Uh, am I missing something here? What does it cost to drive a late
model sport utility? Especially one not made in Korea? (I.e., more
expensive model like Lexus, Tahoe, Expedition?) Don't they cost quite a
bit to buy, fix, buy tires for, etc. Especially after they get a few
miles on them and major parts start to need fixing? I don't really know
first hand, this is just speculation. (I do know that my dad paid nearly
$500 to have a new turn signal switch put into his 2001 Buick- not
exactly thought to be an expensive car.) But with $40k new price, maybe
you west coast guys ought to drive a $2000 air cooled westy and put the
other $38k towards a down payment on a house.I think the Vanagons are
the inexpensive  answer. Anybody that would borrow that kind of money to
drive a new SUV and not have TONS of equity in a house is a fool. He is
taking his family to the poor house.
    Personally, my good car is a 91 Vanagon. A pretty nice GL that I
have  put in a 4 speed that I rebuilt, plus maybe another $1000 worth of
work. Easily the quietest, smoothest, nicest Vanagon of the 6 I've had.
For maybe $3500 total investment.  Driven it about 35k miles so far in
2-1/2 years.
      Still, Steve's red Syncro seem like a very nice car to me. If the
work was well done, I don't think anyone could duplicate it for that
price unless they were  working for $10/ hour or less. If I had the
extra money, I'd buy it myself. It looks like it is very well thought
out and very nearly what I would do myself. Except I prefer Bordeaux
Red.  And--- you could have 4 for $40k, maybe 4 different colors?
       But then, real estate here is cheap, and my mansion with a view
is paid for. (Though there are about 17 more rooms to rehab!)
Al Brase

BenT Syncro wrote:

>
>
>The average Joe/Jane actually living in the SF is getting wealthier.
>That is why so many can afford to support Vanagons. The fortunate ones
>own Syncro Westies. The less fortunate have to live away from the City
>center.
>
>--
>BenT
>
>
>