Just added 4 family members and now need recommendation for quality 9 passenger vehicle that will last many miles. Can't keep driving 2 vehicles everywhere. Nissan or Ford? Please help
Prefer used with reasonable low mileage
achievable
yes "achievable" is the key word there. "achievable" under ideal conditions.
Don't forget the cost of DEF, all the expensive nonsense hacked on to it to comply with government regulations, and the astronomical costs to service these engines, if you can find someone who knows how (like you say " they never get repaired outside of dealers.")
It is the default heavy duty transport
Exactly.
They're commercial workhorses, not really family friendly transportation.
I lack experience with these large GMs.
These aren't little putt putt euro diesels.
I grew up around them.
Big diesels for trucks are loud and smelly with high steps.
Nissan or Ford?
Either a Ford Transit with a 3.5L Ti-VCT V6 mated to a 6 speed automatic (most are 10 speed, avoid those)
Or a Nissan NV3500 with a 5.6L V8 mated to a 7 speed automatic.
Personally I'd go with the Nissan but beware of the fuel economy - it does like 13 mpg.
Additionally consider a Sprinter, Crafter, and the Chevrolet Express.
The latter can be found with a 6.6L V8 DuraMax diesel and a decent 6 speed automatic - it's also a very nice option.
I think you probably can find a good 6.6L V8 Chevy Express / GMC Savana for cheaper than any other panel van.
6.6L is waaaaay overkill for a a kidhauler, and a honkin diesel is a bit passenger unfriendly if you ask me. (these aren't your Eurodiesels). You'll only find that engine on commercial 3/4 or 1 ton models.
The 4.8 or 5.3L gas model is sufficient for a passenger van.
@mmj , the 6.6 is a good choice because of efficiency 20mpg is achievable - double the gas, and it’s also reliable.
And it is better than euro diesel, I can’t put into words how many of them are around where I live. And all of them are 6.6 V8s.
It is the default heavy duty transport for gov applications, so sadly they never get repaired outside of dealers.
(EDIT: I herd they have so transmission issues, but again, I lack experience with these large GMs.)
The 6.6 is actually better than about 90% of commercial euro diesels, yes it’s not a luxurious Mercedes diesel V6 that’s smooth and quiet- but it’s definitely better than the typical 1.5 not being able to move a Citroen Jummpy or the 2.3T rattling in the Renault Master and Traffic.
Well I'd go neither of those but the problem is you need something so big. Basically only a van size thing is going to do. Not Toyota makes the best vans but see if you can squeeze nine people on the sienna
