by "gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
Published 05/08/2017 at 23:54
by "gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
Published 05/08/2017 at 23:54
Tags: i should just rent a van
STARS: 0
For $2500 or less, preferably less. Some friends and I have roughly planned a short trip for later in the spring, maybe early summer. There will likely be 6 or 7 of us, and my car only seats 5. Now, three of us do have drivers licenses, but I’m the only one with a car. The reasonable thing would be to rent a van, and that will likely be what we do. The option of borrowing a second car is something I’d like to avoid, since our trip involves taking a ferry. So double the ferry cost, and more fuel costs. I’m going to price that out, roughly, as well as the van renting option. Now what I’d like to do, is buy something fairly cheap that has enough seats that I can sell later. It does’t have to be a flip or anything, it would just be nice to break even.
I’m not really considering wagons with rear-facing third rows, since that removes their cargo capacity. I’m thinking a van, minivan, or even a big old three row SUV would be good. The usual cheap stuff in my area are first gen Siennas, Astros/Safaris, Caravans/Voyagers/T&Cs, Aerostars, some Suburbans. I’m leaning toward a GMT400 Suburban, if I can find one that’s good and cheap, even though they’ll have the worst fuel economy and be the worst to handle on twisty roads on the island. I’d be looking for a fun size passenger van, because they’re cool, but they’ve got shockingly expensive if they’re not rusty. So yeah, feel free to join me in this silly venture.
This has my attention.....
!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!
From a quick google, that part he can’t get is ~$75 and readily available from at least 3 places
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
05/08/2017 at 23:58, STARS: 0
Where are you going?
"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
05/09/2017 at 00:03, STARS: 0
Can you get an old Yukon?
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 00:05, STARS: 0
Tofino, probably.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 00:06, STARS: 0
I don’t think they have three rows, but if they do, that would be a bit nicer to handle than a Suburban. Less cargo space though
"CB" (jrcb)
05/09/2017 at 00:07, STARS: 2
I was going to suggest a Roadmaster, but that’s probably a no-go. How much are Dodge Caravans? Get one with Stow n Go seating for more storage, and Bob’s your uncle.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 00:10, STARS: 0
I unfortunately can’t remember the last time I saw a Roadmaster wagon for sale, plus the cargo room issue.
They’re usually pretty cheap, I dunno if the first and second gens have Stow n Go, but the first gens are so cheap that I’m considering them. Amazing visibility too.
"DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time" (dc3ls-)
05/09/2017 at 00:23, STARS: 2
What you pictured would be the best. I’ve been on one roadtrip in one and it was great. The fuel mileage sucks, but it’ll still probably beat taking two vehicles and be the same as a van. (By van I mean a full sized)
As for handling. Your not gonna be getting anything that’ll handle well anyway lol.
Plus pretty much any parts store will have stuff for this.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
05/09/2017 at 00:26, STARS: 0
Many: https://littlepassengerseats.com/
"boxrocket" (boxrocket)
05/09/2017 at 00:28, STARS: 5
Minivan or full-size van is your best bet. Not as big as the suburban or Expedition option, but cheaper parts, better on gas, better ride, and better chance of staying under-budget. Caravans/T&Cs are ubiquitous for a reason, but if you can find an Odyssey or Quest in good shape under-budget, more power to you. Don’t forget the Kia Sedona/Hyundai Entourage twins, and even the Nissan Quest. The Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey duo aren’t bad, either, and the 4.2L is a beast. Skip the uplander family: they’re utter crap. Used conversion vans can also be a hoot, and are likely even more spacious. Plus there’s not a decent shop out there who hasn’t touched an Econoline or savanna/express.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 00:33, STARS: 1
Oh haha I don’t mean actual good handling, no delusions there. I just mean that less of a barge might be nice on the tight, twisty road to Tofino. That said, it’ll be full of cars and we’ll likely never top 60km/h, so it probably won’t matter.
Also a friend of mine grew up in a ‘92 Suburban, he always said it was the greatest roadtrip vehicle.
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
05/09/2017 at 00:34, STARS: 2
You know you want it
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 00:34, STARS: 1
That’s actually legal?
