Every single response to this thread (even Brisco's.....to an extent) contains criticism, and most of it constructive. Also, most from folks with several years behind the wheel....and some behind the wheel of vans.
I don't drive a van, and occasionally butt heads with DaveKC, but his industry advice is sage, despite not being in the van segment. His biggest piece of advice is about being well-capitalized. My bride and I have heeded that advice. In the last 14 months, we have been down twice for one-month periods due to animal strikes, and we are spending the holidays now waiting for our new engine to arrive and be installed, the pricetag for which is close to the purchase price of your vehicle. We've done all of the above with all cash, and largely because of Dave's (a competitor, BTW) advice.....advice that we found here.
One of the other responders to your post took advice after the fact, and also came here with a somewhat similar approach to yours. From what I've read, he appears to be 'weathering the storm' now, but by my guess, could have shortened the learning curve by listening to folks here in the first place. Highway Star asked if you had read these here forums prior to your purchase. I'm guessing you took his advice as condescending, but I really believe it wasn't.
You state here that you want to warn others, but those warnings were present here for as long as I've been in the business. Xiggi, I believe, tried as eloquently as possible, pointing that out to you. Just because you don't like the criticism, doesn't mean it isn't worthwhile.
Might be best to think about the whole 'catching flies with honey' thing before your next response, post, question, or whatever.
I wish you success in the new year.
