that I must inform you that you have been voted off the island.  Please turn in your keycard and 10mm socket.

PS9 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:17

0

Hellephant swap.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 07/08/2019 at 10:20

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No joke, that Journey GT was quieter, smoother, and nicer inside than either of the Buicks.

It was light y ears better than the Taurus.

The Journey GT and the “any other trim” Journey shouldn’t even have the same name. The GT is soooo much better, in every metric.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > PS9 07/08/2019 at 10:20

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No, it under warranty for another 75k, I ain’t touchin it.

CalzoneGolem > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:21

11

This couldn’t have gone to a better home.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CalzoneGolem 07/08/2019 at 10:22

1

Thanks, we are very happy with it thus far.

CalzoneGolem > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:24

1

Does this stop/slow some progress on your other Mopars? You going to unload anything?

razorbeamteam > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:26

1

Congratulations! Looks like a beauty! 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CalzoneGolem 07/08/2019 at 10:27

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I’m going to finish up painting the 1992 Caravan and sell that, otherwise it’ll be business as usual on the other 2. They’re pretty much done anyway, so even if it slows anything it won’t be a big deal.

CalzoneGolem > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:42

1

You’re not going to know what to do with yourself.

vondon302 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:43

2

Ccongrats! It’s like they ordered it for you.

Great find!

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:45

2

lol this is awesome and hilarious at the same time. I have a soft spot for that  exact trim and color of those vans.

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:47

2

Mmmmm Pacifica. *sniff I miss the last gen 200*

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:48

0

Well that could explain why they are still selling a 10 year old car.

Maxima Speed > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 10:49

2

Wait performance brakes and suspension? I’m all ears.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 11:31

1

I figured that it would be too soon for you, but it could replace the off-road prepped van, if you didn’t have a distaste for the Pacifica.

benn454 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 11:32

1

That last pic looks like a child visiting its grandparents.

“But, Daaaaaaad! Grandma smells funny and Grandpa makes weird noises when he sleeps!"

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > 412GTI 07/08/2019 at 11:49

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Pentastar?  I thought these still ran with the 3.8l?

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > 412GTI 07/08/2019 at 11:50

1

Oops I see longvoyager confirmed, pentastar and 6 speed.  Nice.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 11:53

1

That’s more preferable to our Pacifica with the whatever- speed ZF box. Simpler is better sometimes. I’d like a nice 6 speed, that’s plenty of gears. This 9 speed box is not necessary.

Nice find.  

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > benn454 07/08/2019 at 12:08

0

OMFG that is awesome.

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 12:10

7

Stop collecting minivans like infinity stones

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 07/08/2019 at 12:12

2

HA, my van isn’t going anywhere for a very long time either. I find the Pacifica too soft for my liking ride/handling wise . I find it to be trying too hard to be “not a minivan”. Plus the more rounded styling gives it terrible visibility.

Realistically it will be the car that’s up for replacement next, but I have NO IDEA what will replace it as my wife hate’s modern sedans, we both hate CUVS, but she requires we have one vehicle with an actual trunk.....

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 07/08/2019 at 12:13

2

The GTs come with better tuned suspension, better tires, and better brakes ( I may be wrong on brakes, but suspension/tires are definitely different ), it makes them drive completely different than the non-GTs.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 07/08/2019 at 12:14

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I know it gets a lot of hate, which the 4 cyl models deserve, but the GT is an extremely nice place to spend time.

Why change what works?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 07/08/2019 at 12:16

1

Personally I don’t like the Pacifica. It’s pretending not to be a minivan, it has terrible visibility, and it drives too “soft”.

The last  gen 200 with the 3.6 was perfection!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Maxima Speed 07/08/2019 at 12:18

2

This one is actually an SE, which should look like this:

The guy that ordered it got all the GT goodies to make exactly what he wanted, which also happens to be exactly what I wanted.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > vondon302 07/08/2019 at 12:18

1

We are super stoked.

Thanks!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > CalzoneGolem 07/08/2019 at 12:19

1

I’ll find something, I’m sure of that.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered 07/08/2019 at 12:27

3

How am I supposed to cleanse the galaxy if I stop?

vondon302 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 12:34

1

Enjoy!

Bet your glad you waited. 

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > vondon302 07/08/2019 at 12:35

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There was no waiting this time. ;)

Ssfancyfresh > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 12:41

1

Badass van man!

2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 12:47

1

Idk, if the Galaxy suddenly looked more like a Chrysler-jeep-dodge ram dealership I'd be concerned

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > 2Fast2Furious: Rotary Powered 07/08/2019 at 12:50

2

The world can’t handle that much awesome.....

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 12:53

1

Congratulations!  Looks like a very nice purchase.  Keep collecting minivans like infinity stones!!!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Ssfancyfresh 07/08/2019 at 12:53

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Thanks, I think it makes a good addition.

Chariotoflove > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 12:57

1

This is your one in a million. You pretty much had to buy it. Sweet!

The Dodge interiors are actually quite good, in my opinion. I have a soft spot for the way they do the gauge cluster, too. T hey remind me of watches.

You also have a decent sized screen that is not a postage-stamp-sized display off a 1970s Timex wristwatch. Does it by chance have CarPlay?

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chariotoflove 07/08/2019 at 12:59

2

No idea, I have no interest in the screen, it plays music, that’s all I care about.

Chariotoflove > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 13:03

0

I knew I was flipping a coin asking you that, but in my fantasy mind, it is part of my picture.  Everybody has their different infotainment systems, and some are better than others, but I like the simplicity of CarPlay for doing music and nav on road trips.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 13:07

0

Welcome to the 21st century!