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 00:41, STARS: 1
If I can find a Caravan/etc that isn’t 300k+ and/or beat to shit, I might go for that. I’ve been steering clear of Odysseys because of the transmission problems, same with Windstars/Freestars since they can be very hit and miss when it comes to how much they like to break. The 4.2 could be fun though. Kia Sedonas almost don’t exist around here, I totally forgot they existed. I’ve never seen a Hyundai Entourage actually. Quests/Villagers are usually pretty cheap, just maybe a bit small. I’ve driven an Uplander, and while surprisingly comfortable and fast, it was hot garbage in every other way, so those will indeed be skipped. For my area, Siennas and Astros are by far the most plentiful minivans, at least on craigslist. Conversion vans are sadly too pricey 90% of the time, but I’m keeping my eye out.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 00:41, STARS: 0
I’ve never seen one for sale. It’s like there’s a total of 7 B-bodies around here, I think I’ve only seen a wagon once, maybe twice.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
05/09/2017 at 00:43, STARS: 1
seems to be??
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 00:44, STARS: 0
That’s fairly surprising. I highly doubt it’s legal in Canada though
"CRider" (crider)
05/09/2017 at 00:52, STARS: 4
http://limoforsale.com/limos-for-sale/lincoln/town-car/2006-lincoln-town-car-sedan-stretch-limo-royale-9010.html A little over budget, but you’re hauling 7 people + luggage. They can pitch in a little.
"Kiltedpadre" (kiltedpadre)
05/09/2017 at 00:57, STARS: 1
For sheer comfort I would look at a full size conversion van. In my area they are significantly cheaper than three row SUVS of the same age and will be roomier than a minivan.
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
05/09/2017 at 00:58, STARS: 2
I have a cousin with these, its a 7 seat fj cruiser if you can picture that
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 01:00, STARS: 0
That’s really bizarre
"415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°)" (415s30)
05/09/2017 at 01:06, STARS: 1
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one, people don’t buy that kind of thing where I live!
"boxrocket" (boxrocket)
05/09/2017 at 01:08, STARS: 1
I meant to type “Odyssey or Sienna” not “Odyssey or Quest”. I was trying to remember the name of the Nissan while typing.
Too bad the Mazda MPV and 5 are so small, they tend to be undervalued. I forgot about a Transit Connect Wagon, but I think any of those that are in your budget would only be the 5-passenger Wagon version rather than the 7-passenger one that I think they introduced with the current body style.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 01:13, STARS: 1
I don’t know how cheap Transit Connects have gotten near you, but the cheapest one around here is nearly $9k. One of those would be awesome if they were getting down to $3k or less
"cbell04" (cbell04)
05/09/2017 at 01:22, STARS: 4
It must be done. https://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/hvo/6094456062.html
"random001" (random001)
05/09/2017 at 01:39, STARS: 0
Montero or trooper?
"Tristan" (casselts)
05/09/2017 at 01:47, STARS: 5
You know what gets my vote... With a tune and a set of rock-hard-inflated 10-plys I’m averaging 15 MPG back and forth to work. I bought it for $2,600 (honestly, I overpaid because it had waaay fewer miles than any of the others I looked at) and it’s quickly becoming a favorite on the very long list of vehicles I’ve owned!
Also, the road into and out of my neighborhood is a very twisty ordeal. For a 5,400 pound behemoth, it handles pretty decently. GM fitted it with some massive sway bars, paired with independent front suspension and the natural stability of the rear leafs. Don’t get me wrong- it’ll push the nose instantly with too much steering input and the steering is totally dead numb, but it’s not a wobbly, wallowing, flop bucket like a solid axle Jeep, a ‘78 Ford LTD or any of the Astro/Safari vans I’ve driven.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 02:08, STARS: 0
That mileage isn’t bad at all. I mean my Legacy barely averages more than 18mpg, city driving. I’m liking this Suburban idea more and more...
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 03:03, STARS: 0
Monteros are too pricey, Troopers only seat 5 :(
"Tristan" (casselts)
05/09/2017 at 03:24, STARS: 3
The other major plus as a road trippin’ vehicle is the yuge, tremendous gas tank. 43 gallons. That’s an easy 600 miles of range on the open highway.
"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
05/09/2017 at 03:50, STARS: 2
I’m going to throw in another vote for a GMT-400 Suburban. Back in college I borrowed my cousin’s ‘95 2wd ‘Burban for a 900 mile trip with six of us. It was a supremely awesome road trip vehicle. Room for days, comfy ride, plenty of power, surprisingly decent highway mileage (high teens cruising through the flatlands). Plus, if you do have mechanical issues you cannot beat the parts availability of a GM truck.
"random001" (random001)
05/09/2017 at 03:54, STARS: 0
Are they? I’ve found a bunch around that price range. If you don’t care to keep it, that is...
