Most economical minivan?

[freebeard]

As far as the Previa for $500 goes they guy hasn't responded to my repeated attempts to contact him. ...the ad said he needed to get rid of it by this weekend since he has to move.

Hunt him down, be standing there as he drives away...

You'll need a second Previa roller to do the stretch. Stretch it through the side door or after it? Split the difference?

edit: three axles, two in front and one in the back.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Stretch it through the side door or after it? Split the difference?

At this point it would be easier to justify getting a mid-'90s HiAce from a JDM importer

[GJKH]

The original Honda Odyssey (95-98) was really a tall 4 door wagon. My sister used to get 28 and up to 30 mpg in her's. They are getting harder to find in good shape and probably don't meet your criteria for a newer vehicle. But they were pretty efficient and, depending on the model, could seat seven people.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Last time I saw an early Honda Odyssey in my hometown was more than 10 years ago. That was quite good-looking.

[Isaac Zachary]

Originally Posted by GJKH

The original Honda Odyssey (95-98) was really a tall 4 door wagon. My sister used to get 28 and up to 30 mpg in her's. They are getting harder to find in good shape and probably don't meet your criteria for a newer vehicle. But they were pretty efficient and, depending on the model, could seat seven people.

A quick search on AutoTrader showed 6 of those for sale, from just over $1,000 clear up to nearly $5,000. Too bad I don't see a manual version like the MAZDA5.

[GJKH]

Originally Posted by Isaac Zachary

A quick search on AutoTrader showed 6 of those for sale, from just over $1,000 clear up to nearly $5,000. Too bad I don't see a manual version like the MAZDA5.

I too like manual transmissions. But all Odysseys in the USA were auto. These are some the best vehicles Honda made. Near the end of the golden age for Honda.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by GJKH

I too like manual transmissions. But all Odysseys in the USA were auto.

IIRC only the 1st generation of the Odyssey was officially available in my country, yet I have never seen one with a manual transmission here.

[Hersbird]

They made AWD versions of that first odyssey for other markets as well. There is a YouTube channel with both the manual swap and an AWD swap but they also built the motor and added a big turbo as they are drag racers. It makes over 1000 hp at the wheels in FWD trim.

The redesign of the odyssey (the 2nd generation) at least the first 3 years was terrible. I doubt you could even find one still on the road. You think the Dodge had transmission issues? Honda showed Dodge how it was done with many Van's blowing transmissions in less than 50,000 miles and then every 50,000 miles thereafter. Go figure, up the weight of the can 1000 pounds, add 100 horsepower, and suddenly Honda's previously soild automatic is junk.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

It makes over 1000 hp at the wheels in FWD trim

That's quite insane for a minivan. I'd be more than happy with around 70hp if I could get one to fit with a Perkins 404

[GJKH]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

The redesign of the odyssey (the 2nd generation) at least the first 3 years was terrible. I doubt you could even find one still on the road. You think the Dodge had transmission issues? Honda showed Dodge how it was done with many Van's blowing transmissions in less than 50,000 miles and then every 50,000 miles thereafter. Go figure, up the weight of the can 1000 pounds, add 100 horsepower, and suddenly Honda's previously soild automatic is junk.

Agreed, it's known that the first generation was an excellent vehicle. Don't see them that often anymore.

It was based on the Accord and also had the famous double wishbone suspension. Really like those vans. They've held their value very well.