Mini Man if you need a Minivan?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Mini Man if you need a Minivan?
Problem - more kids on the way (total will be 3). Do I go practical for a loaded Toyota Siena Minivan or go more rugged with a full size SUV?
I would like to hear your thoughts from those that already have 3 or more kids and need to use that 3rd row for child seating, but still needs cargo space for the strollers, etc...behind the 3rd row seating.
The full size Toyota Sequoia is nice, but it is not appealing to me and is outdated. The Land Cruiser is nice and although outdated is expensive as heck for a Toyota. I have a GX already w/3rd row, but the GX is still considered a MID-SIZE SUV and there is no room to put anything behind these 3rd row seats. The LX470 is just expensive and overpriced if you want a full size SUV.
Your best deals for full Size SUVS are the new Chevey Tahoe and GMC Yukon / Yukon Denalis. The revamps for this year looks good, the problem is will it be tough as heck to get 3 kids situated easily in a large SUV as opposed to a Minivan?
Thanks again for your help.
I would like to hear your thoughts from those that already have 3 or more kids and need to use that 3rd row for child seating, but still needs cargo space for the strollers, etc...behind the 3rd row seating.
The full size Toyota Sequoia is nice, but it is not appealing to me and is outdated. The Land Cruiser is nice and although outdated is expensive as heck for a Toyota. I have a GX already w/3rd row, but the GX is still considered a MID-SIZE SUV and there is no room to put anything behind these 3rd row seats. The LX470 is just expensive and overpriced if you want a full size SUV.
Your best deals for full Size SUVS are the new Chevey Tahoe and GMC Yukon / Yukon Denalis. The revamps for this year looks good, the problem is will it be tough as heck to get 3 kids situated easily in a large SUV as opposed to a Minivan?
Thanks again for your help.
Minivan. I loved it when I rented the Sienna for a weekend trip from L.A. to Napa Valley. It has a lot of bells and whistles that you wouldn't expect from a minivan. Easier access to the backseats and plenty of cargo room. It's also great in hauling up to seven adults, not just kids. Definately get the Limited if you're thinking about it. Not as rugged as an SUV but I doubt you'll be taking the kids off-road everyday. A little better gas mileage as well.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,466
Likes: 14
From: Cali
I'd go for the Sienna or an Odyssey. Better ride, easier to get in & out of, better economy...
I have friends with both vehicles; both are great. I prefer the styling of the Odyssey a little,
and the Touring edition has TONS of stuff on it.
Frankly, there are so many soccer moms driving SUVs I'd feel like a bigger douche driving an SUV.
Give me the van any day. I could lower it a little and change the wheels...
I have friends with both vehicles; both are great. I prefer the styling of the Odyssey a little,
and the Touring edition has TONS of stuff on it.
Frankly, there are so many soccer moms driving SUVs I'd feel like a bigger douche driving an SUV.
Give me the van any day. I could lower it a little and change the wheels...
Lexus Champion
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,175
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Originally Posted by SoCalSC4
I'd go for the Sienna or an Odyssey. Better ride, easier to get in & out of, better economy...
Frankly, there are so many soccer moms driving SUVs I'd feel like a bigger douche driving an SUV.
Give me the van any day. I could lower it a little and change the wheels...
Frankly, there are so many soccer moms driving SUVs I'd feel like a bigger douche driving an SUV.
Give me the van any day. I could lower it a little and change the wheels...
Go ahead and get a minivan - for all the reasons aforementioned by others. But especially due to the above. In my opinion, unless you need a SUV, say for towing, there's no point in getting one. The van will ride better, be more fuel efficient, accomodate more people, and cost far less than a big SUV w/ comparable interior (the Sienna has a nice interior - esp in Limited trim).
M.
Go for the minivan. It is much more practical. We almost got a Sienna this year but some plans changed so we had to adjust. Go check one out. Look at the Limited Sienna. Toyota could almost badge it a Lexus.
+1 on the van action. Dude, I don't even have kids, but I bought a Previa for a DD. Why? More interior room, better economy, and I wanna tune it VIP style (do a google on VIP Estimas for examples).
SUVs are obnoxious unless you tow alot and go offroad/camping. That said, I wouldn't drive a minivan unless it was a Previa, a 2nd-gen SIenna, or a newer Odyssey.
SUVs are obnoxious unless you tow alot and go offroad/camping. That said, I wouldn't drive a minivan unless it was a Previa, a 2nd-gen SIenna, or a newer Odyssey.
