Best Gas Mileage minivan (pref. 8 passenger)?` - Page 2

[Pinoikoi]

My dp is looking into a Town and Country. I think it is a Chrysler? They are offering (up here anyway) guaranteed gas price of $2.99 or less per gallon for three years. I wasn't really ready to buy a car in the next three days (we were going to probably upgrade by this fall), but my mother is kind of on my case about car safety issues, and the deal seems pretty good.

Subbing anyway, and off to check that linky.

[PrettyBird]

Originally Posted by savithny

Mazda 5 (or is it 6?)

I *think* its a 7-passenger, ,though I could be misremembering (Its possible that the Japanese version is a 7-passenger and the US version is only 6-passenger). In the 6/7 seater configuration there's almost no room for luggage, though (finally got to see one for real while driving through Canada last month; I've only looked at pics online previously)

Manual transmission can get over 30mph on the highway.

The Mazda 5 is only a 6 seater in the US. I really wanted to like it, but we put DD's rear facing carseat in the second row and we had to have the seat moved back all the way, making absolutely no room for someone to sit behind her in the third row. Since we are about to have 2 rear facing carseats this just wouldn't work. Also, there was absolutely no room in the back for storage once all the seats were up.

[phatchristy]

Our Odyssey also gets really good gas mileage, it's an 8 seater and has a eco mode (variable cylinder engine) where when you're coasting it uses only 3 cylinders. Really helps with mileage!

Knock on wood have had much better experience with the Hondas vs. our other cars (started out with a chrysler and dodge). With the other cars it seemed like we were always in for service.

[MommyErin]

According to fueleconomy.gov, the most fuel efficient minivan (2008 model) after the Mazda 5 is the Honda Odyssey 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Automatic 5-spd, VCM, Regular (17 & 25). Whatever the VCM is makes a difference. The Honda Odyssey 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Automatic 5-spd, Regular is much further down the list (16 & 23). In all honesty, though, except for the Mazda 5, it's all the same really. Check out http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass.htm and see for yourself.

It's too bad you can't get a manual transmission minivan in this county. In England, back in March, we rented a Kia Sedona minivan. It was a 5 speed diesel. Got great gas mileage and could seat 8. I really liked it. But DH, who works in the car leasing industry, says you can't get them in North America.

If you can find an older Chrysler Town & Country (2003 or older) or, more likely, a Chrysler Voyager, they used to come in a 4 cyl engine and were rated 18 & 25. Heck, I got close to that in my 1999 6 cyl T&C so you could likely do even better. They seat 7 and are CHEAP to maintain. I loved my T&C but gave it up when we decided to stop at two kids. I'm in a manual transmission 2006 Pontiac Vibe averaging 35/36 MPG. Worth the sacrifice but I still miss my luxurious T&C. Around here, you could get a 2002 Chrysler Voyager 4 cyl for about $8K it looks like.

Good luck. Car shopping can be so stressful.

--erin

[Pinoikoi]

We went car shopping today..

Mazda5 can only seat 6 but gets GREAT gas mileage. 21 mpg I think..
Also looked at a Mazda MPV which seats 7.. 16 mpg, front wheel drive..

Went across the street and found
Toyota Sienna FWD
Nissan Quest FWD
Buick Terrazzia (which dp really liked- it was LOADED- self closing doors, leather interior, dvd player, etc etc and was one of the few AWD minivans- which is what we have always had- not COMPLETELY necessary for us, but preferred..) even with AWD the Buick gets 16 mpg in town..

I made some demands and walked away.. will see what happens..

[KnockedUpButtercup]

[QUOTE=hmkrueger;11718498]You could consider a smaller version of the Dodge Sprinter diesel and do biodiesel? Or do the same w/ VW van which they haven't made in a few years, but hold up amazingly well from what I've heard?[/QUOTE]

(Bolding mine)

I just had to chime in as a VW van owner...mine is an '82 Vanagon, air-cooled (with the Westy top...we camp in it), but we go to VW meet-ups, etc., so I know several people who have the diesel, which can be converted to run on WVO (waste vegetable oil).

VW's are fun and I adore my van, but anyone thinking of purchasing one should be prepared to spend a lot of time holding a snake-light and handing your husband tools.

