$1,000 Minivan Saga

I cannot live in Isabela, Puerto Rico without my own car. It's too rural and remote to to chance it. However, I want to find the right car. I don't want anything brand new or flashy. I want an affordable car, to load my 90 lb dog, kayaks, bicycles, golf clubs and fishing rods. I want it to be good on gas, reliable and capable of handling Puerto Rico's poor road conditions. There must also be room and comfort for my family and friends.
It will take a while to find the ideal vehicle, but in the meantime I figured I'd buy a 1997 Chevy Venture Minivan for $1,000. It seemed more cost effective than renting and it met all of my criteria! Three days after my purchase, I found myself stranded as the van refused to run. Press play to see the entire story.