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Am I getting old? lol

2.2K views 42 replies 28 participants last post by  W8  
#1 ·
Well I'm 26. I own a house, truck/car/bike... After driving around in my girlfriend's town and country minivan.. I would have to say I really am growing fond of that vehicle. Very practical with the stow-n-go seating, gets reasonably good mileage for the size of the vehicle (23-26mpg). I'm actually thinking of trading in my 2000 F350 CrewCab, Dually, Diesel, 4x4 truck towards a slightly used 2006-7 black town and country limited.

My truck books for like 16.5k, but with the truck market I would be happy to get payoff for it.. which is 10.5k... the van is 14k. Am I nuts? Am I really thinking of getting a minivan? What's next... kids? Haha!

The truck only gets like 13mpg... and with diesel being 5.10/gal here I really need to do something. The focus isn't road worthy.. gotta do a couple things to get it back on the road... But the focus would be something I could use to help out with the fuel costs commuting. But I really need a vehicle to haul 4x8 sheets, studs, small appliances and stuff for my house renovations.

Guidance?


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#3 ·
Well I don't think the non-grand wheelbase versions can handle an 8ft piece of drywall or plywood without hanging out the back and having to tie the gate down. Either way its a few feet shorter than my truck. :lol:
 
#5 ·
I'd go for a PZEV wagon (or any other make for that matter) before a mini-van, but that's me. What are you trying to accomplish other than better gas mileage than the truck?
 
#6 ·
Well I want to be able to have a vehicle I can commute in with better mileage, and also be able to haul home renovation materials... Problem with the focus wagon is the hatch doesn't open wide enough for a 4ft sheet of material to be hauled in.

A smaller truck might be an option.. but more than likely it would be a regular cab vehicle.. and I do need to transport more than 1 person for my daily driver. If I kept the focus I could pull off getting a small truck for just hauling..

Really trying to get one vehicle that can do what I need well enough. That way I can keep the bike for fun.. other vehicle for everything else.
 
#8 ·
bluebyutoo said:
Sounds like you're getting domesticated to me!
:lol:

Uh oh.. peanut gallery. How's it going Bill? Long time no chat.
 
#9 ·
I wouldn't get a minivan to haul 4x8 sheets of ply or drywall. Sell the truck or trade it for a smaller truck, maybe a newish silverado with the 5.3. I can average 19mpg (mixed city/ hwy) with my work truck. it's a 4x4 5.3 v8.
 
#10 ·
Well I'm not too sure a 45% increase in fuel mileage is enough to justify the change over.. It's not bad.. but I'm looking more for something closer to 85%+...

Well one thing the van would have over a truck is climate control. I mean if it's raining you could still haul stuff that a normal truck without a cap couldn't.

-Justin
 
#11 ·
Obviously a poor decision, but I know a 4x8 sheet fits just perfectly between the wheel wells of a yukon XL (suburban). Doesn't help much with your situation. My mom's yukon also has the 5.3 as listed above.
 
#13 ·
I'm going to buck the trend and say it would be a good decision. Back in the 70's I drove Econlines and then later went to pickup trucks. In 2001 I felt comfortable changing to the Focus since all 4 brothers-in-law have pickups I can borrow.

Several months ago we needed a new TV cabinet. After much searching the wife located one about an hour and a half away that she liked. I happened to mention to a neighbor that between the weather and peoples schedules I was having problems getting it. He offered to let me use his Windstar. I figured we could probably get the cabinet in it so I accepted his offer.

We ended up taking 2 of the wife's sisters along with us so they could all shop at the QVC outlet. I was impressed. We ended up hauling 4 adults, a TV cabinet, a computer desk with hutch, and all their stuff from a full day of outlet mall shopping in nice dry air conditioned comfort. BTW: the furniture was the good Amish stuff not the assemble yourself kind.
 
#14 ·
Why not just fix up the focus, install a trailer hitch on it and purchase a small trailer to haul your home improvement needs. Or rent a truck when you absolutely need one.

I purchased an old snowmobile trailer and fixed it up...new bearings, wheels, tires etc.. and have less than $150 into it. I use it for the same tasks that you list above. We tow it with my wifes car Subaru Forester. It works great. Last weekend I used it to haul 18 sheets of T&G CDX subflooring.
 
#15 ·
I'm leaning towards the trailer hitch myself. I can stuff a lot of junk in my hatchback but I think I can build a lightweight 4x8 trailer and carry even more stuff when needed. I do own an old truck so that's always an option but I'd rather keep it parked if possible.

We owned an 87 Tempo for several years and I towed with that without any problems until it ran lean and burned a hole in the piston. 216,000 miles.
 
#16 ·
Wow that's alot of weight to tow with a forester.. I would imagine with the trailer and lumber you were bordering on 1000lbs. :lol:

That option would require selling the truck, and it's a tough sell. I have listed it like 3 times in the past year and haven't gotten any serious offers.

-Justin
 
#17 ·
I as well do not like minivans but in your case it makes sense. I moved a couch and queen size bed in my friends chrysler t & c. I also had to drive one for about a week when my car was in the shop. they aren't that bad, just not my preference.. for the price I'd say do it.
 
#18 ·
BowDown said:
Wow that's alot of weight to tow with a forester.. I would imagine with the trailer and lumber you were bordering on 1000lbs. :lol:

-Justin
Yeah... probably around that... I think the forester is rated for 1500lbs (at least that’s what I keep telling my wife). If really does not complain too much about it... of course its not going to win any contests of acceleration either ;)

Crap... just hook up a hitch to that motorcycle of yours.... it certainly has the horsepower to pull a small trailer. ;)
 
#20 ·
knoxfoci said:
Crap... just hook up a hitch to that motorcycle of yours.... it certainly has the horsepower to pull a small trailer. ;)
:lol: You aint kidding.
 
#21 ·
After driving around in my girlfriend's town and country minivan.. I would have to say I really am growing fond of that vehicle.
I got to use one for two days... and like you I was surprised at how practical a vehicle it is along with how easy it is to get in and out of.

Also - I could put a cup of coffee in one of the factory cupholders and it wouldn't spill! I've never had a vehicle with suspension that "supple"
:lol:

Enjoy the minivan when you can, sir, but, certainly: Don't go out and buy one. You're too young! :p