Vehicle suggestions

On Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:57:24 -0400, an orbital mind-control laser
caused "Sasha Rowan" <mholman2.DeleteThis@cfl.rr.com> to write:

>We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year). We have had
>in the past a Ford Aerostar extended and currently have a Ford Windstar.
>Both have had the AC go out, needing mega repair; not useful in FL. The
>Windstar is just too small, with 4 kids we have no space for taking stuff
>like camping gear or luggage. The Aerostar was huge and had plenty of space
>but they don't make it any more. Does anyone have any suggestions of makes
>of vans that have a big back end made since 2000? Do they even make full
>size vans any more? Any make will do, we just had 2 Fords in a row cause
>that was in our price range. I've looked online but can't tell how much
>back space there is from the pics since most places don't take pictures of
>the interior from the rear.

We are *very* please with our '98 Chevy Astro. We bought it "used" in
1999, but since it had been a rental car in Hawaii, it only had 5000
miles on the odometer when we bought it. We've put about 150,000 miles
on it and it's still going strong. It seats 8--two bucket seats up
front with space between for a small to medium-size cooler, two bench
seats in the back that each seat three, or can be folded down or
removed fairly easily for extra cargo space.

Unfortunately, they stopped making them in 2005, but if you can find a
recently-made used one...

Another possibility would be the Chevy Express:
http://www.chevrolet.com/express/

-Chris Zakes
Texas

"That's what Jagulars always do," said Pooh, much interested. "They call 'Help!
Help!' and then when you look up they drop on you."

"I'm looking down," cried Piglet loudly.

-A.A. Milne, "The House at Pooh Corner"
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

Sasha Rowan wrote:
> We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year). We have had
> in the past a Ford Aerostar extended and currently have a Ford Windstar.
> Both have had the AC go out, needing mega repair; not useful in FL. The
> Windstar is just too small, with 4 kids we have no space for taking stuff
> like camping gear or luggage. The Aerostar was huge and had plenty of space
> but they don't make it any more. Does anyone have any suggestions of makes
> of vans that have a big back end made since 2000? Do they even make full
> size vans any more? Any make will do, we just had 2 Fords in a row cause
> that was in our price range. I've looked online but can't tell how much
> back space there is from the pics since most places don't take pictures of
> the interior from the rear.
>
> Thanks all
>
> Sasha places a stack of ones on the bar for beverages.
>
>

I've been driving Chevy Astro vans for more than 13 years.
Seats 8, you can pop out either one or two bench seats and haul lots of
stuff. (Remembering *many* trips moving younger son's dorm and apartment
contents over the years.)

'wyrm
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

"Sasha Rowan" <mholman2.DeleteThis@cfl.rr.com> wrote in
news:47d7fd64$0$1080$4c368faf@roadrunner.com:

> We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year).

My parents have a 2006 GMC Savanna van. (They got the 12 seat version
but there is a 15 seater available.) This is a full-size 3/4 ton but not
an extended version here. They still make them. My parents got the non-
diesel in order to get electronic stabililty control. (It was a GMC
packaging issue) They've been quite happy with it. Before this, they
have had a used Ford Econoline van (back in the 80s) and another GM van
that they had in the late 80s and early 90s. That GM van was sold to my
sister who got several more years of use from it (carrying items for
work between facilities). Then Sandra sold the van on to get something
with better gas mileage.

Those vans were really great. We didn't always use/get the full seat
combinations. Instead it carried all the gear for the scout troop's
camping trips, other trips, it carried the stuff we didn't want in the
moving van, including a garden tractor and a large dog. The current van
is used for carrying hay (we deliver) and seed if there is any chance of
rain.

I hope this helps. One of the extra pluses of vans versus SUVs for us is
that mom, my sister and I can walk in them (without a raised roof);
we're 5'1" and under (for mom).

Cindy Wells
(the gas mileage is similar to the big 3's full-size vans and pickups (~
13-15 mpg) the last time I looked at their running sheet.)
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

"Sasha Rowan" <mholman2.RemoveThis@cfl.rr.com> wrote:

}We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year). We have had
}in the past a Ford Aerostar extended and currently have a Ford Windstar.
}Both have had the AC go out, needing mega repair; not useful in FL. The
}Windstar is just too small, with 4 kids we have no space for taking stuff
}like camping gear or luggage.

