[amitoj]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Well I'm not really sure if you're inclined to try out Chrysler, but I was driven around in a Town & Country in Boston for a week in May, and I was impressed with it.

I do drive a Chrysler product already and have no complaints with it, even though i have owned it for just more than a year and driven it 23K miles only. But thanks for bringing the T&C to my attention! How could I have missed it?
I will add it to the list of minivans we intend to try out. Of the three minivans, this will probably be my first choice.

Originally Posted by VLOCT

Primary considerations were 3rd row seat, AWD, driving and handling dynamics (priority) plus 'good looking'.

Thanks! How is the boot space with the 3rd row up? Do you find it sufficient for regular grocery runs? Or do you end up putting the 3rd row down more often than not?

[VLOCT]

We usuallly have the the 3rd row down but have had no problems for grocery runs with the 3rd row up. Plenty of room.

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by amitoj

I do drive a Chrysler product already and have no complaints with it, even though i have owned it for just more than a year and driven it 23K miles only. But thanks for bringing the T&C to my attention! How could I have missed it?
I will add it to the list of minivans we intend to try out. Of the three minivans, this will probably be my first choice.



Thanks! How is the boot space with the 3rd row up? Do you find it sufficient for regular grocery runs? Or do you end up putting the 3rd row down more often than not?

Yea T&C is probably the best amongst the Sienna or Odyssey

Not sure did you consider Buick Enclave or Tribeca? Like VLOCT mentioned, if CX-9 suits you that will be the best pick.

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by amitoj

I do drive a Chrysler product already and have no complaints with it, even though i have owned it for just more than a year and driven it 23K miles only. But thanks for bringing the T&C to my attention! How could I have missed it?
I will add it to the list of minivans we intend to try out. Of the three minivans, this will probably be my first choice.

The guy driving me around was a 'spirited' driver, and the van felt planted at decent speeds. He did do a few quick lane changes on the highways around suburban Boston, and it wasn't scary like you would expect in a big vehicle. Probably because the COG seems a bit lower, and the wide stance helps too.

I'd been in a Dodge minivan too during the same trip (forgot the name), and T&C was far better in every aspect. The Sirius radio sounded awesome too on the stock audio setup.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by kraft.wagen

Not sure did you consider Buick Enclave or Tribeca? Like VLOCT mentioned, if CX-9 suits you that will be the best pick.

One is too expensive/luxury and the other is too small.

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

I'd been in a Dodge minivan too during the same trip (forgot the name), and T&C was far better in every aspect. The Sirius radio sounded awesome too on the stock audio setup.

You must have been in a Dodge Grand Caravan. It is the poorer cousin of T&C and its future is also uncertain.

[kraft.wagen]

Originally Posted by amitoj

One is too expensive/luxury and the other is too small.

I thought the Enclave was priced around $40k-$45k. Going by the options discussed assumed you had a 40k + budget

[Superleggera]

Originally Posted by Jomz

Toyota Sequoia?? It is based on the Tundra

You can try out the below optiosn too.

New Mitsu Outlander
Buick Enclave (Traverse's Cousin) - with better interiors
Caddy Escalade
GMC Youkon Denali/Suburban [Tooo big ofcourse]

[ToroRosso]

Originally Posted by amitoj

Of the three minivans, this will probably be my first choice.

Mazda CX9, Subaru Tribeca and Explorer. There are some great leasing options available on these now as well.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by kraft.wagen

I thought the Enclave was priced around $40k-$45k. Going by the options discussed assumed you had a 40k + budget

Dealers are quoting 40-42K. I dont intend to cross the 40K border. I was always under the impression that among the three sisters (Traverse, Acadia and Enclave) Traverse is the cheapest and Enclave the most expensive. I think it will be true if all of them are equipped the same.

Originally Posted by Superleggera

You can try out the below optiosn too.

New Mitsu Outlander
Buick Enclave (Traverse's Cousin) - with better interiors
Caddy Escalade
GMC Youkon Denali/Suburban [Tooo big ofcourse]

Outlander can be considered but i think it will fail the cargo space criteria. Rest are too big or too expensive.

Originally Posted by ToroRosso

Mazda CX9, Subaru Tribeca and Explorer. There are some great leasing options available on these now as well.

Thanks.
My concern is that the Japs and Europeans might not be able to hit the sweet spot of cargo space (not too big and not too small)

[ToroRosso]

Originally Posted by amitoj

My concern is that the Japs and Europeans might not be able to hit the sweet spot of cargo space (not too big and not too small)

Explorer should slot right in between as it has a vertical cargo well.
What's your top 3 among both SUVs(<40k) and Minivans based on looks and utility?

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by ToroRosso

Explorer should slot right in between as it has a vertical cargo well.
What's your top 3 among both SUVs(<40k) and Minivans based on looks and utility?

I am eagerly waiting for a chance to test drive the Explorer as well. But further test drives will have to wait for next week.

It is too soon to create a top 3 list for SUVs. But in minivans, I would like to put the Chrysler Town and Country at the top of the list. If minivans win the battle with SUV, then T&C would give me some consolation.

[kraft.wagen]

What would you define an enthusiast car(manual tranny) priced between $20-$30k. Used or New.

[amitoj]

Originally Posted by kraft.wagen

What would you define an enthusiast car(manual tranny) priced between $20-$30k. Used or New.

"Used or New" throws the spectrum wide open! New is somewhat easy. Subaru BRZ and Ford Focus ST. One is RWD while other is turbo charged. Take your pick! In used, probably an WRX STi? Or Older gen M3s? If you go just over 30K, you can get some really sweet used M3s.

[meghan]

Used or new really keeps it wide open.
For a new car, I think the Focus ST definitely fits the bill

I think the defining traits for me would include -
Powerful engine
Good handling, should be able to control turn in at least somewhat using the throttle
Good driving position and seats
Overall driving experience - the sound, experience when throwing the car around

This video and some help from the members here convinced me to go for one myself -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RSJvV6Ska0

[vineethvazhayil]

Originally Posted by amitoj

I was always under the impression that among the three sisters (Traverse, Acadia and Enclave)

Outlander can be considered but i think it will fail the cargo space criteria. Rest are too big or too expensive.

Yup, that is the pecking order, Buick is the most expensive of the lot.
And, the Outlander - the third row is a joke. And once you have that up, the cargo area becomes a joke. So I would rather stay away.

Originally Posted by kraft.wagen

What would you define an enthusiast car(manual tranny) priced between $20-$30k. Used or New.

Used cars really throw the options wide open - there are no limits then.
4-5 year old M3s and Corvettes amongst used cars, If you turn out to be lucky, 4-5 year old Cayman/Boxster S etc. are also good options.
If you want a lot of power only, the Mustang GT and Camaro SS can be had 1 -2 year used for around the same price - similarly the G8 GXP from 2009, with the corvette engine and 6 speed manual also is right in that price range and it handles rather well for a large sedan.