So that's why they call 'em MINIvans

Well the era of the HMS Behemoth is over.



My full sized Dodge Ram Van up and died on me over the holidays - the transmission went out on xmas day.



I figure the cost of getting a new one (plus the labour involved, since I'd be getting it out of a junked van) and having it installed outweighs the actual value of the van. *sad face*



So the holidays, which are stressful enough, involved also The Dance Of Switching Cars.



I hauled my old Mercury Villager minivan out of the woods, tinkered with it, checked the fluids, refilled the flat tyres, switched the tags and insurance to it from the Dodge, and am driving it with my fingers crossed.



Blimey, but now I know why they call them minians ...



See, I'd never driven a fullsized van prior to owning the Merc. It was like driving a car.



Then I got the Dodge. It was like driving a house.



Seriously.



The entire family fit in it easily; you actually had to climb up in it and walk back to the back to get the kids in their carseats. If you wanted to turn on the heat or play a CD, you had to hold the wheel with one hand and lean way over just to reach.



Windscreen fogged up? Too bad. I actually had to pull over, unbuckle my seatbelt and stand up to clean the glass.



It would hold all of us, two weeks worth of groceries, AND 7 bags (350lbs) of feed. And everyone could still get in and out.



Needless to say, my next family vehicle will either be another full-sized van or a Suburban.



I want one of these:





Kelly blue books lists the price of a 1991 Suburban in good condition with 100k miles at about $2500.



*sigh*

Below: EGH's nigh indestructible Toyota Camry, the outgoing Dodge, the incoming Merc.