Received: from hplms26.hpl.hp.com by opus.hpl.hp.com with SMTP (1.37.109.8/15.5+ECS 3.3+HPL1.1) id AA24421; Mon, 11 Dec 1995 15:05:27 -0800 Return-Path: <bambugib@harborside.com-DeleteThis> Received: from harborside.com by hplms26.hpl.hp.com with ESMTP ($Revision: 1.36.108.11 $/15.5+ECS 3.3+HPL1.1S) id AA042503116; Mon, 11 Dec 1995 15:05:16 -0800 Received: from [204.214.110.74] (p09.gb0.harborside.com [204.214.110.74]) by harborside.com (8.6.12/8.6.9) with SMTP id PAA26657 for <wind_talk@opus.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis>; Mon, 11 Dec 1995 15:01:24 -0800 Message-Id: <v01520d03acf26b385963@[204.214.110.68]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Mon, 11 Dec 1995 15:24:10 -0800 To: wind_talk@opus.hpl.hp.com-DeleteThis From: bambugib@harborside.com-DeleteThis (Gib Cooper) Subject: Re: Minivan Surfmobiles
>Any comments? I'm especially interested in load-length (longest board you
>can carry inside and does it obstruct any of the seating), engine size,
>handling and seating configurations. I've already ruled out full-size
>vans (e.g. the Econoline) cause of fuel efficiency, although I recognize
>that these are extremely useful. I've also ruled out the
>Vanagan/Westfalia cause they seem underpowered (correct me if I'm wrong).
>
>Models I'm considering include the Windstar, Aerostar, Astro,
>Caravan/Voyager (Grand and regular), and Villager/Quest. My first
>preference would be a '96 Grand Caravan/Voyager with quad-seating, at
>least the 3.3 liter, and ABS, however, these are a little pricey right
>now. I want the quad seating so I can remove one seat for my stuff and
>have the other free for my kid or a third passenger.
Ed
As an owner of a 89 Aerostar Long found you could fit a 9' or shorter board
in side. The seats come out easy. Leaving the middle seat in you could
still slide one board under it. Gas mileage aroud 20 mpg with 3 liter
engine. Stack racks are fine.
I haven't been pleased with the mechanics of this vehicle. Brakes go down
fast. Front discs need turning a lot. Replaced engine at 110,000. Did tow
trailor 14' acouple of times, once to Baja. Get the heaviest axle if you
want to do this. I am going to get another econoline. My 1980 has been a
easy going vehicle. The engine only cost $1600 to replace at 170,000 miles
vs. $3000 at 110,000 and scads of other mechanical bills. Pay for the gas
or the mechanics & parts. Its your decision.
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