1984 Nissan Truck

Five Macho Minivans For the Average Joe

"Macho" and "minivan" are words that historically have been at odds with one another.

However, there are several family-sized choices that offer some of the same attributes attracting the Y chromosome to vehicles like pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and sporty sedans.

When you require a well-rounded vehicle that can transport your family on vacation as well as make runs to the home improvement store for supplies, no one vehicle fills the bill like a minivan. They may not be glamorous or sexy, but today's family utility wagons are more versatile, energetic, stylish and fuel-efficient than their forebears.

In other words, they aren't your soccer moms' minivans.

Bankrate has assembled a list of five minivans offering a high level of utility, accommodations for up to six and plenty of get-up-and-go. You might argue that at least one of our choices isn't even a minivan, but we like to think outside of the box.

Except for the 2012 Mazda5 and Kia Sedona EX, car prices and specifications are based on 2011 models.

These are minivans even the most macho guy can find at least one reason to love. So man up and read on.

2011 Dodge Grand Caravan R/T

Price: $30,695 Gas mileage: 17 city and 25 highway mpg

Macho factor: Accommodates a 4-by-8 sheet of plywood with the rear hatch closed.

Chrysler created the minivan segment with the 1984 Dodge Caravan, and it still sells more minivans than any other carmaker.

Some mechanical, styling and interior upgrades for 2011 have elevated the Grand Caravan to a level truly competitive with the imports. Its new 3.6-liter V-6 generates 283 horsepower -- the most of any vehicle on our list. A six-speed, driver-shiftable, automatic transmission ushers power to the front wheels.

Three rows of seats can carry up to seven, yet when more cargo space is needed, the Stow 'n Go second- and third-row seats can be folded flat with the cargo floor for 143.8 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.

In addition to standard amenities that include power accessories, power-adjustable pedals, tri-zone climate control and a trip computer, the R/T comes with a sport-tuned suspension, leather seating and an upgraded nine-speaker Infinity audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack.

2012 Kia Sedona EX

Price: $29,190 Gas mileage: 18 city and 25 highway mpg

Macho factor: Second-best horsepower, best warranty and bargain-basement car price.

Nissan Trucks » Blog Archive » 1984 nissan truck

Trucking associations form the backbone of the industry, in countries such as the United States.

Notwithstanding the escalating costs related to trucking, such as fuel and maintenance. Companies consider route transport to be the most viable, mode, to transport their goods to various regions.

Due to demand in this industry many individuals consider a transport or trucking business, as a means of self-employment. A word of caution though, to those budding trucking contractors, be vigilant of all those corporations offering draw contracts. The industry is cut throat and difficult.Many draw contracts turn out to be disasters!

A bank will gladly finance a truck, on the strength of a contract, but only if the truck repayments can either be guaranteed by the corporate sponsor, or if the revenue derived from contract is three times more than the truck repayment.

Insurance, such as Public Liability Insurance and Goods-in-Transit is compulsory, and would in most cases be enshrined in a contract. Budget appropriately.

Even brand new trucks will loose value, and require regular maintenance. Many smaller transport operators don’t create reserves, such as a “Truck Replacement Fund”. An amount equal to 20% of the cost of the truck should be invested with such a fund, annually. The fund can be accessed after five years, to either use as a deposit on a new truck, or refurbish an existent one.

For used truck purchases, a Maintenance Fund should be created. Regular wear-and-tear, leads to unexpected breakdowns. Some banks can tailor such funds specifically for the truckers needs.

A monthly cost breakdown with the Replacement and Maintenance Fund as first and second priority respectively is made. Is then followed by the truck repayments, insurance, salaries (drivers and owner), fire costs, and toll fees. If the rate payable by the corporate sponsor cannot cover these minimal costs, do non consider the contract.

Transport Rates:

Will the corporate sponsor, pay a rate per mile, rate per ton, or rate per kg? Rate per miles, will not be profitable if the trucker covers short distances. A 14-ton truck covering short distances needs a rate per ton, to astatine least break even. If it’s a huge truck, covering long distances, the three components recommended above will have to be factored into the pricing.

Will the corporate sponsor pay thirty days after invoice? If one invoice is generated for a thirty-day period, it effectively means that the transport contractor will have to wait 60days for settlement.

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