Trading the Kia for a minivan.

Maybe. Some friends of ours have a minivan and have mentioned trading it for our Kia. They know everything that we have done to it. Nothing is for sure yet. I am going to do some research on their van and see if I can make it worth all our time and efforts. They both lost their jobs in the tornado and have been struggling most of the year. The van is an old taxi and yes I know what that entails. My wife worked at the cab company that owned the van until the company was destroyed and it was only used for about 6 or 7 months. More than enough time but it wasn't used much as it was their nicest taxi. But it is a tough van. We would really like to help them out. We lost contact with them for a year and just recently got back in touch. They introduced Z and me. I don't remember what model of van it is, only that I think it is a Ford. It isn't a wagon but it would get the Kia off of our hands, and we could definitely use the extra cargo space for moving.

-X & -Z

 

If it's a Ford, and not too old, that would make it a Windstar...


As mimivans go, I kinda like them. To me they seem a bit wider inside that the Chrysler Co. mimivans.

 

Yep I believe that that is what it is. The one is question is gold.


The Windstars are what replaced the Aerostars right?

 

Here. This is exactly what it looks like.

 

You are correct and then it became the Freestar.
Sounds like it might be a workable plan, X. I know you're dying to get rid of the Kia. Good luck.

 

Thanks. I'm hoping it works out. I know that it will need a little bit of work but nothing like the Kia did when I got it. I am just waiting for an email from my friend with all the info on it so I can do some math. If this does happen it will mean that we will have to wait awhile before getting a wagon. Maybe even another year. But, in a way, it is one step closer to having a wagon.

Does anybody know the towing capacity of one of these?

 

As I recall, it might be something around 1500 lbs.

 

Would that discount 5' x 10' uhaul trailer fully loaded?

 

Fully loaded with what?

 

What year is that van?

 

Loaded with everything my wife and I own.

2000, I think. It looks just like the gold one I posted and I found that picture by searching for "2000 Ford Windstar".

I will know more when I can talk to my friend, Bill, or his wife, Tina, about it.

 

If you're not moving a long distance, the Windstar could probably pull a U-Haul that size. You're going to have to put a hitch receiver under it first though. No such thing as a 'bumper mount' temporary hitch for those (those receivers that the rental places clamp to your rear bumper...).

When loading it make sure you don't put too much weight toward the back of the trailer. You should have at least a couple hundred pounds weight on the tongue of the trailer (at the hitch ball)

 

2000 lbs standard

3500 lbs with factory towing package (3.8 liter, trans cooler, heavy battery, etc).


If the van does not have a tow package, at the very minimum install a big aftermarket transmission cooler, take it real easy, and do not tow your trailer with the transmission in "overdrive".

 

Sounds like a plan X. All great advice. But----Butt, if these are really your friends do you want them to end up with the Kia? Or are you sure it is now dependable? It's not worth loosing a friendship over a Lemon!

 

Is it better to tow with overdrive locked out even with a vehicle equipped with tow package to extend trans life? My F150 has the 5.4 V8, trans cooler, tow package and was wondering.