OK now this is getting excessive.

[John Hubertz]

Well all, as you know I'm a big fan of the old Chrysler Minivans, particularly in the rare AWD version.

My first one blew its guts all over a country road when the spider gears in the transmission let go.  Too rusty to fix.  So I bought another, same year, same color - just a front wheel drive but hey, they are really nice vans.

Well, just yesterday I discovered a genuine little-old-widow-lady All Wheel Drive version 660 miles away from me in the middle of Kansas (think nowhere, but with lots of wheat).  100,000 miles, mint condition in and out.  Transmission is starting to fade a bit in 3rd gear - $900.

I bought the bus ticket today.

My neighbors are going to begin expecting me to wear a tinfoil hat - the van is the SAME COLOR as the first two!   Ack!

[oversize]

What is it with guys and cars?  One just isn't enough....  I guess when you're on something good you should stick to it!   

[karmann_20v]

Well if the old Chrysler minivans are doing it for you, then it seems like a good find. I do remember the transmissions on these things grenading like clockwork, but cannot recall how well the V6 engines fared in the long run (wasn't it co-developed or entirely developed by Mitsubishi?? - too lazy to search right now). Also around here rust has killed quite a few of those, so finding one in decent shape is almost impossible (not too many people babied these either).

Good luck with your purchase and report on your 660 mile trip once you make it back.

[John Hubertz]

The 3.0 Mitsubishi motors are robust but lose valve guides at higher mileage - a head-removal job.  They don't have the transmission problems however, as they use a well-sorted 3 speed design.

The 3.3 and 3.8 both make 162 HP oddly, and are both based on vintage cam-in-block construction with timing chains rather than belts.  They were offered for 21 years by Chrysler - with the last ones made in 2011.  The transmissions in these models are problematic, but when properly set up and maintained can last 200,000 miles.  The important factor is of course, maintenance. 

The real attraction for me is the very simple AWD unit, with a wet-clutch output feeding a simple and reliable rear axle assembly.  The system is so robust it really only requires servicing due to age, not wear. 

[nathan]

i like the analogy of the tinfoil hat, mind head! ha ha
glad your passion is being well satisfied! we are not a van country here in australia

[marku]

Why not a Viano? Its the most useful vehicle we have ever had and its a Mercedes! Luxury and utility with really good performance even with the 2.2 diesel. The 3.5 V6 is something else but the consumption takes something to live with.

[karmann_20v]

Why not a Viano? Its the most useful vehicle we have ever had and its a Mercedes! Luxury and utility with really good performance even with the 2.2 diesel. The 3.5 V6 is something else but the consumption takes something to live with.

No MB vans/minivans were available in North America, except for the Sprinter.

[John Hubertz]

I'd love a MB, but for AWD you have to get an SUV type body, and I love the cargo space in the van.

[marku]

No MB vans etc available North America? That really so? The Viano although based on the Vito van is officially part of the car range and does come with 4wd for a price and is available the world over you can even buy one in China! The camper version is really something but very very expensive

[John Hubertz]

I've never seen one on the road here.  The smallest MB van we get is a medium-duty cartage truck called the Sprinter.

Those Vito look pretty cool though - check this one out:

[marku]

That's the pre-facelift one the 638 current is the 639. Always liked the 638 although that one has a few after market add ons particularly the more square look. If you look on the MB web site here you can see the Viano in all its glory.