Yesterday, while cleaning up the red van as the last thing before becoming my new fortress, I realized why two such different types of vehicles are making so complicated the decision of which one will be the one that stays.
The Vanagon is a simple, slow machine. It is easy on fuel and easy to maintain and repair. It gives you a great visibility all around and a very square interior, so easy to use in so many ways. And its big clearance from the ground allows driving it off road easily, making possible to reach many beautiful hidden places in the countryside. In exchange, it is slow acceleration and top speed, and it is affected by cross winds, making difficult highway driving some times.
The MiniVan is a sort of cybernetic machine! It is quiet, powerful, fast, with all the controls ergonomically positioned all around the driver. It feels more like driving a small spaceship rather than an Earthly vehicle. It is fun to drive fast (I have a speeding ticket to prove it!). Its acceleration is superb, and it cuts through cross winds so easily. But at the other hand it is terrible in off road; doesn’t have as much cargo capabilities, and the rounded interior makes it difficult to create different uses. It is heavy on fuel, and maintenance and repairs make your hands and wallet cry!
I love the driving capabilities of the MiniVan, and I love the versatility of the Vanagon, but I don’t want the complexity and costs of the MiniVan, especially in the future, and I would miss the sporty driving of it if I consider the Vanagon. I guess the decision is not so difficult after all. Considering costs and complexity as elements I want to avoid in the future, and the desire of visiting hidden places in the mountains while having a versatile vehicle that can cover all my needs, it seems the Vanagon will be the one to restore and keep; and as a bonus, it’ll stop me from getting more speeding tickets! LOL
Raul
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