Now now Splashy, no need to get your bowels in an uproar.
Maybe your folks didn't use the minivan to tow with, maybe they didn't load it down with a half ton of personal effects when they went out touring (utility service), maybe they didn't have the vehicle serviced at regular intervals, maybe they didn't buy the touring package when they purchased the vehicle (oil and tranny coolers).
I'll bet a dollar to a donut they did buy that particular vehicle because it was the most spacious interior for the least amount of money, and you and I both know that going with the cheapest you can get by with is usually very disappointing in the end. It kind of reminds me of my parents and their choice of an AMC Pacer for a touring vehicle It's the tunnel vision thing of just looking at the $$$, and older folks are the worlds worst at doing that.
You can't live in todays world and not buy foriegn products... but you don't have to settle for a bunch of cheap crap either!
I still won't comment on organized labor. (that's the second time I didn't comment on it!)