Nubee questions

[brewskie]

Hi, my name is Rob and I am from Winnipeg. I posted first on the intro thread but thought I would move things here. I have been doing some research into the models and have been narrowing things down a little. I am interested in a really clean low km (50,000ish) seven seater with either the low or the high roof (without the funky moon roofs), definitely the winter option and possibly a manual transmission. I have noticed that the majority of owners choose the auto trans, any reason why? I also prefer the sliding rear windows. Which model do you guys think these options would fall into and total price range?

Thanks in advance

Rob

[delicat]

Hi Rob,

Most important, the auto transmission is because it's better for Hwy as the RPM is lower in the auto than on the manual so the auto can go faster and more economical. I know it's different then what we're used to but that's just the way it is...

Low roof, high roof it's up to you. High roof without the crystallight (the funny roof windows) will give you better headroom and has less chance to have the moonroof (can anyone confirm?). The low roof might have the moonroof.

Winter package is often found on Chamonix version but those are the 8 seaters. Also found on SuperExceed but those have the funny roof windows... Also available on other models but hit and miss as it was one of the many options.

Model made after Aug. '91 will have 3 points seat belts at the back while earlier models won't. They also have 3rd brake light, side impact...

Very low KM not necessary, better find one that has been well maintained. I wouldn't shy away from 100 to 130km...

Price here in Vancouver area start from $6000 to $14000 or so.

Hope this help.

[quadzilla]

Hi Rob,

Gearing is a little lower with the manual transmission, so fuel economy is a little lower - although not much. Also, it seems that there are just a lot more autos than manuals out there, and as such, they are easier to come by. I have a manual, and love it. At 110 kph, I am running around 3100 rpms, which is probably 2-300 more than an auto, hence the reduced fuel economy. That said, I am averaging around 11.6 L / 100 km right now with a combination of city and highway driving.

Price range is all over the shop -are you importing yourself, buying from a dealer who provides vehicles without service, or vehicle's with all of the work done? Total price will vary depending on the purchase route you take. For example, you can get a van, with inspection, and all compliancing for around 10K. With all the work done, add another 3-4K. Check out Craigslist http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/ in Vancouver - quite a few vans posted there - should give you an idea of price. There are a few for sale on this forum, too.

In general, low roof is less than high roof, with the high roof with crystal light windows a little more.

Good luck with your search.

[brewskie]

I plan on getting one from a recommended importer and having it checked from top to bottom for anything that needs to be replaced. Last thing I want is to drive all the way home to Winnipeg and have something go wrong and be stuck.

My family and I are heading to the lower mainland in early April to visit family. I plan on having a look at a few and hopefully giving a few for a drive. A fellow Winnipeger purchased from Maximum Overdrive (I think that is what they are called) and was very pleased by there service.

So how reliable are these vans. Once the vans have been serviced well when they are first imported, are they generally good to go for a long while. Can I change the oil easily on my own. Can I get oil filters from my local Mitsu dealer etc etc etc..............

I should mention that I am not an off roader, we spend alot of time bombing down gravel roads in the summer with either a canoe or bikes on the roof. In the winter its cross county ski gear and driving snow packed roads. Now with a one year old, I think we have pushed the old civic to its maximum.

Thanks for all the advice so far. Keep it coming.

Rob