Guys, thanks so much for your opinions and advice! We were unable to find an affordable late-model Mopar van that hadn't been brought in from the Rust Belt. So, we bought the '09 Kia. It's probably in 9/10 condition with only 94K km on the clock. One local owner, no accidents or claims. It doesn't have the annoying and expensive options that would have scared me off - e.g. sunroof & power sliding doors. The automatic tranny is a 5-speed. I think five or six is the sweet spot for number of gear ratios.
It's got phenomenal interior functionality, looks OK, and drives OK. I'm terrified of the transverse V6 w/ chain-driven DOH camshafts. The 'net is full of horror stories of worn timing chain guides. Oh well, I'll keep the oil changed and hope for the best.
I'll start a thread in the Mtce forum asking for advice on fluids. Thanks again.
It's got phenomenal interior functionality, looks OK, and drives OK. I'm terrified of the transverse V6 w/ chain-driven DOH camshafts. The 'net is full of horror stories of worn timing chain guides. Oh well, I'll keep the oil changed and hope for the best.
I'll start a thread in the Mtce forum asking for advice on fluids. Thanks again.