"RT" (rt-p)
05/09/2017 at 04:12, STARS: 0
Mazda5 or Land Rover Discovery?
"RT" (rt-p)
05/09/2017 at 04:12, STARS: 0
The Trooper was sold with seven seats …just not in the US. :/
"PartyPooper2012" (PartyPooper2012)
05/09/2017 at 06:12, STARS: 1
I’ll take that $2,500 now
"boxrocket" (boxrocket)
05/09/2017 at 06:20, STARS: 2
I’ve seen a few of the Van (first generation, stripped for commercial duty, and with black plastic bumpers) versions that have been ridden hard put away wet, and over 200K miles in that range, but yeah, I doubt a desirable wagon would be that cheap yet. The joy of posting after my bedtime.
"Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
05/09/2017 at 07:23, STARS: 1
Only thing I can think of is something like a church van, or a short bus. Both of those are probably cheap enough (I would think). Or a minivan, which really is the best option available.
"If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent" (essextee)
05/09/2017 at 07:32, STARS: 2
That looks pretty fun. As for cars, I’ve spent a fair chunk of time behind the wheel of a GMT400 and I can safely say that’s the one you want. It’s comfy, the ride is well isolated, and it’s so spacious that you’ll need cell phones to talk to the back seat passengers. Perfect road trip car. There’s a reason why everyone in the 90s started buying those instead of minivans.
"Master Cylinder" (mastercylinder28)
05/09/2017 at 07:36, STARS: 1
I’d be looking for a minivan in your situation. A giant SUV would be cool but your fuel costs will be huge, and it’s likely to cost more to buy the vehicle in the first place, assuming relatively equal mileage/condition.
"cletus44 aka Clayton Seams" (cletus44)
05/09/2017 at 08:10, STARS: 2
I’ve owned my 1999 Suburban for 10 years now and have driven it coast to coast in all weather with up to eight people in it. They are supremely engineered vehicles that will last reliably TIL 300,000 with ease. My 2wd model has gotten as good as 21 on the highway while cruising.
"Sweet Trav" (thespunbearing)
05/09/2017 at 08:24, STARS: 1
Astro van.
"OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars" (jakeauern)
05/09/2017 at 08:34, STARS: 2
Previa. Manual AWD Mid-Engine Sports-Van FTW.
"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
05/09/2017 at 08:43, STARS: 2
I’m going to throw in another vote for a GMT400. Mainly because they are always in demand, so it will be the easiest thing to sell again. Another thing you might want to consider along the same lines is a Durango. You should be able to get a 2002-ish one with around 150k miles in your budget and it will feel a lot more modern than a GMT400, though the 3rd row is a little cramped.
"Hammerdown" (hammerdown32)
05/09/2017 at 09:48, STARS: 1
Do what every band in the history of ever has done, and buy an Econoline. Done deal.
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 10:33, STARS: 0
Around here at least, I mean there are cheaper Montero Sports, but those only seat 5
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 10:36, STARS: 1
I’ve been looking for a good Previa, there’s a decent looking one that “needs some engine tlc”, and all the others are rusty. If a good one shows up, they’re high on my list
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 10:38, STARS: 1
Mazda5s aren’t that cheap here yet, but I’ve found several cheap Discos.....I really shouldn’t go that route though. As cool as it would be, trying to get 90s Lane Rover parts on the far coast of an island would likely be a bad time
"Bowtie_Guy" (thatbowtieguy)
05/09/2017 at 11:13, STARS: 1
Tahoes and Yukons did not have 3rd row seating in the GMT400 generation but they did get it for the GMT800 (2000-2007) although those are probably out of budget
"random001" (random001)
05/09/2017 at 12:45, STARS: 0
Ah, I see. Didnt realize...
"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish)
05/09/2017 at 13:50, STARS: 0
I do like the older Mitsubishis. I’m getting a gen 1 Pajero soon for doing 4x4 things
"random001" (random001)
05/09/2017 at 14:15, STARS: 1
I’ve become obsessed with first gen Monteros of late myself.
"Dru" (therealkennyd)
05/11/2017 at 08:54, STARS: 1
Too bad you didn’t post this about a year ago. My boss sold his grand caravan that he bought one or two years old and kept for +/- 15 years. Whatever his mechanic suggested to do to it, he did. So he had likely the cleanest grand caravan in the country with no leaks whatsoever. I think he wound up selling it for around 2 grand when it had about 230,000 miles.
That said, I’d go suburban. They have a lot of character and are crazy reliable.