Sigh, what is wrong with me.

I thought this was an interesting look

 

Are you OK mike? i think you need to get off from your RX.and you need new screen name ; 1SICKVAN!
jk

 

I had a ride in the merc viano before, as a passenger sitting behind... and i have to say, its very very bad!!

the ride is simply not up to par, compared to Honda's Elysion or Toyota's Alphard vans.
I believe even the VW Caravelle has better ride than the Viano.

 

I saw a Vaneo with diplomat plates on the other week. Guess they paid to have it federalized...

 

I dont think diplomatic missions have to pay to federalize their cars, especially is registered with the state goverment .

I've seen many 'non-US' cars such as Alfa Romeos and some diesel Mercedes with diplomat plates ...

I guess its just fun to have diplomatic immunity.... have tints as dark as you want, and no police will stop you.

 

Interesting... I would've figured on seeing more non-US cars then.

 

As you guys know, I am not biased against minivans in any way but this vehicle tests even MY patience. It reminds me of those isosceles triangles back in high school geometry.

 

How can it test your patience when it's clearly a "feast for the eyes"?

 

God! They look like rolling doorstops.

 

I suspect that at least part of that wedge-shape front end design has to do with the new European pedestrian-impact regulations. A vehicle shaped like that in front is likely, instead of crushing someone or battering them, to just scoop them up the hood and windshield and maybe drop off to one side....but by then hopefully the driver will have stopped after the impact and the victim will just slide slowly right back down the hood. An impact injury of this type, while potentially serious, is likely to be much less severe than with blunt, square hoods.

 

Living in Mexico, I get to see certain similar vehicles. In regards to the diplomatic question, the U.S. is almost 100% open regarding what a diplomatic can bring in. Only real restriction is bringing in some papework for the vehicles, but that is easy.

In Mexico, we have no exclusions whatsoever. I have several friends and they bring in all sorts of vehicles not ever seen here. However, a place like Israel is somewhat more restrictive and requires your headlights to be wide beam style (European) rather and narrowbeam, plus a catalytic converter must be on diplomatic cars 1994 and newer.

Never have seen the MB Van and it does not appear in the MB range down here. But I have seen a few others here in Mexico.

MERCEDES SPRINTER

 

Peugeot Partner

 

1sickvan.....

 

Volkswagen Sharan

 

Renault Kangoo