(Home) Thank's Mark, owners reflect

Hi Mark.
I thought I was having a good day today, then things got a bit quiet so I had a surf around. Now I've seen your home page, and suddenly today has turned out to be a very sad one indeed. Not least of all because your announcement has been there for over a month, and I‘ve only just seen it. I almost feel ashamed of myself!

I understand that nothing lasts forever though, and I would like to wish you and your family all the very best for the future. Thanks to you, your quirky little van, and a superb website, a community of like minded owners have been able to get together and swap tips and advise to help in fixing our Aces. Suffice it to say I enjoyed meeting you and your two children last spring, and I feel you will be sorely missed by the whole group.

Once again well done for providing an excellent forum for all of us to use. I might have to go down the pub now and get totally bladderd

Regards
dave Bright

- (#11772) dave Bright, 14 Nov 03 5:49

Don't do that Dave, nobody wanted to buy my ace so I'll be keeping it until the next hefty bill comes in at least.

For the money I paid for it and the cost of replacing it with a suitable vehicle I don't think I'm going to be parting company with it just yet.

It past the recent MOT without too much trouble and I've just re-insured it for a further year at £307 so it'll be another year before I consider parting with it again.......as long as it keeps going.

- (#11773) Mark, 14 Nov 03 6:19

Just as guilty I'm afraid. It's because the link at the top of this page is going to the old home page.

Have to agree with Mark's thinking in some ways. I've kept records of all my vehicles over the past 20+ years and keep a record of what it has cost to keep them on the road excluding fuel, tax and insurance. The Townace is by far the most expensive vehicle I've had to support to date and then there's the poor fuel consumption on top.

It's all about what you need a vehicle for that determines your choice. The Townace is an MPV which makes it ideal for lugging loads of kids, furniture, DIY stuff, camping equipment, big dogs etc. It can also double as temporary sleeping quarters.

The fact that it comes with loads of toys at a very cheap price compared to other MPVs is a deciding factor when purchasing.

So you either buy cheap up front (a la Townace) and pay more on a daily basis for running it or you buy dear up front and buy something like a new Previa or Galaxy (god forbid!) but have cheaper running costs (in theory).

If your requirements change then you don't need an MPV anymore so downsizing to something cheaper makes plenty of sense.

As for selling, I'm not surprised it's hard to offload it. Despite there being hundreds of owners on this site and many more that don't know us, in the grand scheme of things the potential MPV buying market is going to be small. Of that market there are those that are scared off by grey imports and the fact that these are vehicles over 10 years old. Then there are those that read this board and are scared off by the horror stories about the cooling system.

So that just leaves me and you then Dave :-). So tell me again what do we see in these vehicles?

The big question is what do you propose to do about the website Mark? Yes it will be a shame if you fold it up and of course we will miss you at future Jams. Especially as my son has gone out and bought a big supersoaker to get your lad back for last spring :-)

Ian

- (#11774) Ian Dunse, 14 Nov 03 6:32

Mark,
I was about to post in the same vein as Dave, but now I am cheered by your posting. I do find it strange that there was no interest in buying.
See you at an Ace Jam sometime with a for sale notice?
Clive

- (#11775) Clive(Bristol), 14 Nov 03 6:34

Obviously wrote the last piece before seeing Mark's reply. Great news. The King is dead, long live the King!

- (#11776) Ian Dunse, 14 Nov 03 6:35

That's excellent news Mark, I'm happy again. Or am I.....err let me see, I'm delighted that you are keeping it for another year, but now I'm sad because no one wants to buy it. I’m so confused. Looks like the pub after all. I’ll drink a toast to you and your van anyway.
By the way, the link at the top of the BOK goes to your old home page.

- (#11777) dave Bright, 14 Nov 03 6:36

So tell me again what do we see in these vehicles?

I cant quite put my finger on it Ian. My dad recons its a regression thing, because he claims to have invented people carriers when I was a child. You see I’m one of six children, and when we were all still at school, moving such a large brood around between at least 3 schools at the same time, not to mention days out and holidays, was something of a headache for my dear old parents. So my dad came up with the idea of using a 12 seater transit mini bus for a family vehicle, and now claims it to have been so successful, every one else has copied him.

As for why no one has made Mark an offer, I’m sure that being a Japanese grey import does frighten people off, even though this site and Dave’s archives are testament to the abundance of sources for spares, most of which are available mail order on a next day delivery. People just don’t realise how easy it is to get spares, and for that matter reasonable insurance as well.

Going back to Marks question on his home page, judging by the number of requests on the BOK for basic information from new owners, I think there are a lot of people out there buying these Aces, including me! Only last weekend, I went to see a broken Ace, and now its sitting on my drive, waiting to be fixed. Anyway I think that the price for fresh imports is high, and demand is such that some people are getting seriously ripped off, because other, unscrupulous people are off loading old duds at some truly scary prices, and this can only be bad for the resale market.

- (#11778) dave Bright, 14 Nov 03 7:49

Well, we see what we always saw - well designed family transport for a small capital outlay. Running costs are not all that bad for what you get - and even if the cooling system is a weak point (not so far on mine, touch wood) then all vehicles have a weak point. A friend of mine had an Esp*ce and he had to replace the clutch three times...

I have budgeted for zero sale value after five years. If I get £500 towards next vehicle, that will be a bonus.

To sell - have you tried e-bay? There are always some townie/lucida/emina auctions under way there...

Great vehicles these, but for a minority. Long live the minority! (Can we get a Government grant???)

