My Test Drive

[geobrick]

I test drove a Routan SEL and I thought it was really good.

I like the VW look better (inside and out) than the Chrysler, Dodge and Toyota. I liked the second row seat better too (a real captain's chair vs sto and go or the smaller folding seat in the Sienna).

The suspension was very tight and the cabin was quiet. My first impression is that it is better than the Honda and Sienna....

However, I don't think I will be buying it based on a 15 minute test drive. The new T&C's (which this is underneath) are in their second year and I need more of a track record than that from Chrysler. Also, according to Edmunds, a similarly equipped Sienna (I want NAV and RES) is about $4000 less than the VW (SEL vs XLE and SEL Premium vs Limited). Check out Edmunds and build one with those two options and see for yourselves. (this includes Toyota's current $1,500 rebate otherwise it's a $2500 difference). Maybe some people here can prove me wrong by posting deals they have gotten recently.

All things being equal with regards to reliability, I would easily choose the Routan. I just want to take the safe route with the Toyota. Why not the Odyssey? I was disappointed in my 2005 Odyssey Touring.

[fidgell]

I can only comment on Canadian pricing, but for what Ive agreed to pay for my upcoming Routan delivery, its $100CAD less a month than the similarly equipped Sienna. We have different specs here so equivalent to US would be I guess your SEL with alloy upgrade and RES2. Matched to the 2nd top spec Sienna with RES (only one screen there though dont forget!).

The 2 are both good vans, I wouldnt worry too much on the track record as both will have positive and negative experiences and both are reliable manufacturers in the end.

Note that the Sienna is all change in 9 months time so I wouldnt get one now anyway as itll depreciate faster. I went for the Routan due to the better ride, better interior, I prefer the look, its rarer and will age slower!