1988 Chevy G20. Any advice? worth checking out?

[ascension777]

https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/6144779121.html

I'm searching for a good van to build my first van dwelling
Right now I have about 2400 saved up for a van. Do you think this could be worth driving an hour and a half to check it out and maybe even buy it.

looks like it has minimal rust, but also looks like it may have been a while since it was last driven...

Thanks for your wisdom

 

[Gary68]

first is has a 305 which despite what some say is a good engine and really good with some head work
this particular van i would pass on,looks ruff and customized and i hate trying to figure out what prior owners messed  up

a quick look and there are some fords in the price range,maybe a ford person will chime in
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/search/sso?query=van&sort=date&max_price=2000

 

[ascension777]

On second thought I'm much more interested in checking out this 1995 G20 sport van
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/cto/6139885221.html

any thoughts or wisdom on this one?

 

[highdesertranger]

1st one looks really rough. 2nd one has rust under the doors, check real good. rust never sleeps. highdesertranger

 

[Ballenxj]

Second one looks way better, and the back is already open, but he did mention rust under the doors. Like HDR said; look it over carefully. 
My 95 was a sweet van.

 

[CottonTexas]

A 307 engine may have replaced the original which means you'ld be fixing stuff that's been "fixed" already - not that I think so poorly of the 307, I just have a hard time trusting amateur mechanics.  If you're handy with a toolbox, then that '88 may suit you just fine, but I'd investigate as to why it really ended road duty (and why there's a wheel chock in front of the rear tire).  If you've got more time and skills than fundage, then it's totally worth a look since it looks to be solid, but if not, then more patience will bring in a winner when it comes to getting exactly what you want/need.  Good luck in your hunt, Cotton

 

[user 37446]

+1 to all above. While the 2nd (newer) van does have some rust visible, you'd need to carefully inspect underneath. If it isn't too much, and you don't plan on keeping the van "forever", then it could be ok.  Most of us don't keep the same vehicle we started off with, a few who buy new or near new might but that's not your particular situation. Bear in mind what looks "rusty" to a person living in the southwest may look acceptable to someone from the northeast or northern states.

The GM drivetrains are sound, the 95' was the last pre-vortec year, (which has some positives) and there's lots of junkyard parts as well as new parts available.

 

[minimotos95]

That '95 looks like a fleet/work truck type model to me. Vinyl seats, two headlights, etc. That and the cancer, I would be very cautious.
By the looks of it the '88 will at a minimum need tires, a tune up and fluids so you would be in it probably around $1400+. No pictures of the inside either...

Neither appears to have a spare tire.