Odyssey or Sienna.....Highlander or Pilot....CRV or RAV4

[gsethi]

We are looking to buy a new vehicle and are trying to decide.

There is also a 4th Option of Highlander or CRV (since the new CRV came out)
We are trying to stay under 25k (so models will most probably be the middle ones with basic features only)


Give me your opinions...also, if you want to suggest any other similar comparable model, pls do so.
I know there is a MINI-Van vs SUV here but most probably we are leaning towards a SUV (might get the van if the deal is good enough)

Some Info:
Family of 3
Vehicle will be driven a lot (our current car did 200k miles in 4.5 yrs...so expecting around the same, maybe little less, from this vehicle also)

I am leaning towards the Highlander so far. (Havnt seen the new CRV in person yet but a friend of a friend got it for 21k OTD, so i will be going to look one this weekend).
Oh...i Prefer a V6 (that is why I am not leaning towards Rav4 or CRV yet but if the price is good, I wont mind any of them either)

UPDATE: Taken test-drives and narrowed down the list to:
Odyssey
Sienna

RAV4 is just too uncomfortable. CRV while very comfortable is too small.

Now I have a question. Is the Odyssey worth ~4-5k more than the Sienna (net price OTD, after TTL and interest on financing). Toyotas have a 0% going on right now while the lowest on Odyssey with out excellent credit is between 5-6%. Also, a 1k price differenece between the both with odyssey being more expensive.

So is Odyssey worth ~$4-5k more than the Sienna if they are both similarly equipped ?

 

[BullyCanadian]

Odyssey (Read Reviews), Highlander (Ditto), Rav4 (my Preference on cosmetics). My mom has a Highlander and its an EXCELLENT vehicle. I believe as she said "the best vehicle I have ever bought."

 

[raildogg]

I have personally seen the interiors of the new 2007 CRVs and they are great. Just pure elegant and high quality. I can't comment on the ride however, since I have not driven it yet. The Odyssey seems more elegant than the Sienna, but is more expensive. The Pilot is also more expensive than the Highlander.

If you want to stay under 25K, then do not consider the Pilot. The Odyssey will be expensive as well. I would look at the CRV first.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: raildogg
I have personally seen the interiors of the new 2007 CRVs and they are great. Just pure elegant and high quality. I can't comment on the ride however, since I have not driven it yet. The Odyssey seems more elegant than the Sienna, but is more expensive. The Pilot is also more expensive than the Highlander.

If you want to stay under 25K, then do not consider the Pilot. The Odyssey will be expensive as well. I would look at the CRV first.

Will be doing that this weekend. Friend of a Friend got it for ~21k OTD (middle Model).

I know Pilot and Odyssey are ~3k more expensive then their Toyota counterparts and Highlander fits around 25k.

But that all can change once I look (and drive) the CRV. What about the Rav4 ?

25k is roughly what i am looking for right now. If it is little higher (~27-28k) and I really like the Pilot/Odyssey better, then i might go and take the extra stretch. But obviously, if i Like the CRV (or maybe even Rav4) for ~20-21k, then those will be preferred (Pilot/Odyssey will go out then definately).

Also, I have NOT driven any of these vehicles...will be doing that this weekend.

 

[raildogg]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: raildogg
I have personally seen the interiors of the new 2007 CRVs and they are great. Just pure elegant and high quality. I can't comment on the ride however, since I have not driven it yet. The Odyssey seems more elegant than the Sienna, but is more expensive. The Pilot is also more expensive than the Highlander.

If you want to stay under 25K, then do not consider the Pilot. The Odyssey will be expensive as well. I would look at the CRV first.

Will be doing that this weekend. Friend of a Friend got it for ~21k OTD (middle Model).

I know Pilot and Odyssey are ~3k more expensive then their Toyota counterparts and Highlander fits around 25k.

But that all can change once I look (and drive) the CRV. What about the Rav4 ?

25k is roughly what i am looking for right now. If it is little higher (~27-28k) and I really like the Pilot/Odyssey better, then i might go and take the extra stretch. But obviously, if i Like the CRV (or maybe even Rav4) for ~20-21k, then those will be preferred (Pilot/Odyssey will go out then definately).

Also, I have NOT driven any of these vehicles...will be doing that this weekend.

