Should I keep buying Dodge Carvans, or is there a better minivan I should switch to, there are several other minivans vying for this market now: Ford, Chevy, Honda, etc. all have competing minivans in the market that Dodge and Chrysler still mostly own. Right now I drive an 89 Caravan with a 4 cyl. Mitsubishi engine which I've had rebuilt. I bought it for $700 and put a couple of grand into the engine. I also got new tires for it and it's lasted two years so far. But I'd like to get a "grand caravan" so I could fit 4x8 sheets of plywood etc. in it when I take the seats out.

If I would buy a mini-van, watever de brand, I would search for a v6. I think that a bigger motor would by more able to pull that weight, in the wind, and I sure that you dont buy that kind of vehicule to carry mashmallows(o: Yves

Do any of you know the Suzuki Super Carry or the Daihatsu HiJet? They're rather common in Jamaica. They are vans about the size of Suzuki Swifts, with a choice of 850cc or 1000cc engines. I'd buy one, but I can't afford a new one and I don't know if I can trust a used one, considering that Jamaicans generally drive vehicles into the ground.

What's the scoop on the Suzuki and the Dhiatsu?

The main scoop is that I WANT ONE! It has just the amount of carrying power I would need to carry my equipment from my workplace to the location wher it is to be used, thereby freeing me from the whims and fancies of the people who use the vans and drivers of my employers! But I can't afford one! I bought my motorcycle when I thought I was going to be fired, but I can't carry equipment on it, especially not equipment as sensetive or as accurate as electronic load cells or proving rings! A small van like the HiJet or Super Carry would be ideal! I don't think those vans are legal for use on U.S. roads. They are surely too small; about the same size as a Suzuki Swift, but without the 5-mph bumpers.

Wow, the Honda must be the smallest of the US sold mini-vans wouldn't you say?

Don't know. How does it compare to the Toyota Previa?

I haven't checked this one out.

I would like to have some comments on ABS in winter driving.

According to Road & Track, ABS is a bit of a hinderance in slippery conditions. However, someone said in a letter (and the editors agreed) that putting the car in neutral (or declutching) dramatically lowers the stopping distances with ABS on slippery surfaces. Please don't sue me if this is wrong, I am merely stating what I have read.

Well, I drove a Ford Windstar to FL and back, with the V6. Drove like a Caddy and had plenty of space. The little sixes will surprise you, they're very well geared and feel effortless at all speeds. The Honda mini is competitive in all ways with the other products, while the Previa has been a slow seller due to price I think. Plus I've heard many say they look like "whales" in grey! My brother-in-law has a grand Caravan for about a year now; it *is* a Caddy in disguise IMO! Too much money, too much van! The Integras' ABS saved my behind once in slushy icy stuff when someone stopped short in front of me on a parkway. A true bug-eyed white-knuckler, but the stomping on the pedal brought it down properly. Don't leave home without it.

So you're saying the Windstar blows the Caravan away? Could you go in to more detail on this?

The Windstar was rented second trim level from top of the line, so it was about a $20K ride, give or take. The Grand Caravan is loaded and almost $28K out the door. The GC seems a little bulkier but is slightly more roomy and luxurious. Mileage was the same, though. The optional stuff on the GC was all luxo-oriented, nothing that would improve function. For my money the cheaper Windstar was quite impressive; my brother in law bought the GC so his wife could have the King of All Vans at school IMO, and bec use at the time had the double side doors, which make sense. But currently, all the minivans are very close in comparison. Our neighbor just bought a Venture (after I gave them Edmunds info!) on price, and its a very nice vehicle also.

What about the ordinary Caravan (not that Grand)? How does it compete? I read that Toyota has come out with a new minivan (replacing the Previa?). It'll be interesting to see how that does. I personally prefer the sliding doors, that's my only beef with the Odyssey; if I see it as an Accord wagon, then it's not so bad. I already see the CR-V as the reincarnation of the Civic Wagon AWD... BTW, in the CR-V / RAV4 battle, let me say one word... SIDEKICK!!!!

If you drove either one Sam, you'd forget the Suzuki. I realize that the Samurai and its cousins have been in the islands a long time, but that's where they belong, relatively unstressed by cold and ice road conditions. the SideKick's a real lightweight, and it's finish doesn't stand a chance to the other two. The Samurai, of course, is a production beach buggy, not a bad one either.

And the RAV4 and CR-V are better? I guess I'm missing the wood for the trees. I am seeing front-drive car platforms being converted to 4WD and trying to catch up on a trend as opposed to a ground up small-SUV Anyway, the Forester should clear the others out of the path; it is also passenger car-based, but will you please look at the passenger car on which it is based? The Legacy Outback itself should have RAV4 and CR-V on the run!

When I say ground up, I meant designed for its purpose from the ground up.

Yeah Subaru knew the market/purpose better, waited, and hit a homer IMO. The Honda & Toyota vehicles are slightly heavier, better finished, and more comfortable for the average owner for very little more money. I was concerned with the platforms also, esp. Toyotas' since its reputation wasn't the greatest. the AWD Celica was a mess. And Honda put an auto (on the column, yet) in a car with a small motor, just not right.

By slightly heavier, etc., I was referring to the Suzi..

buying a used car... letting go of the 1990 Dodge Spirit with 112000 miles... it's time. any suggestions?

What are your requirements and what cars do you like that you know about. Just trying to get a little background information, before the real experts here kick in!

