Vehicle needs have changed - opinions on these?

[LazyDog]

Early this spring, I posted a question regarding what vehicle to pick when replacing the 4 door sedan from the wife. Well Covid 19 got here and it has totally change our needs, we booth have some serious health issues and need to keep a distance from others. We mainly used the car for short trips that we can make it home w/ out using any of the facilities on the road.

My needs for this vehicle is to accommodate a portable toilet and some sleeping. Base on these choices here are some of the choices that come to mind:
1 Minivan, Sienna
2.Ford Transit Connect
3. Ram Promaster City
4. Nissan NV200
5. Chevy City Express

If you own or have some experiences w/ choices 2-5, please let me know. I am not that familiar w/ this choices they seem to have the room that I need.

 

[spasm3]

Have you considered a small mini motor home, say 24ft. Those have running water, toilet and fridge.

Something like this, or even less if you look for a bit older.

https://rockford.craigslist.org/rvs/d/rockford-2010-jayco-melbourne-26ft/7169541872.html

Here is an older one for $14500

https://madison.craigslist.org/rvs/d/mazomanie-1998-cheyenne-25-motorhome/7171622571.html

 

[LazyDog]

The RV's choice was also taken into consideration but we have no parking space for this type of vehicle. If the wife enjoys, the trips w/ the small vehicle, we might consider upgrading to this type of choices.

 

[mrsilv04]

4 and 5 are the same vehicle, which is made by Nissan.

 

[LazyDog]

4 and 5 are the same vehicle, which is made by Nissan.

Thanks, I was not aware of this!

 

[mrsilv04]

Another option if money is not an issue...

https://madison.craigslist.org/rvs/d/new-glarus-2015-roadtrek-agile-ss/7170940970.html

 

[Danno]

Sienna would have the most room, and tops in reliability imo.
The other choices are what I would call funky commercial vans, to be avoided imo, again.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Are you buying brand new, or used? The new 2021 Sienna is a 4-cylinder hybrid, which should get great gas mileage and have power down low due to the electric motor.

Toyota offered a 4-cylinder Sienna in 2011-2012. Much easier to work on than a transverse V6 (which are almost always impossible to work on)

 

[Danno]

Another option if money is not an issue...

https://madison.craigslist.org/rvs/d/new-glarus-2015-roadtrek-agile-ss/7170940970.html

Having run a fleet of 400 Sprinters, and talking with MB techs that maintain Sprinters, this would be a no if it was my money.
Just stay away.

 

[sloinker]

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/605505913728935/

 

[LazyDog]

Are you buying brand new, or used? The new 2021 Sienna is a 4-cylinder hybrid, which should get great gas mileage and have power down low due to the electric motor.

Toyota offered a 4-cylinder Sienna in 2011-2012. Much easier to work on than a transverse V6 (which are almost always impossible to work on)

I am buying used van, I do like the 2008-2010 Sienna w/ 4 cylinder if I can find a nice one. They also have a trans dipstick which is a plus.
The 2012 are also nice depending on what I find.

 

[LazyDog]

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/605505913728935/

My cousin in Florida has something similar on the field for nap taking, it has not moved since the 70's.

 

[Nick1994]

I think the Transit Connect has the same junk transmission as the Focus.

I'd pick a Chevy Express or a standard minivan over the delivery vehicles.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I think the Transit Connect has the same junk transmission as the Focus.

I'd pick a Chevy Express or a standard minivan over the delivery vehicles.

The Transit Connect does not use a DCT. It uses a regular automatic.

 

[dogememe]

The newer Transit Connects are very reliable. It uses a real automatic. I'd recommend that. I know multiple people with these including some close friends and no trouble with the transmission or anything else. Battery is definitely a little annoying to change though!!

 

[wag123]

I am buying used van, I do like the 2008-2010 Sienna w/ 4 cylinder if I can find a nice one. They also have a trans dipstick which is a plus.
The 2012 are also nice depending on what I find.

The 2008-2010 Siennas are the second (previous) generation. The second generation is what I own, it has been VERY reliable and durable. They only used a V/6 engine in the second generation.
DO NOT buy a 4-cylinder in a third generation 2011-2012 Sienna! I rented one for a week. The van is too heavy and WAY underpowered with a 4-cylinder. Not only that, they don't get any better gas mileage than the V/6 because the poor little engine has to work so hard. Having said that, you can get a deal on one with the 4-cylinder because nobody wants them.

 

[Gene K]

Having run a fleet of 400 Sprinters, and talking with MB techs that maintain Sprinters, this would be a no if it was my money.
Just stay away.

I actually thought the 2001-2006 vehicle was pretty decent. Went downhill fast after the feds tightened the screws.

 

[Danno]

I actually thought the 2001-2006 vehicle was pretty decent. Went downhill fast after the feds tightened the screws.

The 5 cylinder may have been ok, but that one is long gone.
I started buying the 2009 Dodge Sprinters - no DEF, then they switched to MB branding in 2011, with DEF.
The 2009s were better but the rust problems were really bad. Looked like no corrosion protection on the sheet metal.
$500 oil changes gets old in a hurry when you need 229.51 oil, OE oil filter and OE fuel filters. Didn't want to experiment with aftermarket filters.
The 2011 and newer had, DEF system issues, upper manifold air valve issues ($4000 repair), Exhaust down pipe issues ($2500), and every drive axle needed to be replaced at 80,000 miles ($1200).
Most of these were dealer only repairs as they have the scanners that are exclusive to MB, unless you want to spend the annual $10,000 fee.
My total cost of ownership, per mile, was about 40% less with the E350 Ford Gas 5.4L.

 

[LazyDog]

Thanks very one for all the replies, it seems that I have plenty of home work.

 

[Creekside]

In the forklift world most technicians use vans as service trucks. I have heard very good things about the Nissan. The Transit has been pretty reliable but my understanding is they’re gutless with a load.