New user in SC looking for help picking a van
Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2016 5:38 am
Greetings, new user in SC looking for help in buying a van.
Currently I have an 08 Mazda 3, and the wife has an 07 Ford Edge. Great vehicles, but we're having some issues.
The issue being that my wife is partially disabled. She walks with a cane and sometimes has trouble getting in and out of the Edge. She won't rid in my car at all unless she has no choice, it's just too low to the ground.
I was thinking I might replace the car with a truck, but she mentioned she'd like to look for something with a bed in the back so she could rest during our trips to the mountains and down to FL. She's thinking maybe a small RV, but I'm not feeling it. It's impractical for daily use, and since she's not working now (and still fighting with SSDI) we can't afford to have something like that sit around for the occasional use. Since I feel like a full size van would be overkill for just the 2 of us (along with the bad mileage), I start looking at mini-vans. Most mini vans are just replacements for station wagons, but the "in-between size" of the astro/safari seems to be the way to go. Also, there's the looks factor - if I have to drive it every day, I want something I like seeing and being seen in.
So, that brings me here. I've been doing some research on the vans, but there's noting like personal experience. I'd like to hear your thoughts on:
Preferred year/model - issues and preferences for whatever years you prefer.
Size - would a shorty work, or just go with the full size?
High top conversion or regular?
Buy a cargo and fix it up, or buy one almost ready made?
Whats "too high" mileage?
Do I need to look for one set up for towing, or can I add the "tow package" myself?
Prices in this area are a little off kilter. I see from $1200 to around $4000, then a couple for $8-9k. I'd figured on staying around the $3-4k mark myself, but could go a bit more for a really nice one. I don't feel the need for AWD, for my use, it's added complexity and a hit on mpg.
I'm also a child of the 70s-80s, and I remember the van craze. I always wanted one of those customs, and my parents had one - 70 Ford E100 in Coke Red with slotted wheels and an all shag interior. My favorites were always the 4x4s, so I really want to lift this van some too.
Sorry, I see I'm getting a little long winded here so I'll end now. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Currently I have an 08 Mazda 3, and the wife has an 07 Ford Edge. Great vehicles, but we're having some issues.
The issue being that my wife is partially disabled. She walks with a cane and sometimes has trouble getting in and out of the Edge. She won't rid in my car at all unless she has no choice, it's just too low to the ground.
I was thinking I might replace the car with a truck, but she mentioned she'd like to look for something with a bed in the back so she could rest during our trips to the mountains and down to FL. She's thinking maybe a small RV, but I'm not feeling it. It's impractical for daily use, and since she's not working now (and still fighting with SSDI) we can't afford to have something like that sit around for the occasional use. Since I feel like a full size van would be overkill for just the 2 of us (along with the bad mileage), I start looking at mini-vans. Most mini vans are just replacements for station wagons, but the "in-between size" of the astro/safari seems to be the way to go. Also, there's the looks factor - if I have to drive it every day, I want something I like seeing and being seen in.
So, that brings me here. I've been doing some research on the vans, but there's noting like personal experience. I'd like to hear your thoughts on:
Preferred year/model - issues and preferences for whatever years you prefer.
Size - would a shorty work, or just go with the full size?
High top conversion or regular?
Buy a cargo and fix it up, or buy one almost ready made?
Whats "too high" mileage?
Do I need to look for one set up for towing, or can I add the "tow package" myself?
Prices in this area are a little off kilter. I see from $1200 to around $4000, then a couple for $8-9k. I'd figured on staying around the $3-4k mark myself, but could go a bit more for a really nice one. I don't feel the need for AWD, for my use, it's added complexity and a hit on mpg.
I'm also a child of the 70s-80s, and I remember the van craze. I always wanted one of those customs, and my parents had one - 70 Ford E100 in Coke Red with slotted wheels and an all shag interior. My favorites were always the 4x4s, so I really want to lift this van some too.
Sorry, I see I'm getting a little long winded here so I'll end now. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
