Just joined after perusing some how-to videos as I prepare to install Monrow Quick Struts and rear shocks on my van. I bought this car six years ago at 80k and it'* now closing in on 190k. We have four cars, a motorcycle and a 40-ft RV but The Van gets the call for most duties, being as how it'* comfortable, reliable, carries anything, and is fully depreciated, thus saving miles on things like our Avalon and Solara convertible.
I'm a lifelong car freak and enjoy doing as much of my own maintenance as I can handle. A couple weeks ago, emboldened by YouTube videos, I changed the van'* serpentine belt, tensioner arm/pulley, harmonic balancer (hadn't even known what that was!), two idler pulleys and the water pump -- all on general principles except the HB, which was slowly coming apart, I discovered.
I had the tranny rebuilt 25k ago at a great shop in Orlando after it started clunking on step-off; about $1400 with all-new GM parts. Like buttaaahh now. Given this investment, my working plan is to run this puppy to 250k.
A minivan with the middle seats out makes a great utility vehicle. I consider this one my "covered pickup truck." Grew up on Mopars and wore out two Grand Voyagers raising our kids but this Chevy, though sneered at by Consumer Reports, gets the job done. Just don't crash it; crash performance is poor, They say.
Anyway, nice to be here; God bless y'all and the USA.

Welcome to the forum Gary.

Welcome to the forums as well Gary!
I believe the best vehicles are ones you can work on & are paid for!
Your 04 Venture keeps on going and I am happy you can do much of the work yourself.
Knowing your vehicle, having manuals, and working on them can be fun!
I have also considered buying a van. They are a good people & stuff movers as mentioned!
I've spent time in Florida and I will say it is a great place to travel. You can rack up the miles pretty quick there.
I put 2000 miles on last time I rented a car there over 3 weeks!
Enjoy the forum~!!

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum, Gary! Any pics of your rides?

welcome