Excellent. Please do drive all the vehicles at least once. There are minivans and SUVs from Hyundai/Kia that are cheaper and offer good warranties. Have you thought about those?

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: raildogg

Excellent. Please do drive all the vehicles at least once. There are minivans and SUVs from Hyundai/Kia that are cheaper and offer good warranties. Have you thought about those?

My father wont purchase any other vehicle other than Japanese

Price is not that much a big factor as long as it is ~25k. (we can even afford a BMW/Benz but want to stay in limits )

I wanted to give Explorer a try also but again, my father prefers only Japanese. I will also be looking into Nissan.

 

[Aimster]

we have a highlander and .... after sitting in a new pilot I have to say the pilot is better.

I would get a CR-V or a Pilot.

 

[DCFife]

I have a RAV4 (base 4x4, 4cyl) and it's a very nice ride. It's not the most luxurious vehicle I've been in, but it certainly gets the job done. I like the ride, it has some remarkable pick-em-up for 4cyl, and I guess the fuel economy could be worse - I consistently get 24.5-24.8mpg whether I drive it nice and easy or mash the gas pedal to the floor. The most important thing is that my wife likes it and she's looking forward to "taking" it from me when she starts her new job next month and has to start driving herself to work.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: Aimster
we have a highlander and .... after sitting in a new pilot I have to say the pilot is better.

I would get a CR-V or a Pilot.

Thanks for your input. How about between Highlander and CRV ? (added poll for this).
Pilot seems to be ~30k, so it will most probably fall out of my options list pretty soon.


DCFife, can you give some input on the 4-cyl RAV4 ? How is the acceleration ? Have you even taken it to a trip in the mountains ? How is the uphill climb ?

 

[DCFife]

Originally posted by: gsethi
DCFife, can you give some input on the 4-cyl RAV4 ? How is the acceleration ? Have you even taken it to a trip in the mountains ? How is the uphill climb ?

It accelerates amazingly well, even with adults in the back seat. It gets me up to freeway insertion speed good enough. Although I bought it in May, I still haven't taken it over to the mountains - so far mostly local errands and I drive it twice a week to work which is a 30 mile trip on I-95. I won't drive it in the mountains until we get some snow and I take the wife snowboarding.

The instrument pod seems to sit just a little too low for me (6'). I feel like I need to glance just a little too far downward to check the gauges. On the other hand it really gives you a good view out the windshield!

When I first got it I also wasn't used to having an enclosed cargo area (I was driving a Nissan Frontier Crew Cab before) so backing up was a bit of a strain for me with all of these tinted windows everywhere. The first week I had it I backed into a signpost in the Pentagon parking lot...whoops!

 

[RossMAN]

Unless you can wait for the newly redesigned Highlander, I'd get an 06 or 07 RAV4 with V6.

When I was seriously considering a Toyota RAV4, the Edmunds forums were extremely helpful:
http://www.carspace.com/csItemGroups/section.types/item.SUV

 

[gsethi]

when is the new redesigned Highlander coming out ? I would assume earliest would be 08 model in Spring on 07 ? (thats like 6 months away and prices will be high initially as dealers might not negotiate on it that much).

thanks for the edmund forums link. I will look into those.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: gsethi
when is the new redesigned Highlander coming out ? I would assume earliest would be 08 model in Spring on 07 ? (thats like 6 months away and prices will be high initially as dealers might not negotiate on it that much).

I think you're correct.

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef17022

http://forums.thecarlounge.net/zerothread?id=2515656

Originally posted by: gsethi
thanks for the edmund forums link. I will look into those.

[/quote]

You're welcome

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: gsethi
when is the new redesigned Highlander coming out ? I would assume earliest would be 08 model in Spring on 07 ? (thats like 6 months away and prices will be high initially as dealers might not negotiate on it that much).

I think you're correct.

http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ef17022

http://forums.thecarlounge.net/zerothread?id=2515656

Originally posted by: gsethi
thanks for the edmund forums link. I will look into those.

You're welcome [/quote]

I the new highlander takes it style from those computerized pictures, then i will definately hate it. I also hate the new redesigned Camry (even though i will soon see it every time i go on the freeway in the sf bay area).