- (#11779) tony, 14 Nov 03 8:14

BTW - if you happen to be into Topgear, did you see what came 136th out of 137 in their best vehicle poll? The Espace. Better to get no press than press like that I think.

- (#11780) Ian Dunse, 14 Nov 03 8:43

For me it was a natural progression from a Spacecruiser. I did not even think of anything else other than a Transit, no that's a lie I looked at the Merc but way too much in price, I was looking for another Spacecruiser when I came accross a dealer in Townaces near Preston, ended up getting one in Bristol some 2 years later.
I for one brag/boast about the slow speed, that I can run on old chip oil, I can get the luggage in plus the kitchen sink, and still have 4/5 seats. Would I do that about 2 Peugeots? Sure it will save money but will you keep the cheesy grin as you find the only parking spot on a day out, get the new fence panels in the back, have a nice view over the traffic when parked on the M25 etc..
I plan to run mine for as long as it will go on. I hope that will be some 10 years plus. I'm expecting the head gasket to go at some time, if it does I'll overhaul or replace and that should last the life of the Ace.
I may have to join the 2 Ace club of Bournemouth to get a supply of spares :-)

- (#11781) Clive, 14 Nov 03 9:00

Hey Mark there's the answer to your dilemma. Sell it to Dave Bright for inclusion within his fleet.

- (#11782) Ian Dunse, 14 Nov 03 9:20

Four years. That was my time. Through thick and thin the townie did the job for me, like no other vehicle could (or can, the Grand Vitara is faster, more economical etc, but I do find myself hankering after the space...). But I'm inclined to say that, certainly on this side of the water, the townie's days are numbered. Age, parts availability, insurance issues etc all weigh against it. But it's not alone- Jap imports have had thir day...

But hey! what else would we talk about?

- (#11783) david miller, 14 Nov 03 11:09

I know it comes a little hard to the ears of those who have had problems but, my view is that the Townace is such an INTERESTING vehicle. Others, rightly, extoll the virtues of it's space,load carrying capabilities, versatility etc, but, with "ordinary" vehicles getting so much alike, the "difference" of my Masterace, is one of the many things which appeal to me. The owners of "ordinary" vehicles have as many problems as we do but, because we have the undoubted benefit of this forum, only the problems with our vehicles get into the discussions. I should think that there are far more satisfied Townace owners than those who have a problem and who, rightly, seek information here.
I retired from a busy working life,after, virtually, spending ten hours a day in a succession of bland saloon cars.
The Masterace sometimes taxes my engineering skills but, it has added another great interest to my life. I too, like Tony, assume that there will be zero value in my vehicle when it finally gives up the ghost but, it will be a small price to pay for the enjoyment which I have had.

- (#11784) John Davis, 14 Nov 03 13:04

There are some cars that you just use to drive from a-b and then there are the ones that are a complete pleasure to drive...i've had Thelma for about a month now and I love the whole driving experience I get with her. Townies/Lucida's/Estima's are starting to get popular in my area and as well as having all my family and mates asking to get a ride in her I get loads of people I don't know asking me about her...she's quite a popular gal!

- (#11785) Louise, 14 Nov 03 13:35

I think you have knocked the nail on the head there John. You've captured the essence of what it's all about exactly. Louise you are right as well of course but then you are still in the honeymoon period. That wears off but takes a lot longer than with other 'bland' cars. Enjoy it for as long as you can.

- (#11786) Ian Dunse, 15 Nov 03 4:32

Well I never thought a posting could gain so many replies in such a short time.

In under 24 hours the original posting has gained over a dozen other postings.

This site will continue to run in it's present form for the time being unless outside influences affect its necessibility....if such a word exists. I'm a little overwhelmed by the response to my home page mutterings, especially now as my plans have changed.

- (#11787) Mark, 15 Nov 03 7:57

Popularity is right, it’s a testimony to your excellent site Mark!

It was quite a shock when I read your home page yesterday, hence starting this post. I have to say that I have the BOK listed under my favourites, and don’t often go to the main body of your site. I shall make an old years resolution to go there more often.

As for my fleet, Tracey says stop encouraging me, or she wont let me out to play any more!

Regards
Dave Bright

- (#11788) dave Bright, 15 Nov 03 9:56

well, the radio controlled aircraft had to go, the beloved rover 825 si had to go, the box brownie collection will have to go and all because they come under the title of big boys toys and also keep me away from my ever loving other half, so when i finally sat down in the luxury of our lounge for an evening with my darling wife guess what?, yep, she was asleep. so i bought my townie and a new love affair florished thanks to the japs and you guys, but the bonus is my wife now comes fishing with me as she loves it to, and we hope to live happily ever after
regards to all
brian

- (#11789) brian squire, 17 Nov 03 1:23

Well this and the associated sites are a absolute mammoth achievement and invaluable knowledge base.
I'm sure they are responsible for keeping many of the aces in this and other countries on the road.
I think the ace uniqueness is not just the list of optionals included but the logical 'engine under seat' forward control set up. A room on wheels with the floor space of a euro family car. You won't get that with any other vehicle of that size - long may they roll,
'May the ace be with you'

- (#11857) chris turner, 17 Nov 03 7:18

I'd like to join in with the "Thanks Mark"
This is a great site, esp to a new LiteAce owner of three weeks. I "found" the site whilst looking for info on these "Ace" vehicles and I'm very impressed with the site and the people who use it! Knowing that the site was here to assist with any info I might need encouraged me to get the "Ace". I hope to get to a Jam and meet some of you "Ace people" in the future
Best regards to all.
Mick

- (#6722) Mick Wingell, 28 Nov 03 15:35