Re: New Vehicle Options

[tourman <robercampbell@xxxxxxxxx>]

On Jul 4, 10:42 pm, "CH=AEIS" <s...@xxxxx> wrote:
> Our lease is up sometime this year on our 06? Ford Freestar.  Checking
> Ford's site, I see they no longer have vans (maybe just not online, maybe
> not at all).
>
> So now that I'm looking at different options, I'm wondering what everyone
> here uses for their installations/service vehicles.
>
> On my wishlist (however far that'll get me with management), would be the
> same van with more ground clearance and 4WD.  Of course such a thing does=
n't
> exist from Ford's lineup.  I've bottomed out this van so much I'm surpris=
ed
> it hasn't damaged anything yet.  And I've been stuck far too many times i=
n
> the winter (even in our own driveway... twice).  Otherwise, it's been a
> great van.
>
> Any suggestions and little details would be great.
>
> - Chris

RHC: Well for a vehicle ONLY for sales and after sale service - no or
few installations - I looked around and came up with a European style
"mini van" made by Kia called the Rondo (called the Carens in Europe).
It's a four banger, good on gas, with tremendous storage space. In a
pinch, I can easily store a 6 foot ladder plus everything I would
normally need for installation as well. My situation is somewhat
unique, so I don't suggest this as an option for any sort of
commercial alarm and security company, but as a small zip around
vehicle that doubles as a service vehicle, it fits the bill perfectly.
I notice a lot of local alarmco's use the Volkswagen bug as a vehicle
for their sales staff, but this vehicle has that one beat hands down
for "dual usage"IMO. Actual mileage 25 to 28 miles per Canadian gallon
in the city and 30 to 34 on the highway (Note: US gallon is 1/8
smaller than our equivalent). It's also completely equipped and a lot
of fun to drive, and very inexpensive to buy (plus 5 year 60,000 mile
bumper to bumper warranty)