*smile* Hondas --- last a long time, retain value well, dependable. Toyotas --- ditto Subarus --- 4WD, high mileage life, expensive repairs that's really all I've looked at so far. I'm a little burnt out on American cars as it seems I drive them to 100,000 and then they lose it! My '82 Pontiac Phoenix made it to 116,000 and the transmission fell out! I'd really like something dependable in the snow (hell, something dependable in general!) and a car that I can 'expect' 180,000 miles out of without rebuilding the car/engine. Oh, and I want to spend under $5000.00! (sad but true)

Under 5Gs forget anything less than about 3 years old. Especially the Honda/Toyotas, they command top dollars no matter what. Look for front wheel drive econo-cars, they handle well in bad weather. You might find a 3-4 year old Civic or Corolla if you look patiently. Subaru? Expensive repair? With regular maintenance this isn't a problem. A good heavy generally reliable car is a VW Jetta, about 4 years old. Many people overlook em. The other end of the spectrum might be "old-lady" cars, like buick Century and Olds Cutlasses. Though bigger they generally have easy maintenance, comfort, and reasonable drivability for the money.

Some cars rated as reliable from Consumer Reports are: Plymouth Colt 1989, 1991, 1992, both wagon and sedan Dodge Colt 1989, 1991, 1992, both wagon and sedan Dodge Dakota pickup 2WD 1988 Eagle Summit (1989, 1991 1992, except wagon) Geo Prizm 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Geo Tracker 1992, 1993, 1994 Honda Accord 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Mazda 323 1990, 1991, 1992 Mazda 626 (1989, 1990, manual transmission) Mazda 626 1991, Mazda MX6 (1988, 1989, 1990 manual transmission) Mazda MX5-Miata 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Mitsubishi Galant 4 1989, 1991, 1992 Nissan Pickup 2WD, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993 Nissan Pathfinder 1988, 1989, (1990, 1991 1992, 1993 manual transmission) Toyota Corolla 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993 Toyota pickup 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Toyota Tercel 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Volvo 240 1988, 1989 Volvo 740 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, Volvo 850 1993 Volvo 940 1991, 1994 Also might get one of the above with a run out engine and do a swap with one of those 32,000 mile Japanese engines. Replace water pump, alternator, starter, radiator, fuel pump, clutch, automatic transmission (maybe also breaks and shocks) with rebuilt parts if these are not on the replacement engine. (That way you know you have a reliable vehicle) When you check a car, look for lots of oil underneath, especially if blowing back onto frame, or see drops of oil waiting to fall off. Does the steering wheel pull to one side Does car pull to one side when breaks applied rather hard Does the car make "sanding paper noise" when using breaks Is there water moisture on the dip stick (cracks in engine) Buy from a rich part of town, they usually have keep the car up. Buy a clean looking car, probably maintained well turn on all door locks and door handles, especially if electric turn on wiper turn on heater turn on air conditioning Turn on lights Check turn signals If automatic, accelerate hard to see if crisp shift between gears, no slipping, or noisy shifts On standard transmission, test clutch by putting in a gear that engine runs rather slowly, and with throttle down some, tap clutch lightly, if engine speed continues increased after foot leaves clutch, needs clutch Almost any unusual squeaking noise is bad Check for water leak at water pump (if you can find it) Get a cheap alternator tester that plugs into cigarette lighter $3 Does the amount of seat and pedal wear match with odometer, check for oil change stickers, or other indications of regular maintenance. (ask) Check tires for wear. If buying from owner, ask about problems, they might tell the truth.

thanks for the info!!

Absolutely couldn't have done better myself, Terry!

Also, check to make sure the title is clear of any liens or funny stuff.

What's the current status of this, Stacey?

Where *is* Stacey?

She's been around the last couple of days, I think she's catching up.

How's your car these days Stacey? Heard from Frank Susca?

Am I the only one to respond to your mass emailing? Stace is busy, I guess. Others can't find the off-ramp.

My "mass emailing" to about 100 folks has gotten these results: NM 2 May 12 System Administrat (75) Undeliverable: http://www.spring.ne NM 3 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for NM 4 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for NM 5 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for NM 6 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for NM 7 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for NM 8 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for NM 9 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for NM 10 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (87) Warning: could not send message for NM 11 May 12 Mail Delivery Subs (88) Warning: could not send message for

How many actually went through - or would that entail time-intensive cross checking the out with the returned mail?

Looks like I am the only one who was concerned enough (or idle enough) to respond. Too bad...

My fiancee' was driving to work yesterday and our car (1990 Toyota corrolla) just turned off on him. He was only going 35-45 mph. He had it towed back home power seems to be running through it, so we don't think it's the battery. it's cranks but the ignition won't turn over. Is it the starter? There is gas in the car. We have regular oil changes...and it didn't overheat. We just had our whole exhaust sytem replaced (4 weks ago) because while on base a force guard barrier ripped our whole system off of the car? AHHHHHH!!! what could the problem be now? PLEASEEEE some one help me..... This question might seem stupid but I'm stumped-don't laugh :)

Everything just stopping abruptly sounds electrical to me. I doubt it's the starter if it cranks; besides, I don't think a starter problem would stop a moving car. Maybe a problem with the ignition system? Anything I tell you is a guess, especially since I have never worked on a car (although I had worked on my motorcycle quite a bit...). Take the car to a mechanic.

RT-43 is used as the standard car size. Does anyone know what it means?

I'm buying a car for the 1st time and me being who I am found a 1994 Jeep Wrangler. So far so good. Except it says the engine has been rebuilt. Do I need to worry about this? Why would someone rebuild an engine? And what questions should I ask the seller? I really want this car, I just don't want to regret it!!