<![CDATA[MPV review]]>Hi,


Was hoping to get some MPV reviews here.

We are currently driving a honda odyssey. Gg to be 5 yrs in Jan 2010. Given the structure, it made us think if we should change our car this year. I enjoy the odyssey alot for the stability and driving feel. I dun mind holding on but all those maint problem will surface as the car get older. Also, I feel "worse off" if we trade our odyssey for something else.

Hubby on the other hand appear to be open to any MPV. He is more attracted by price factor being typical accountant.

We’ve 3 kids, pils, maid so that makes 8 or 10 of us (including my parents) if we go on a outing. My P2 and P1 are adult size but the 4 yr old will require her own space in few yrs time. So the leg space must be there. Though on weekdays, it’s just the 2 of us.

So far, we saw the following :
* Toyota picnic which was gg at $70K+. Can’t imagine we bought it at 115K!!! before our odyssey. Importantly, the car hasn’t change much over so many years. So wonder when is the next big change coming up.
* Honda odyssey gg at $90K+ for the new model. Hubby is hesitant abt paying so much for a car which I also agree but there are other considerations as well.
* Volkswagen Touran - apparently too small for us
* Nissan - We reviewed Nissan MPVs/ cars previously but we don’t like the driving feel eg. steering wheel that don’t feel like it has power steering.
* Toyota Estima - Due to minor accident we had over the weekends, we are currently driving the toyota estima (courtesy car). Rather spacious but looks big and intimidating. Also, given the height, don’t feel very stable. In addition, the turning radius is rather wide. But otherwise, quite do-able but not sure what is the price tag.
* Chery MPV - But some agent told us that there is no resale mkt and his customer had to write off the car after 3 yrs as the condition was really bad. Hubby was attracted by the price tag.
* Korea MPV - Given a choice I am not open to it. Our 1st car was a korean saloon car and we had so much problem with it. Constant surprises month after month and alot are said about petrol consumption. It’s a car for the rich given the petrol consumption.

Anyone tried any other MPVs (besides wish and stream) and find it good? Hubby also saw a daihatsu MPV on the papers but I’ve not seen it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/1961/mpv-reviewRSS for NodeSun, 26 Apr 2026 03:05:51 GMTMon, 09 Feb 2009 09:53:28 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Wed, 09 May 2012 10:17:27 GMT]]>

Hapichel:
Toyota Motor Corporation has great marketing plan in selling its quality vehicles. Toyota is said to be working on a new sports car, which will be roughly twice the price and performance of the Scion FR-S. Toyota, for those that do not remember them, used to actually make sports automobiles regularly, many of which were very good. I was able to figure out [url-http://www.cardealexpert.com/make/Toyota]where can I buy a car[/url] that works for me.

:spam: :spam:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/759292https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/759292Wed, 09 May 2012 10:17:27 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Wed, 09 May 2012 09:18:48 GMT]]>Huh ?? :scratchhead:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/759245https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/759245Wed, 09 May 2012 09:18:48 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:01:34 GMT]]>Toyota Motor Corporation has great marketing plan in selling its quality vehicles. Toyota is said to be working on a new sports car, which will be roughly twice the price and performance of the Scion FR-S. Toyota, for those that do not remember them, used to actually make sports automobiles regularly, many of which were very good. I was able to figure out http://www.cardealexpert.com/make/Toyota that works for me.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/759168https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/759168Wed, 09 May 2012 08:01:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:52:02 GMT]]>The 5000 km or 3 mth servicing is for mineral oil. If you use synthetic oil it should be 10000 km or 6 mth too for Jap cars.


Not sure about Continental ones though.

Too frequent servicing would obviously prove to be a big hassle/disruption, especially if the agent demands that you go back to their (only) workshop to do the servicing.

I’ve not familiarised myself with what the VW has, but I’m sure it has a lot more than the average Jap MPVs. So if one doesn’t mind possible occasional disruption due to the high-tech electronic stuff, the Touran could indeed be a good option, esp. given the low price now.

