Author Topic: lets talk (newer) vehicles  (Read 654 times)

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Offline Cleantech

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lets talk (newer) vehicles
« on: December 02, 2011, 12:41:19 AM »
If you had the budget for something new or just a few years old.... what would you guys go for?

Over all i loved my 95 gmc 1 tonne. Was very reliable, just lacked refinery-even for 95 standards lol.

Who would go for a ford E series, chev express, dodge sprinter, or nissan NV?
Love to hear reasons why.
Could you give us an update from your nissan NV since you've had it a while now Jon?  :great: - mpg,reliability,general thoughts etc

John G, how is your sprinter? Very curious on maintenance cost if you have done any? Ive been reading some sprinter forums and it seems scary lol

my current top choice is the 2011 chev express 1500 with the 4.8 AND 6 speed transmission (weights only 3900 pounds!)

now lets hear your thoughts  :celebrate:
« Last Edit: December 03, 2011, 02:23:59 AM by Cleantech »

Offline ChemBright

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles !
« Reply #1 on: December 02, 2011, 12:54:20 AM »
My Nissan NV has been great. I just hit 10K miles on it last week  :'(

Milage is 16.4 with a 4.0 V6. I will say this once. THIS IS THE BEST VAN I HAVE EVER OWNED! Do I like it? Why yes, yes I do. The creature comforts are nice, it rides smooth, the shelves work out great, it's BIG and the V6 engine has plenty of power. Feels stronger that the 4.8 V8 that was in my 05 Express.

Offline Cleantech

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles !
« Reply #2 on: December 03, 2011, 02:07:12 AM »
thanks Jon
been watching pricing on those. usa starting price-24,9. Can starting price 30,9 ... exact same thing.

Regardless of what im getting, ill be coming to the usa

No one else has opinions? lol  :celebrate:

Offline micky navarro

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #3 on: December 03, 2011, 05:09:55 AM »

dustin,
the choices you have a very good but want to point out that i been using an '06 chevy express 1500 since new. 4.3ltr vortec V-6, 94k miles of trouble free driving, and get very good gas milage to the tune of 16 <> city, 20+ highway.
on interstate long hauls, i've gotten as much as 23mpg!
most importantly though is the reliability of this vehicle! best i've ever owner by far!!!
easily can run with a ton of goodies all day long as i've done it since day one!!!

Offline John Geurkink

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #4 on: December 03, 2011, 11:02:50 AM »
I don't have the Sprinter anymore, put a 200k on it, and we super pleased with it, my main thing was I drove LONG mile,
example drove straight through to San Diego in 36 hours straight, not tired at all, comfortable, I normally have a huge
problem riding in a vehicle for any amount of time.
Also the spriinter even though it was considerably larger and longer than other vans was actually easier to park, it turned
so darn sharp that people riding with me closed their eyes when I went for a small parking space in a tight parking lot, only
to open their eyes and see it went right in place without any backing up and adusting at all.
Mileage was not great, 16-18 miles per gallon, didn't seem to matter whether it was city or highway.
I did have it towed once because the main pully came off the front of the motor, however other than that it was
a great running vehicle and suprisingly the small 5 cylinder diesel had plenty of power, I pulled a trailer full with a
van full all over the norther rockies in Canada and it did extreemly well.


Oh, I sold it because I have NOT been on the road much the last few years plus I have a farm and
preferred my Dodge pickup for farm work.

Offline bigchuckie

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #5 on: December 03, 2011, 05:14:36 PM »
You HAD a Dodge I saw the pix

Offline CACBServices

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #6 on: December 04, 2011, 02:20:18 PM »
I like my GMC Savanna 1500. This one has the larger (5.3L ?) V8. My reasons for liking it are unique to my situation. I have all the seats, so it serves as a people mover as well as a work vehicle. Back heater keeps things warm even in the worst of our winters. A small heater kept things from freezing over night this week at 3 degrees F. GMC has a rep of lots of plastic add ons. I agree. Gotta be careful or stuff gets broken. It pulls my 12 x 5 trailer no problem. I keep the van set for window washing and the trailer for carpet and upholstery cleaning. (In cold weather I just use the van and swap out stuff as needed.) Having a passenger vehicle as a service vehicle keeps me from picking up the expense on another vehicle.

I am still considering a 14 foot cube van. I would insulate it and install a heater and keep it set with one full set of equip for every service I offer. Whatever I get next I need to be able to stand in. Tired of banging my head or working hunched over or on my knees. I'm also toying with the idea of a quad cab truck (Dodge Dakota Sport with a V8) that will pull a 14 X 6 trailer with a 6'6" stand height. Truck alone would work for window washing. The trailer would be big enough to do everything.

My challenge is that if I go with a two-seater anything I have to adjust my business model and/or keep a vehicle around for estimates and family. It's not unusual for me to take 3 or 4 people to a job site when doing multiple services. So if I have a cube truck, part of the crew has to get there with another vehicle.

