On Wed, Sep 3, 2008 at 5:29 PM, Peter T. Owsianowski <pnoceanwesty@gmail.com
> wrote:

> *Interesting commments on how a MicroBus might possibly (maybe) be built in
> Chatanooga, TN:*
> **
> *http://tinyurl.com/68cfxl*
>
> **

Here's the official website. I drive an earlier model on the Routan on a
regular basis as much as I drive my Vanagons. I must admit that though these
vans are being bad-mouthed by traditional VW bus owners, even these early
Routans are very comfortable to drive both in town and cross-country.

I should mentioned that the model we have is a stripped down short wheelbase
version with auto trans and 4-cyl 16-valve engine. Highway fuel economy is
about 25mpg at 70-75mph cruising. The stock steel wheels with 14" rubber has
been swapped out with the 5-spoke Avus wheels found on the A3 Golfs and
Jettas. They improve handling dramatically. Acceleration is decent and on
par with some Vanagons with moderate engine swaps. Like any Vanagon, the
4-cyl Routan requires planning when approaching a big hill. It needs a
little more beans to get up there especially when loaded with passengers or
gear.

We do love the removable seats that pop-out with lever and rolls out on
their own casters. Cargo space in the rear is quite ample since the rear
deck is flat (no engine back there). Lots of cupholders from front to back.
There's a pair for every row of seat.

Routan is a 2000 model with nearly 100K miles on the odometer. There hasn't
been any major incidents and headgasket hassles. Did I mention the AC is
icecold even when driving through Death Valley?

The only annoying quality issue is the badge. The wheels have those nice VW
logos. But the rear hatch has the name mispelled. The first part of Routan,
"Rout-" was replaced with "Carav-".

I still love my Vanagons but our 2000 Routan is fine for what it is.

=)

BenT

ps: for those curious, the early 4-cyl Routans do have 5 X 100mm wheels vs.
"wide" VR6 versions which have 5 X 114.3mm wheels.
     almost vanagon wheels but not quite.