DriveTech

2003 Certified Used Volkswagen Eurovan
Murrieta Volkswagen

Eurovans are better than ever!

If you think that Chrysler made the first true minivan, you'd be wrong. That credit actually goes to Volkswagen, which has had a true mini van as far back as the early '50s. Back then, it was very much under-powered but today's Eurovan has the peppy VR6 power plant that's normally found in the Jetta and GTI.

Don't get too excited about running down to look at the all-new 2006 Volkswagen Eurovan at your local Volkswagen dealer. VW stopped selling the Eurovan in the United States due to lack of sales. But the people who bought them, loved them. Perhaps that's why you rarely see any used Eurovans on the market.

Murrieta Volkswagen currently has four used and certified Eurovans in different configurations. In fact, the Volkswagen certified used vehicle program is the only way to buy a used Volkswagen. It gets a 112-point vehicle inspection, and if it fails one point, it goes off to the auction. Dealers are very strict when it comes to the vehicle inspection.

When a vehicle passes, the new owner gets a two-year/24,000-mile warranty that covers just about everything (except wear and maintenance items). The new owner is enrolled in the 24-hour roadside assistance program. Buyers are also given the option of a great credit program, with financing as low as 2.9 percent (depending on your credit and the vehicle you have chosen).

While power was the Achilles heel of the old Eurovan, my test vehicle proved very responsive and entered the freeway with ease. The Volkswagen Eurovan has some unique features, such as comfortable front seats with multiple adjustments, a dash set up for the driver and instrumentation in blue and red lighting (red for the most important items).

The 2.8-liter V6 produces 201 horsepower and 181 pound foot of torque, backed by a four-speed, electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive. If driven properly, it should get 17 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on the open road.

What really stands out in the Eurovan is space. It can accommodate up to seven occupants, including the driver. Another unique feature is the rear seating. There's a nice couch that flips down into a bed and two captain's chairs that face to the rear for a conversation area. There's also a table (for eating, writing or whatever) that flips down to provide even more space.

You can enter the Eurovan through the front doors, a sliding passenger side door or the rear hatch. You may find the rear hatch a little heavy at first, then the gas cylinders kick in and up it goes (closing it is a lot easier). Once you open the rear door, there's a nice cloth-covered rear shelf to keep plastic bags in place. Plus, you can flip down the seat back for a very nice, comfortable bed for those cat naps along the open road. There are curtains that secure all the windows except the front windshield. You also get a great sound system that includes an AM/FM/stereo cassette and multi-CD player.

My test vehicle had a silver exterior with gray interior, alloy wheels and not a scratch on it. This unit has the Weekender package, which is pretty much what I explained earlier. You can opt for the full Camper Package, if you can find one used. But this Weekender is perfect for San Diego - throw in your own cooler, a change of clothes, some food and you're set to head out to the beach, football game or whatever.

I must warn you that these Eurovans are not cheap. But you do get a lot for your money. So head up to Murrieta Volkswagen to check out the four Eurovans on the lot and see if these fun mobiles fit your driving needs!