Crysler Grand Voyagers/Other decent MPVs

bigjl

atrixblue.-MFR-. wrote: »

£300 for power steering pump that will fail when you dont want it to in deisel format, sliding doors jam up so make sure they are greased up upon yearly service and trim etc are not very durable, but for the money space comfort and long distance haulin it can reward you fuel wise, watch the tax bracket on these aswell.

the sedona has 2.5 v6 24v KV6 rover engine wich can be a costly timing belt and water pump job (no they dont suffer HG failure).

The Sedona had a Rover engine?

Never knew that.

Rolandtheroadie

Merlecollins wrote: »

Hi all,

Apologies for hijacking your thread 'Exile-Geordie'

I am also looking for another 7 seater MPV. We've just sold our 2002 Grand Espace which I think we replaced everything on...but possibly that was due to the age of it.?

We really dont want to spend over 4500, so am guessing anyting from a 2004 to a 2007 will be our limit.

I have narrowed it down to another newer shape Grand espace or the Grand Voyager.

I am being very drawn to a 2005 Grand Voyager Limited XS with 80K on the clock, which I've seen at an independent dealer. It does seem to have all the bells and whistles along with leather interior. The side sliding doors are also a big bonus :T

But I really dont want to get tunnel vision and lose sight of the Renault.

We are a family of six so definitely need a LOT of space when travelling...:rotfl:

Can anyone offer any guidance as how to make my mind up.?

Theres six of us as well and when I was looking, I never found anything that was as good as the GV. Granted, I never had a good look round a Grand Espace, just therough the back window of one in a garage (to see the bootspace).

I just cant see past them.

As I previously mentioned, I've had to have handbrake work done every year of ownership and I've had to renew a couple of the injector seals (one yesterday coincidentally).

The alloys on mines also needed replaced (chromed, it's a 2002 model).

Done a few drop links as well (probably more to the quality of the replacement) and just got 3 x brake flexi piped done for it's MOT there (about £165 for 3).

But again, it's 12 years old at this point.

In my 5 years of ownership, the cost of spares have also come down. They're also easier to get hold of now.

wba31

bigjl wrote: »

Another vote for the Galaxy.

But watch for ex minicabs.

A leftfield choice could be a Kia Sedona plenty about in y9ur budget.

Or possibly a Honda Shuttle/Odyssey(jap import version) as a half decent one can be had for around £1000. The petrol engine might use more fuel but is easier to look after, though the 2.2 does have a balance belt aswell as a cambelt. I have only seen them in auto but they do have a lot of room.

I imported 3 Odysseys from Japan back in 07 and they were all trouble free and reliable.

Sold one to a work colleague in 08 and he still drives it daily. Most significantly he takes his camping all the time with his wife and two daughters.

Another advantage is the Shuttle/Odyssey is less likely to be an abused ex minicab due to being petrol.

They may have made a diesel but i have never seen one.

My next car will be a 7 seater following the hopeful arrival of nippers, and as a honda fan (I've had an accord and 2 civics, and the missus has a jazz) I would love Honda to sell the odyssey here... Our friends in Chicago have one and i really liked it... The wife won't agree to move to the US for me to have a 7 seater Honda, and I can't afford to buy new to import...

And before anyone chirps in with "the frv had 6 seats" I want a 7 seater to keep the back seats folded into the floor, so it's actually a massive 5 seater...

Merlecollins

scotsman4th wrote: »

Theres six of us as well and when I was looking, I never found anything that was as good as the GV. Granted, I never had a good look round a Grand Espace, just therough the back window of one in a garage (to see the bootspace).

I just cant see past them.

As I previously mentioned, I've had to have handbrake work done every year of ownership and I've had to renew a couple of the injector seals (one yesterday coincidentally).

The alloys on mines also needed replaced (chromed, it's a 2002 model).

Done a few drop links as well (probably more to the quality of the replacement) and just got 3 x brake flexi piped done for it's MOT there (about £165 for 3).

But again, it's 12 years old at this point.

In my 5 years of ownership, the cost of spares have also come down. They're also easier to get hold of now.

Thanks very much for your constructive reply scotsman4th.

The problem we have is that we live on Orkney so are pretty limited to what we can go and view.

Ive always liked the look of the GV but am somewhat concerned about the negative comments about cost of running and safety.

The one I am looking at is 2005 2.8 Ltd XS with 80K on the clock. Very nice looking car but thats not worth much if it costs me a fortune every 2 minutes.

