Previa 2005 or Innova V 2007

[GTi]

Chief GTi,

I was aware of the converted units which offers an AT, I actually wish it was offered here locally.

Chief GTi, the Hyundai Starex GRX CRDI 2007 was actually on my list before. I still like its space & presence (at least even if its an old model already). I once had a van with a 4D56 turbo engine and its pretty durable, though as it age, given its an old design, the engine tends to emit "some" smoke when pressed hard. I actually haven't tried the Starex, but since it was treated with a CRDI, did the performance improved drastically (compared to the non CRDI model)?

Thank you so much for your inputs, Chief GTi!

We have a converted Granvia, basically a Hiace Super Custom 3.0 with a hood. After addressing the conversion related problems, maintenance is actually surprisingly economical. A bit thirsty but dampened by lower diesel fuel cost. Very reliable daily driver even at 21 years of age.

AFAIK the TDIC Starex engine is in the same state of tune as that of the local 90s Pajero, which is to say 100hp and 240Nm. The CRDi has a lot more power at 145hp and 360Nm. But then again, the current base model Grand Starex still uses the old TDIC engine, so it shouldn't be that bad. Black smoke can usually be easily remedied by recalibration, which is cheap for old school diesels but freakishly expensive for CRDi's. Central Diesel's Revive treatment has also done wonders for our cars.

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[jvnj]

We have a converted Granvia, basically a Hiace Super Custom 3.0 with a hood. After addressing the conversion related problems, maintenance is actually surprisingly economical. A bit thirsty but dampened by lower diesel fuel cost. Very reliable daily driver even at 21 years of age.

AFAIK the TDIC Starex engine is in the same state of tune as that of the local 90s Pajero, which is to say 100hp and 240Nm. The CRDi has a lot more power at 145hp and 360Nm. But then again, the current base model Grand Starex still uses the old TDIC engine, so it shouldn't be that bad. Black smoke can usually be easily remedied by recalibration, which is cheap for old school diesels but freakishly expensive for CRDi's. Central Diesel's Revive treatment has also done wonders for our cars.

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Hi Chief GTi,

Thank you for your swift response. I will definite take a second look on the Starex.

Cheers!

[granro01]

I will always go for Starex for the most comfortable ride of all. Its spacious and comfortable. Just get a manual transmission and a TDI series for a less hustle free maintenance.

Hi Chiefs,

I'm currently on a look out for an upgrade on my humble ride which is an old 2007 Avanza G AT. We are six (6) in the family, and given that my children are growing fast, it is painful to see that my current ride struggles to carry us during our out of town trips, especially with our all stuff. I use my ride as a daily driver and so far I have no regret with its performance, its just during those trips that I wish I had more space, power and carrying capability. I still would like to replace my ride with an AT car, gasoline engine, with captain seats (for easier ingress / egress on the third row). My humble budget is only 400 to 450k. Here are my thoughts for the two vehicles:

INNOVA V 2007
- Maintenance and parts is a plus as compared to the Previa
- More fuel efficient than the Previa as it has a 2.0 engine vs 2.4 of the Previa? (This I honestly do not know)

PREVIA 2005
- More comfy and more space than the Innova
- More power
- Upscale stance and presence vs the Innova
- More thirsty than the Innova
- Maintenance and parts might be higher and difficult than the Innova?

I would like to go with the Previa, but are discouraged with the (not so sure) negative aspects as discussed above. Practicality, Innova is the way to go.

I have considered a van, but given my humble budget, I wont be able to purchase an automatic.

Some of the vehicles I considered before are as follows:
- Kia Carnival 2007 - This car looks great, but are wary of the possible maintenance and parts problems in the future?
- Hyundai Starex CRDI 2007 - Space is great. Longevity and maintenance wise, im also not so sure. Bigger stance may also pose difficulties in parking areas

I hope you can share your thoughts on this, Chiefs!

Thank you!

[mcoy123]

I will always go for Starex for the most comfortable ride of all. Its spacious and comfortable. Just get a manual transmission and a TDI series for a less hustle free maintenance.

+1 on this one, our 01 starex svx was still going strong until i sold it this month. . . 220ish on the odometer, regular change oil lang katapat, still no signs of blue smoke, last abra-manila run was at 10.5kms/l(published was 11kms/l) parts are cheap and aplenty. . .. not as powerful and economical as todays crdi's but i'd say durable with regular maintenance. Spacious, comfortable and versatile.

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[Quithe]

innova V , its good :vui mừng:

[jvnj]

I will always go for Starex for the most comfortable ride of all. Its spacious and comfortable. Just get a manual transmission and a TDI series for a less hustle free maintenance.

Hi Chief granro01,

Thank you for your reply. Given our horrendous traffic conditions, I actually prefer the automatics. Yes, most people do comment that the Starex is a comfy ride, but given it is an old platform already, humble buyers like me must be wary of its wear and tear especially if the previous owner did not took care of the vehicle. I guess I can't complain as my budget is limited

Thank you for your insights, Chief grano01!

