2001 Chevy Express Cargo Van (4.7L 6 cylinder 2500 156K miles $2500)

[TexasWoman]

Bottom line, hold out for a V8

as long as you aren't really budget constrained.

Will a V8 make that much difference in the gas mileage?
Most of my driving will be done on the flat.

Mountains will only be in the summer.
I tend to stay put once I set up camp.
But I do need an engine that can meet the mountain challenge without bankrupting me at the pump.

Thanks ...

 

[QinReno]

You will notice on the V6s as below, they are touting only 19 MPG highway. With my V8, I easily get 20 MPG on the highway if it's flat and I'm not driving too fast. I should also think that, if you do a build and add a bunch of weight, then the V6 will be working all that much harder, and the mileage may drop over having a V8.
- https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...d=true&filtersModified=true#listing=221523444

 

[John61CT]

Will a V8 make that much difference in the gas mileage?

No, any extra cost offset by usability and longevity.

> But I do need an engine that can meet the mountain challenge without bankrupting me at the pump.

Forget efficiency, the point is functionality.

A heavy load + steep grades, puny motor = stress and strain, shorter lifespan.

But up to you, obviously depends how much a bigger engine costs too.

MPG is just not a significant cost factor unless you're driving 500+ miles a week.

Edit: sorry, by MPG I mean miles per gallon, in case noobies are reading.

 

[QuietViking]

Hi there! I just started living in an 04 Chevy Express 1500 AWD with the 5.3l V8. Three months in now! I'm building and living as I go, so its a little ghetto but every week I chip away.

These are great, dead reliable vans, as others have said. Mine has 215,000 on the clock with very little issues to speak of. Waiting out for the V8 is worth it, and unless you plan on needing the increased payload that a 2500 or 3500 brings to the table, then I would also suggest gunning for the AWD too. I get about 15/16 city (light foot) and around 20 highway, which is slightly worse than the V6 but honestly well worth the extra power. 

Hills are a breeze, oil pressure tends to jump around a bit but I have never had a problem with overheating, especially now winter is coming. Even towing. And highway merging becomes that much easier when you're faster than a lot of 4-doors around!

My only other advice is not to expect too much in the way of living space; you're going to have to be even smarter than most, because the vans just don't have the interior space compared to a Sprinter/Transit/Promaster. LOTS of folding furniture and double uses. And putting up the walls/ceilings in wood can be a pain because of the extreme curves to the frame. Otherwise, great reliable platform for a proper adventure van, and way tougher/more reliable than a Sprinter 4x4 too!

 

[QinReno]

QV, good info, and welcome to the forum, .

 

[TexasWoman]

Hi there! I just started living in an 04 Chevy Express 1500 AWD with the 5.3l V8. Three months in now! I'm building and living as I go, so its a little ghetto but every week I chip away.

These are great, dead reliable vans, as others have said. Mine has 215,000 on the clock with very little issues to speak of. Waiting out for the V8 is worth it, and unless you plan on needing the increased payload that a 2500 or 3500 brings to the table, then I would also suggest gunning for the AWD too. I get about 15/16 city (light foot) and around 20 highway, which is slightly worse than the V6 but honestly well worth the extra power. 

Hills are a breeze, oil pressure tends to jump around a bit but I have never had a problem with overheating, especially now winter is coming. Even towing. And highway merging becomes that much easier when you're faster than a lot of 4-doors around!

My only other advice is not to expect too much in the way of living space; you're going to have to be even smarter than most, because the vans just don't have the interior space compared to a Sprinter/Transit/Promaster. LOTS of folding furniture and double uses. And putting up the walls/ceilings in wood can be a pain because of the extreme curves to the frame. Otherwise, great reliable platform for a proper adventure van, and way tougher/more reliable than a Sprinter 4x4 too!

Yes, I wish Chevy would make a hightop Express like the ProMaster/Transit.
My mechanic said not to go near a Transit.
The ProMasters are so much fun to drive but so expensive to maintain.

It's all about trade-offs, isn't it.

 

[TexasWoman]

I used to work for AT&T as a manager and those Vans are extremely cared for. The shop would come in all the time and take several Vans for scheduled maintenance. Plus if one of my crew had a slight issue with their van, into the shop it would go.
Good luck on your van search, get a V8 extended is my two cents

I love the extra space in the extended versions but worry about bottoming out in rougher roads.
Also seems like it would cause a problem parking as well.

Your thoughts?

 

[makenmend]

TexasWomen
'' My mechanic said not to go near a Transit. ''
It would take some time to do the research but the forums for the Transit, Promaster, Sprinter and Chevy/GMC will give you a good insight as to the reliability/quirks of these vehicles.
My own personal experience with the Transit is 62,000 trouble free miles to date, my previous 3 vehicles were Chevy half and three quarter tons all giving good service. I have no experience with the Promaster other than a test drive 2 years ago when I was looking at vans.
Are there things I don't like in my Transit sure, for example accessing the fuses in the cab and the fact the rear shock hangers limit ground clearance, but all vehicles IMO have there Quirks.
You may remember we met about a year ago I had the Transit with my dog, you I think were in CRV with your dog, any way use more the one persons experience when making your decision, but when all said and done its a personal choice.