[savithny]

Originally Posted by MommyErin

According to fueleconomy.gov, the most fuel efficient minivan (2008 model) after the Mazda 5 is the Honda Odyssey 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Automatic 5-spd, VCM, Regular (17 & 25). Whatever the VCM is makes a difference. The Honda Odyssey 6 cyl, 3.5 L, Automatic 5-spd, Regular is much further down the list (16 & 23). In all honesty, though, except for the Mazda 5, it's all the same really. Check out http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/byclass.htm and see for yourself.

It's too bad you can't get a manual transmission minivan in this county. In England, back in March, we rented a Kia Sedona minivan. It was a 5 speed diesel. Got great gas mileage and could seat 8. I really liked it. But DH, who works in the car leasing industry, says you can't get them in North America.

If you can find an older Chrysler Town & Country (2003 or older) or, more likely, a Chrysler Voyager, they used to come in a 4 cyl engine and were rated 18 & 25. Heck, I got close to that in my 1999 6 cyl T&C so you could likely do even better. They seat 7 and are CHEAP to maintain. I loved my T&C but gave it up when we decided to stop at two kids. I'm in a manual transmission 2006 Pontiac Vibe averaging 35/36 MPG. Worth the sacrifice but I still miss my luxurious T&C. Around here, you could get a 2002 Chrysler Voyager 4 cyl for about $8K it looks like.

Good luck. Car shopping can be so stressful.

--erin

A friend in the know at Honda says that to get the best gas milage in a Honda, you have to be law-abiding. The Oddy has a feature where when you're cruising at highway speed half the cylinders cut out to save fuel. However, if you're going faster they all come back in again. Word is that the Japanese engineers felt that if you're going faster than 68mph, you must be trying to pass someone and need extra engine power, since legally the speed limit max is 70 and WHO would be so non law abiding as to go faster than that??

My parents have an Odyssey and dad agrees - its a bigger difference than just "driving slower gets better milage" - you see a BIG jump in efficiency if you stay at or below about 70.

[Pinoikoi]

Originally Posted by savithny

A friend in the know at Honda says that to get the best gas milage in a Honda, you have to be law-abiding...Word is that the Japanese engineers felt that if you're going faster than 68mph, you must be trying to pass someone and need extra engine power, since legally the speed limit max is 70 and WHO would be so non law abiding as to go faster than that??

That makes a whole lot of sense..

[Pinoikoi]

Originally Posted by alaskanteach

We went car shopping today..

Buick Terrazzia (which dp really liked- it was LOADED- self closing doors, leather interior, dvd player, etc etc and was one of the few AWD minivans- which is what we have always had- not COMPLETELY necessary for us, but preferred..) even with AWD the Buick gets 16 mpg in town..

Well, he called me back and is wondering how many miles to extend the warranty for.. seems like he wants to make a deal, no? your thoughts?

(current price is lower than nada on pricing, but slightly than Kelley's bluebook..)

It is a 2006.

I know virtually NOTHING about Buicks..

[kittywitty]

Our Town & Country gets over 20mpg at any given time. But it only seats 7. Looking to size up one of these days, so I'm taking notes!

[Pinoikoi]

Originally Posted by kittywitty

Our Town & Country gets over 20mpg at any given time. But it only seats 7. Looking to size up one of these days, so I'm taking notes!

What year?

[tnrsmom]

We got a new T&C about 2 months ago and our mileage is about 21mpg. Not great but I am used to it since I have driven a minivan since '99. I have had a lot of electrical problems with it though. It goes back in tomorrow for a new radio and hopefully they can take care of the other issues as well. It has a lot of great features but so far has been a let down.

[Pinoikoi]

Originally Posted by tnrsmom

We got a new T&C about 2 months ago and our mileage is about 21mpg. Not great but I am used to it since I have driven a minivan since '99. I have had a lot of electrical problems with it though. It goes back in tomorrow for a new radio and hopefully they can take care of the other issues as well. It has a lot of great features but so far has been a let down.