[jvnj]

+1 on this one, our 01 starex svx was still going strong until i sold it this month. . . 220ish on the odometer, regular change oil lang katapat, still no signs of blue smoke, last abra-manila run was at 10.5kms/l(published was 11kms/l) parts are cheap and aplenty. . .. not as powerful and economical as todays crdi's but i'd say durable with regular maintenance. Spacious, comfortable and versatile.

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Hi Chief mcoy123,

Thank you for your insights. It is really a great comment coming from an actual owner. As discussed above, one of the options I am eyeing is a Starex GRX CRDI 2006-2007. Given it is a CRDI already, I "guess" it is a big improvement in terms of power, acceleration and fuel consumption as compared to the previous model it replaced. I will definitely take a second look.

Thank you, Chief mcoy123

[jvnj]

innova V , its good :vui mừng:

Chief Quithe,

I really like the Innova V's seating configuration. Some would not agree as it is less accommodating as compared to a regular bench configuration, but I believe it fits to my family's needs. As much as I would like a diesel Innova V, my budget permits me on a gasoline version only. Although most of my cars were gasoline, I have no complain on its smoothness and response, except for the fuel consumption

Thank you, Chief Quithe!

[mcoy123]

Hi Chief mcoy123,

Thank you for your insights. It is really a great comment coming from an actual owner. As discussed above, one of the options I am eyeing is a Starex GRX CRDI 2006-2007. Given it is a CRDI already, I "guess" it is a big improvement in terms of power, acceleration and fuel consumption as compared to the previous model it replaced. I will definitely take a second look.

Thank you, Chief mcoy123

It definitely is a big improvement. . . I've also driven one quite extensively. . . Just don't get intimidated by it's width . . It's quite easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

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[jvnj]

It definitely is a big improvement. . . I've also driven one quite extensively. . . Just don't get intimidated by it's width . . It's quite easy to maneuver in tight spaces.

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Yes, the Starex really has tons of space, and it will be handy during out of town trips. City driving, especially in Manila traffic is another story though.

Thank you for sharing , Chief mcoy123!

[mcoy123]

Pero that was what I was telling you. . . Madali sya i-maneuver despite it's size. . . since boxy sya, short nose, wala trunk at elevated driving position. . Napakadali isingit-singit at madali i-park as long as regular sizes yun mga parking spaces. . . Kung gusto ipagsiksikan sa parking . . . . You may exit/enter pa from the sliding door =)

[jvnj]

Pero that was what I was telling you. . . Madali sya i-maneuver despite it's size. . . since boxy sya, short nose, wala trunk at elevated driving position. . Napakadali isingit-singit at madali i-park as long as regular sizes yun mga parking spaces. . . Kung gusto ipagsiksikan sa parking . . . . You may exit/enter pa from the sliding door =)

Good point, Chief mcoy123. Thank you!

[jvnj]

Hi Chiefs,

I haven't bought the van yet. I don't know if this is off topic, but I came across this Isuzu Alterra (2005 to 2007) which somehow is within my budget. Do you think it is a better alternative versus the Previa, Innova, Starex?
Here's what I think about the Alterra:
Pros: 1. SUV (Pick-up actually) Based, 2. More Rigid structure, 3. More Power and Torque?, 4. Higher stance (better wading capability), 5. More fuel efficient?, 6. Parts availability? (honestly I don't know)
Cons: 1. Higher maintenance cost (more oil, Higher filter costs), 2. Higher parts cost? (Suspension, Tires, etc), 3. Vehicle length (Concern on parking especially on tight spaces)

What do you think Chiefs, If you were in my case, would you rather go with the Alterra instead of the other vehicles posted before?

Thank you!

[dr. d]

Hi Chiefs,

I haven't bought the van yet. I don't know if this is off topic, but I came across this Isuzu Alterra (2005 to 2007) which somehow is within my budget. Do you think it is a better alternative versus the Previa, Innova, Starex?
Here's what I think about the Alterra:
Pros: 1. SUV (Pick-up actually) Based, 2. More Rigid structure, 3. More Power and Torque?, 4. Higher stance (better wading capability), 5. More fuel efficient?, 6. Parts availability? (honestly I don't know)
Cons: 1. Higher maintenance cost (more oil, Higher filter costs), 2. Higher parts cost? (Suspension, Tires, etc), 3. Vehicle length (Concern on parking especially on tight spaces)

What do you think Chiefs, If you were in my case, would you rather go with the Alterra instead of the other vehicles posted before?

Thank you!

if you will drive in a tight neighborhood, or your garage is small, you may consider the smaller vehicle and the tighter turning radius.

[benchph1]

The Alterra would be better against the Previa & Starex. But not the Innova.

I heard that vehicle has a stiff ride. Well since its an Isuzu it should be reliable. Have you test driven any of the cars from your choices? If not I suggest you do.


