On top of all in the previous post, we’re challenged by the need for a larger vehicle, sooner than later.   With the Twins coming earlier, we may outgrow our minivan as early as 4 weeks from now.

By God’s grace, we have reached consensus on what we need, the challenge now is how to get it.  We have decided that for us, the Dodge Sprinter will be the best vehicle.  They are not actually made by any of the big 3 – they are actually bult in Europe by Mercedes, then dismantled and reassembled, and rebranded Dodge.  They have an incredibly fuel efficient 2.7 liter 5 cylinder Diesel engine, which surprisingly isn’t that noisy, and the interior appointments are vastly more comfortable than the usual GM or Ford 12 passenger vans.  The seats are actually built for adults, with headrests, and the overhead clearance means you don’t have to crumple yourself to get in, even in the back.  Tons of cargo space and 10 seats means we will be set.  Cheryl test drove one and we were both impressed by the handling and the sightlines, which are nothing like the big vans we have driven in the past – you can actually see out the windows where other cars are!

However, used ones are rare.  We found one at the lot about 5 minutes away from us, but the dealer would not let it go for a price we could afford.  Probably for the best – it had some questionable things about it.  Our approach now is going to be selling my 08 Dodge Caliber (and taking a massive loss, but it’s got more value than our 04 Ford Freestar) privately, and then taking our cash and the cash from the Caliber and going shopping south of the border.  Cars are MUCH cheaper in the USA because the recession is heavier down there, and the Canadian dollar has conveniently creeped back up to close to par, so the savings are really substantial.  If you’re in the USA, please let us know if you spot any Dodge Sprinter Wagons in the 15-20k price range!  We are serious.  I don’t care where you live, if it is a good deal we can come get it. Philip Bryant has airmiles he can lend and he or another friend and I can tag-team drive it home.

Please pray that our car will sell soon and for a good price, and that God would provide a window to a well-kept used van, and the time in my schedule to retrieve it.