Most economical minivan?

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

Sadly Toyota’s 3 row Prius V does not exist on this continent, maybe you could import seats like the think guys?

IIRC the 7-seater also has a different battery pack located at another position, in order to provide legroom for the 3rd row seats.

[Isaac Zachary]

We almost bought a used Prius v when we decided instead on the used Avalon Hybrid. The two cars were similar in price and other specs, with the hatchback vs sedan being the major difference. I think what I liked most about the Avalon was the multi "gear" selector for going down mountain passes. Plus it was red and not a lame white or grey like the v's we were looking at.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary

I think what I liked most about the Avalon was the multi "gear" selector for going down mountain passes.

That sounds interesting.

[Ecky]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

That sounds interesting.

I wonder how it works? It's all planetary gears...

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by Ecky

I wonder how it works? It's all planetary gears...

The gearing is simulated. But it gives me 6 levels of engine and regenerative braking without using the brakes. Depending on how loaded the car is and how steep the road is I can go from anywhere from "2nd" to "6th". If it's really bad and I need to creep slowly down the hill there's also the "1st" option. This is better than just one engine braking option that may be way too little or way too much engine braking.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Ecky

I wonder how it works? It's all planetary gears...

Just like newer CVTs simulate fixed gears on a sequential mode, considering how the HSD simulates the behavior of a CVT it doesn't seem to be so much of rocket-science to attempt this feature with the HSD too.

[Isaac Zachary]

Temptation!

There's a 1991 Toyota Previa for sale for $500. It's AWD but it's a 5 speed. However, the transmission will only drive in 1st gear. From first impressions there's nothing wrong with the engine.

The question is, do I get it and sell the Prius and fix the Previa?

[freebeard]

It's AWD but it's a 5 speed.

Like that's a bad thing?

I vote yes, of course. 'Fixing'it should include a turbo and the Canadian dash with tachometer. Black on black exterior with Oriental carpet and varnished wood interior?

[jcp123]

FWIW our ‘14 Town and Country has been pretty reliable. Has a small oil leak and I had to replace the thermostat, but otherwise defies the Mopar reputation for being an utter reliability cash fire.

If I have to search for complaints, it’s that the trans seems to get flustered on low-speed throttle applications, the power doors are so slow that I see my life passing before my eyes, and most seriously, it doesn’t really like anything above 65mph. Below that it’s a sumptuous all-day-comfortable cruiser with a long wheelbase, cushy ride, and nice seats, but it seems to get nervous and wants to wander at modern highway speeds; maybe because it still has some K-car roots?

As far as fuel goes, it’ll depend very heavily on what kind of driving you do. It’s not hard to run 13-17mpg tanks when you’re mostly using it to run the kids to school and go shopping, but on the freeway it’s easily capable of 30+ mpg; Harrisburg to DC was a 36mpg affair, and from where I live to Rochester NY was still around 30mpg, not bad for a 4700lb brick.

The interior is nice to look at, but isn’t 100% on its ergonomics, and it’s not hard to find crappy plastics. The steering wheel is nice with a really soft leather wrap around a suitably chunky rim, and the gauges are downright artful. Its 3.6l Pentastar is a refined and perky motivator, and I’d count it as a distinct credit to the van.

Once you experience stow’n’go seats, though...you’ll feel stupid for even looking at another van.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Like that's a bad thing?

I meant the AWD portion as kind of being a bad thing but I really like the 5 speed part.

I wonder how much it would cost to fix. The guy thinks it's a broken shifting fork.