Trending Topics
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: California
Ody owner right here!!
My wife and I find our 03' Ody very pratical....we have 4 kids and w/power sliding doors and all the gadgets that these vans come with nowadays, the boys can get themselves loaded in easily. Not to mention rear entertainment and endless audio possibilities 
. Also, I know it's not a sports car, but it's pretty damn fast for a van..hehe
-Craig
. Also, I know it's not a sports car, but it's pretty damn fast for a van..hehe -Craig
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles
Michael S. Palmer
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4
Joe Kucinski
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
8 Tips for Improving Your Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid's Efficiency!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Best Lexus Models No One Remembers
Joe Kucinski
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally Posted by PhilipMSPT
Minivan. I loved it when I rented the Sienna for a weekend trip from L.A. to Napa Valley. It has a lot of bells and whistles that you wouldn't expect from a minivan. Easier access to the backseats and plenty of cargo room. It's also great in hauling up to seven adults, not just kids. Definately get the Limited if you're thinking about it. Not as rugged as an SUV but I doubt you'll be taking the kids off-road everyday. A little better gas mileage as well.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally Posted by PureDrifter
psst, the sequia is more recent than the dated landcruiser.
and honestly, with three kids, you WILL like the minivan.
no nissan armada in consideration?
and honestly, with three kids, you WILL like the minivan.
no nissan armada in consideration?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally Posted by SoCalSC4
I'd go for the Sienna or an Odyssey. Better ride, easier to get in & out of, better economy...
I have friends with both vehicles; both are great. I prefer the styling of the Odyssey a little,
and the Touring edition has TONS of stuff on it.
Frankly, there are so many soccer moms driving SUVs I'd feel like a bigger douche driving an SUV.
Give me the van any day. I could lower it a little and change the wheels...
I have friends with both vehicles; both are great. I prefer the styling of the Odyssey a little,
and the Touring edition has TONS of stuff on it.
Frankly, there are so many soccer moms driving SUVs I'd feel like a bigger douche driving an SUV.
Give me the van any day. I could lower it a little and change the wheels...
I noticed you are located in the OC. I am moving there later this year, so which local Toyota or Honda dealer would you recommend? Thanks again!
Warning! The Armada is junk. (And that is coming from an Infiniti/Nissan owner!)
If you are looking for a full size SUV there are probably better options for that much money... I can't believe I'm saying this, but take a look at the new Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon.
My brother has the Odyssey as do a few others I know and they all rave about it... if I had to get a minivan that would be very high on the list.
If you are looking for a full size SUV there are probably better options for that much money... I can't believe I'm saying this, but take a look at the new Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon.
My brother has the Odyssey as do a few others I know and they all rave about it... if I had to get a minivan that would be very high on the list.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
Originally Posted by ShadyJC
Warning! The Armada is junk. (And that is coming from an Infiniti/Nissan owner!)
If you are looking for a full size SUV there are probably better options for that much money... I can't believe I'm saying this, but take a look at the new Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon.
My brother has the Odyssey as do a few others I know and they all rave about it... if I had to get a minivan that would be very high on the list.
If you are looking for a full size SUV there are probably better options for that much money... I can't believe I'm saying this, but take a look at the new Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon.
My brother has the Odyssey as do a few others I know and they all rave about it... if I had to get a minivan that would be very high on the list.
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,423
Likes: 0
From: CA
I just checked out the Sienna Limited Website again and it is luxuirous and has everything you need for kids. It looks nice too. I don't think I should put 20" rims on the SUV, but it still looks good. What still is a drawback is the 215 HP engine which seems week, but I guess I have to drive it and find out for myself.
I also should get a dark color to make it look like a coolor minivan.
I also should get a dark color to make it look like a coolor minivan.
The Odyssey has more HP but it is also a little heavier. I think the Sienna has a slight advantage in feel being lighter and having the torque come on sooner. Since we already have an MDX, the Odyssey was just not in play for us. When my wife test drove the Sienna (I did not), she remarked that the Sienna drove more like a car and the suspension was smoother like a car. She has driven the MDX since 02 and she noticed the difference right away. Granted, the MDX is not as truck like as some other SUVs out there, but the difference was still noticeable.
Go sit in an Sienna. The fit and finish is pretty nice.
Go sit in an Sienna. The fit and finish is pretty nice.