AUV, SUV, or Van recommendation please!

[pinoy_cal]

Komusta na mga kababayan! This site is really informative, and I have been reading different post all day long. I am trying to get more information so my wife and I can make a decision on what vehicle to buy. Hopefully, you guys can help us.

Here's the background. We live in California and make it a point to visit family there yearly. Mainly stay in Ilocos after quick shopping trip around Manila malls in the day of our arrival. Vehicles avilable in Philippines are not so similar to the ones we see here so we need first hand info from owners/drivers. On previous vacations we used our family's old Nissan Vannette, but it has seen better days. Our next planned vacation is end of the year, and we will be bringing along our newborn baby. Hence, the decision to buy a new ride. Don't want to get stuck on the side of the road in a broken down van with a baby that is not used to the different climate/temperature, etc.

Our budget is around 850-900k. I was looking into different post about Mitsubishi adventure or crosswind, but my in-laws just told us on the phone that there's not much room especially for a 5'11" - 250lb guy like me , wife, baby, and lots of luggage. Specifically, there's not gonna be much legroom for me behind the wheel. I often drive around when were in the province during vacation.

Now we are wondering what you guys can recommend. with regards to cargo room, the Adventure type AUV's should still be ok since you can add a roof cargo rack (whatever is the term they use there). We are more concerned about the number of people it can comfortable seat, interior comfort, size (leg room, head room, etc.), and of course body and engine durability. Diesel is preferred.

By the way, what's the common rates on car loan financing there?

Sorry if the post is too long. I wanted to give as much info as I can so you can narrow your suggestions.

[userfriendly]

For vans, you can check ut the Toyota Avanza (7 seater) or Suzuki APV (8 seater). Both are gasoline pwered.

For AUVs you are limited to the base model of the ancient Mitsu Adventure, Isuzu Crosswind and the more recent Toyota Innova.

New SUVs will be out of your budget.

Just do a search for the above models. They have been disscussed over and over and some even have their own threads.

[heightdeprived]

'di kaya masyado nang maliit ang Avanza? And they also do not have a Diesel trim as far as I know, best bet I think is the Adventure but if you're willing to veer in to petrol version, I think the Innova is better. OK rin ang crosswind if you do not mind the engine vibration. Kagandahan lang sa Adventure proven na ang 4D56 engine niya, tapos pag nasa loob ka 'di mo dinig ang ingay ng diesel engine masyado...

[badkuk]

methinks you'd be much happier in an innova.

other ride to consider:

within your budget:

kia pregio -- fits your budget, dunno about ride quality


1m and up:
kia sedona
hyundai starex
nissan urvan
toyota previa(insanely priced, imho)
toyota hiace


you can check out motioncars.com's Car Chart, that should give you an idea on what choices you have.

[wildthing]

kulang budget at 900k...starex ang the best.

if you don't mind the fuel...go for a secondhand Ford E150...runs about P600k ang secondhand nito.

[mazdamazda]

The Starex is the best choice for you.

[CVT]

Bro.,- go for the Starex....

2401:massbounce:

[drey]

STAREX

You will enjoy the space especially in the back. No problem with the headroom since space is never an issue with Starex. Less stress ang passengers sa long drives since they can play cards, sleep well etc. You will really enjoy your journey since the Starex view is great! The lighting of the cabin is also great.

[rion]

Starex definetly. but if I want more porma. I'd go for SUV's...

a van will always be a van. you can make it look better... but you can't make it look better than Suv's....