First Post...Van Hunting

[J.murphey]

Hello,

So this is my first post, huge huge fan of this site and all of the contributors. I have been lurking for months now trying to learn, get ideas etc. I have finally started the hunt for my van to convert. Having not ever owned a van. Or actually owned a car for the past 6 years the information is a little overwhelming. Basically I am looking for advise on what is a good and what is crap. what to look for and what to stay away from. My total budget for the van is somewhere around $11,000 before the build out.

Here is what I have found.

2003 Ford E250XL V8 98000miles retired handicap van - $7000
1995 Dodge Ram 3500 V8 39000miles retired handicap van - $4000
2004 Sprinter 2500 2.7L 245000miles - $7000
2005 E-350 super 85000miles - could probably get it for 11,000

Here is what I am looking to do with it:

it will be a 4x4 with a minimal lift. not looking to go 4x4ing with it. with a full build out inside for a livable space.
My background is I am a mountain guide that is tired of crashing at people houses, sleeping on the floor of my works office, and constantly poaching camp spaces and getting rained on. I am wondering if these are good prices for these vehicles, make/model/year/mileage etc

Im not looking for the best and brand new but I also don't want to get ripped off...THANKS!!!

 

[bdog1]

Just my 2c....
Dodge is tuff. No frame to work with only unibody. Not the best 4x4 pick. But not "impossible" just not easy!

Have you considered finding a 4x4 van. Your budget would allow that. They are around. eBay can be a pricing guide.

There are Chevy Express "all wheel drive" factory half tons. Kinda the minimal lift but better traction deal. I'm a ( old) Ford van owner but the Express might be good in the mountains.

I'm sure others will add more. There's a ton of info stored here too.


Sent from my iPhone w/Tapatalk

 

[dcguillory]

Is the sprinter a Mercedes? what wheelbase? hightop?
The e350 is a smoken deal if its a diesel in decent shape. regular body or extended?

 

[steelheadbum]

Here's a good one just add 4wd from ujoint and call it good...
http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/rvs/4041766164.html
Buck
The Redneck Mexican
2002 E350 7.3 PSD 4x4 8inch lift pop top conversion....

 

[J.murphey]

Is the sprinter a Mercedes? what wheelbase? hightop?
The e350 is a smoken deal if its a diesel in decent shape. regular body or extended?

Dodge springer, hi top, 140 wheelbase
The E350 is gas and yes its extended

I guess just being someone who hasn't been around cars for a while something with super low miles like the dodge is appealing to me. But might not be the best choice.

I will look into the chevy express..

and ya any and all info is great. I feel like I have a good idea where I want to go with it after I make a purchase but I just don't want to get screwed in the beginging

 

[89s rule]

I would decide what your needs are for engine first. Gas /diesel 6cyl/v8/v10 etc. is fuel mileage important to you vs. power Towing? if yes avoid the Sprinter. I would avoid the Dodge because of several things including build quality, unibody and I'm not a Dodge guy. If you need 4wd I would look at the Chevy AWD or a Ford E250 or E350.

With your budget you should have many options if you are patient. Especially if you are open to a gas van. Locally I have seen diesel vans for similar prices to what you are quoting.
I'm on the mobile site so it doesn't show your location. That can affect things as well.

 

[J.murphey]

I would decide what your needs are for engine first. Gas /diesel 6cyl/v8/v10 etc. is fuel mileage important to you vs. power Towing? if yes avoid the Sprinter. I would avoid the Dodge because of several things including build quality, unibody and I'm not a Dodge guy. If you need 4wd I would look at the Chevy AWD or a Ford E250 or E350.


With your budget you should have many options if you are patient. Especially if you are open to a gas van. Locally I have seen diesel vans for similar prices to what you are quoting.
I'm on the mobile site so it doesn't show your location. That can affect things as well.

I am in the new England area. My first priority would be fuel economy secondly power towing... I honestly don't think I'll actually be towing anything. And I am very open to get as well... It seems as though the AWD Chevy and a 3250 or 350 will suit when I'm looking for...

My last question is mileage to age... What's good... What should I stay away from?

 

[bdog1]

The trade vans come with 6 cyl underpowered motors that end up not getting any better mpg than v8's. So prob. The smallest v8. Diesels get better mpg but fuel costs more and late model diesel power can be costly to repair. OUCH!


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[Italia64]

Here's a good one just add 4wd from ujoint and call it good...
http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/rvs/4041766164.html
Buck

That looks like a great deal! If I were anywhere remotely near Portland.