I said:
<<Call me back 7 years from now, and we'll talk! ;-)>>
Steve replied:
�" With respect,do you really have the expectation that your 18 year old
� � vehicle with presumably reasonable mileage would have had no
� � problems in that time?...We are talking about a van with an engine
� � of modest output that are often loaded up to buggery and expected to
� � perform in all sorts of adverse conditions....c'mon!"

When I bought my van about 7 years ago, it had 160,000 miles (257000 km) on 
it and was in nearly perfect condition.  It was all good for a couple years.  
Then the little problems started happening, and started escalating over the 
years.  Things just wear out over time.  I still had no head leaks at 245000 
mi (395000 km), but the engine was getting tired and a new powerful 
conversion sounded great.  Now at 270000 mi (435000 km) most problems are 
fixed or worn out parts replaced, and it is relatively smooth sailing.

My posting was made in fun, no hard feelings here.  Every time I crab about 
my van being "old", I think about the guys who are still driving old busses 
from the '70s or earlier.  I am proud of keeping my 18-year-old on the road, 
and will do so for as long as it is legal.  I would love to have a newer van 
in great condition, perhaps it would last longer than a similar but older 
vehicle.

May you continue to have good luck and good maintenance with your van.

Bill Marshall
'85 GL Tiico "Pandora"
Aurora, IL