rwh@exodus.UUCP (Roy Haas @ Bell Communications Research, Holmdel, NJ) (05/01/84)
My wife and I finally decided we need a second vehicle. Since the birth of our daughter, it has become obvious that a Corolla is no way to cart a kid around ( infant car seats are not that tiny ). We have been out of the car market for over 5 years, so we haven't kept up with developments. We would appreciate hearing any comments regarding pros and cons of station wagons vs mini-vans. There are no plans to cart around Girl Scout Troops in the future; we'd just like to have something with plenty of room for a change. RVs are out of the question because they don't fit into a standard garage. One of my brothers sez I should buy a Ford (Country Squire?). I don't mind a 9-passenger wagon ( do they still make those ) and we're not adverse to something in the $12-15K price range (is that what these things cost now?). Something with a non-automatic transmission would be nice (never did trust those automatics). Any mailed responses will be summarized and posted. Feel free to followup or flame, everybody else does it. -- Roy Haas exodus!rwh
adm@cbneb.UUCP (05/02/84)
#R:exodus:-15300:cbneb:8400003:000:787 cbneb!jdd May 2 09:11:00 1984 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. John Daleske ... ihnp4!cbneb!jdd (Note, the mail auto return path is not correct.)
philip@qubix.UUCP (Philip Wang) (05/09/84)
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.
--
Philip Wang @ QUBIX Graphic Systems, Inc., Saratoga, CA.
...{decvax,ucbvax,ihnp4}!decwrl!
...{ittvax,amd70}!qubix!philip
decwrl!qubix!philip@Berkeley.ARPA