I have an 88 4WD Van. Greatest people hauler ever.
it will carry 7 people or 1700lbs or tow 2000 lbs.
I consistently get about 11L/100km.
The seats fold down into a reasonably comfortable bed.
It will hold at least 3x what a T4 will!
And a full 8 inches of clearance under the chassis! (footprint is virtually the same as the T4)
About the only more capable 4WD would be a Landcruiser.
I have spent more in 2 years on Red than I have on the turtle in 8, but still not unhappy.
My wife, not so happy.
The driving position is right up there with going to the IMAX, talk about being RIGHT THERE.
I used to worry about the crumple zone, then I saw the crash testing on line and realized there is nothing to worry about.
I look over most SUV's and see eye to eye with the biggest pick up trucks (F350+++)
My wife doesn't like it too much.
They can be a PITA to work on, at least compared to the T4. However I have worked on a lot of "regular" cars that make the van look easy.
Wives seem to hate them.
The biggest issue is finding a repair shop. If your handy and can do most of the work yourself, good to go.
If you are paying for repairs, best have REALLY deep pockets.
Most techs will prefer to NOT work on your van and will tell inform you through ridiculous estimates and lame diagnosis.
Mostly they would rather you NOT come to visit them.
Did I mention my wife doesn't like the van.
They do have their idiosyncrasies, but what doesn't.
I have not had the experience the others have talked about, tires, bearings, brakes.... no significant issues other than regular maintenance/ correcting previous stupidity.
It is that last point that has cost the lion's share of my repair bills, by the way.
Goes back to tech's not wanting to work on them, sometimes dumb things get done.