July 30, 2011 12:25PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,538 |
Now that I have to commute again in stop and go traffic, the little buckboard S-10 is becoming a tiresome vehicle to drive.
I do appreciate the carrying capacity and wouldn't like to give it up so the obvious solution is a van or mini van. Since I really don't think a full sized van would be an economical choice, that leaves a mini van. The minis I've looked at all have fuel ratings around the 30mpg(Imperial Gallon) and are adequately powered with v6 engines and automatic trannies. Several of the extended versions would actually give me more carrying capacity than the truck currently does. The truck bed will only take about 7 feet of a 4x8 sheet of plywood whereas the vans(with seats pulled out or stowed) can accommodate a full 4x8 sheet and close the rear hatch. My choices seem to come down to machines in the 2002 to 2005 range and are: Honda Odyssey Chevy Venture Pontiac Montana I have excluded Ford because of it's plastic transmissions and Chrysler because of everything else that breaks almost immediately. None of the other makes seem to have what my three choices do. Any other models you can think of would be appreciated too. So, of the three listed; which one(s) would be the best deal...assuming similar mileage(100k to 150k) and cosmetic condition? |
July 30, 2011 12:56PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 670 |
You should get these on your side of the ocean, pretty good vehicles: Ford Galaxy
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/30/2011 12:58PM by Michiel 318iS. |
July 30, 2011 06:47PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,538 |
Thanks Michel
That looks pretty nice but I don't think they have disembarked yet Hopefully, when they arrive; they will have something other than the traditional 'plastic' automatic transmission that Ford just doesn't seem to be able to fix or get rid of. I've done a lot more research and as much as I want to buy 'domestic'; I just can't find a model that has any amount of reliability once the warranty has run out Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and get a nice ruck with an auto box... |
July 31, 2011 08:00PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,869 : Amagansett, New York |
A ruck? now I'm confused |
August 01, 2011 07:29AM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,538 |
Me too Maybe I should just get another E30 and be done with it |
August 01, 2011 04:11PM
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Registered: 14 years ago
Posts: 799 : O Porto |
Sorry, I don't discuss mini-vans. I thought this site had standards! So, I am assuming you are working steady again, doing consulting or wood cabinets? If you want to transport yourself and your briefcase, any small economical car would do. If you are into the wood cabinet industry, can't see why you would trade your s10, unless it is completely falling apart... Why did you wrote it was a tiresome vehicle to drive? Or you mean you are tired of driving it? I don't know anything about the s-10, the Isuzu trucks we get over here are completely different. The Isuzu diesel engine has good reputation over here. Why do you say a V6 engine and automatic tranny is adequate? JP |
August 01, 2011 07:10PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,538 |
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August 02, 2011 04:45AM
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Registered: 14 years ago
Posts: 799 : O Porto |
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August 02, 2011 10:49AM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 670 |
Ah great, so at least two weeks turned into two months. And what does the future bring? |
August 02, 2011 04:45PM
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Registered: 14 years ago
Posts: 799 : O Porto |
He is shoping for a new car, so I guess he's doing OK! |
August 02, 2011 09:04PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,538 |
Another extension until the end of August There is lots more work...they just need to rationalize the expenditure of having me around even longer |
August 02, 2011 09:06PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,538 |
August 03, 2011 01:46PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,869 : Amagansett, New York |
That's been the story of my life, in the restoration game, Peter. So it sounds like a good plan to me When you say "carrying capacity" what does that mean exactly? Glad to hear things are looking better Peter |
August 04, 2011 07:12AM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,538 |
August 04, 2011 06:32PM
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Registered: 15 years ago
Posts: 1,869 : Amagansett, New York |