bravolad:
For reliability & ruggedness, I would not go for Honda Odyssey. My best bet will be outside the listed options; a Toyota Picnic with three rows of two seats. It looks smaller but has a relatively good head and leg rooms. The rear seats are removable, providing a good cargo space. It handles well and has good fuel economy with an average of 31 mpg.
Parts are readily available, cheap and so do mechanics. Since cost is a major concern, both in maintenance and fuelling, you will not go wrong. It comes in manual & auto trannies.
The Mazda MPV has a 4 cylinder variant but looks bland. We use one as an office vehicle, no rear a/c vents to keep rear passengers cool. It is not rugged & drives sluggishly and equally underpowered. It is as spacious as the Odyssey.
Another good option would have been Toyota Sienna 1998 - 2000 but for the rear window that does wind down, which is a concern to you.

chibabe3:
With the budget you have, Volkswagen Sharan 1999 1.8T will be ideal. the ride is rugged and easy to maintain. I got an 806 Peugeot for 750k and it is doing very well especially with fuel consumption and quite roomy too.

routersnswitch:

3. Mazda MPV 2000 - This Mazda is good but is V6 so might be fuel thirsty. Very good it has sliding doors which is good for kids but the reliability of Mazda is below others which is an issue. If i buy it, I would not be looking to sell anytime soon hence my apprehension. However, it comes mostly with auto tranny which i like with center space for back passengers to enter without lifting any seat.

Please how help my choose one of these vehicles considering the factors i earlier listed and my budget. Somebody can also suggest another in this range.

Attached are the pictures.

Thanks for all your contributions.

DECOtech:


Who told you 6 cylinder engines are fuel thirsty? pls get rid of the mentality. V6 engines would take more fuel than an I4 engine cos of the extra 2 cylinders but to describe them as "fuel thirsty" is an unfair exaggeration. Even a faulty I4 engine would consume more fuel than an old school American V8 engine.

Of the three vehicles you want to choose from, I favour the Mazda MPV. Reason is that a very close friend of mine has owned it since 2008 and still using it. Maintenance culture is the key to long life of any vehicle.

dumo1:
@ routernswitch all dis mini mini miney no won't help u one bit. I would advice you to either get a Toyota Siena or a Honda Odessey and have absolute peace of mind. Factor in availability of parts, durability & cheap workmanship when buying a vehicle.

fagbohun4j:
Oga, I would suggest you go for Sienna which isn't part of your options here. It's a very good and reliable family car. Would have suggested you go for the VW but since you are particular about the AC, then Sienna would be the best. Low budget maintenance, low fuel consumption, full option if you can get the one which has not been tampered with by our Nigerian auto dealers. Don't even go near Honda because of arm safety. You never can tell when the issue might come up.
I hope I've contributed with the little I know. Thanks.

clemz85:
op if that Volkswagen can withstand Nigeria high way
transportation, go for it
though it depends on if you want comfort or
durability and rigidness.

routersnswitch:


Does Volkswagen Sharan 1999 1.8T even come with automatic transmissions?

More inputs please

Originalsly:
With your budget...I'll suggest you consider the Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager..basically the same vehicle. It's rugged...very rugged, very reliable and has a pretty fuel efficient V6 engine.

routersnswitch:


please how do you mean "it depends on if you want comfort or
durability and rigidness"? Where does Sharan belong? Comfort or durability and rigidity?

clemz85:
op if that Volkswagen can withstand Nigeria high way
transportation, go for it

though it depends on if you want comfort or
durability and rigidness.

bravolad:
For reliability & ruggedness, I would not go for Honda Odyssey. My best bet will be outside the listed options; a Toyota Picnic with three rows of two seats. It looks smaller but has a relatively good head and leg rooms. The rear seats are removable, providing a good cargo space. It handles well and has good fuel economy with an average of 31 mpg.

Parts are readily available, cheap and so do mechanics. Since cost is a major concern, both in maintenance and fuelling, you will not go wrong. It comes in manual & auto trannies.

The Mazda MPV has a 4 cylinder variant but looks bland. We use one as an office vehicle, no rear a/c vents to keep rear passengers cool. It is not rugged & drives sluggishly and equally underpowered. It is as spacious as the Odyssey.

Another good option would have been Toyota Sienna 1998 - 2000 but for the rear window that does wind down, which is a concern to you.