Eric

Offline kingjoelking

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #7 on: December 05, 2011, 10:45:33 AM »
I have a 2006 Chevy express. If it were me I would be looking at the NV if I were to be getting a new truck. After seeing Johns I am extremely Jealous.  As silly as it sounds the flat walls provide a ton of extra space.  I am pretty sure that the side door opens wider. If I did more rug cleaning I would get the high top.

or

I have heard that Ford is coming out with a large version of the transit. http://blog.caranddriver.com/full-size-ford-transit-van-confirmed-for-u-s-may-be-called-t-250-t-450-and-t-550/
That would be the bomb

Offline ChemBright

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #8 on: December 05, 2011, 12:00:15 PM »
Just a few extras about the NV.

The frame is boxed in, Chevy's is not. The walls have threaded inserts for shelves as well as the ceiling and roof for any Adrian accessories, Chevy does not. Nissan offers a high top, Chevy does not. Nissan's cab sits like a truck with no hump where the engine goes therefore giving a person more leg room, Chevy does not. NV offers a sliding center console that holds file folders as well as passenger seat folds down flat allowing more storage space, Chevy does not. Nissan has rear sway bar giving better handling also helps eliminate your equipment being tossed when making a turn over a bump. Chevy does not. Nissan NV rear doors fold back almost 180 degrees, Chevy does not. Nissan NV is American made, Chevy is owned by the federal government which is ran by a bunch of lying cheats that think they own you and I and feel they can step in and bail out a failing auto company. Ford did not!

I will never EVER own a Chevy/GMC as long as I live.

Offline Mike M

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #9 on: December 05, 2011, 12:33:18 PM »
Quote
I will never EVER own a Chevy/GMC as long as I live.

Sounds like you already do? :santa_grin:

Offline ChemBright

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #10 on: December 05, 2011, 12:37:10 PM »
Quote
I will never EVER own a Chevy/GMC as long as I live.

Sounds like you already do? :santa_grin:

Nope, not any more!

Offline Mike M

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #11 on: December 05, 2011, 12:47:25 PM »
Quote
Chevy is owned by the federal government which is ran by a bunch of lying cheats that think they own you and I and feel they can step in and bail out a failing auto company.

Who do you suppose the federal government is owned by?.......YOU.

Chem - Glad you are supporting the rebuilding of Japan. They need the money after the Tsunami.

The larger Ford Transit thing does look pretty sharp but seeing is believing I guess? Like the idea of a diesel too. Did see a Transit at the local dealership. Doesn't really look like something I would own. Haven't driven a van in a couple of years now so I'm not sure what I would buy? If it was today I would have to buy a Ford E series van. They were always reliable for us.
« Last Edit: December 05, 2011, 12:51:22 PM by Mike Martell »

Offline Mike M

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #12 on: December 05, 2011, 12:58:07 PM »
I just Googled the Sport Transit. Quite a few videos on Youtube.

235 bhp diesel ford transit induction noise(see how we got the 235bhp on my other vids)

ford transit burnout


Guys have already started to hot rod these.  :santa_afro:
« Last Edit: December 05, 2011, 01:04:05 PM by Mike Martell »

Offline ChemBright

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #13 on: December 05, 2011, 04:32:59 PM »
Quote
Chevy is owned by the federal government which is ran by a bunch of lying cheats that think they own you and I and feel they can step in and bail out a failing auto company.

Who do you suppose the federal government is owned by?.......YOU.

You think so? Sure it isn't "other" sources? If "I" owned the federal government "I" would not have this country in the situation it is in, "I" would not have spent 680 billion dollars on **** that means nothing! "I" would not be paying for everyone else to live off of MY tax dollars.

Chem - Glad you are supporting the rebuilding of Japan. They need the money after the Tsunami.

Mike, I am supporting many families in Canton, Mississippi that work the line putting these NV's together. If you like Ford so much you must also like supporting Mexico?


Offline Mike M

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #14 on: December 05, 2011, 04:46:52 PM »
Ford is an American company.

Nissan is not. No matter how you twist it the company was created to make money for its Japanese owner.

The Transit Sport in the previous post was created to make money for the American parent company. In this day and age that may be as close as we can get to "buying American". Ford is going to bring some of the production and assembly for that vehicle here. No it won't be all made here but it seems as though not much is any more.  :santa_cry:

I already know my views on this topic are in the minority. If it wasn't you wouldn't see so many people driving imports.

Offline Cleantech

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #15 on: December 05, 2011, 10:51:45 PM »
thanks for posting all the thoughts!

Chem, i love bonus's of the nissan NV but just found out Nissan will cancel my warranty if i bring it over the boarder...and im not willing to pay an extra 8000 for the same vehicle in Can.

