28th Jun 2017, 22:43
"waiting lists"? LOL
The reviewer's "test drive" reference is talking about the engineers/designers responsible for this model (which used a platform dating all the way back to 1990) who supposedly never test drove a prototype before approving the final version for production.
Given that the reviewer's "biggest complaint is the lack of power", one has to wonder why the reviewer apparently failed to detect that alleged shortcoming on his/her own pre-purchase test drive. Or, if acceleration ability was so important, why would they not have purchased a 2006 or 2007 model, which were available with the much more powerful 3.9 liter engine?
29th Jun 2017, 09:39
What's he supposed to do bring 5 people to a test drive to see how added weight reduced its power?
29th Jun 2017, 12:30
No, he doesn't have to "bring five people to a test drive".
A test drive with one person aboard will be sufficient to tell whether the car would have enough power when loaded.
29th Jun 2017, 18:34
I feel different. His comment was it lacked power with 5 people plus gear (almost comical). I don't trust the answer. What's 5 people plus gear weigh? 1000 added lbs? Whats the gear weight? What's the terrain? Hills, mountains, flat? If I were in a similar situation I would even bring out some dealership or even shop personnel for a test ride. Maybe you go solo. Or a passenger. Doesn't hurt to bring a family along to see if everyone fits or is happy. I made this mistake before. Big difference between a 180 lb driver solo or a large people and gear load.
30th Jun 2017, 10:57
Not all dealerships are near hilly terrain as well. That was a negative comment mentioned. It's not always possible to see how well it navigates steep terrain. I also had a new similar vehicle, a newly introduced Caravan that ate up brakes on frequent trips to the Poconos. So this commenter seemed to think he had to live with this new vehicle to discover many of its faults and limitations. It's easy if you are driver only buying a new car. This same logic can be applied to a new truck purchase. If you carry a lot or tow, just a quick spin around the block may not be that informative.
28th Jun 2017, 14:15
Not this model, but sometimes you are on waiting lists for new entries. With a deposit to get... Can't test drive what's not out yet.