What would you buy for $40k?
- Thread starter markley
- Start date
rruff
Explorer
Problem is, none of the options are that great... or you pay a big $$$ premium.
If you are sure you won't be too adventurous, a 2wd van makes a lot of sense, and there are many to choose from. A diesel Transit would get good MPG also. Check into what tires you can run and what it would take to increase ground clearance.
I know I want to be adventurous and that's why I ended up with a 4wd truck. But then it's hard to find a suitable camper that isn't too heavy, which is why I'm building my own.
Jb1rd
Explorer
You will appreciate the extra room and driving an EB vs SB is really no different.
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Which motor? Rust? Body damage?
3k does seem like a decent price... but it'd leave lots of money for repairs and a build. My 97 E350 Type 3 Ambo with a 7.3 has 200k miles, 16k hrs... we're coming on 3 years with only an alternator, brakes, TREs, ball joints, springs, and minor work related to the engine. It may seem like a lot... but 95% of the work needed to be done at the time we bought it, and was part of why we got it for about 1k USD. It now handles, rides, and drives very well. It is a real pleasure to drive, and I'd not hesitate to drive it across the country.
All that said, a pickup and a custom camper from http://www.idacamper.com/ (or someone similar) might be a good option for you. On a flat deck, chasis, in the box... it could offer the best of both worlds.
As much as I love my Ambo, van engine bays suck. That said I drove a newer F350 Ford supercab, and it was a beast to drive and I wouldn't want to own one.
3k does seem like a decent price... but it'd leave lots of money for repairs and a build. My 97 E350 Type 3 Ambo with a 7.3 has 200k miles, 16k hrs... we're coming on 3 years with only an alternator, brakes, TREs, ball joints, springs, and minor work related to the engine. It may seem like a lot... but 95% of the work needed to be done at the time we bought it, and was part of why we got it for about 1k USD. It now handles, rides, and drives very well. It is a real pleasure to drive, and I'd not hesitate to drive it across the country.
All that said, a pickup and a custom camper from http://www.idacamper.com/ (or someone similar) might be a good option for you. On a flat deck, chasis, in the box... it could offer the best of both worlds.
As much as I love my Ambo, van engine bays suck. That said I drove a newer F350 Ford supercab, and it was a beast to drive and I wouldn't want to own one.
vqxzw-5957445940@sale.craigslist.org
What do you all think of this? It's a 2008 which is before the emissions issues correct?
What do you all think of this? It's a 2008 which is before the emissions issues correct?
https://asheville.craigslist.org/cto/5957445940.html
Don't think the first link worked
Don't think the first link worked
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
First link didn't work.
Looks interesting, no idea on price of a 2008. Good starting point and he's not asking $70k or something absurd.
Looks interesting, no idea on price of a 2008. Good starting point and he's not asking $70k or something absurd.
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
5.4 seems to be a decent motor. Most seem happy with them. No firsthand experience with them.
First link didn't work.
Looks interesting, no idea on price of a 2008. Good starting point and he's not asking $70k or something absurd.
Yeah, looks like 2008 is when exhaust system was changed so that is a little concerning. Seems like it is right at the mileage that the issues spring up. But it's not a bad price..may be able to use that angle for the "or best offer"
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
The locksmith I know has had nothing but grief out of the two sprinters he's had. Although it could have been the fuel he's been running. He was happy enough with the first to trade it in for another.
Seem to be enough who love them... kinda like VW vans. A VW mechanic I know said he was lucky if they didn't break again before they left the mechanics lot.
Seem to be enough who love them... kinda like VW vans. A VW mechanic I know said he was lucky if they didn't break again before they left the mechanics lot.
Ha..yeah seems to be the consensus. Thanks
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
His were 2500s. He seemed to think the 3500s were better.