To this point, we are all here because of a common bond; this includes,
look/style and functional superiority. In describing other Vanagon-esque
vehicles, ghastly is an understatement. We are not owners of vans because
they are perfect - I suspect aesthetic value weighs in most.

I haven't seen Ford Transit owners honk and wave at eachother as they pass
by.

Danimal
91 Vanagon GL
83 320i BMW

----- Original Message -----
From: "Andrew Grebneff" <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 4:58 PM
Subject: Re: Vanagon-esque vehicles...

> >For that price you could have the new Dodge Sprinter
> >which is really a big Mercedes van made in the
> >USA(parts designed/manufactured by Diamler Benz) Its
> >got 154 horsepower I-5 Diesel that gets 22MPG City.
> >Comes with front and rear disc brakes, Computer
> >controlled suspension. 6' high ceilings w/twice the
> >interior space as a Westy Vanagon.....all for
> >$27K......HEY we can dream cant we?
>
> Yes, and the very same ghastly vehicle was sold as Ford Transit (with
> different nose styling), though the Ford version has now been
> completely restyled. IF you can call it style. Like pigstyle.
>
> So... who DID design it? Mercedes? Frod? VW??
>
> >Though they play second fiddle to the Mercedes-Benz Vito Marco Polo, I
> >like these Nissans.  I've seen them all over the Middle East.  Also sold
> >in Mexico.
> >
> >http://www.nissanurvan.com.mx/
>
> Nissan vans aren't very reliable. Some Urvan/Caravan/Homy (all the
> same van) came in as used imports from Japan, but are not popular...
> used Mazdas, Mitsubishis & especially Toyotas come in in huge
> numbers. They look a lot better too (Michael, se jpeg attached of SWB
> 4WD Hiace 3.0 diesel turbo EFI Super Custom, a digital-dash 2WD Super
> Custom with rear spoiler & a modified Hiace in Jaopan).
> --
> Andrew Grebneff
> 165 Evans St, Dunedin, New Zealand
> 64 (3) 473-8863
> <andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
> Fossil preparator
> Seashell, Macintosh & VW/Toyota van nut