I see there is some contention about what is the best minivan ever

"AMGtech - now with more recalls!" (amgtech) 03/25/2019 at 16:27 • Filed to: None

6

76

Well you’re all wrong. It’s this:

R63

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:33

0

*cough* head bolts *cough*

For Sweden > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:33

1

Not a Previa though

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 03/25/2019 at 16:34

1

Cheaper than two timing belts on a Honda.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > For Sweden 03/25/2019 at 16:35

0

But this can actually drive up a mountain road.

WilliamsSW > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:38

1

I would agree with you if it wasn’t so filthy.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:38

0

So much legroom

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > WilliamsSW 03/25/2019 at 16:38

1

Even more of a sleeper that way

ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:39

0

Not if you nade the engine tho

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 03/25/2019 at 16:39

0

ALL of the legroom

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:39

3

Mercedes: “Ahem, please don’t call it a minivan. It clearly is not a minivan, its a luxury on-road family utility vehicle. Thankyouverymuch.”

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:39

0

i like this one.... its purdy 

farscythe - makin da cawfee! > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:39

2

i like this one.... its purdy 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > ItalianJobR53 - now with added 'MERICA and unreliability 03/25/2019 at 16:39

1

You don't. People that think they do are wrong. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 03/25/2019 at 16:40

0

I’ve taken my R500 down some things that shouldn't be called roads. Mercedes doesn't even know how great these things are.

facw > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:41

1

The Previa can do that! Well the Alltrac could. My Previa would fishtail like mad in even light snow, and sometime before I inherited it swung sideways into a tree while driving on a dirt road at a boy scout event, so the RWD model might not have been so optimal.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > farscythe - makin da cawfee! 03/25/2019 at 16:41

2

Bananas are tasty

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > facw 03/25/2019 at 16:42

0

No I meant it wouldn't have the power to move uphill at high elevation

For Sweden > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:42

0

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:42

1

Mercedes Marketing: “Maybe we don’t know how great it is, but atleast we can all agree it IS NOT a minivan. Thankyou, have a nice day.”

( I know it’s a minivan, you know it’s a minivan... Just don’t let the marketeers hear you call it that.) 

facw > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:43

0

Well that’s why they added the supercharger!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > For Sweden 03/25/2019 at 16:43

0

Oh right, forgot about the supercharger! Still not as good as an R.

412GTI > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:44

0

Gotta love them. Basically look like a fast Chrysler Pacifica (the old one) 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t 03/25/2019 at 16:44

3

No sliding doors. Ergo, not a minivan! 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > facw 03/25/2019 at 16:44

0

Forgot about that! Still only second best!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > 412GTI 03/25/2019 at 16:45

0

Fun fact, they look alike, but don't share anything. Different chassis.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:45

1

Exactly! We're all in agreement, then. 

ttyymmnn > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:45

4

The best minivan in the world is the one you have. Ours has taken us all over the country. Hit 200k over Christmas on a drive from TX to VA (and back).

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:45

0

In Japan they ran a converted Honda Odyssey  mini van as a medical vehicle at Suzuka I think. I saw it there once and it sounded like a damn race car.

WilliamsSW > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:47

1

OK fair point.

CB > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:48

0

Wait, there was contention on this matter?

412GTI > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:48

0

Yeah the R-Class is all Mercedes and RWD right? It funny how similar they look,  though.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:48

1

I saw one yesterday!

https://oppositelock.kinja.com/its-a-nice-day-here-today-oppo-1833526788

kanadanmajava1 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:50

1

Couple of years ago there was some story about one guy who managed to get one of these cheaply. This was reported in various places and here too. His engine had a minor issue called a snapped head bolt. Apparently common problem for the M-B engine used in these . But the interesting thing about the problem was the repair quote from some M-B shop. Their estimate was ~$ 57k to get it fixed.

The guy purchased an own lift and he wrote a rather long and detailed story in some discussion forum.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:51

0

Mandatory:

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/r63-amg-the-unicorn-of-my-destruction/110824/page1/

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > ttyymmnn 03/25/2019 at 16:56

1

Yes, the one I have! 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 03/25/2019 at 16:57

0

Oh weird!

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CB 03/25/2019 at 16:57

1

Early this morning between ttyymm and long voyager

CB > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 16:59

3

Between the Odys se y and a K-Car based van?

Thank the gods I missed that.

benn454 > facw 03/25/2019 at 17:00

0

 Maybe, but MR makes everything cooler, so it's got that going for it.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > 412GTI 03/25/2019 at 17:01

1

AWD, longitudinal, based on the ML/GL, with proper differentials and transfer case.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > kanadanmajava1 03/25/2019 at 17:04

5

That guy and the dealer he went to we re both idiots. I wrote at length about everything that went wrong in that situation in a reply to a post about it on here at the time.

Basically, literally everyone that touched it did everything wrong. The repair shouldn’t have cost more than a few grand and the engine should have stayed in the car.

