people haulers

"Joe_Limon" (Joe_Limon)
02/24/2014 at 20:33 • Filed to: None

What is the most comfortable new/used minivan/van/suv for under $30,000?

No I haven't caved, I still want my cts wagon. Just wanted something to compare.

DISCUSSION (23)

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 20:34

XLE Sienna.

You will never beat the sheer ridiculousness that is the inside of an XLE Limited Sienna.

f86sabre > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 20:35

Three of the engineers at work have Honda Odysseys.

For Sweden > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 20:35

Base Dodge Grand Caravan for $20,000

Brian Silvestro > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 20:35

Previa?

Takuro Spirit > For Sweden
02/24/2014 at 20:40

Ride is harsh, as is the engine NVH in those. Very cheap feeling as well.

Joe_Limon > Takuro Spirit
02/24/2014 at 20:50

I have driven a 2005 grand caravan and do not know where you are coming from.

Takuro Spirit > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 20:53

2005.... yeah those aren't bad. Except the small firm Stow N Go seats. We have some 2012-2014's in our work fleet and they are like a bunch of steps in the wrong direction.

Joe_Limon > Takuro Spirit
02/24/2014 at 20:56

That is a shame

awe46m3zcp > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 20:58

Keep your manhood, and get a 2007-2009 MDX.

Joe_Limon > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 21:01

http://m.autotrader.ca/a/5_18158620/g…

Dat escalade...

Joe_Limon > awe46m3zcp
02/24/2014 at 21:04

Oh nice pick

BLCKSTRM > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 21:36

People are going to go nuts on me, but here goes.

Escalade.

I have an e36 M3/4/5, my wife had an '05 CTS-V.

Kid #4 came along, so one had to go. The V was worth more, cost more to fix, and was more work for me to fix, so it wasn't too tough a choice.

We bought a Buick Enclave, and hated it. We loved the BMW X5 5.0 TT - it was almost like driving the V. It handled amazingly, vey quick, but they were (probably still are) around or just under $40k for higher mileage ones (not crazy high, just higher). I'm sure a 4.8 NA version is less, and they're still probably nearly as quick.

If the 3rd row wasn't only for use around town, we'd probably have bought one. But since the 3rd row was a daily necessity for us rather than a nice extra, it was a no go.

The Escalade felt incredibly large as we went from the M3 and the CTS-V the first time around, but we drove it again after having owned the Buick for 9 months, and it didn't seem so big, and had much better driving dynamics.

You can find one around $30k if you look hard. I bought mine for $38k (2010, but had 60k miles on the clock).

A minivan will suck your soul dry.

Joe_Limon > BLCKSTRM
02/24/2014 at 21:49

I posted a reply with a 65,000 mile escalade for under $30k ^^

hethoughtofcars > Brian Silvestro
02/24/2014 at 21:55

Yes! And you could buy 5 or 6 of them for $30K!

No, seriously, I love Previas. Not as much as this guy, but I do.

Kinja'd!!!

Brian Silvestro > hethoughtofcars
02/24/2014 at 22:00

Well..maybe not that kind of love. They're really cool vans is what I'm saying.

hethoughtofcars > Brian Silvestro
02/24/2014 at 22:07

I agree completely. I've wanted a 5 speed supercharged RWD minivan for ages! (Honestly)

Brian Silvestro > hethoughtofcars
02/24/2014 at 22:08

Who wouldn't want a unicorn like that? I never seem to find any for sale around me though.

BLCKSTRM > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 22:23

And if tha mix of age/mileage doesn't quite work for you, you can always get a Tahoe/Subruban or Yukon/Yukon XL for less (and again, can go up to LTZ or Denali if you have the cash).

Still, the X5 was by car the most sportscar-like. I used to bash them, but when you need to haul a bunch of kids, but you still want to have a good time, you can't beat an X5 with the (somewhat rare) third row. And for long-distance cruising, its suspension inspires confidence rather than the wandering bathtub-on-wheels that is most of the cars you'll be looking at.

I thought the MDX handled like a pig, by the way - I was super surprised after all the reviews I read. The GM Lambdas handled much better IMO.

But nothing with a 3rd row holds a candle to an X5 (except maybe that special E63 AMG with the rear-facing kid seats in the back). But like I said, those X5 3rd row seats aren't for long trips...

hethoughtofcars > Brian Silvestro
02/24/2014 at 22:25

I see them everywhere in Portland. Occasionally for sale but I've never found a manual. :(

Brian Silvestro > hethoughtofcars
02/24/2014 at 22:33

The few that I have found have all been autos. I'd love to see a stick.

awe46m3zcp > Joe_Limon
02/24/2014 at 22:59

You could possibly have enough left over for a project car too!

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > Joe_Limon
02/27/2014 at 14:41

Ford Flex?

If you can find the Ecoboost ones they are seriously quick.

And, I think a black-chrome treatment for the Ford slats would look totally badass.

BLCKSTRM > Joe_Limon
02/27/2014 at 15:08

Doug just retweeted this: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…