rwh@exodus.UUCP (Roy Haas) (06/18/84)
Since I only received a few replies to my request on the merits of station wagons versus mini-vans, I am posting essentially the text received, with replies delimited by "***". The names of the respondents have been omitted to prevent flaming at them. I would like to thank those who responded, and I apologize for being rather late with this posting. Sometimes work gets in the way. I haven't bought anything yet, in fact there hasn't been any time to do much looking. Roy Haas Bell Communications Research Holmdel, NJ ------------ Subject: Re: Info request: Station Wagon/Mini-Van *** Did you consider the new down-sized Jeep wagons. Advantages: seat 5 avail in 4-door 4-cyl (2.5) - V6 avail 4-wheel drive std favorably reviewed by car magazines discount to AT&T employees (4% over dealer cost) Disadvantage: Hi- $ I just took delivery of a 4-dr Cherokee Chief model *** I asked this in January and received no replies other than to pass on the info I got from anyone else. We purchased (by total luck) a Plymouth Voyager LE early in March. My wife and I both feel there is nothing better for a family. The mini-van IS the complete replacement for station wagons as a family vehicle. Now, your only problem is deciding which mini-van and deciding whether you can wait for an indefinite timefor it to arrive. On trips, the ride of the Voyager is excellent. We got over 25mpg. It is easy to get up from the front seat and slide back into the first or second bench seat. This action usually is to return our 3 year old to her car seat or to read the kids a book, etc. *** I can only speak from personal experience, but having just gone through the same thought process as you're doing, here goes. My wife and I and our 2 year old have outgrown our Dodge Omni. So we went wagon/van shopping, read all the car magazines and finally decided on a Dodge Caravan (Plymouth Voyager is the same). The main reason was the versatility, it can be used for 7 passengers with both seats in, 5 passengers and lots of cargo with just the rear seat in, or 2 pass. and 125 cubic feet of cargo with both rear seats out. In addition, the flat floor and walkthrough space between the front seats lets one of us easily walk back and check on our daughter or pick up her toys without having to hang over or around the front seat. The large sliding door and high ceiling make getting Lisa in and out of the van and her car seat a breeze compared to anything else we've ever tried. And the Caravan is almost car sized which makes garaging, car washes, etc. no problem. The handling is good enough not to worry my wife and the visibility is super. I'm also glad its front-wheel-drive, it should make wet and sloppy handling better than the Ford and Chevy minivans to come next year. Finally, all the reviews since the Caravan came out have picked it in head-to-head competition with a variety of equivalent wagons. All this made the final decision an easy one for us, and we certainly don't regret it. The only thing I'd like is a little more power, although its really got enough for everything but steep grades. And I'll get used to having to slow down slightly. *** I am not too up on the subject. However, I did notice a survey article in 'Outdoor Life' (of all mags) a month ago. If you can find it, it might help you with a priliminary selection. You might want to look at the Colt Vista. I had a ride in one a week ago and was surprised at the quality of the ride, adequate acceleration and the overall packaging. *** I would consider a "compact station wagon" such as a Subaru, Nissan, or similar. They're not huge in terms of people, but you can stick an enormous amount of cargo in them, and they drive and handle SO MUCH BETTER than "mid-size" and "full-size" wagons and "mini-vans". In addition you can take the opportunity to get (at not too much of a premium) four-wheel drive, which I highly recommend. *** Try the new Corolla. If that's too small, try the Camry. You'll be surprised at the room. *** I got an 83 Dodge Aries station wagon in March, 1983, just over one year ago. The car is good, but not excellent. It can handle five people easy. Though they claim it is a six-passenger car, it is too small for six people for a long trip. The ride is smooth and comfortable. Gas mileage is fair, ~17/~27 mpg for city/highway. Engine response is good (I have 2.6L with AT). The car is loaded. Now is the bad parts. First, I got several minor problems: 1. Changed a valve and an actuator in the A/C system. 2. Replaced 3 nuts for the housing of the rear light. 3. Tighted some loose parts. (roof rack, light bulb, etc.) Second, the fuel tank is too small, only 13 gallons. Third, you can NOT get a real FLAT deck in the rear when you fold down the rear seat. And you don't have a split rear seat. Also, the housing of the rear wheel is too big. If you want to get a wagon for a family, I'll suggest you to get a mini-van. You just pay couple grant more and you will really enjoy it. Tell you what, that's what I should do last year, "Get a VW Vanagon, not Dodge Aries." (That is the only mini-van at that time.) Think more and try all of the wagon and mini-van before you make your decision. Please post a summary. *** I have been looking seriously at the Chrysler mini-vans. They are in the $10K-$15K range, depending on luxury class. I really want one for the extra seating capacity-- I want the 7-seater option so I can spread out my 3 kids at arm's length from one another. Wiht one baby, you don't really need the space. A small station wagon should suffice. I got rid of my Truimph GT-6 two-seater when my first daugheter was born, and got a Subaru wagon. That has served us fine, in fact still runs, but three kids (one in a car-seat) in the back are so tight that they (accidentally) bump each other/pull hair/get cramped. [little kids can't sit still for long--they need room to move] If I could afford it I'd go out yesterday and buy one. The trouble I have is that the old cars still run, and I'm trying to save money for fixing up the house, and sending my family to visit in-laws in Britain, and NJ auto Insurance is predatory. I have driven a Caravan, it's quite nice. I'm used to small cars and it is very roomy & comfortble and driveable, without being a boat. If you're used to buicks/olds or large fords &tc you'd have a different perspective. ------------