I hope it came with a bumper to bumper warranty? Sucks about your electrical issues, glad you are getting good gas mileage.. my dp really wanted a T&C initially, (he liked how the chairs swung around so the kids could play cards together or whatever), but I think he was a bit disappointed that it is only FWD.. We may check them out tomorrow though, the Chrysler dealership is the one offering $2.99/gal for gas for 3 years.. guaranteed.

[tnrsmom]

It is a full warranty and they have been really good about it. I just hate it with a new vehicle.

We did not get the $2.99 gas guarantee because the incentives were really good (I think around $2500). I talked to our salesman who I have known for a long time and really trust, and you can only get one or the other. In our area (Detroit) the gas deal was only a better deal than incentives on 1 or 2 vehicles. Just FYI, from what I understand, the gas guarantee is good for 12,000 miles per year. They will figure out average milage for the vehicle and figure out how many gallons 12,000 miles would be and give you a gas card for that amount.

[Pinoikoi]

Well, we bought the Buick Terrazza. We went and looked at Lithia at the Town and Countries... They are offering LIFETIME bumper to bumper warranties now.. It is like a $2750 added item, but holy cow, I think it would be worth it 25 years from now, and still covered..

Anyway, we bought the Buick because they came down in price almost $5000 (once I told them we were looking at a brand new car), plus gave me the bumper to bumper for 6 years.. I personally would have gone with the T&C, but dp would be driving it more than me and he wanted the AWD that came with the Buick (getting kinda rare for minivans). Even with AWD, the websites said it gets 16 mpg (in town), but when we hit the electronic info button, it said almost 17... So I think we did pretty good. It is immaculate inside, leather interior, and all kinds of extras that we weren't originally looking for like a DVD player.

I didn't want a car loan again, but the other car will be paid off soon, and plus our old minivan was a reconstruct that I didn't feel was very safe. It was a 96 and didn't have latches for the carseats, too. I got 5.25% locked in with no prepay penalty. It is 2 years old, so we also avoided that "just drove it around the lot and instantly lost value" thing that you get with a brand new car..

It was weird though, because I never even HEARD of a Buick Terrazza before this week. Seriously.

[Pinoikoi]

Op, Check out a Buick Enclave. It is 8 passenger, and is advertising "best in class" type of gas mileage.. don't know from personal experience, but I was looking for Buick info, and saw the sound bite (and you were interested in 8 passenger specifically, right?)

[CrunchyGranolaMom]

"we bought the Buick because they came down in price almost $5000 (once I told them we were looking at a brand new car), plus gave me the bumper to bumper for 6 years"

Yow WOW! Congratulations, alaskanteach! That's amazing! Enjoy your new fab car. It sounds really nice!

And, yes, I'd love an 8 passenger like we currently have, but I'm willing to compromise on it and get a 7 pass. (and there's no way we can afford a remotely new car......We bought this one 4 1/2 years ago, so it had 6 1/2 years on it then). Thankfully, it's still chugging along (albeit with the driver's window stuck in a slightly-open position. KaCHING to get that fixed. I look like an idiot when I go to the bank drive-through! Oh well, as long as we do it before winter!)

[my2girlz]

Originally Posted by savithny

A friend in the know at Honda says that to get the best gas milage in a Honda, you have to be law-abiding. The Oddy has a feature where when you're cruising at highway speed half the cylinders cut out to save fuel. However, if you're going faster they all come back in again. Word is that the Japanese engineers felt that if you're going faster than 68mph, you must be trying to pass someone and need extra engine power, since legally the speed limit max is 70 and WHO would be so non law abiding as to go faster than that??

My parents have an Odyssey and dad agrees - its a bigger difference than just "driving slower gets better milage" - you see a BIG jump in efficiency if you stay at or below about 70.

In my 05 Odyssey we got 25mpg while driving 75-80 with the A/C on high over July 4th. We got the same mpg while driving 65 with the A/C on high a few weeks later.

[splendid]

I thought they discontinued the Terraza in the US? We are looking for a new car and just checking out all possible avenues.

[Pinoikoi]

Originally Posted by splendid

I thought they discontinued the Terraza in the US? We are looking for a new car and just checking out all possible avenues.

Yes, there are no NEW models. Ours is a 2006 that we bought this week. The NEW car we were looking at was the Chrysler Town and Country..