I think the full size ford transit will be the best vehicle available...but that's when it gets here

Awesome to hear the report on your v6 Micky. I am definitely keeping that option in mind

....but tomorrow I should be looking at this van 10' cub van with low entry height. Cab paint job, full wrap and side door installed might be a good option if it checks out!
8' 7" tall  4.8 v8

Offline DannyD

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #16 on: December 06, 2011, 06:45:17 PM »
I'd go w/ the E Series Ford van.  I've had a few thru the years & they always held up great for me.  My current van is approaching 200K  miles.  It's a 2000 model year & has held up better than I deserve.  It's no longer a young pup, so I'll be replacing it.  Replacing it w/ another E Series Ford more than likely.  My mom is leaning hard on me to buy GM.  Still, I think I'm going w/ Ford.

The Ford Transit was my dream vehicle before I talked to some owners.  I'd see em at fuel stations, in the mall, or just wherever.   They apparently have a severe lack of pick up.  The milage on em is pretty good.  They aren't that sturdy though apparently.  I've talked to plumbers, building people, various occupations.  Somewhere in those convos I got the idea that they weren't the most solidly built vehicles. 

I've had a Sprinter.  This was about 5-6 years ago, so I'm sure they've improved them since.  Still, Never Again. 

Last but not least.  In this area you'd better have a Ford or GM vehicle.  It's not like you're going to corner the market because you have one.  Occasionally though, you're going to pull into someone's driveway & they'll send ya right back home if ya pull up in a foreign made vehicle.  I'm not trying to imply that'll happen frequently.  I'm guessing depending on if you're full or part time, maybe 5-6 times a year though.  Any of the Michigan posters can say if they feel that's accurate, high, or low. 

Offline kingjoelking

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #17 on: December 08, 2011, 07:19:02 PM »
In Arizona they dont care what brand of vehicle you drive.  Makes sense for Michigan though.

Offline Cleantech

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #18 on: December 08, 2011, 07:41:28 PM »
Danny what year sprinter did you have?

Well went and had a look at it today. The seller is a family friend so his thumbs up on the mechanical end is a great thing.

What do you guys think?

I would say with the cab painted white, the box wrapped, and possibly a roll up door installed on the right side.
Definitely has storage! Extremely easy to step into with that lower step.
Roughly the same weight as a regular one tonne truck.
4.8 v8
I am nearly 6'3 and still had a few inches above my head.

2007 chevy cube van

Offline Mike M

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #19 on: December 08, 2011, 08:16:00 PM »
That's not bad looking?

I've owned a few ex rental trucks in the past and did quite well with them. The boxes made for nice large billboard areas.

Had also given thought to a side door but passed after using the trucks for a while. Didn't seem like it was worth the effort?

We had ramps on our trucks. I don't see any on that one. Might want to pick up an aluminum folding ramp or something if you decide to buy. Makes loading/unloading easier.

How much do they want for this?
« Last Edit: December 09, 2011, 05:50:03 AM by Mike Martell »

Offline kingjoelking

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #20 on: December 09, 2011, 12:46:37 AM »
That looks really nice.  Personally I would definately put a side door in it.  With a box I would prefer to run the tm out of the side. and then use all the back area for storage. and what not.

Offline ChemBright

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #21 on: December 09, 2011, 07:23:16 AM »
There's a damn Starbucks coffe cup in it.

I wouldn't buy it.  :santa_tongue:

Seriously, that looks like a nice rig for carpet cleaning. You could mount a boatload of shelves in there!

Offline CACBServices

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #22 on: December 09, 2011, 10:28:16 AM »
I've never owned one. Maybe next year. Who knows?  :santa_undecided: But maybe add a ramp, a door to the cab, insulate, add lights and heat. Rolling billboard. Rolling storage. On cold winter days, or when raining, all your prep happens inside a heated and lighted work space without even leaving the vehicle. Small fold-down work table allows for stand up mixing of solutions and on-site repairs.

Offline Cleantech

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Re: lets talk (newer) vehicles
« Reply #23 on: December 11, 2011, 11:39:15 PM »
There's a damn Starbucks coffe cup in it.

I wouldn't buy it.  :santa_tongue:

Seriously, that looks like a nice rig for carpet cleaning. You could mount a boatload of shelves in there!

Yup !! and it tasted fantastic Jon! Salted caramel Mocha - wow

Mike - The list on it is 13(i havent asked my price yet :P), but keep in mind we on average pay 25% more then you guys for the exact same vehicle (yes we get screwed)

Eric- exactly what i was thinking about doing.  I love the idea about being able to get everything ready and at the door. Especially for night work- in and out !

Truck drives awesome! huge difference from my '95. Surprising acceleration.

Last thing now is to get a wrap priced out and find out if it has a sure-grip/posi traction

They sure have advertising potential!....



 


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