But if wanna have adult travel in third row I suspect it’s not going to be too comfy. So let’s say if got plans to have passengers in 3 rows of seats for a few-day trip to Genting, it might not be possible for Touran… (but then again, how often will this likely happen?).

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/657258https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/657258Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:52:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:37:07 GMT]]>I’ve had both Jap and continental cars before. Not sure if this is still so now but when I was driving my Honda and Toyota, they recommended servicing every 5000km or 3mths whichever is earlier, which can be quite a hassle and the maintenance cost do add up. With my VW recommended servicing is for every 10000 or 6mths. With my BMW now it is based on usage and the last time I serviced the car was over 6mths ago.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/656143https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/656143Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:37:07 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:58:02 GMT]]>

moom:
Thanks atrecord n unclelim.. How's the fuel efficiency of the tourane like? Any probs with reliability n maintenance thus far?

I heard about VW problems too, especially electrical or computer related one. I used to drive a Golf but that was 2 model generations ago and I got it second-hand. That one had some problems with the speedometer etc.

But my Touran is fine so far, as I expect it to be given the short few months of ownership. Mentally I am prepared to experience a few more problems than my Toyota because they are 2 very different animals. My Toyota is a reliable work horse with no frill. The Touran does many things to make the driver feel special. So with complexity comes glitches... so it is a trade-off.

Fuel efficiency:

On ECP: \t
As low as 6.5 liters per 100km = 15.3846154 kilometers per litre

Orchard Road:
Often around 12.5 liters per 100km = 8 kilometers per litre

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/656075https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/656075Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:58:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:17:14 GMT]]>

moom:
Thanks atrecord n unclelim.. How's the fuel efficiency of the tourane like? Any probs with reliability n maintenance thus far?

This is an interesting question which I'm curious about to hear from the Touran owners too.

Think the fuel efficiency should be quite good, given that it's a 1.4 (with turbo?) litre car. It's probably one of few MPVs that can beat the wish in this regard.

In terms of reliability, VW is full of tech stuff, so the chances of something going wrong at any time is much higher than the no-frills Jap MPVs. One colleague who drives another VW model was lamenting that he has to send his car to the VW workshop now and then to sort out electronics-related issue. He was relating it caused 5-hr downtime the day before at the workshop, while we were in his car going for lunch one day; and then suddenly on going into a basement carpark, the parking brake warning light on the dash suddenly lit up for no reason... But his car is coming to 3 yr old, so thing could have improved. If you're seriously considering the car, perhaps you can go to the VW forum to take a look at what owners say.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/655969https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/655969Tue, 06 Dec 2011 02:17:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:49:17 GMT]]>Thanks atrecord n unclelim… How’s the fuel efficiency of the tourane like? Any probs with reliability n maintenance thus far?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/654297https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/654297Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:49:17 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:29:16 GMT]]>

Ksbird:
Just checking any VW Touran owner here? Test drive this morning... pretty good and spacious!


FC can go up to 20km/litre.
We have a Touran. It takes our family of 5 comfortably and we sometimes pop the 2 extra seats up for my kids' classmates or when our domestic helper goes out with us.

The 3rd row is not very comfortable for longer journeys but we live near town and the schools, so we do not have that many long drives.

The Touran is a surprising fun car to drive and is a fantastic compromise for Dads who want a little bit of sports-car excitement once in a while but look decent enough not to attract any police siren. Quick acceleration, tight turning radius, very comfortable expressway cruising and very good all-round visibility. The vehicle size is just right for me because my condo carpark is terribly narrow and many residents have had their cars scratched by the pillars. The Touran is not much longer than an average sedan and just a little taller, but not so tall like SUVs.