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[jvnj]

if you will drive in a tight neighborhood, or your garage is small, you may consider the smaller vehicle and the tighter turning radius.

I was aware of the Alterra's dimesions, chief dr. d. Though its presence, space and probably durability is what it made me attracted to it.
Thank you for your thoughts, dr. d

[jvnj]

The Alterra would be better against the Previa & Starex. But not the Innova.

I heard that vehicle has a stiff ride. Well since its an Isuzu it should be reliable. Have you test driven any of the cars from your choices? If not I suggest you do.


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Chief benchph1, i honestly havent test driven some of my target vehicles yet (except the innova) , but i heard about the stiffness of the Alterra's. Is it really far from the innova's? I guess youre right, a test drive is the best solution.
Thank you for your thoughts, chief benchph1

[GTi]

Hi Chiefs,

I haven't bought the van yet. I don't know if this is off topic, but I came across this Isuzu Alterra (2005 to 2007) which somehow is within my budget. Do you think it is a better alternative versus the Previa, Innova, Starex?
Here's what I think about the Alterra:
Pros: 1. SUV (Pick-up actually) Based, 2. More Rigid structure, 3. More Power and Torque?, 4. Higher stance (better wading capability), 5. More fuel efficient?, 6. Parts availability? (honestly I don't know)
Cons: 1. Higher maintenance cost (more oil, Higher filter costs), 2. Higher parts cost? (Suspension, Tires, etc), 3. Vehicle length (Concern on parking especially on tight spaces)

What do you think Chiefs, If you were in my case, would you rather go with the Alterra instead of the other vehicles posted before?

Thank you!

I've never been a fan of the Alterra's looks. But looks aside, it is definitely a dependable vehicle in my books.

Regarding size concerns, it is not all that wide. It isn't particularly tall either. It is quite long at 4.95m, and IIRC, shares the pickup's limo-like wheelbase. But we have a Carnival, which is larger than the Alterra in all dimensions. It is not all that hard to manuever and park, especially once you get used to it. Though a backup camera is definitely a good investment.

I used to drive a Revo daily. It had a leaf sprung rear end. Ride quality wasn't half bad. Hardly bouncy at all. And then the Innova, despite the multilink rear, isn't particularly limo-like either.

IMHO, the 4JJ1 engine is the biggest selling point of the car. Still employed in the MUX, and in the Elf truck line for about a decade now. Durability is almost guaranteed.

I suggest you test drive both the Starex and Alterra to see which one appeals to your heart more.

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[jvnj]

I've never been a fan of the Alterra's looks. But looks aside, it is definitely a dependable vehicle in my books.

Regarding size concerns, it is not all that wide. It isn't particularly tall either. It is quite long at 4.95m, and IIRC, shares the pickup's limo-like wheelbase. But we have a Carnival, which is larger than the Alterra in all dimensions. It is not all that hard to manuever and park, especially once you get used to it. Though a backup camera is definitely a good investment.

I used to drive a Revo daily. It had a leaf sprung rear end. Ride quality wasn't half bad. Hardly bouncy at all. And then the Innova, despite the multilink rear, isn't particularly limo-like either.

IMHO, the 4JJ1 engine is the biggest selling point of the car. Still employed in the MUX, and in the Elf truck line for about a decade now. Durability is almost guaranteed.

I suggest you test drive both the Starex and Alterra to see which one appeals to your heart more.

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Hi Chief GTi,

I also used to drive a Revo, then the Avanza. Back then, I also owned a Delica, other than that, I usually own a sedan. Comfort wise, those three I mentioned are far from a sedan, but the seating capacity pays for its shortcoming. Yes, given the Alterra's suspension set-up, I think I can live with it. Sorry if this is of topic, comparing with the Starex (2005-2007 model), do you think the Alterra is much better in terms of drive-ability, durability, acceleration, economy, parts and maintenance? Space wise, it is definitely the Starex.

Thank you for your thoughts, Chief GTi.

[makelovenotwar]

Hi Chiefs,

I haven't bought the van yet. I don't know if this is off topic, but I came across this Isuzu Alterra (2005 to 2007) which somehow is within my budget. Do you think it is a better alternative versus the Previa, Innova, Starex?
Here's what I think about the Alterra:
Pros: 1. SUV (Pick-up actually) Based, 2. More Rigid structure, 3. More Power and Torque?, 4. Higher stance (better wading capability), 5. More fuel efficient?, 6. Parts availability? (honestly I don't know)
Cons: 1. Higher maintenance cost (more oil, Higher filter costs), 2. Higher parts cost? (Suspension, Tires, etc), 3. Vehicle length (Concern on parking especially on tight spaces)

What do you think Chiefs, If you were in my case, would you rather go with the Alterra instead of the other vehicles posted before?

Thank you!

Be sure to check if the 3rd row space and luggage area are enough for you.
Sitting in the 3rd row is still manageable (at least for now) for the kids in our family. They're at most 4'10".