Is a Nissan Quest big enough? (Seats 2+2+3, you can remove 1 of the center
seats for luggage). I have a '93 that has gone for 278K miles (& still
going) and has only needed a timing belt & some suspension/exhaust work.

HTH,

Stan.
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On Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:57:24 -0400, Sasha Rowan stomped through
my brain with:

>We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year). We have had
>in the past a Ford Aerostar extended and currently have a Ford Windstar.
>Both have had the AC go out, needing mega repair; not useful in FL. The
>Windstar is just too small, with 4 kids we have no space for taking stuff
>like camping gear or luggage. The Aerostar was huge and had plenty of space
>but they don't make it any more. Does anyone have any suggestions of makes
>of vans that have a big back end made since 2000? Do they even make full
>size vans any more? Any make will do, we just had 2 Fords in a row cause
>that was in our price range. I've looked online but can't tell how much
>back space there is from the pics since most places don't take pictures of
>the interior from the rear.

Hey, Sasha,

We drive a 2000 Plymouth Grand Voyager. While the way back cargo
space isn't HUGE, it has a decent amount of space for a weeks
worth of luggage to go to CT for us and our two kids. When we go
to the beach with my family in July, we usually end up laying
down the very back seat and filling it up with stuff that way.
Probably not economical for y'all with 4 kids. We still end up
putting stuff on the roof in our rooftop carrier.

But if you look at the Chrysler makes and models, consider the
"Grand" models because those are the ones that have a longer
vehicle base.

Tristaan
--
Beware Spam Trap!: "us" is an "ogre"
*******************************************************
Ogre-Monk, AIM TristaanOgre
"So good-bye for now and I'll see you again
Some way, some how
When it's my time to go to the other side
I'll hold you again and melt at your smile
Now I have all the ones that I am with
You taught me not to take for granted
The time that we have to show that we care
Speak into their lives and their hearts while they're here
And say I LOVE YOU!!"

~Disciple "Things Left Unsaid"
*******************************************************
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

> We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year). We have had
> in the past a Ford Aerostar extended and currently have a Ford Windstar.
> Both have had the AC go out, needing mega repair; not useful in FL. The
> Windstar is just too small, with 4 kids we have no space for taking stuff
> like camping gear or luggage. The Aerostar was huge and had plenty of space
> but they don't make it any more. Does anyone have any suggestions of makes
> of vans that have a big back end made since 2000? Do they even make full
> size vans any more? Any make will do, we just had 2 Fords in a row cause
> that was in our price range. I've looked online but can't tell how much
> back space there is from the pics since most places don't take pictures of
> the interior from the rear.
>
> Thanks all
>
> Sasha places a stack of ones on the bar for beverages.

We are going to get a Honda Odyssey. The one we want seats 8, probably
actually 7 1/2, but that is OK since the grandkids are still small. We
also looked at the Toyota Sienna, but did not like as well - driver's
legroom (I'm 5 foot 12) stiffness of ride, plus some other 'feely' type
things.

Ford and Chevy still make full-size vans, with extended versions, but
with the price of gas they would cost too much for the cross-country
drive we are planning; they are built on top of truck frames.

The only way to tell if the vehicle fits is to try it on - go for a test
drive, put the kids (or adults) in the back if needed.

--
I'm glad my Mom named me Aaron,
That's what everybody calls me.

Hemidemisemideity of Anonymous Eponymity
Patron Saint of Hair Color Changing
Currently: Dark Intense Red - Hydrience 3RR.
Holder of a provisional pedant licens/ce
(limited to the area of physical sciens/ce)
Member of ABMLNCSC - Base singer, very base
"Mommy, make daddy stop singing".

