Best cars for travel?

[JessicaB]

Okay this is sort of Disney related. My DS and I usually drive down to the world(about a 10 hour drive) our car must have been designed by the devil it's that bad so we've decided to buy a new one. I know it's kinda silly to base the decision on our trips to Disney but we are. I'm wondering what kind do you guys prefer? My DN's Honda Civic runs on about a teaspoon of gas but I'm not convinced. I was really wanting a small suv but then again it's just two of us. :veryconfu

 

[tigsmom]

We have an Astro van - there are 4 of us 2 adults and 2 teens. Its very good on gas and there is plenty of room for luggage/stuff and to stretch your legs.

We've made 2 trips a year since 2002 in it without a problem, but I doubt you need anything so big. We rented a Pacifica last year (short trip, no time to drive) and it was great...we actually thought of buying one.

 

[Mikester71]

As much as I sound like a soccer mom here, have to say I love the mini van for those long WDW trips. Of course we have a 22 hour drive coming from up here and there are 6 of us. I had an unreliable van myself and borrowed my mom's the last two trips down. As soon as we returned last March from our Spring Break trip to WDW, I ran out and bought a new Pontiac Montana van and one of the main reason's (besides our old van was past its prime) was for our March 2009 trip to WDW. My mom has a Dodge Caravan and both times we took it, I found the seats to be VERY uncomfortable. Can't wait to try out the Montana next year!

 

[shoes]

Odyssey

DW wanted a new ride last year so we gave up the Chevy Venture (which was ok as long as you were in the front seats) and bought a Honda Odyssey. We splurged and went the EX with leather and Navigation (which we love). Its got all the bells, and is SUPER comfy on road trips. seats 6 REAL comfy .... more on short trips. Gets good MPG .... about 24-25 on the highway, and tons of room.

 

[JessicaB]

Thanks so much. I think I am leaning toward a mini van. My DS and his friends would like the extra room. We intend to invite one are two to go with us in May. By myself with three fourteen year olds. I may be getting in over my head.:lol:

 

[Mr Wizard]

Well if you have the room in the driveway and your present car fits the bill in other ways why not get a second car just for trips. Since I have a large aversion to the big silver bird and we have to drive where ever we go I like to have comfort and room to take most anything. I have a 1994 Lincoln Town Car that is akin to having your living room on wheels. The trunk is gigantic and the best part is IT GETS 22 MPG! ( thats at an average 70MPH, trunk loaded to the gills and the Climate Controll set on 68 ) And if you scan your local paper or hit Ebay you will see that you could pick up a mid 90's model with super low miles for usually under $5000.00 They are very nice cars and ride like a cloud but they don't hold their value for anything and can be had for a fraction of the original price after just a few years. Now of course you will have the matinence and minor repairs of a used car to consider, but being a car nut that doesn't bother me. And then for yet another option, how about renting a big turnpike cruiser when needed? Some times there are some killer deals if you shop around.

Just my rambilngs on a cold icy day, wishin I was where it's warm and Mouselike.

 

[PanfanAL]

I am no minivan fan, we have a truck and SUV. But on our last trip my in-laws came with, and they have a Dodge caravan, two actually, anyway, I couldn't believe the gas mileage they got. It was almost twice what we got on our Pontiac Aztek. And it is supposed to be one of the better SUV's. Plus their minivan drives great. I drove it while in Orlando. We all could pile in it to get around town , and to the parks. Just a thought.

 

[Master Yoda]

We got a mini-van back in 2002 and have been very pleased. For the most part they are more versatile, better on gas, and considerably less expensive than an SUV. We got the 02 Kia Sedona and have been very happy with it. At the time is was about $10,000 less than other identically equipped models from other manufacturers. So far we have had only minor issues with it that are not uncommon with any vehicle. The only non wear items that have had to be replaced were the radiator and a wheel bearing. The wheel bearing fell under their 10 year 100k warranty.

One thing I have recently eyed is the Mazda 5 series. It is kind of a car/mini van crossover. With only 2 people it might be just right for you.

 

[coltow]

With the cost of gas an SUV may not be the way to go. I am not a mini van fan. I prefer a sadan. We shopped around 18 months ago for a new car when it began to hurt our wallets to put gas in our Chevy Equinox. My Hyundai Sonata is the bomb. It's very comfortable and there are 2 adults and 2 kids in the car most of the time. We've driven from Boston to Albany many times to visit family (3 hour trip) and never once complained about being cramped or uncomfortable.

