<!--[if !mso]> <style> v\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w\:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} </style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> Normal 0 false false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">I started out thinking minivan. Have a ’94 Safari Conversion, 190K miles but well kept. Situation has changed somewhat, now considering my other car. Have a 2003 Ford Focus wagon. Less than 100K and been great in and out of town. Here are my thoughts: The Van is 6 cylinders and gets maybe 20 mpg at best. Ford gets 35 at best. Van has much room, Focus is minimalist but I have camping gear and could get trailer or exterior cargo capability. I’m looking at full timing year round. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I plan on spring thru fall traveling the Rockies and winter over on the gulf coast.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have income to pay for necessities and can afford fees a few days a month. I really want to disperse camp, free of charge and people, as much as possible. I don’t want or need much but a bed, warmth in winter, and periodic internet and electricity, along with a hot shower every once in a while.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Focus meets my fuel needs as well as serving as a small, yet accommodating dwelling. The van gives me greater living space but has the downside of fuel economy and age. I bought the van for van dwelling in mind. I have used it this past hunting season for a few weeks. I can get a bunch of stuff in there and still have room to move around once at the camp site.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It sucks for air conditioning due to size and color. It also lacks good heating for same reasons. The Focus has great air and heat. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Have slept in both. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ground clearance on van is pretty good and Focus is lower obviously. Have used both on back roads and trails while hunting, but never in rough terrain like I suspect I’ll find in the Rockies. Lift kits are possible for both. Both have racks on top and receiver hitches. Van is RWD and Focus is FWD.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Focus has 80-100 ft3 of cargo space versus 180-200 ft3 for the van (seats removed both). </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Would like to hear from minimalists/car dwellers on small car living. I KNOW big is great but anyone done both?</p>