Dh and I owned a conversion (full size) van in the 80's and let me tell you, they are NOT cheap to drive. They carry a BUNCH of people (we had the captains chairs, table, fold out couch, the works) but they are not very economical. I wouldn't touch one with the price of gas now. I DO want a mini-van and hope to buy one within the year but not the full size conversion. YIKES!
As for a Kirby--hu uh--not even for carpet cleaning. It's not an extractor type of cleaner, just rolls and this tends to rub dirt deeper. My advice--like Anna said, "but part of being frugal is to satisfy the needs first, then later the wants. I don't want to sound critical but you can only put out so many fires at one time. "
Money can be spent on mch better and far more frugal things in life!
BTW if you seriously consider buying the van, at its age I would most definitely take it to a mechanic for a good going over BEFORE buying it.
That's my 2 pennies worth.
Jayne