Rav4 V6 looks good.....will be checking it out. Right now, the two main contendors are me are 07 CRV or RAV4 V6.

Might also give up on the highlander since with the new redesigned coming out within the next year, the current models will depreciate a lot faster.

List is getting shorter

 

[RossMAN]

I would still consider an 06 Highlander but only if you get a loss leader/clearance deal.

 

[Aimster]

I would get the 2007 CRV.

The only reason we got the Highlander was because of the 3rd row and safety. We couldn't afford the Pilot and the old CRV IMO sucked. It turned out we only used the 3rd row once and the safety.. well all cars are safe these days from Honda and Toyota.

If we had to do it all over again today we would have def. got the CRV.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would still consider an 06 Highlander but only if you get a loss leader/clearance deal.

over here in the SF bay area, where 50% of the cars on the roads are Japanese, it is very hard to get a loss leader.

There are tons of toyota/honda fanboys here (my father is one of them) who would not even look at any other car

our last car was a 03 Corolla (bought it in Feb 2002 - the week it was launched). I was lucky to get it for invoice price and had to drive 1.5hrs to get it. Almost every dealer was asking OVER MSRP on it back then .

Almost everyone is our family (aunt/uncles/counsins) drives a Toyota or a Honda (or their luxury counterparts)

If I was to purchase a Sedan today, It would be Maxima (i drive a 96 maxima and love it, thats why i am partial towards maxima) for a SUV, i would get an Explorer V8 or perhaps Escalade.

ah well, will go and atleast get a feeling of the pricing of all these vehicles this weekend to see what dealers in our area are asking..

wish car shopping was as easy as computer shopping....Stack those dell coupons
Ross..hope you are checking the outlet deals lately on the XPS laptops (hint hint )

 

[thomsbrain]

If three people can't fit into a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, I'm not sure what this world is coming to. Hell, you can even get the Accord with factory DVD entertainment these days. If you're going to drive that much, you'll appreciate the improved ride, handling, and fuel economy of a real car instead of a car-on-stilts or van.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would still consider an 06 Highlander but only if you get a loss leader/clearance deal.

over here in the SF bay area, where 50% of the cars on the roads are Japanese, it is very hard to get a loss leader.

There are tons of toyota/honda fanboys here (my father is one of them) who would not even look at any other car

our last car was a 03 Corolla (bought it in Feb 2002 - the week it was launched). I was lucky to get it for invoice price and had to drive 1.5hrs to get it. Almost every dealer was asking OVER MSRP on it back then .

Almost everyone is our family (aunt/uncles/counsins) drives a Toyota or a Honda (or their luxury counterparts)

If I was to purchase a Sedan today, It would be Maxima. for a SUV, i would get an Explorer V8 or perhaps Escalade.

ah well, will go and atleast get a feeling of the pricing of all these vehicles this weekend to see what dealers in our area are asking..

wish car shopping was as easy as computer shopping....Stack those dell coupons
Ross..hope you are checking the outlet deals lately on the XPS laptops (hint hint )

Not to start another import vs domestic flame war but I prefer Japanese because of reliability, safety and resale value.

Funny you mention laptops as I bought a brand new loaded Dell Inspiron E1405 for $865 last night because Dell had 30% off, 4% off, 2% off, $50 off and free shipping.

Core 2 Duo, 14.1" WXGA, 1GB, 120GB 5400RPM, DVD-RW, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, 1 yr warranty and a few accessories.

I'd like an XPS M1210 but they're never on sale

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: thomsbrain
If three people can't fit into a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, I'm not sure what this world is coming to. Hell, you can even get the Accord with factory DVD entertainment these days. If you're going to drive that much, you'll appreciate the improved ride, handling, and fuel economy of a real car instead of a car-on-stilts or van.

You have to understand that there can be other reasons for person to get a SUV/Mini-van.

we currently have a Corolla and a Maxima. We need a SUV/Mini-van b/c of my father's knee problem. While driving a Van/SUV, you are sitting higher and is easier getting in/out of the vehicle. In a car, since you are sitting down more, it is little harder for him to get in/out of the vehicle. That is the only reason we are looking for a SUV/Mini-van since he will be driving it most of the times.

My dad hates driving my Maxima b/c it sits lower than the corolla and he has a even harder time getting in/out of it.

