Hello all!


NOTe recent thread here re U.S. automakers and their woes.
Imho one of Ford's biggest mistakes was discontinuing this
guy.

AS anybody who's read my posts in other echoes knows my
lifestyle and work require me to have a good utility
vehicle.  LIke NIck I have an aversion to those little minis and compacts,
just don't feel safe in them.  Also they don't serve my needs for getting
tools and equipment from place to place.

Years ago I worked for a guy doing lots of carpentry and the like.  OF
course he had the big full sized Dodge van with
the roof rack for ladders, etc.  YEs, a gas hog as well.

FOr most every day work though he bought, brand new in 1985, a FOrd
Aerostar, cargo version with the 3.0 liter 6.  Ran
like a top, fairly decent fuel economy.

HE was so happy with this fella he bought another, brand new in 1991. 
Again the cargo version, same powerplant.

In '97 my lady and I wree van shopping, used of course, and
found on a small town lot a 1986 AErostar.  Same powerplant, but the
passenger version.  THis was fine with me, seats
could come out and be stowed in the garage.  GOod gas
mileage for that size vehicle, and ran like a top.  Happiest on the big
slab cruising about 70-75 mph.  IT had been a
single owner before we bought it, mom and pop used it for
trips.  We beat the stuffing out of it though, and finally
at 210k miles on the odo the front wheel parted company with it on Highway
61 in northern MIssouri.


So, I foun d myself a 1992 Aerostar, same powerplant, again
the passenger version.  iT came up missing and was found
wrecked after Katrina on interstate 10.

fOr some reaosn they quit making those after 1992.  tHe
WIndstar was not near the versatile cargo hauler.  I think I recall the
powerplant being a bit more anemic as well.

tHese days my day to day vehicle is an old GMC 1990 Rally
van.  WOrking on 200k miles and still doing its job with
plenty of proper maintenance.


Regards,
           Richard
--- timEd 1.10.y2k+