Damon,

With all the empathy I can muster, I hear the conflict in your dilemma!

Finding a 'bridge' that will satisfy both of your needs for transportation
will not be easy. If you and your partner 'bargain down' with each other,
finding some middle ground so to speak....... your spouse might be satisfied
but I doubt if Damon will be happy without the Van. too many Vacation
memories..... no small thing in this transitory thing called life!

Pulling the 'power' move and keeping the Van as your only transportation
will likely end in resentment from your spouse....  directed at Damon.....
especially the next time the Van breaks and eats-up your precious $$$$.

Wow, what to do?  Back when marriage meant something...... meaning in a
non-patriarchal and non-misogynous way...... for better or worse.....
sickness and health.. until death do us.....  Each would sacrifice for the
good or better of the other. Meaning Damon... give-up the Van and your
spouse..... give up the false sense of modern 'safe' transportation. Driving
anything short of a Tank will not keep one safe on the road!

Revert to riding bikes and rent a Van when you want to get out of town and
wait for better times and jobs.

Do not do anything rash or with anger as a motivator.

All the best to both of you.
Phil Z.