My wife does like the sound of sliding doors (the wind up here can take doors out of your hand at times..) and also the seat configuration for access to the rear seats.

Whats it like around town for driving? i.e. handling.

Rolandtheroadie

I find it fine and the wifes just a wee thing and she can handle it around town no problem as well.

Our's is the 2.5 and whenever I've averaged the fuel, it's around 33mpg.

They wont be the cheapest to keep on the road, but the extra costs outweigh what I wanted and needed the car for. I've had a trials bike in the back of mine, it'll take an 8x4 sheet and I'm just back from using ours for a flitting.

Safety fears are whatever you make of them. I'm happy to take the chance that 1. I wont crash first and foremost. 2. Even if I do, chances are whatever else is involved is going to be smaller and 3. If a modern mini with crumple zones ploughs into the front of me, those zones will help me nearly as much as it'll help them.

Was just going to post a link to a chrysler forum, but I see you're there already.

bigjl

wba31 wrote: »

My next car will be a 7 seater following the hopeful arrival of nippers, and as a honda fan (I've had an accord and 2 civics, and the missus has a jazz) I would love Honda to sell the odyssey here... Our friends in Chicago have one and i really liked it... The wife won't agree to move to the US for me to have a 7 seater Honda, and I can't afford to buy new to import...

And before anyone chirps in with "the frv had 6 seats" I want a 7 seater to keep the back seats folded into the floor, so it's actually a massive 5 seater...

US Odyssey is different to the Japanese one i think.

There are later Odysseys in Japan that are more moder in looks and equipment.

Some have been imported and can be found on eBay.
I think the UK love of all things diesel would rule out the return of the Odyssey/Shuttle.

Pity as they were quiet and smooth. Even at nearly 15yrs old.

Jap imports can be a real bargain if you buy direct from the Jap Auctions like i did.

The condition of the undersides etc has to be seen to be believed.

Like new.

nobbysn*ts

Merlecollins wrote: »

Thanks very much for your constructive reply scotsman4th.

The problem we have is that we live on Orkney so are pretty limited to what we can go and view.

Ive always liked the look of the GV but am somewhat concerned about the negative comments about cost of running and safety.

The one I am looking at is 2005 2.8 Ltd XS with 80K on the clock. Very nice looking car but thats not worth much if it costs me a fortune every 2 minutes.

My wife does like the sound of sliding doors (the wind up here can take doors out of your hand at times..) and also the seat configuration for access to the rear seats.

Whats it like around town for driving? i.e. handling.

You live on the Orkney and you're worried about what some plonker says about head on collisions?

Merlecollins

scotsman4th wrote: »

Theres six of us as well and when I was looking, I never found anything that was as good as the GV. Granted, I never had a good look round a Grand Espace, just therough the back window of one in a garage (to see the bootspace).

I just cant see past them.

As I previously mentioned, I've had to have handbrake work done every year of ownership and I've had to renew a couple of the injector seals (one yesterday coincidentally).

The alloys on mines also needed replaced (chromed, it's a 2002 model).

Done a few drop links as well (probably more to the quality of the replacement) and just got 3 x brake flexi piped done for it's MOT there (about £165 for 3).

But again, it's 12 years old at this point.

In my 5 years of ownership, the cost of spares have also come down. They're also easier to get hold of now.

nobbysn*ts wrote: »

You live on the Orkney and you're worried about what some plonker says about head on collisions?

Haha, they can happen anywhere mate, only thing is up here it's likely to be a John Deere tractor you hit....

Robisere

bigjl wrote: »

The Sedona had a Rover engine?

Never knew that.

Yes it does, actually it began life as the old Honda V6. But the Sedona DIESEL has an older Mercedes 2.9 diesel, 4 cylinder. Massive car, big turning circle, the engine will pull forever. 250,000 miles is common. It's a non-turbo, so not a ball of fire, but will drive all day and is very comfortable. Bonus - stick the kids in the 3rd. row and the noise is less. Some later models even have CD players built in to the headlining or the 2nd. row.

bigjl

If it has the 2.7v6 which was fitted to the Rover 800 after the 2.5v6 then it is a Honda engine.

The last of the 800 had the kv6 engine as fitted to the 75 and 45, don't think it was ever fitted to the 25 to be honest.

And i am also certain the 2.9 Sedona had a turbo fitted as the scoop on the bonnet of the crdi versions was for an intercooler i believe.