The seats are very comfortable and supportive plus all the safety features are there just in case, including those curtain airbags etc. For the money, I find it hard to find a better family car given our family's needs. 😄 😄

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/654289https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/654289Sat, 03 Dec 2011 05:29:16 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:01:37 GMT]]>Apparently the Touran is becoming an attractive choice for anyone looking for MPVs, because it is:


- powerful
- fuel efficient
- affordable

Traditionally for someone looking for a decent and affordable MPV, they will go for wish (that’s why the model flooded the market for 2-3 yr from 2005), and only when stream new model came out in (i think) 08? did it took some market share off wish. These 2 mid-size 1.8l Jap MPVs were much cheaper than continental ones (incl Touran), and they have more spacious 3rd row seats, cos they are longer. In terms of design, they are also more sleek, as Touran is more boxy, taller.

As the Jap $$ appreciated when US$ depreciated, Jap MPVs became more expensive, and Korean cars are generally more affordable, including MPVs. With VW taking back the dealership to sell direct and becoming much more aggressive in their sales strategies, all the VW cars have become more attractive. You see corolla altis owners changing to VW Jetta, etc. So the value for money proposition for wish/stream has decreased.

And then when COE skyrocketed recently, the 1.4l Touran became at least $10K cheaper than the 1.8l wish/stream, as the latter’s cat B COEs are >$23K higher than Touran’s cat A COE now…

Note though that the high-specs VW cars are known to have quite a fair bit of problems with the high-tech stuff, and the repairs will take $$ and money. But there is huge savings upfront, to cater to these needs…

I am quite sure the Touran will lose out to wish in terms of 3rd row space. In fact, i doubt any other mid-size MPVs can match it.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/653121https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/653121Fri, 02 Dec 2011 02:01:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:43:35 GMT]]>Anyone has any comments abt the citroen grand Picasso vs the toucan vs the peugot one? Am looking at the continental mid sized mpvs as the jap ones are a good 20 k more.


Traditional thinking is that conti cars are more problematic in our climate n spare parts more expensive?

Thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/653103https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/653103Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:43:35 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:54:29 GMT]]>Touran is good, used to drive the 1.4tsi. The twin turbo will make the drive feel like a 2L and the seat arrangement is good. Though not really a full size mpv, but the last row does take adult @ 1.7m comfy when driving within Singapore. Overseas roadtrip will be subjective though.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/653056https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/653056Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:54:29 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:11:46 GMT]]>Is that the mpv that is 1500cc? We saw when we heard from hubby’s colleague. But it is not a full size mpv and the back row is only good for small kids. I usually disc the efficiency. Such will happen if we drive on expressway with no traffic.


It is important to plan ahead. If u are driving for 10 years, kids will grow up so u need to consider if it is practical.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/653011https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/653011Thu, 01 Dec 2011 23:11:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:15:36 GMT]]>Just checking any VW Touran owner here? Test drive this morning… pretty good and spacious!


FC can go up to 20km/litre.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/652971https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/652971Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:15:36 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:32:26 GMT]]>

ghostz:
anybody has experience with those mini-mpvs which are basically station wagons with seats behind e.g. freed, terios 7.


they look attractive for my needs i.e. carry 4 adults and 2 kids on weekends, <1600 cc so means lower tax and relatively more fuel efficient.
my take is.... anythingy with 3 rows of seat but with only aircon duct from dash...... is.....

moreover, station wagon or mini SUV (for the case of terios) is basically work on a sedan platform/chasis, anything more than the design payload, is taxing on both the engine & chasis.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47454https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/47454Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:32:26 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:39:49 GMT]]>anybody has experience with those mini-mpvs which are basically station wagons with seats behind e.g. freed, terios 7.


they look attractive for my needs i.e. carry 4 adults and 2 kids on weekends, <1600 cc so means lower tax and relatively more fuel efficient.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/38739https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/38739Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:39:49 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:43:21 GMT]]>You should list out your requirements and put them in order of priority. Then you can \"score\" each model and see which one fits your requirements best. I've put down below some criteria that you may want to consider.


1st thing - what size?

When getting MPVs, one of the 1st things that needs to be decided is whether you want a comfortable 3rd row or can live with a squeezy 3rd row. That's the big difference between the luxury or full-size MPVs (Alphard, Estima, Voyager, Odyssey, etc) and the mid-sized or compact MPVs (Wish, Stream, Mazda5, Touran, Zafira, Grand Scenic etc). I find the Picnic an in-between creature, but I'm inclined to classify it as a full-size MPV.