I dye my hair so much my driver's license
has a color wheel. Nancy Mura
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

I think all of the manufacturers still make FULL sized vans. If you want a
mini van the pickings are very slim if you want something new (not just new
to you). We've been fairly happy with our 2001 Montana from Pontiac, room
for 4 adults, 3 dogs in 200 series VariKennels and assorted other stuff.
Probably the most verstile is the Grand Caravan or Town & Country from
Dodge/Chrysler with the Stow & Go seating.
"Sasha Rowan" <mholman2.RemoveThis@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
news:47d7fd64$0$1080$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year). We have had
> in the past a Ford Aerostar extended and currently have a Ford Windstar.
> Both have had the AC go out, needing mega repair; not useful in FL. The
> Windstar is just too small, with 4 kids we have no space for taking stuff
> like camping gear or luggage. The Aerostar was huge and had plenty of
> space but they don't make it any more. Does anyone have any suggestions
> of makes of vans that have a big back end made since 2000? Do they even
> make full size vans any more? Any make will do, we just had 2 Fords in a
> row cause that was in our price range. I've looked online but can't tell
> how much back space there is from the pics since most places don't take
> pictures of the interior from the rear.
>
> Thanks all
>
> Sasha places a stack of ones on the bar for beverages.
>
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

Sorry about the X-post, I only intended this one to go to ABML
"Lurker@The.Threshold" <jamhpp.TakeThisOut@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:5s-dnT_5behUfETanZ2dnUVZ_qiinZ2d@comcast.com...
>I think all of the manufacturers still make FULL sized vans. If you want a
>mini van the pickings are very slim if you want something new (not just new
>to you). We've been fairly happy with our 2001 Montana from Pontiac, room
>for 4 adults, 3 dogs in 200 series VariKennels and assorted other stuff.
>Probably the most verstile is the Grand Caravan or Town & Country from
>Dodge/Chrysler with the Stow & Go seating.
> "Sasha Rowan" <mholman2.TakeThisOut@cfl.rr.com> wrote in message
> news:47d7fd64$0$1080$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
>> We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year). We have
>> had in the past a Ford Aerostar extended and currently have a Ford
>> Windstar. Both have had the AC go out, needing mega repair; not useful in
>> FL. The Windstar is just too small, with 4 kids we have no space for
>> taking stuff like camping gear or luggage. The Aerostar was huge and had
>> plenty of space but they don't make it any more. Does anyone have any
>> suggestions of makes of vans that have a big back end made since 2000?
>> Do they even make full size vans any more? Any make will do, we just had
>> 2 Fords in a row cause that was in our price range. I've looked online
>> but can't tell how much back space there is from the pics since most
>> places don't take pictures of the interior from the rear.
>>
>> Thanks all
>>
>> Sasha places a stack of ones on the bar for beverages.
>>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

Sasha Rowan wrote:
> We will be looking for a new van soon (within the next year). We have had
> in the past a Ford Aerostar extended and currently have a Ford Windstar.
> Both have had the AC go out, needing mega repair; not useful in FL. The
> Windstar is just too small, with 4 kids we have no space for taking stuff
> like camping gear or luggage. The Aerostar was huge and had plenty of space
> but they don't make it any more. Does anyone have any suggestions of makes
> of vans that have a big back end made since 2000? Do they even make full
> size vans any more? Any make will do, we just had 2 Fords in a row cause
> that was in our price range. I've looked online but can't tell how much
> back space there is from the pics since most places don't take pictures of
> the interior from the rear.
>
> Thanks all
>
> Sasha places a stack of ones on the bar for beverages.
>
>

I Love my SUV. The suburban is great - one kid to each bench seat and
lots of room for STUFF in the back. New Tahoe is okay-- need to fold
down the 3rd seat to stow much, but with 2 captains chairs as middle,
it's adequate for 2 kids and stuff. Plus, with its 8/4 drive, it does
save gas on highway driving. (That is, it uses 8 cylinders to
accelerate, but 4 to maintain speed.)

SAMK
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

On Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:15:10 GMT, Aaron <kemtek.1 RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:



>We are going to get a Honda Odyssey. The one we want seats 8, probably
>actually 7 1/2, but that is OK since the grandkids are still small. We
>also looked at the Toyota Sienna, but did not like as well - driver's
>legroom (I'm 5 foot 12) stiffness of ride, plus some other 'feely' type
>things.