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: RossMAN
I would still consider an 06 Highlander but only if you get a loss leader/clearance deal.

over here in the SF bay area, where 50% of the cars on the roads are Japanese, it is very hard to get a loss leader.

There are tons of toyota/honda fanboys here (my father is one of them) who would not even look at any other car

our last car was a 03 Corolla (bought it in Feb 2002 - the week it was launched). I was lucky to get it for invoice price and had to drive 1.5hrs to get it. Almost every dealer was asking OVER MSRP on it back then .

Almost everyone is our family (aunt/uncles/counsins) drives a Toyota or a Honda (or their luxury counterparts)

If I was to purchase a Sedan today, It would be Maxima. for a SUV, i would get an Explorer V8 or perhaps Escalade.

ah well, will go and atleast get a feeling of the pricing of all these vehicles this weekend to see what dealers in our area are asking..

wish car shopping was as easy as computer shopping....Stack those dell coupons
Ross..hope you are checking the outlet deals lately on the XPS laptops (hint hint )

Not to start another import vs domestic flame war but I prefer Japanese because of reliability, safety and resale value.

Funny you mention laptops as I bought a brand new loaded Dell Inspiron E1405 for $865 last night because Dell had 30% off, 4% off, 2% off, $50 off and free shipping.

Core 2 Duo, 14.1" WXGA, 1GB, 120GB 5400RPM, DVD-RW, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, 1 yr warranty and a few accessories.

I'd like an XPS M1210 but they're never on sale

i got an m1210 last week for ~93x.xx (including tax)
Core 2 duo 2.00Ghz
1gb ram
60gb HD
1yr warranty
AV Package (camera, microphone etc)
CD-RW/DVD-Rom Drive
Integrated graphics

Also got another m1210 for ~1200
Core 2 duo 2.00Ghz
2GB RAM
60gb HD
AV Package
DVD+RW drive
Nvidia 7400

The price difference b/t the two is ~300 b/c of:
Integrated graphics vs 7400 Go (~130)
CD-RW/DVD-Rom vs DVD+/-RW (~50)
1GB Ram vs 2GB Ram (~70)
6cell battery vs 9cell (~50)

I will be returning one of these (most probably the cheaper one). PM if you want it
It is time to retire my aging D600

 

[RossMAN]

Tempting but I'll keep my E1405 although I love the smaller M1210's size.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Tempting but I'll keep my E1405 although I love the smaller M1210's size.

can i say that the m1210 is the v6 rav4 while the e1405 is the highlander ??

why didnt you get the wxga+ screen on the e1405 ? if i were to pick a e1405, i would pick the wxga+ resolution only.

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Tempting but I'll keep my E1405 although I love the smaller M1210's size.

can i say that the m1210 is the v6 rav4 while the e1405 is the highlander ??

why didnt you get the wxga+ screen on the e1405 ? if i were to pick a e1405, i would pick the wxga+ resolution only.

Actually I did get WXGA+ TrueLife

After reading threads like this, it makes me wonder if I should cancel my order?

I LOVE my 700m's LCD and I'm worried the E1405 won't be as clear/bright/vibrant.

 

[gsethi]

Originally posted by: RossMAN

Originally posted by: gsethi

Originally posted by: RossMAN
Tempting but I'll keep my E1405 although I love the smaller M1210's size.

can i say that the m1210 is the v6 rav4 while the e1405 is the highlander ??

why didnt you get the wxga+ screen on the e1405 ? if i were to pick a e1405, i would pick the wxga+ resolution only.

Actually I did get WXGA+ TrueLife

After reading threads like this, it makes me wonder if I should cancel my order?

I LOVE my 700m's LCD and I'm worried the E1405 won't be as clear/bright/vibrant.

dont know about the E1405's screen but the D620's WXGA+ screen really sucks. I got a D620 also but after trying to use it for couple of hours, it was really hurting my eyes. Definately stay away from the D620 but I dont know about the E1405 though.

the 700m's LCD was really great and the M1210 screen is the same, if not better.

 

[Nocturnal]

What about the Honda Element? That thing decked out is around 23k. It's a beast and is similar in nature to the CRV. If you have the $ to spend, the Pilot is really nice but you can expect to spend around $30k at least.