Return-Path: Received: from G.CS.CMU.EDU by A.CS.CMU.EDU; 2 Oct 85 12:28:52 EDT Date: 2 Oct 1985 12:17-EDT From: Chris.Koenigsberg@G.CS.CMU.EDU To: bovik@a Subject: mini-vans Message-Id: <497117858/ckk@G.CS.CMU.EDU> Here are responses to my bboard question about Toyota mini-vans. I don't know if I'm supposed to strip off the names and dates before ending to you but here it all is anyway. Chris Koenigsberg, ckk@g ********** Date: Tuesday, 10 September 1985 11:55:27 EDT From: Marlin.Whitaker@speech2.cs.cmu.edu To: chris.koenigsberg@g.cs.cmu.edu Subject: mini-vans << Put body of message here. >> Hello Chris-- I've been looking at mini-vans myself for the same reason (hauling a bass fiddle), and I think I'll get a Caravan/Voyager. Reasons: People I've talked to who have them love them - it's unanimous. I have good experience with Chrysler products, including my present car, a '77 Dodge wagon with 111,111+ miles. It uses no oil and costs very little in maintenance. (I really liked my old Honda, but it just didn't last that long, and was more expensive to maintain.) I'm biased toward front-wheel drive. When in doubt, I've decided to tilt toward "Buy American". I may be a little strange, but the one thing I require in a car is reclining seats. The Toyota has them as standard equipment, but they don't actually recline very far. Also, that engine under the seat seems to me to limit servicibility, access to the back, and perhaps safety in front-end collisions. But the Toyota does have a greater cargo capacity. And, it's cute. Good luck. --Marlin Date: 10 Sep 1985 17:21-EDT From: Bruce.Horn@CMU-CS-G.ARPA To: Chris.Koenigsberg@CMU-CS-G Subject: Re: wanted: mini-van advice I have had a Toyota minivan for about a year, and I love it. It is comfortable, reasonably quiet (for a van) and has great visibility. The back seats pop out easily, and the second seat folds down to make a rather lumpy bed. I've driven it 18,000 miles in 9 months and have had virtually no problems with it (although the dealer that did my 12,000 mile checkup didn't put a plastic cover on correctly--big deal). It gets about 30 mpg on the highway. Minuses include poor traction with only a driver (rear wheel drive--bad move!), and poor access to the engine (under the driver's seat). Since the engine is behind the front seat passengers, one might think that it is less safe than the Caravan (probably true, but I'd prefer taking my chances in the Toyota which has better handling). There are large metal rails connecting the frame to the front bumper, however. According to a Toyota ad, consumer satisfaction with their van is about twice the nearest competitor (the Caravan). I believe it. Besides, the Caravan is ugly. The new Ford Aerostar looks rather nice, however. Don't go near the VW Van. Although it is a classic, it is dangerous and has extremely poor acceleration (the worst of all). Consumer reports rated it lowest and the Toyota highest. Have fun! Bruce Date: 11 Sep 1985 06:56-EDT From: Nathaniel.Borenstein@CMU-SEI.ARPA To: Chris.Koenigsberg@CMU-CS-G Subject: Re: wanted: mini-van advice NO, NO, NO!!! Don't buy the Toyota. For starters, check out the Consumer Reports article on mini-vans, which is a little over a year old. It says, in essence, that nearly any car Toyota makes is better than nearly any comparable car in the owrld, but for some reason their mini-van is a real dog. Check it out. We read that article when we were considering buying one of the Chrysler mini-vans, which we had heard things about. The article told us about something we'd never heard of, the Colt Vista. It's a little smaller than the others, but it really blew them away on features and quality. We've owned one for a year now and are absolutely deliriously happy with it. For more information, stroll over to my office. We could even arrange a test drive... -- Nathaniel Date: 15 Sep 1985 18:48-EDT From: Derek.Beatty@G.CS.CMU.EDU To: Chris.Koenigsberg@CMU-CS-G Subject: Re: wanted: mini-van advice I once rented a Dodge mini-van for a 1000-mile trip. I found it the least tiring of anything I've driven on long interstate trips.