I'm a Corolla type so can hardly advise on people movers. But the
Sydney newspaper had an article on 4 year old ones today and the Honda
Odyssey was top rated.
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

>> We are going to get a Honda Odyssey. The one we want seats 8, probably
>> actually 7 1/2, but that is OK since the grandkids are still small. We
>> also looked at the Toyota Sienna, but did not like as well - driver's
>> legroom (I'm 5 foot 12) stiffness of ride, plus some other 'feely' type
>> things.
>
> I'm a Corolla type so can hardly advise on people movers. But the
> Sydney newspaper had an article on 4 year old ones today and the Honda
> Odyssey was top rated.

Well, right now we are fairly certain we will get the Honda, but I
really should look more in depth at the Toyota's pricing. If I can get
essentially the same thing for significantly less, I could change my
mind. One thing the Sienna has that the Odyssey does not is the
available all wheel drive.

--
I'm glad my Mom named me Aaron,
That's what everybody calls me.

Hemidemisemideity of Anonymous Eponymity
Patron Saint of Hair Color Changing
Currently: Dark Intense Red - Hydrience 3RR.
Holder of a provisional pedant licens/ce
(limited to the area of physical sciens/ce)
Member of ABMLNCSC - Base singer, very base
"Mommy, make daddy stop singing".

I dye my hair so much my driver's license
has a color wheel. Nancy Mura
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions 

In article <qg3jt35rt8f35f3qq0cv51djkeatdh74ag RemoveThis @4ax.com>,
John Oliver <jdoliver RemoveThis @westnet.com.au> wrote:

> On Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:15:10 GMT, Aaron <kemtek.1 RemoveThis @gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> >We are going to get a Honda Odyssey. The one we want seats 8, probably
> >actually 7 1/2, but that is OK since the grandkids are still small. We
> >also looked at the Toyota Sienna, but did not like as well - driver's
> >legroom (I'm 5 foot 12) stiffness of ride, plus some other 'feely' type
> >things.
>
> I'm a Corolla type so can hardly advise on people movers. But the
> Sydney newspaper had an article on 4 year old ones today and the Honda
> Odyssey was top rated.

We bought an Odyssey five years ago and have been very pleased with it,
with one exception. If you happen to look at used Odysseys made before
the 2005 model year, make sure the transmission has already been
replaced.

Our Odyssey seats 7 (we went for captain's seats in the second row). It
easily holds four people, two weeks worth of clothing, a dog in a large
kennel, a large tortoise in a Rubbermaid tote, another plastic bin full
of winter boots & gear, and Christmas presents for a dozen people.
(Okay, some of the presents were ordered online and shipped ahead.)

Edna


---|)--- Edna Huelsenbeck (huelsenbeck@gmailDOTcom) ------------
---|---- Goddess of the ABML Out-of-Practice-Musicians Band -----
--/|---- Member, Brute Squad, Mommy Division --------------------
-| |')-- Provisional Member of the Sisterhood of Mess -----------
--\|/----Official Bard of the Book and Bridle -------------------
|
'
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Edna wrote:
> In article <qg3jt35rt8f35f3qq0cv51djkeatdh74ag.TakeThisOut@4ax.com>,
> John Oliver <jdoliver.TakeThisOut@westnet.com.au> wrote:
<snip -- van advice>
> Our Odyssey seats 7 (we went for captain's seats in the second row). It
> easily holds four people, two weeks worth of clothing, a dog in a large
> kennel, a large tortoise in a Rubbermaid tote, another plastic bin full
> of winter boots & gear, and Christmas presents for a dozen people.
> (Okay, some of the presents were ordered online and shipped ahead.)

Children, large dog... and tortoise?

What interesting trips your family must take.

(No advice on vans... though Consumer Reports has just published an issue
devoted entirely to cars/SUVs/what have you. Might still be on the
newsstands. I buy cars that can be described as "cute".)

--
Megan
Journeyperson Dancing Barbarian
Keeper o' the FAQ: http://home.earthlink.net/~m_thomas3/abml/
 >> Stay informed about: Vehicle suggestions