Hey friends,
I'm curious about purchasing an older 4x4 van sometime in the next few years. I've been sporting an SUV + tent and it's been working fine, but looking to upgrade (or move laterally, I guess) eventually.
I started occasional craigslist/market place searches and I see some vehicles from late 80s or early 90s that look interesting. Normally, I wouldn't look that far back for a daily driver. How would I evaluate an older vehicle like that for fitness?
Here's one interesting find: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van/cto/d/vancouver-4x4-camper-van/7502337054.html
If the link goes away here's the summary:
1988 3/4 Ton Four Wheel Drive Chevy Van, 270,000km

Obvious warning signs:
- age and mileage
- unknown lift provenance
Positives:
- meets the requirements for size/comfort
- surface level workmanship looks good
If I went to buy this today I would:
1. Understand the service history
2. Look at how aux wiring has been done
3. Look at fluid levels/quality of fluids
4. Undercarriage - how much rust?
5. How's the lift done
6. Driving experience
What's some other homework I could do?
I believe boat people say that you should budget 10% of the boat coast per year in maintenance. Anything similar for a van of this vintage?
I'm curious about purchasing an older 4x4 van sometime in the next few years. I've been sporting an SUV + tent and it's been working fine, but looking to upgrade (or move laterally, I guess) eventually.
I started occasional craigslist/market place searches and I see some vehicles from late 80s or early 90s that look interesting. Normally, I wouldn't look that far back for a daily driver. How would I evaluate an older vehicle like that for fitness?
Here's one interesting find: https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van/cto/d/vancouver-4x4-camper-van/7502337054.html
If the link goes away here's the summary:
1988 3/4 Ton Four Wheel Drive Chevy Van, 270,000km
V8 fuel injection, 37” BF KO2 tires ( like new), power windows, power locks , A/C. Remote keyless entry/ alarm. Bluetooth stereo, Back up camera. Leather seats, passenger seat swivels.
20 gallon fresh water tank, 10 L grey tank, 6 gal propane hot water tank, outside shower, propane heater, Propane stove,(new)porta potti, 12 volt fridge/ freezer, slide out bed, fits 2 (6’4” x 4”. )MaxxAir 10 spd fan, CO2 and smoke alarm.
195 watt solar panel, 120 AH lithium Iron PH battery, 1200W pure sine wave inverter, 10 amp shore power battery charger, outside propane hookup and 120 volt outlet.
Awesome off grid hunting rig, mechanically sound, new front brakes Rears at 70%. Runs and drives great. Solid truck .
1988 , 2500 Chevrolet Beauville Van.


Obvious warning signs:
- age and mileage
- unknown lift provenance
Positives:
- meets the requirements for size/comfort
- surface level workmanship looks good
If I went to buy this today I would:
1. Understand the service history
2. Look at how aux wiring has been done
3. Look at fluid levels/quality of fluids
4. Undercarriage - how much rust?
5. How's the lift done
6. Driving experience
What's some other homework I could do?
I believe boat people say that you should budget 10% of the boat coast per year in maintenance. Anything similar for a van of this vintage?