1992 E150 or 2006 E250 with same millage for $3000 more?
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All else being equal (body condition, engine size, etc) I'd definitely go with the newer (and more robust) vehicle.
A 150 is too light a chassis unless you're doing an almost nothing build out. The E250 will be a better platform for a decent build out.
A 1992 with only a 100,000 miles on it has either been sitting for way too long meaning all the rubber (gaskets, hoses, etc. etc.) are more than likely needing total replacement or the odometer is wrong and it's got 200/300 thou on it.
A 150 is too light a chassis unless you're doing an almost nothing build out. The E250 will be a better platform for a decent build out.
A 1992 with only a 100,000 miles on it has either been sitting for way too long meaning all the rubber (gaskets, hoses, etc. etc.) are more than likely needing total replacement or the odometer is wrong and it's got 200/300 thou on it.
The newer van would normally be the best choice but depending on what engine the '06 has, it may have potential sparkplug problems.
You will find lots of online info, just Google "Ford sparkplug problems".
BTW: I bought my '93 van with 114,000 miles on it mainly because it was less expensive. Since I do 90% of repairs on my vehicles, I decided to take a chance on it. If you will have to rely on shops for all repairs, the newest van you can afford would be best.
You will find lots of online info, just Google "Ford sparkplug problems".
BTW: I bought my '93 van with 114,000 miles on it mainly because it was less expensive. Since I do 90% of repairs on my vehicles, I decided to take a chance on it. If you will have to rely on shops for all repairs, the newest van you can afford would be best.
Finding a full size van for $4,500 is almost too good to be true. HOWA has to look long and hard to find good minivans for $3,000. First you need to make sure you have enough of an emergency fund to cover expected repairs as described by your mechanic after they have completely checked it out. It will cost you between $200 to $400 to scope the engine, rear end, load test the battery, check the starter and cables, alternator output, check pressures on the transmission,pull the wheels to check bearings and brakes. At 100,000 miles all these things need to be checked unless you have maintenance records and receipts for verified repairs. Otherwise your emergency fund better be large enough to afford all the above parts and the labor to put them on unless you do your own repairs as well as purchase the van. Even the little things like tires,exhaust and steering components get expensive fast. I see people all the time buying used vehicles and within a year or two spending several hundreds of dollars for parts and several thousands of dollars for labor if they can't do it themselves. If you can get a high mileage van and get at least another 100,000 miles with or without major repairs and spend less than $5,000 in my opinion you are one of the few lucky ones as most will spend around $10,000 in my opinion. I would take all of them to a trusted mechanic and let him decide but in my opinion rear wheel drive vans are cheaper and easier to repair, and at those prices you most likely will be doing some repairs.
Thanks for the sound advice, I think im capable of doing some repairs. Although without proper tools and a shop i would be hard pressed to tackle most. I think ive decided on A small van E150, Astro or Gmc. I dont need a lot of space and i want to be fairly mobile so fuel efficiency is is important. Did you see my new prospect above? What do you think?
bullfrog said:
This is very true. I've had my van for just 2 years and have spent over $2200 on parts. Alternator,emissions solenoids,radiator,power steering hoses,shocks,water pump,brakes,etc,etc. If I had to pay mechanics to do all that work, the total cost would have been over $6000 easily. That's in addition to the $1800 purchase price.
An older, cheaper van is going to be a money pit for most people.
pipsta said:
It's impossible to evaluate these without seeing details. You would be better off finding a friend who is at least half-way knowledgeable about cars to check them out and then further evaluation by a mechanic of any 'good' ones.
We have a saying on another forum I belong to " the most expensive Porsche you can buy, is the cheapest Porsche you can buy" ! Meaning that buying a fixerupper can cost more than buying a well cared for van to start with.
