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<DIV><FONT size=3>Although no longer available brand new I believe, the
Chevrolet Astro van has the boxiest interior dimensions of them all. Bigger and
more powerful V6 ( torque ) than any minivan if you ever plan to tow anything. I
went from 20 years of driving full size Chevrolet vans to an Astro van in
'01 and will buy another one ( used ) in a few years when I use this one up. Can
easily fit several 2M pattern planes and gear, 4x8 sheets of plywood,
rugrats and so far I've towed 5 Harleys on a 2,000lb trailer ( total
weight about 5,500lbs ) from Atlanta to Knoxville without a problem and got
15.5mpg towing at 70mph. On the highway with a normal load I see between 22 and
23 mpg. I too buy American brand vehicles which now means only GM
and Ford. The Uplander is a much improved Venture and has front wheel drive
which is advantage for you in the snow belt. I've seen the "fold into the
floor" Chrysler minivan option in action and it is impressive. Having owned 2
Chrysler minivans in the past I was not all that impressed with their long term
durability though. Another VERY SPACIOUS mini van is the Volkswagen but I do not
know anyone with one to comment on their reliability. </FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3>Ed M.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial">----- Original Message ----- </DIV>
<DIV
style="BACKGROUND: #e4e4e4; FONT: 10pt arial; font-color: black"><B>From:</B>
<A title=ed_alt@hotmail.com href="mailto:ed_alt@hotmail.com">Ed Alt</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>To:</B> <A
title=nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org
href="mailto:nsrca-discussion@lists.nsrca.org">NSRCA Mailing List</A> </DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, January 24, 2006 11:52
PM</DIV>
<DIV style="FONT: 10pt arial"><B>Subject:</B> [NSRCA-discussion] Airplane
van</DIV>
<DIV><BR></DIV>
<DIV>Time to replace another set of wheels here. I've been doing the
Dodge mini-van thing for a long while now. It's the Devil that I know
anyway. Windstars - forget it - been there, still doing it, glad the
other half drives it. Any recommendations on a solid & reliable
van? Thinking about the Chevy Uplander, trying hard to stay American,
but it gets harder to justify every time I go out looking. I really want
something that holds together.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Thanks</DIV>
<DIV>Ed</DIV>
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