Age vs. Mileage

[mikracer]

Yeah the high miles are just a little too much for me. I talked to the guy and just got a overall less than desirable feeling about the van. But I think this might be the one http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/cto/5471012682.html. Closer to me, far less miles, AWD. At the top end of my price range but I think it is the best compromise for a reliable daily driver and adventure rig.

I was going to link that one to you, but didn't know what your budget was. From the limited pictures, that one looks nice. It's also nice that it isn't white since so many vans are.

 

[naterry]

A reference point-

I bought a 96 PSD with ~60K miles (a sweet spot for my likes). The van was from Texas and I have had to replace the following for age related reasons (mostly seals):

1. Fuel Pump
2. Water Pump
3. Turbo Boots
4. Tank Filler and Vent Hoses
5. Headlights
6. Coolant Hoses

 

[86cj]

What do you all think can be a better factor in determining reliability? Age or mileage? I realize in the end if can kind of be a crap shoot. Reason I ask is I found a 2010 Chevy Express AWD with 220k miles on it, was a fleet vehicle used for sales. I tend to stay away from high mileage but a vehicle this new seems not too bad and it is the right price.

I grew up in the era of 100,000 miles and it's done mindset, and sort of got over it due to the quality today. I still buy vehicles late in their production life cycle that are also common and easy to get parts for though. When I got the van itch it was for a common 1 ton van, I must have asked 50 contractors how reliable their GM van was and got the same "runs and drives great and almost never in the shop" answer. They were right the current GM van has very little reliability issues that people complain about.

As said the engine, trans, and axles are common and most issues have known upgrades available, the trans goes back to the 80's and the 10 bolt rear axle goes back to the 70's. The transfer case scares people but is as reliable as any other part on the van it seems, the early AWD 1/2 ton vans had some bad info about the transfer case refill procedure and some people had failures but you don't seem hear about them anymore. A less than 7 year old vehicle with high miles can be a good buy especially if it has not seen road salt.

My advice would be to get the least rusted and beat up body and frame you can, because once you start Vannin' you are going to need a good blank canvas......

 

[cjken]

I got a low mileage 95
Had to replace
1. IDM
2. fuel pump and soft lines
3. Fuel bowl seals
4. GPR
5. ICP
6. Water pump
7. Radiator.
Non motor related
Front wheel bearings and 1 spindle damaged as a result of Bering failure.

I can't complain I'm really enjoying the truck.

 

[Bbasso]

I once bought a 2000 van with 750,000... no problems untill the final problem many people couldn't figure out.
I once bought a 2005 van with 49,750... plagued by problems I fixed.
I once bought a 2003 van with 230,000... not a problem but I sold it because I hated the color.
I once bought a 2001 van with 108,000... needed nothing until the water pump died. Fixed and still loving it with 140,000.

All about luck.