Wish you well

MM

 

[TexasWoman]

TexasWomen
'' My mechanic said not to go near a Transit. ''
It would take some time to do the research but the forums for the Transit, Promaster, Sprinter and Chevy/GMC will give you a good insight as to the reliability/quirks of these vehicles.
My own personal experience with the Transit is 62,000 trouble free miles to date, my previous 3 vehicles were Chevy half and three quarter tons all giving good service. I have no experience with the Promaster other than a test drive 2 years ago when I was looking at vans.
Are there things I don't like in my Transit sure, for example accessing the fuses in the cab and the fact the rear shock hangers limit ground clearance, but all  vehicles  IMO have there Quirks.
You may remember we met about a year ago I had the Transit with my dog, you I think were in CRV with your dog, any way use more the one persons experience when making your decision, but when all said and done its a personal choice.

Wish you well

MM

Thanks MM.
Yes, I remember you.
Keep on truckin in your Transit.
Glad it's working well for you.

TexasWoman
:heart: :heart: :heart:

 

[John61CT]

Has Consumer Reports done a Total Cost of Ownership comparison on these vans in recent years?

I let my membership lapse, but definitely worth it when shopping big ticket items like this.

 

[frater secessus]

Yes, I wish Chevy would make a hightop Express like the ProMaster/Transit.
My mechanic said not to go near a Transit.
The ProMasters are so much fun to drive but so expensive to maintain.

The Transit is a fine vehicle, and the giubo issues has already been dealt with under recall. There is no reason to stay away from them. The Promaster is not expensive to maintain. If buying used I'd avoid 2014 as there were severl teething issues. Maybe you are thinking about the Sprinter, which can be $$$ in some cases.

Might consider the Nissan NV2500, as it covers your bases. Available V8 (although I am not a follower of the V8 cult), longest warranty, high top, lowest cost of ownership over 5 years (promaster is 2nd lowest). MPG isn't great but if you aren't moving camp every day I wouldn't be deterred.



Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[AlpineGlow]

Yes, I wish Chevy would make a hightop Express like the ProMaster/Transit.
My mechanic said not to go near a Transit.
The ProMasters are so much fun to drive but so expensive to maintain.

It's all about trade-offs, isn't it.

But, Chevy does make a "hightop" - the 1500 Express conversion van.  Also, the equivalent GMC Savana 1500.  I've been looking for one.  I'm 5ft, 4 in in height so this highttop will fit me.  See a remodel of this Chevy at gnomadhome.com.  

Good luck!

 

[frater secessus]

But, Chevy does make a "hightop" - the 1500 Express conversion van.  Also, the equivalent GMC Savana 1500. 

Well, that's not a high top; it's a TV top for conversion vans.  I am glad if it fits for you, though.  They are good looking machines, widely available and at good prices.  I am only pushing back on the hightop term, even though it was quoted. 

For comparison, Class B chevy/ford vans with upfitted high roofs generally have standing room around 6'.
Promaster low roof vans have slightly more headroom than a TV top, and the Transit medium roof has a great deal more.

 

[TexasWoman]

But, Chevy does make a "hightop" - the 1500 Express conversion van.  Also, the equivalent GMC Savana 1500.  I've been looking for one.  I'm 5ft, 4 in in height so this highttop will fit me.  See a remodel of this Chevy at gnomadhome.com.  

Good luck!

That might work for the vertically compact person but not for me...
 
Besides, aren't those all passenger vans?

PS - thanks for the website. good info.

 

[AlpineGlow]

These Chevy and GMC 1500 van conversions have three rows of seats.  My former brother-in-law has the Chevy model - he took out the second row of seats.  The third row is a bench-style seat that folds down into a bed.  So, yes, I think the 1500 model with or without the van conversion is considered a passenger van.  I suppose one option is to get the cargo van and install a taller high top appropriate for your height.  

KC's van (Bob's new assistant) has a turtle top with windows in the top - I'm curious to know what make/model van it is.

That might work for the vertically compact person but not for me...
 
Besides, aren't those all passenger vans?

PS - thanks for the website. good info.

 

[B and C]

Every TV top van I have seen have been passenger vans and a 1500 (1/2 ton) van would not hold much of a buildout when you consider personal items. Weight adds up fast.

 

[TexasWoman]

So, based on the input from this thread I have found a new candidate ...

2014 Savana 2500 extended with 106K miles 4.8L Vortec V8 L20 Flex Fuel .. 
extremely clean with great tires ...
Barn doors on side.
Glass on side and rear doors. 
Just what I am looking for except the price is ...
(gulp) $15K ... $14,999 to be exact.



Dealer has a good rep. 
Never went to auction. 
Bought wholesale from a very reputable large dealership who got it as a trade-in.

It's at the top end of my budget.

What do you think?

 

[craggers]

So, based on the input from this thread I have found a new candidate ...

2014 Savana 2500 extended with 106K miles 4.8L Vortec V8 L20 Flex Fuel .. 
extremely clean with great tires ...
Barn doors on side.
Glass on side and rear doors. 
Just what I am looking for except the price is ...
(gulp) $15K ... $14,999 to be exact.



Dealer has a good rep. 
Never went to auction. 
Bought wholesale from a very reputable large dealership who got it as a trade-in.

It's at the top end of my budget.

What do you think?

Spend More look for lower mileage is what i was think'in,  that 15K  for a van with 106,000 miles,  what if you spendt 20K ?

 

[Matty Van Halen]

My advice would be to buy the newest van with the lowest miles that you can possibly afford. If its going to be your house AND your car, then its got to be reliable. Might also want to look into an extended warranty plan . When you are out there on the road, on your own, the van is your everything. Your shelter, your mobility, everything.

 

[John61CT]

I would want the 6L engine if mountains or towing are in your future.