If you travel with 6 or more on a daily basis or at least 50% of the time, you might want to consider a full-size MPV. If the back row is not frequently used, eg like for weekend trips only, then seriously consider a compact MPV. A bit squeezy, but significant savings in both upfront and running costs.

Once you've sorted out the size of the vehicle, that cuts your choices into half already. What then are your other priorities?

Other criteria to consider

Purchase price? Go with Toyota.
Fuel economy? IMO, the Japs and the Germans are generally the same. The main differentiator here is whether it is a full-size or mid-size MPV.
Driveability? IMO, go for Honda, Mazda, Touran or Zafira.
Safety? Go for the European makes. (The Japanese makes may do well in safety/crash tests too, but body not that solid).
Reliability and inexpensive servicing? IMO, any Japanese or German make would do. (Many feel that Euro cars have high parts/servicing costs, but forget to take into account the fact that Euro cars generally have much longer service intervals (15,000 km). IMO, servicing costs are comparable (if not cheaper) than the Jap makes).
Looks? That's purely personal. 😄

Hope that helps, and happy hunting.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/37752https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/37752Tue, 07 Jul 2009 03:43:21 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:11:44 GMT]]>

aaron78:
I always prefer toyota. it's comparable to honda and cheaper. consider Toyota Wish, Picnic or Previa.

Hard to beat Toyota when it comes to fuel efficiency. But... but... the sales people... sigh.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/21072https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/21072Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:11:44 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:08:22 GMT]]>I always prefer toyota. it’s comparable to honda and cheaper. consider Toyota Wish, Picnic or Previa.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/21070https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/21070Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:08:22 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:43:06 GMT]]>Hi,


We are not civil servants but we think our current job appears to be stable. BUT… no one is sure in times like this. It’s all a matter of confidence.

I am in the accounting profession myself and in a stable industry. The msg is however clear that we’ve done all the cuts for now. However, if the business situation worsen in 6 months times, we might have to take more drastic actions. That part is worrying.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16737https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16737Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:43:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:15:51 GMT]]>This year maybe a great time to change car because of the recession. Prices are down. Wait another couple of years, when economy improves, your car will be 7 -8 yr old and prices/coe will again be sky high. If hubby has stable job and is paying for it, then now is a good time to change car.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16733https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16733Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:15:51 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:29:10 GMT]]>stick to your current odyssey.


maintainance cost is inevitable even for younger cars. if you are
really concern about this part as the main reason of changing.

since your hubby is a accountant, the more he should be able to
determine the cost of depreciation & liability of a new car.

Odyssey is a great MPV. Unless u have other concerns that are not
mentioned, else keep to your current MPV. Moreover, this MPV
is already spacious, few current available MPV is more spacious that
it is.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16634https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16634Fri, 13 Feb 2009 02:29:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:17:06 GMT]]>

heutistmeintag:
scoobydoo:

Hi MMM, I guess the Ody can be considered the best in it's class, so it will be hard for the others to match up. I agree that the BM SE are cocky, if it wasn't for the 10K difference, I would have gotten the Stream instead of the Wish.


I absolutely agreed with what you said. Looks like there are quite a few Ody owners here. Scooby, are you from SHC and/or SSOG?

Neither I guess, I signed up with SSOG, but did not post anything as I ended up with the Wish instead :lol:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16496https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16496Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:17:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to MPV review on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:34:45 GMT]]>

scoobydoo:
Hi MMM, I guess the Ody can be considered the best in it's class, so it will be hard for the others to match up. I agree that the BM SE are cocky, if it wasn't for the 10K difference, I would have gotten the Stream instead of the Wish.

I absolutely agreed with what you said. Looks like there are quite a few Ody owners here. Scooby, are you from SHC and/or SSOG?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16442https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/16442Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:34:45 GMT