Pls recommend a van.

[Adiaposus]

I am giving up my 2003 Mits Spacegear (A/T) and I would like to buy a brand new van of similar size to it (also A/T). Starex is too big, as I very seldom carry more than 4 passengers (including driver), and the new van should be a bit practical as alternative daily ride but should accommodate at least 7 passengers plus their weekend bags and stuff. I also have a Fortuner 2.7, which for me is very impractical for a daily ride but have to use it. Budget is 1.3M.

What would you recommend? TIA.

[slamm]

Carnival perhaps? A relative has a 2009 LWB version and they're happy with the comfort and performance.

Also had that 2003 Spacegear 2.4L gas before... sakit sa ulo. If only it had the 2.8L 4M40 diesel engine, it would have been much better.

[Verbl Kint]

I would go with the Carnival as well (it's an 8-seater). For around 1.2M, you get a 2.9L CRDi with a Turbo Intercooler. Has great seats at the back which can be removed to turn your van into a hauler, if need be.

[peternato9]

If I were you I will go for Suzuki APV van 1.6AT 7 seater is only 810T. madali i park at lumusot sa eskinita dahil small van lang.

[Juan_1]

A Kia Carnival or Carens.

Not as big as a Starex, Known for it's comfort and easier to drive in the city.

[Adiaposus]

Thanks, guys. Your opinions enforce my first choice for the Carnival. This mpv exudes some classy (luxurious) appearance (especially the black) which I also consider for the van (or MPV). It claims more than 12km/li (is this for real?) average, which not bad for a big luxury mpv.

Carens is rather small and doesnt look corporate. Sorry, Suzuki mpv is no-no for me.

@Verbal Kint: I am a bit confused with the local infos. Are all Carnival models turbo diesel and A/T (which I prefer)? Sorry I haven't visited the casa, but do the rear seats fold flat? I saw a picture of the carnival with the 3rd row seat that folds and sinks into the hollow on the floor behind it. Very neat! Do our local models have the same seat mechanism? A local website says it doesnt have keyless entry and alarm immobilizer? These are preferred. It doesnt have on-board computer either it says, which i think is an advantage, so that can do.

@Slamm: Yes, the Spacegear, which I purchased from Citimotors, already replaced servo control early this year, leaked transmission fluids (lousy mechanical assembly, casa recommends taking down the whole transmission and stuff just to replace a cheap little o-ring), and busted aircon.

[peternato9]

carnival? good luck with your FC i hope you own a gas station

[slamm]

Are all Carnival models turbo diesel and A/T (which I prefer)? Sorry I haven't visited the casa, but do the rear seats fold flat? I saw a picture of the carnival with the 3rd row seat that folds and sinks into the hollow on the floor behind it. Very neat! Do our local models have the same seat mechanism? A local website says it doesnt have keyless entry and alarm immobilizer? These are preferred. It doesnt have on-board computer either it says, which i think is an advantage, so that can do.

The LWB (Long Wheel Base) version of the Carnival has the fold flat rearmost seats. The power doors and rear tailgate consumes battery power quite a bit if you operate this often; the advice is to use it with the engine running as much as possible to help prolong battery life. The A/T version comes standard on the LWB i think while the m/t is on the SWB.

carnival? good luck with your FC i hope you own a gas station

What's the model of your Carnival and the FC? The one my Tito uses does 6-7km/L in the city and 10-12km/L on the highway (diesel)... depending on load and traffic conditions; it's a 2009 LWB diesel a/t. Nothing great but it aint a guzzler either... it could be better but we can live with it (a guzzler for me when it comes to big cars is less than 6km/L city and less than 10km/L highway).

[K.I.L.L.]

Mmm... If you want to go practical, the basic Innova diesel with power package is less than 1m. Mileage is fantastic, it's comfortable and seats 7 and is based on the hilux chassis so you have a bit a ground clearance.

If you want a van, the Previa is nice and luxurious though it might go over your budget. I have drien it and if I remember correctly, it was based on the Camry XV30 chassis. There's also the Chevrolet Orlando which is around your budget and the Montero sport though this one wold go over I think.

Good luck!

[Adiaposus]

Mmm... If you want to go practical, the basic Innova diesel with power package is less than 1m. Mileage is fantastic, it's comfortable and seats 7 and is based on the hilux chassis so you have a bit a ground clearance.

If you want a van, the Previa is nice and luxurious though it might go over your budget. I have drien it and if I remember correctly, it was based on the Camry XV30 chassis. There's also the Chevrolet Orlando which is around your budget and the Montero sport though this one wold go over I think.

Good luck!

Kids are not liking the Innova, which I myself think is not spacious enough for these hyperactive bundles of joy.

Im considering replacing the Fortuner na rin and looking at the Montero and the new-look Santa Fe... or another Fortuner of a different shade. Im not keen about a Chevrolet.