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swchandler
Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588
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Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2013 1:21 pm Post subject: |
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I have a 1997 Chevy 2500 that I ordered from the factory. Nothing unusual, but for a cargo van, it was loaded. Never driven a Ford, but I have found the Chevy to be a great van that is both worthy and solid for the task. That said, they are a bit more complex in how they are configured in the interior cargo space. To fit an interior into the van is certainly more challenging. I did mine myself for windsurfing and camping. The only drawback is gas mileage. While the newer ones are probably better, I still think that you'd be lucky to get 20mpg.
Regarding the newer designs, I think that Ford has been smart in offering a "less tall" version. The taller vans are great, but they can't always go and park everywhere, and that might include your garage.
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MalibuGuru
Joined: 11 Nov 1993 Posts: 9300
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swchandler
Joined: 08 Nov 1993 Posts: 10588
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Posted: Sat Dec 28, 2013 5:55 pm Post subject: |
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Looks like it's your new "business" vehicle too.
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MalibuGuru
Joined: 11 Nov 1993 Posts: 9300
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Posted: Sun Dec 29, 2013 12:08 am Post subject: |
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The ability to get things done at the beach is amazing with technology today.
PS, I sadly sold my last VW and traded it for an RV. Drove into Santa Barbara only to find that any vehicle over 14 feet would not be allowed to park in the city. The shorter or medium Ford van looks like it would fit the bill. Having the ability to park in a regular slot is important these days.
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dvCali
Joined: 23 Aug 2007 Posts: 1314
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isobars
Joined: 12 Dec 1999 Posts: 20935
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Posted: Mon Dec 30, 2013 4:05 pm Post subject: |
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The Feb issue of Motor Trend contains a one-page-each comparison of the Ford Transit, Nissan NV200 SV, Mercedes Benz Sprinter, and Ram ProMaster 2500 vans. Like everything else, each has its strong and weak points.
Mike \m/
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KGB-NP
Joined: 25 Jul 2001 Posts: 2856
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Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 8:06 am Post subject: |
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I used to love my Ford E vans until I drove the GMC Savana. Those Ford E vans have the worst ride ever. They might as well weld the axles onto the frame in those. I sure the hope new Transit doesn't have that same horrible ride. My current 2005 extended GMC 2500 Savanna is coming up on 290K and is still in great condition and runs like its new. I hoping I can get 400K out of it but if starts to look rusty and ugly I may have to kick it to the curb. It's bad for business driving around in a beater.
I wish they still sold the VW work vans that were 1 ton rated and came as a diesel. They didn't stand up to our salty winter conditions too well. It would be nice to see more turbo diesel options available in the commercial van market.
I've actually been contemplating building a full tube frame custom built body van utilizing a Suzuki Samurai four wheel drive train mated to a turbo diesel Jetta engine. I could use it for work, windsurfing, mountain biking, and off roading.
The other option I thought would be older all wheel drive Safari van and change out the thirsty 4.3L with Jetta diesel and convert to run bio diesel.
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U2U2U2
Joined: 06 Jul 2001 Posts: 5467 Location: Shipsterns Bluff, Tasmania. Colorado
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Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 11:17 am Post subject: |
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VW diesel in a van.
dont know the HP rating , but to do 75MPH you may get worse MPG than you do now
_________________ K4 fins
4Boards....May the fours be with you
http://www.k4fins.com/fins.html
http://4boards.co.uk/ |
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jsampiero
Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 677
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Posted: Wed Jan 01, 2014 1:45 pm Post subject: |
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For you vehicle geeks, let's just say I happen to be living in Europe. Anything come to mind that would be worth the time and energy to dig up and eventually ship over? Old or new(ish).
Just curious.
I obviously left my Chevy 5.3 liter V8 in Hood River, and here I'm driving a 90-hp Passat TDI. Just did a 1,100 mile round trip, probably averaging about 90 mph, and spent 140 euros in gas money. The mileage makes it cheaper than America.
_________________ __________________________________________
FORMERLY of www.windsurfingmag.com
My personal website: www.youneedjosh.com |
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kevinkan
Joined: 07 Jun 2001 Posts: 1661 Location: San Francisco
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