Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2013 20:39:48 -0500
Reply-To: mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject: Re: Beyond Vanagon
In-Reply-To: <514CB7EB.7030602@turbovans.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Scott, find me a Vanagon that is one year old, and I'll buy it. There is the rub. Things wear out. mcneely
---- Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM> wrote:
> I think Sprinters are overly large, and truck like, and working on one
> would be like working on a giant truck.
>
> and the name of this other van ..ProMaster .
> I thinkthat name for a vehicle model name sucks. Sounds like a name
> for an exercise machine. ..with macho and sexual overtones.
> I mean isn't that the name of a sexual performance enhancementproduct?
> I think it is.
>
> Of course they have to push a little 'Dodge RAM' energy toward this
> vehicle, that says everything good that is american has to be hugean
> extra macho. Where I live a huge empty pick-up truck is the common
> one-person vehicle. Totallywasteful of resources, whether iin the
> manufacturoing process or use.
> Vanagons are certainly looking modest, easy to work on, and not
> terrible expesive to keep happythese days, compared to modern vehicles.
> Not a check engine light in sight anywhere ! No traction or
> stability control, no ABS brakes, no rain sensing wipers, no tire
> pressure monitoring system, and on and on.
> How have we done so well with Vanagons all this time !! ? lol.
>
>
>
> On 3/22/2013 12:40 PM, Richard Koerner wrote:
> > Since it's Friday, I'll put this out:
> > http://wot.motortrend.com/2014-ram-promaster-cargo-van-starts-at-29625-diesel-is-4000-more-337795.html#axzz2OITfgyOz
> >
> > Anybody
> > thinking beyond Vanagon? I love my 85 tintop Vanagon and it's
> > predecessor a 70 Baywindow. Been lots of fun and adventure over the
> > past 39 years. Roadtrips will always be a part of my life, and I've
> > been thinking about a future vehicle. The future may be arriving soon.
> > October.
> >
> > Have been reading a lot online about MB Sprinters, and
> > then was getting excited about then new Ford Transit (not Transit
> > Connect). Both seemed to be okay platforms. But have now discovered the
> > Fiat Ducato, a huge seller in Europe and currently being made in Mexico
> > and re-badged as a Chrysler Ram ProMaster. In USA showrooms this October. Like the others, will be
> > available in an array of
> > bodies and wheelbases. For me, I would start out with an empty cargo
> > van with the high roof, 116-inch wheelbase, and then build out my own camping interior.
> >
> > Really
> > like the front-wheel drive of the ProMaster which results in lowest
> > step-in height in it's class. Also, pretty tight turning radius (gets
> > bigger with the mid- and long-wheelbase versions). Gas engine has an
> > impressive 27 MPG highway; diesel engine is an option for $4K more.
> > Presumably, parts and service would be readily available across the
> > entire North American continent. And the price is reasonable too for
> > the cargo versions (passenger versions not announced yet). The version I
> > want looks to be around $32K.
> >
> > I'm sure the van conversion people
> > will be all over this vehicle! And lots of interior goodies to shop
> > for from the RV equipment suppliers. My plan is to buy such a vehicle
> > in the next couple years, then design (I used Solidworks 3D
> > CAD) a versatile interior that meets my needs and desires, and then
> > build it out. Would be a labor of love I imagine. But have done the
> > same with my Vanagon. The goal is to have a 4 season retirement vehicle
> > for travels across the continent over the next 20 years.
> >
> > Take a look at the above link (copy and paste as needed).....plenty of information out there, more arriving daily. What do ya'll think?
> >
> > Rich
> > San Diego
> >
--
David McNeely
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