Keep or buy used

Oh OK, then drive the mini until the wheels fall off, and get you another one. It really comes down to whether YOU think the minivan is worth to fix or buy another that you like more.............I will give an example......

About 9 years ago, I was in the market for a 3\4 ton Suburban. I found what would be probably in the top 1% in condition, a 99 K2500 7.4 4x4 SLT. At the time, used cars were not as ridiculous as they are now......anyway I paid about 5000 over book for the truck becasue of its condition, records, and the like.......did I screw myself with paying a higher price? Well, at the time, a new one (2014) in the same trim was about $60000 and had a few creature comforts that my dinosaur GMT400 burb did not have, but a sixth of the price..........I still have the Burb to this day, and will likely never sell it, runs like a top, an without most of the BS in todays trucks. Did I get a good deal, or make the right choice, maybe.

If efficiency is the name of the game, and the size of the passengers dont matter, trade in the minivan and get a civic. If comfort and space plus efficiency is the name of the game............who knows.

Assuming the van is in good working order, and you OWN it, I suppose the "efficiency" has more to do with cost of operation than MPG.........bunch to decide. All and all, the Japanese makers you mentioned in your OP are "better" as far a reviews are concerned, but that is subjective I suppose.

The total cost I think is what efficiency is, not just the MPG. Is it worht buying a new van for 50K if you own the one you are in? NO! You can buy a bunch of gas for 50k..................sorry this might not be what you are looking for, but just my 2 cents.

Also not hating on minivan ownership, though I think that they have a niche and to me are about worthless in the grand scheme of things.
I'm not the OP and I drive a large SUV, but I would consider a minivan in the future if the price was right. The primary metric for me is that I'm 6'7" 300 and I need something that is comfortable to drive. From the driver's position, the Sienna is most comfortable for me.

I have ridden in the 2nd row of a minivan in the recent past and it was fine. The reason for my response was your quip that you need a large SUV if you have larger kids. If the 6'7" guy can sit in the 2nd row of a minivan then it's certainly comfortable enough for bigger kids.

For the time being I have made the same calculation as you, i.e., I can buy a lot of gas for what a good used minivan costs. When I wear the wheels off the Navi, the answer may be different than it was this time. 10 year old Expeditions and Navigators are back to being cheap so it's hard to argue for a minivan over those. I'm seeing them under 10K a lot now. What would make the difference is if I could get a hybrid minivan for a good price, I've seen the Uber drivers with those getting 35MPG. Almost three times the mileage might sway me vs large SUV mileage, to up my used car budget. I could care less about towing, as I never do.

I would never consider a used suburban with a big block for a daily driver, even if it only had 10 miles off the factory floor and it was free, but to each their own.

I would definitely like to have a squarebody big block Suburban as a weekend vehicle, but that's a different story.
 
With 3 vehicles, I'd refresh the transmission fluid a couple times and then run it until there's a real obvious problem, and in the meantime, if you see a screaming deal on a van your want, get it and sell this one. Also get a newer driver seat at the wreckers, maybe upgrade a trim level or two? Mismatched front seats is fine with me anyways.
 
With 3 vehicles, I'd refresh the transmission fluid a couple times and then run it until there's a real obvious problem, and in the meantime, if you see a screaming deal on a van your want, get it and sell this one. Also get a newer driver seat at the wreckers, maybe upgrade a trim level or two? Mismatched front seats is fine with me anyways.
I've done 2 drain and fills and it didn't seem to make a difference. It slowly getting worse. Yesterday I went to take off from our subdivision and it helped hard enough to spin the tires. The down shifts are also getting harsher and harsher. I know a subpar transmission can last awhile. I guess I'm Leary of it since we drive it about 25k a year and use a van for our long trips. The fear of it leaving us somewhere far from home is a concern. Definitely going to be patient and hope a great deal comes up. Doesn't have to be newer or an upgrade but a better condition and quality vehicle would be nice .
 
I'm not the OP and I drive a large SUV, but I would consider a minivan in the future if the price was right. The primary metric for me is that I'm 6'7" 300 and I need something that is comfortable to drive. From the driver's position, the Sienna is most comfortable for me.

I have ridden in the 2nd row of a minivan in the recent past and it was fine. The reason for my response was your quip that you need a large SUV if you have larger kids. If the 6'7" guy can sit in the 2nd row of a minivan then it's certainly comfortable enough for bigger kids.

For the time being I have made the same calculation as you, i.e., I can buy a lot of gas for what a good used minivan costs. When I wear the wheels off the Navi, the answer may be different than it was this time. 10 year old Expeditions and Navigators are back to being cheap so it's hard to argue for a minivan over those. I'm seeing them under 10K a lot now. What would make the difference is if I could get a hybrid minivan for a good price, I've seen the Uber drivers with those getting 35MPG. Almost three times the mileage might sway me vs large SUV mileage, to up my used car budget. I could care less about towing, as I never do.

I would never consider a used suburban with a big block for a daily driver, even if it only had 10 miles off the factory floor and it was free, but to each their own.

I would definitely like to have a squarebody big block Suburban as a weekend vehicle, but that's a different story.
must have messup up some where, and missunderstood some posts sorry. My "daily driver is a 3500 work truck so I get it. My suburban is the weekend warrior sometimes........I have a couple to choose from fortunately. Ever think a bout a conversion van? They are cool also, anywya good luck
 
This thread reminds me why I manual transmission swapped suburbans.

Depending onnwho does the work it can still end up cheaper if you can find and fab parts. (suburbans we’re under $500 all in)
 
Not for nothing, but I once bought a Subie with a finicky trans at around 175k miles, IIRC. I gave it to my sister around 50k miles later and it was definitely more finicky, but still working just fine and 100% reliable. YMMV

What I do know is finicky transmissions tank resale value.
 
try to baby it a bit longer and stick to the car a bit longer

btw, i'm having currently issue with my transmission in '17 Accord, but its transmission could die tomorrow or lets say in another 200K miles;

so no-one knows, so in your case, I would stick to the car somewhat longer

GL
 
We're not living 30-40 years ago. Also, a quick google search pulls up facts. A difference of a mere 2%, maybe a max of 5% difference between now and 1980. Here's a separate BTS.GOV data link as well.
I was just mentioning that since there's only 2 drivers and 3 (at least) vehicles in the household.
No need dumping extra $$ on a car that's hardly used.
 
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I've done 2 drain and fills and it didn't seem to make a difference. It slowly getting worse. Yesterday I went to take off from our subdivision and it helped hard enough to spin the tires. The down shifts are also getting harsher and harsher. I know a subpar transmission can last awhile. I guess I'm Leary of it since we drive it about 25k a year and use a van for our long trips. The fear of it leaving us somewhere far from home is a concern. Definitely going to be patient and hope a great deal comes up. Doesn't have to be newer or an upgrade but a better condition and quality vehicle would be nice .
Yeah, getting broke down with a full van far from home isn't great... Maybe ask around if there is a local Dodge minivan transmission specialist guy? I guess it was a few years ago now, but in my city there was a guy who basically did 2000's caravan transmission repairs and swaps, and could have a trans swapped in, in some ridiculously quick time. He'd have a couple rebuilt and ready to go.
 
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