Vans: ripdown Odyssey or loaded other????

MarathonMama · Jul 23, 2010

I would looooooooove to have a Honda Odyssey ... we've been dreaming about one for years, but it's never been in the budget! We bought a fully loaded Kia Rondo which was perfect for a family of 4 (even though it has the 3rd row) but now that we have 3 kids it's a constant screamfest

Our '04 Chevy will need to be replaced sometime in the near future and I'm hoping to replace it with a van.

Should we consider a rip down Odyssey (aka base model) or a fully loaded (or whatever suits our needs) Kia Sedona?

What would the price difference be, really? Would I be disappointed if I got something other than what I really want?

MySillyKids · Jul 23, 2010

I have an ody myself. I love it. It's a 2005 touring. love. it. My friend has a kia sedona, it's a nice van also! If you do get one, get one with a longer wheel base. (so you get a trunk!)

Maggie · Jul 23, 2010

Would the base model Odyssey have power sliding doors?

That for me would be a deal breaker. If I really wanted an Odyssey but could only afford a base model without power sliders, I'd go with something else. I'd rather have a loaded Sedona with power sliders than a base Odyssey with manual doors.

I know that isn't a huge deal to everyone but I will never be without power sliders again. I love being able to close the doors while holding DD2 and DD3, groceries, diapers bags and a purse.

jourdysmom · Jul 23, 2010

Maggie said:
Would the base model Odyssey have power sliding doors?

That for me would be a deal breaker. If I really wanted an Odyssey but could only afford a base model without power sliders, I'd go with something else. I'd rather have a loaded Sedona with power sliders than a base Odyssey with manual doors.

I know that isn't a huge deal to everyone but I will never be without power sliders again. I love being able to close the doors while holding DD2 and DD3, groceries, diapers bags and a purse.

:yeahthat: I totally agree! When our sliders bit the dust on the old van we traded it in. I would go with whatever fits your budget... An Ody will never be in ours, new or used

MarathonMama · Jul 23, 2010

Maggie said:
Would the base model Odyssey have power sliding doors?

That for me would be a deal breaker. If I really wanted an Odyssey but could only afford a base model without power sliders, I'd go with something else. I'd rather have a loaded Sedona with power sliders than a base Odyssey with manual doors.

I know that isn't a huge deal to everyone but I will never be without power sliders again. I love being able to close the doors while holding DD2 and DD3, groceries, diapers bags and a purse.

Good point! I've just never had the luxury

so I didn't even think about that!

I guess my main concern is longevity. With a Kia you'll have to drive it into the ground as you won't get any resale value like you would a Honda.

catchthewind · Jul 23, 2010

We really wanted an Odyssey or Sienna, but after test driving a few, we settled on a Kia Sedona. In our price range (which was low), we could only afford much older, base model Odysseys/Siennas, but ended up with a nice 2003 Sedona with lots of features we like. We're quite happy with it, and got an awesome deal on it. It's certainly no Odyssey, and we've had a few little things go wrong with it, but for what we paid it's a nice van that will do what we want (last us a few years until we can afford a newer Odyssey or Sienna). If you have your heart set on an Odyssey specifically, maybe go with that. If there are certain features that are more important than a make, you might prefer to look at a different make.

teekadog · Jul 23, 2010

Can I ask what the problem is with your Rondo? We have 3 kids in a Mazda5 and are quite happy.

MarathonMama · Jul 24, 2010

XmasEve said:
Can I ask what the problem is with your Rondo? We have 3 kids in a Mazda5 and are quite happy.

The 3rd row has no top tethers so you can't put a FF seat back there (top tethers are required in Canada) and it is soooooo incredibly small back there that very few (if any?) seats will fit back there. We have to do a 3 across and even that was a massive task trying to get seats that were compatible with out belts etc.

Having 3 across is driving me crazy 'cause my kids are constantly screaming at eachother and my YDD is scratching and kicking her sister

teekadog · Jul 25, 2010

Thanks for replying. That DOES sound awful. I'm so glad the Mazda5 has top tethers in all 4 rear seats.

BABYGIRLLYNDSEY · Jul 25, 2010

We have a 09 Kia Sedona LX (long wheel base) and LOVE it. Has everything I want plus was a super price.

LittlePeanut · Jul 26, 2010

Regardless of what you choose, I highly recommend getting the Car Cost Canada reports for the various vehiles so you have negotiating power. We paid $1k over invoice on our new 2010 Ody EX-L. I'm not sure how soon you are looking to buy but the have an unadvertised $6k rebate (factory to dealer incentive) on the Ody until August 3rd for cash purchases. Financing is high right now though. It's available on the SE, EXL for sure but may not be for the DX. If you want the CCC report for any 2010 Ody, PM me and I'll take a screen shot for you as it's already on my profile.

gecikuh · Jul 26, 2010

Maggie said:
I know that isn't a huge deal to everyone but I will never be without power sliders again.

:yeahthat:

that's the only "luxury" feature i would miss

love my odyssey...although i've never driven a sedona

Vans: ripdown Odyssey or loaded other????

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