1997 Dodge conversion van - opinion requested

[citytravelfotos]

1997 Dodge Conversion B3500 - 5.2L V8 (12 - 17 mpg), 147,000 miles<br><br>Asking Price: &nbsp;$3250<br><br>Tan interior with red curtains<br>Good condition on the interior (a bit of a smell in the front though)<br>Good paint condition&nbsp;<br><br>Issues:<br><br>- I don't know if this is normal or not, exhaust from the tailpipe was visible at 50 something degrees, and felt moist or humid at times, "tarty" or "friction-y" or viscous at others<br><br>- A test drive on hilly terrain going up and down at a max of 30 mph (this was in a rural area) revealed a loud noise while accelerating, that didn't go up or down in pitch depending on how much I accelerated. &nbsp;At first I thought there was poor noise shielding, but I'm not sure if it's the engine. &nbsp;Revving the engine, the engine sounded fine.<br><br>- Jolts were felt during a shifting while parked test<br><br>- Sounds were heard (sounded like hydraulics) when braking and doing sharp turns.<br><br>- Loud sounds (like something from an old ship) when using the parking brake (not 100% sure if it was the parking brake.)<br><br><br>Pictures:<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3K53N33H95G65E55M2d17325eb30eddf911fd.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Gd3K93I85Nf5Id5E4d176fbca7805d4a1e66.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[Ballenxj]

Well, My first thoughts are, WOW, that's a good looking rig! <br>On the other hand, I'd have those noises checked out. <br>Does the vapor from the exhaust go away after it warms up? <br>Emergency brakes can, and a lot of times do make sounds like that of an old ship because when applied they use a long cable that stretches from the lever to the back brakes, and will usually make some sort of sound as it rubs along the under carriage of the vehicle. Could be the pivot points need lube too. <br>Also, check the oil after it has been warmed up. The oil should look like normal oil without bubbles, or any milky or foamy looking substance in it. Be careful here to not let them tell you something like that is normal, because it isn't and would indicate water mixed with the oil. Watch for metallic looking particles. There shouldn't be any. <br>Pull the dip stick for the trans while it's running. The transmission fluid should be a nice cherry Red. Also smell it to make sure it doesn't smell burnt. It too should have no metallic looking particles. <br>The price seems a bit on the high side unless it's perfect.<br>If you can get either a mechanic or at least a mechanically inclined friend to look at it, all the better. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[wrcsixeight]

+1 on having the mechanic check it out if you are liking it now.<br><br>Also look closely at the raingutters and &nbsp;around windshield gasket for blistered or redone paint. <br><br>&nbsp; Battling Rust in these places is a war of attrition which I will eventually lose, and have put way too much effort in slowing in my ownership.

 

[yesican]

Make sure the tranny is checked.&nbsp; I know earlier versions had a history of tranny failures (my 87 failed but then again, I was pulling a 6500 lb boat up and down Northern Michigan hills.)&nbsp; I remember the loud sound when stepping on the gas...Just have it checked.&nbsp; Nice van for that price though.. Good luck.<br><br>Rae

 

[DollarJoe67]

Hey City. I have been watching Craigslist very closely for the past 7-8 months and $3250&nbsp;is high for the pictured equipment.&nbsp; Considering the noises, my first reaction would be "no thanks" unless you are financially prepared for quick and unexpected or pre-emptive&nbsp;repairs.&nbsp; Also, lots of the advertisements I have seen for Dodge vans over 100k miles include a statement reading "transmission rebuilt xxxxx miles ago."&nbsp; So I have become irrationally biased against Dodges.&nbsp; Just my inexperienced thoughts.

 

[Ballenxj]

DollarJoe67, You bring up a good point. I have been noticing the same thing about Dodge transmissions. <br>In another thread in this forum that comes up. I believe the consensus was that the four speed transmissions should be kept in drive as opposed to overdrive when either pulling a hill or trailer as the overdrive in these transmissions is the weak link that generally causes failure. That's what I read any way. I don't remember where, but it was on this forum. Anybody remember that thread? <br>-Bruce

 

[citytravelfotos]

^ Dodges have transmission problems, Fords (from 1997 to 2003) have blown spark plug problems, so does that leave Chevrolet Express' as the best choice?<br><br>BTW, it seems to me that there are more older Dodge Vans listed than Ford or Chevy vans. &nbsp;<br><br>Would it be wise to stay away from any Dodge van with a trailer hitch?<br><br>Also, what would be a reasonable price for a conversion van?

 

[Ballenxj]

I wouldn't rule a van out that has a trailer hitch, as I prefer having one over not. It mostly comes down to how the previous owner cared for the vehicle. If they have receipts for maintenance and kept records, all the better. Regular oil changes would be good. <br>A van that has been rode hard and put away wet is not going to hold up as well as one that has had regular maintenance &amp; oil changes. <br>You can also kind of get a gut feeling for how the van has been cared for by looking at the interior. <br>Having said that, I prefer Chevy/GMC. I've just had better luck with GM products all through the years. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[MK7]

It's usually better to drive around in D and not OD, to lock out 4th when not on the highway. You will lose some MPG, but it will help your transmission's life by not having to keep hunting gears back and forth between 3rd and 4th/OD. Also, vandwellers will usually be carrying a full load inside, so even more stress on a hunting transmission.