How long til it gets a wild paint job?

Chuckles > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 13:13

1

I mean this in a non-judgmental way, but why do you prefer a bench for the second row? I grew up with minivans that had bench seats, and I would have loved to have captain's chairs instead.

random001 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 13:28

1

This is amazing.  You didn’t even have to go to the pick’a’part yard for your perfect van.

HoustonRunner > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 13:28

1

Nice. When are you swapping out the entire drivetrain, tomorrow morning?

Obviously kidding. I have to say other th an creaks and rattles, the three T&C’s I’ve had were all solid (yes, the two prior to current one were flood victims). Don’t think I posted about it, but did have a bad Automatic Shutdown relay a couple months ago. Used a local mechanic because I was just too busy at the time and needed it running.

I know you don’t care about the screen, but the UConnect bluetooth integration in those is darn useful and fairly intuitive.

VajazzleMcDildertits - read carefully, respond politely > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 13:39

1

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 14:24

0

Congrats. It helps that this is an FCA-era model, so Fiat had already begun breathing chrome trim and material upgrades on Chrysler’s previously abysmal interiors.

Sammyno55 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 15:28

1

I’m waiting for the first owner to come in on this thread. 

fhrblig > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 15:29

1

Nice! At my last job I had 3 Ram Cargo Tradesman vans and they were great. One of them is now well over 300k.  The interior is actually quite nice in them. I love the audio controls on the back of the steering wheel. They're so intuitive and perfectly placed. I wish my ProMaster had the same controls.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > fhrblig 07/08/2019 at 16:01

1

I too enjoy the controls on the back of the wheel, they are wonderful.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Sammyno55 07/08/2019 at 16:02

0

That would be neat!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 07/08/2019 at 16:03

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Honestly, even the pre-FCA models were on par with other minivans interior wise, but the FCA changes make a big improvement.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > HoustonRunner 07/08/2019 at 16:05

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Good luck:

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chuckles 07/08/2019 at 16:09

0

Simply put, I don’t want to remove car seats, fold seats, or have people climbing over seats to get in the back row.

The 2nd row bench gives a perfect entry to the 3rd row with no need to remove/fold/climb over anything. It is also more comfortable thanks to being a removable bench instead of the SNG seating.

I find the captains chairs to be more hassle and less comfortable in most cases.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker 07/08/2019 at 16:12

3

Thinking a couple of these:

In flat black just for a subtle addition, otherwise, nothing.

In all honesty, the 21st century is the same as what I’m used to, just more gimmicks thrown in to wow the masses.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chariotoflove 07/08/2019 at 16:16

1

First thing I do once I start it is turn the screen off.........

HoustonRunner > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 16:30

0

Those don't even have BT so you could answer calls in the van?

Chuckles > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 16:35

0

I think that the big benefit to the captain’s chairs are that you can have 2 people in the second row and they each have ample space. With the smaller middle row bench, those 2 people better enjoy being close. I’m one of 3 kids. Every place we went in the van, it was one kid in the middle row, 2 on the ends in the third row. But if I had been one of 4 kids, I think that my parents would have appreciated being able to put 2 kids in Captain’s chairs and 2 in the back row, with less fighting than if 2 kids shared that smaller middle bench.

I can see the pros and cons to each, I was just curious.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > HoustonRunner 07/08/2019 at 17:00

0

Does it have it, yes. Do I answer my phone while driving to need it, no.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > Chuckles 07/08/2019 at 17:04

2

The 2nd row bench is large enough to fit a full grown adult and a car seat with room to spare, my youngest and oldest ride in the 2nd row, they have plenty of room.

After a small bout of fighting while driving and one episode where I literally made them walk the 1/2 mile home, they decided their fighting can wait until we’ve reached our destination.

Honestly, if kids want to fight they’ll fight whether they’re next to each other or on opposite ends of the world, where they sit doesn’t really matter at all.

LJ909 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 17:29

1

Congrats. Looks damn good in the black. Cant beat an American classic like a Grand Caravan. Its been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. From stow and go to all the cubbies and stuff its comfortable as hell.

benn454 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 17:39

1

Preach.

“STOP TOUCHING ME” just turns into “STOP LOOKING AT ME” when they’re separated. And that’s BEFORE the 2 year old starts in.

 Kudos for going through with the "get out and walk" ultimatum. Get caught in an empty threat and kids will eat you alive. Of course, people would call DCFS on you for that around here.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > benn454 07/08/2019 at 17:45

0

It had been a really long day and they had been at it for almost the whole 2 hr ride. Finally I just locked up the brakes and yelled “GET OUT NOW”. They got out and I followed behind them the rest of the way home.

That was the last time they’ve fought in any measure when driving, they instead learned to bring things with to occupy themselves.

If people would actually parent instead of catering to the BS, they’d learn their lives could be much easier.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 07/08/2019 at 17:49

2

Penta took over as the only engine option in 2013......

benn454 > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 07/08/2019 at 17:58

1

 My mom did that to me back when I was 5 or so. She followed me for about a quarter mile before I decided it was better to just ride quietly the rest of the way. It was the 80s and we lived in a rural area, so no one gave her any trouble over it. Including me.

bhtooefr > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc 07/08/2019 at 19:19

1

See, that’s why I suspect the right Pacifica to get is the Hybrid , although I’ve not driven either.

The transmission will be far far far smoother than the ZF randoshift 9-speed, it’ll be significantly   more efficient than anything the 9-speed can do even if you never plug it in , and the second row seats are seriously comfortable, whereas the Stow ‘n Go ones are... not.

The big downsides are that you lose second row Stow ‘n Go, and the Hybrid has no tow rating.