I’m still steamed over that one.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 03/25/2019 at 17:06

1

Everyone involved in that was an idiot. That's as nice as I can put it. There was an oppo post about it a while back and I wrote at length in a reply how dumb they were and how they fucked everything up.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > CB 03/25/2019 at 17:07

2

I didn't notice until just before posting this. It wasn't exactly a big scuffle. Just poking some fun at each other I think.

benn454 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 17:07

4

 You're all wrong. It's clearly the Espace F1.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > benn454 03/25/2019 at 17:14

1

Crap. You're right. That thing is badass.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 17:21

1

I somewhat recall your commentary. Still fun for me to post the link.

To be clear, even with that, it does seem like the world’s best minivan.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > ttyymmnn 03/25/2019 at 17:25

1

What if I have 2????

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 17:27

1

Definitely no harm done there, just some fun poking.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 17:27

1

Most people say no Sliders = Not Minivan.

Ash78, voting early and often > 412GTI 03/25/2019 at 17:28

0

Yep, and were developed at basically the same time, by the same parent company, to serve the same role (in different segments).

Ash78, voting early and often > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 17:30

1

I just came back from kicking tires at Carmax and they had just sold a 2015 GL63. Lost about half its value in 3-4 years, which is about right.  It’s basically the macho spiritual successor to the R63. Not as cool and just too obvious...but a serious contender for anyone looking for an E63, which are really hard to find. I’ve seen one wagon ever, but at least a dozen GL63 in my area alone (currently).

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 03/25/2019 at 17:30

3

*cough* Stockholm Syndrome *cough*

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com 03/25/2019 at 17:31

2

I own the non AMG V8 version and it's so fucking awesome. Not cheap to own, but worth every penny for me.

Chariotoflove > benn454 03/25/2019 at 17:31

2

And now I finally understand the avatar.

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 03/25/2019 at 17:31

1

20 hours in the car with my family is the reverse Stockholm Syndrome.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/25/2019 at 17:32

1

True, but most people still call mine a minivan! (Not AMG though)

ttyymmnn > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/25/2019 at 17:32

1

Flip a coin. 

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 03/25/2019 at 17:32

1

Fair.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 17:33

2

I do too.

Although I also call most CUVs minivans too, usually because it gets their owners extremely fired up.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > ttyymmnn 03/25/2019 at 17:34

1

Landed on heads. Don’t remember what was what though..........

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > WilliamsSW 03/25/2019 at 17:34

2

You can’t fly under the radar unless you car is dirty, has a car seat mounted in the back, and a few crayons thrown around under the seats. Nobody will realize you exist.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 17:43

0

Confirmed. This is the best minivan ever.

Although the second best is probably the Ford Aerostar for reasons and the third is probably the Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge NS platform minivans (developed prior to DaimlerChrysler) because best-selling .

ttyymmnn > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/25/2019 at 17:52

1

It means “Yes”

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Ash78, voting early and often 03/25/2019 at 17:53

0

Yeah it totally is. Too  bad they’re not nearly as rewarding to drive as an E. But definitely in the same vein as the R.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 03/25/2019 at 17:53

1

Yes! They basically are 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 03/25/2019 at 17:54

0

Having grown up with a bunch of those, I'm going to go with no.

Eric @ opposite-lock.com > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 18:04

0

You know it’s true.

Of course, I didn’t grow up with them, I only experienced them on trips with groups of other similar-age children. My point of reference was a 1970 VW T2 Transporter, which might be iconic in appearance, but was the definition of suffering to be a passenger in.

WilliamsSW > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 03/25/2019 at 18:07

0

Well, I do have a car that does 0-60 in 4.5, with a car seat in the back, that looks exactly like every other W212 around here.  I did get it washed today though...

PS9 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 18:22

0

The R63 is a wagon, not a minivan. Minivans have sliding rear doors. The R63 has regular car doors. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > Eric @ opposite-lock.com 03/25/2019 at 18:39

0

IMO 80's and 90's minivans are the reason that most people today hate minivans.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > PS9 03/25/2019 at 18:41

0

I don't disagree. But ask non car people what the R is and they'll tell you it's a minivan  language changes depending on how most people use it.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 23:18

1

Before we got our minivan, I was seeing what prices were like. There were a few that were surprisingly inexpensive, but I suspect they needed massive work.

Part of me lives the idea of an R63. The other part of me is a reasonable adult with good financial sense.

PS9 > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/25/2019 at 23:23

0

I’ve never heard a non-car person tell me that is a minivan. Every minivan on the market has that sliding door, and jalops aren't the ones buying them. There's lots of things non-gearheads don't care about when it comes to cars, but they know what is and isn't a van. They aren't dumb. 

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > PS9 03/26/2019 at 01:31

1

Interesting. I've never had anyone think it's anything other than a minivan. 

pip bip - choose Corrour > AMGtech - now with more recalls! 03/26/2019 at 03:49

0

that screams NOPE!

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > ttyymmnn 03/26/2019 at 07:11

1

Eh, whatev.

One has 240k on it. It currently is on it’s mysteriously blown 2nd drivetrain ( original engine is powering my car ) .

The other rolled 71,500 this morning, all original except the rear axle I replaced.

Can’t complain, I’m under $3k on the pair.