Not sure what your point is. My family needs one car which is ultra-reliable, so we never even considered cars with 120,000. And we didn't buy a Honda. Not having to repair another car myself (two is plenty) and not having to bother with local mechanics has a lot of value to me. If you value your time and the hassle of breaking down and getting the car to a shop, buying a new Toyota can be very attractive. I am not telling others what to do. I am simply sharing the factors that I considered. Not to mention, there is a lot of value to the peace of mind that comes from having your family in a very safe and reliable car for at least most of their driving. This offsets the times when I take the kids in my '68.

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1968 220D, w115, /8, OM615, Automatic transmission.
My 1987 300TD wagon was sold and my 2003 W210 E320 wagon was totaled (sheds tear).

I would lean towards a minivan with a known sound long lasting automatic transmission. At least a couple of manufactures seem to have fairly serious issues with them.

I have heard that both the Chrysler products and Honda minivans are questionable in this regard. Actually a friend of mine got a Hyundia minivan many years ago and it has stood up surprisingly well for him. All things considered for the price. I am not even sure they make them anymore.

I agree that older Chryslers (and mid 2000's Honda's) had trans. issues. Difference being that Honda dealers were much more likely to either fix it out of warranty or help you with the cost...I'm under the impression that its a corporate thing - I wouldn't be afraid to buy a Honda now.

The Hyundai minivan was only during the late 2000's, and is mechanically similar to the Kia Sedona of the same year (3.8L V6, 5spd auto...)

Chrysler is marketing their Promaster (aka Fiat Ducato) in the US, which is available with a 4cyl (Isuzu) diesel and a dual clutch automatic - a bit larger than a minivan but would do the job. Only available for the last year or two so there wont be many on the used market (yet).

-John

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2009 Kia Sedona
2009 Honda Odyssey EX-L
12006 Jetta Pumpe Duse
(insert Mercedes here)

Husband, Father, sometimes friend =)

My "driveway" would eat up a mini-van in months. So, no.

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

I believe the mazda5 is available with a stick.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Too bad the Dodge tranz's are piles of garbage, the new van actually looks like I wouldn't be embarrassed to drive..........as a rental of course.

Just picked up a used Fiat Doblo.
1.9 Turbo Diesel..Heavy Duty suspension.

Stick...all the torque and power I need over here across the pond.

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CHILCUTT~
The secret to a long life. Is knowing when it is time to leave.

Chill, please take that engine cover off and show us, tell us all the details about this fiat diesel.

2nd Generation vehicle assembled in VietNam.
Has the 1.9 JTD-Multi-Jet,direct injection Turbo Diesel engine, puts out 104 hp...0-60 in 11.3 seconds.

The differance between commonrail and Multi-Jet is the combustion of feul, which is split into multiple injections allowing more complete combustion into the cylinder.
The 1st Generation JTD engines only featured a smaller pilot and a larger main injection-Multi Jet is capable of up to five injections per combustion cycle which enables better more efficient cold running, better performance in the lower rev-range, quieter operation, lower feul consumption and emmisions and higher performance.

This one has a six speed manual, upgraded sound system, parking sensors, adjustable headlights, Blue &Me hands off phone connection with a Tom Tom satellite navigation dock, front fog lights, air-con..all standard issue.
The ride is superbly comfortable thanks to the multi-link rear suspension.
As far as style..this one trys to ape the Citreon..but doesnt quite achieve that vans level in the looks department.

Will try to get some photos when I have some free time.

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CHILCUTT~
The secret to a long life. Is knowing when it is time to leave.

Yes but under one condition, diesel. Chrysler makes one but is not sold in US. What a shame.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.