 

[Mikester71]

Thanks so much. I think I am leaning toward a mini van. My DS and his friends would like the extra room. We intend to invite one are two to go with us in May. By myself with three fourteen year olds. I may be getting in over my head.:lol:

WOW...good luck with that :ROFLOL:

 

[wdwmomof3]

I have had a Toyota van and it was really nice, great to travel in. My BF just bought a new one and it is even better. I have a Highlander and I hate it, one thing after another, about to trade it soon.

When we trade I am looking at a Honda Accord. I have had two before and I love them. With three children, one who is starting to drive, trips are a concern. My husband said that we would just rent a big van or SUV when we go to Disney or where ever and I think it's a great idea for many reasons. One, no big car payment and two, lower gas expense, and there are several more.

By the way, he is still driving a Honda Civic and loves it. We have never had any trouble with that car. In fact, my daughter wants it and he wont give it up just yet.:lol: (he's a tight @$$):ROFLOL:

 

[Kamikaze]

How bout something like the Escape Hybrid?

Its an SUV (small size one at that) and is a Hybrid so it is slightly better on gas.

Keep in mind though that almost all vehicles are much better on gas on the highway as opposed to city driving. Except for Hybrids, which get power to the batteries by braking, so you don't get the advantage of the electric power system that way.

 

[Nemo14]

We have a 2000 Plymouth Voyager that we travel with quite often, and I absolutely love it! I really fought getting a van for the longest time, I had driven my sister's caravan when they first came out, and I absolutely hated it. The minivans now though are great, and we still get decent mileage with ours.

 

[bhg469]

Subaru forrester XT sport, surbo charged engine so you can go easy on it and save gas but since it has a turbo the torque is pretty good when you need to accelerate when you have a full load. On top of that a boxer engine will last you forever. Other than that i really like the mazda cx 7

 

[Montyboy]

I have had a Toyota van and it was really nice, great to travel in. My BF just bought a new one and it is even better. I have a Highlander and I hate it, one thing after another, about to trade it soon.

When we trade I am looking at a Honda Accord. I have had two before and I love them. With three children, one who is starting to drive, trips are a concern. My husband said that we would just rent a big van or SUV when we go to Disney or where ever and I think it's a great idea for many reasons. One, no big car payment and two, lower gas expense, and there are several more.

By the way, he is still driving a Honda Civic and loves it. We have never had any trouble with that car. In fact, my daughter wants it and he wont give it up just yet.:lol: (he's a tight @$$):ROFLOL:

My guess is the BF is best friend and not boyfriend.

 

[Hammer1310]

Like another poster mentioned, the hybrid would be a cool choice. We looked at some but because of the money chose a Jeep Patriot. It's small but roomy, gets decent mpg and it's fairly fun to drive.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

We have a 2003 Chevy Tahoe Z71. Gotta have a big boy to pull the DH's boat. It's quite comfy on long trips. The added gas expense for the 5.3 V8 is something we accepted when we purchased it. I love the room we have, very comfortable ride, and knowing that in a complete downpour we can switch to auto-4WD so it will use all 4 when needed without us telling it to. I suppose it's the redneck in me that loves a big, tough truck. The next vehicle we buy will likely be another Tahoe (I looooove the new ones) but with the updated engine that drops cylinders when you've reached cruising speeds and not all are needed. These actually get way better mileage. I believe they are also making the Tahoe in a hybrid this year. I don't think we would get one of those. We're pretty skeptical when it comes to the cost of replacing battery packs on those things. I know I'm totally un-p.c. for saying it, but we don't worry too much over the price of gas. If we can't afford the gas to get somewhere we don't need to go there. Plus, it doesn't hurt that the DH works in an ExxonMobil refinery. LOL!

 

[Master Yoda]

Like another poster mentioned, the hybrid would be a cool choice. We looked at some but because of the money chose a Jeep Patriot. It's small but roomy, gets decent mpg and it's fairly fun to drive.

A hybrid will only benefit you when you are driving in city (stop and go) driving conditions but do little if anything to help fuel economy when driving under highway conditions

 

[doop]

We have a Toyota Sienna, so I'd have to put in another vote for mini-vans. Having all that room on a long trip is really nice especially if you have kids that need their own space. The trunk in our van is absolutely HUGE, so you could probably fit all of your luggage back there, so there's not even a need for a roof carrier.

 

[GameCocks11]

Whatever you do...DO NOT BUY AN AMERICAN CAR! it will fall apart on you in 5 years.