Scott, find me a Vanagon that is one year old, and I'll buy it.  There is the rub.  Things wear out.  mcneely

---- Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM> wrote:
> I think Sprinters are overly large, and truck like, and working on one
> would be like working on a giant truck.
>
> and the name of this other van ..ProMaster .
>    I thinkthat name for a vehicle model name sucks.   Sounds like a name
> for an exercise machine. ..with macho and sexual overtones.
> I mean isn't that the name of a sexual performance enhancementproduct?
> I think it is.
>
> Of course they have to push a little 'Dodge RAM'   energy toward this
> vehicle, that says everything good that is american has to be hugean
> extra macho. Where I live a huge empty pick-up truck is the common
> one-person vehicle. Totallywasteful of resources, whether iin the
> manufacturoing process or use.
>      Vanagons are certainly looking modest, easy to work on, and not
> terrible expesive to keep happythese days, compared to modern vehicles.
>      Not a check engine light in sight anywhere !    No traction or
> stability control, no ABS brakes, no rain sensing wipers, no tire
> pressure monitoring system, and on and on.
> How have we done so well with Vanagons all this time !! ?   lol.
>
>
>
> On 3/22/2013 12:40 PM, Richard Koerner wrote:
> > Since it's Friday, I'll put this out:
> > http://wot.motortrend.com/2014-ram-promaster-cargo-van-starts-at-29625-diesel-is-4000-more-337795.html#axzz2OITfgyOz
> >
> > Anybody
> >   thinking beyond Vanagon?  I love my 85 tintop Vanagon and it's
> > predecessor a 70 Baywindow.  Been lots of fun and adventure over the
> > past 39 years.  Roadtrips will always be a part of my life, and I've
> > been thinking about a future vehicle.  The future may be arriving soon.
> >   October.
> >
> > Have been reading a lot online about MB Sprinters, and
> > then was getting excited about then new Ford Transit (not Transit
> > Connect).  Both seemed to be okay platforms.  But have now discovered the
> > Fiat Ducato, a huge seller in Europe and currently being made in Mexico
> > and re-badged as a Chrysler Ram ProMaster.   In USA showrooms this October.  Like the others, will be
> > available in an array of
> >   bodies and wheelbases.  For me, I would start out with an empty cargo
> > van with the high roof, 116-inch wheelbase, and then build out my own camping interior.
> >
> > Really
> >   like the front-wheel drive of the ProMaster which results in lowest
> > step-in height in it's class.  Also, pretty tight turning radius (gets
> > bigger with the mid- and long-wheelbase versions).  Gas engine has an
> > impressive 27 MPG highway; diesel engine is an option for $4K more.
> > Presumably, parts and service would be readily available across the
> > entire North American continent.  And the price is reasonable too for
> > the cargo versions (passenger versions not announced yet).  The version I
> >   want looks to be around $32K.
> >
> > I'm sure the van conversion people
> >   will be all over this vehicle!  And lots of interior goodies to shop
> > for from the RV equipment suppliers.  My plan is to buy such a vehicle
> > in the next couple years, then design (I used Solidworks  3D
> >   CAD) a versatile interior that meets my needs and desires, and then
> > build it out.  Would be a labor of love I imagine.  But have done the
> > same with my Vanagon.  The goal is to have a 4 season retirement vehicle
> >   for travels across the continent over the next 20 years.
> >
> > Take a look at the above link (copy and paste as needed).....plenty of information out there, more arriving daily.  What do ya'll think?
> >
> > Rich
> > San Diego
> >

--
David McNeely