I had heard of the M151's bad habit of flipping over, but after
consulting with several members of the list, decided to go ahead and make
the trade.
I've now got a year of driving (over 2,000 miles) the most "unsafe" M151
model and would like to report my findings.
Freeway: Maintains 65 MPH without much strain, although I usually stay
around 60. Tracks strait and is less prone to follow the rutts in
pavement than the M38A1 was (much better ride also). I've had a couple
occasions to make emergency lane changes at freeway speed and found it
responded quickly and recovered easily. I take off ramps at the posted
speed and have never felt it sway or give any indication of roll over.
BTW, I'm very pleased with the 20 MPG it gets on the Freeway.
City: It gets started slowly, but stops and corners fine. Again, I'm
not pushing it, just basic daily driving.
Off Road: With some weight in the back, It goes very well. I've had it
in some very uncomfortable situations off road, but have never felt it
was going to go over. (Ok, one time I thought it was going to flip end
to end, but that was just my stupidity, not the vehicle.)
Overall, if it has a clean title, I'd highly recommend the M151.
Chris Davis
'62 M151
Lake Forest, CA
PS - The standard non-directional tires are a bit of a hazard on wet
pavement and down right scarry on snow. Get a good set of snow tires and
toss a couple sand bags in the back if your operating in the weather.
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