2002 Chevy Express High Top Van

[PatsyG]

Been looking for the right van at a fair price. This one looks good to me, but I would like to know what you experienced ones think.
If I got it for $5k, I could buy it with cash.
I would, of course, have it checked by a mechanic.

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/5381465796.html

 

[GotSmart]

The fact that it is a LEO checkpoint vehicle makes me say go for it.  

Regular maintenance and a quality Generator.  

 

[masterplumber]

Wow, I'd say jump on it. About all you need to move in is build a bed. Just make sure the cooling system checks out especially since it's in Mesa.

 

[TequilaSunSet]

I am flying out to Phoenix right now!

Jk

 

[dhawktx]

Whee!

 

[PatsyG]

The fact that it is a LEO checkpoint vehicle makes me say go for it.  

Regular maintenance and a quality Generator.  

Thank you. Those are things I thought about too.

 

[PatsyG]

Wow, I'd say jump on it. About all you need to move in is build a bed. Just make sure the cooling system checks out especially since it's in Mesa.

OK, gotcha. I think I can use the built-ins, too. Then take out the back wall and build a bed.

 

[PatsyG]

I am flying out to Phoenix right now!

Jk

Ha, ha, I got to it first.https://vanlivingforum.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

 

[PatsyG]

Whee!

Yes, I have a call in to see it. I am very hopeful.

 

[highdesertranger]

a couple of things I would check. first why is the paint all gone where the high top abuts the sheet metal of the van. second it appears the tires a shot, kinda hard to tell but not much tread from what I can see. third it doesn't look like the passenger seat swivels, it appears to be just turn around. is that a problem? third the way the generator is installed waste a lot of space, that whole area must be redesigned. imo that's a huge generator for a van. also the genny has 2129 hours, that's a lot of hours on a genny. if you were to run it for 8 hours a day that is 266 days. I hope they didn't idle the van that much, makes me wonder. however if it checks out and you could get it for 5k might be a good deal. highdesertranger

 

[GotSmart]

a couple of things I would check.  first why is the paint all gone where the high top abuts the sheet metal of the van.  second it appears the tires a shot,  kinda hard to tell but not much tread from what I can see.  third it doesn't look like the passenger seat swivels,  it appears to be just turn around.  is that a problem?   third the way the generator is installed waste a lot of space,  that whole area must be redesigned.  imo that's a huge generator for a van.  also the genny has 2129 hours,  that's a lot of hours on a genny.  if you were to run it for 8 hours a day that is 266 days.  I hope they didn't idle the van that much,  makes me wonder.  however if it checks out and you could get it for 5k might be a good deal.  highdesertranger

I am thinking the genny is so they did not have to idle the van.  Even if it needed a $600 set of tires, that is a good unit. 

White GM vehicles of that era had top coat paint problems.

 

[BradKW]

I had a 2002 and now have a 2006 Express with 150k... I'd say 5k would be a price I'd jump on for that vehicle with the low milage. I'd probably have no qualms with $6k either given the hightop and selling the generator. Both my vans had paint problems, the 2002 had a bald hood and roof at windshield...

 

[PatsyG]

a couple of things I would check. first why is the paint all gone where the high top abuts the sheet metal of the van. second it appears the tires a shot, kinda hard to tell but not much tread from what I can see. third it doesn't look like the passenger seat swivels, it appears to be just turn around. is that a problem? third the way the generator is installed waste a lot of space, that whole area must be redesigned. imo that's a huge generator for a van. also the genny has 2129 hours, that's a lot of hours on a genny. if you were to run it for 8 hours a day that is 266 days. I hope they didn't idle the van that much, makes me wonder. however if it checks out and you could get it for 5k might be a good deal. highdesertranger

Thank you for all the things you mentioned. I noticed the chair, the genny, and that some things would have to be rearranged. I didn't think about the tires. Definitely won't pay more than 5K for it.

 

[Almost There]

That's definitely a stock seat base, not a swivel so it looks like they have just turned the seat around. On my 2002 GMC I can't see to use the passenger side mirror when the seat is turned around so I'm not sure how they've got it set up. OTOH, a swivel base is not that expensive and can be had from a wrecking yard in many cases.

The generator is way oversized for anything a van dweller would ever need, heck my 35' Class A didn't have THAT big a generator. Sell it for what you can get and put the money in to tires, a small genie like a Honda and pocket the rest.

$5,000 isn't a bad price for it, I paid less for mine in Sept. 2014 but I got such a good deal that I think I stole it...

 

[PatsyG]

I had a 2002 and now have a 2006 Express with 150k... I'd say 5k would be a price I'd jump on for that vehicle with the low milage. I'd probably have no qualms with $6k either given the hightop and selling the generator. Both my vans had paint problems, the 2002 had a bald hood and roof at windshield...

Thanks for your comments. I really like the hightop and the low miles, too. I have a severe back problem so standing upright is really important to me.
Excuse the dumb question, but why should I sell the generator? Wouldn't this one allow me to have a small microwave?

 

[ahh_me2]

The generator is a classic Onan, rather expensive, and overkill.
You could sell it, buy a honda 2000 and still power your microwave, and have money left over and WAYYYYYY more SPACE!!!!!
Looks good otherwise for a vehicle, and the space you would gain would be invaluable!

 

[PatsyG]

That's definitely a stock seat base, not a swivel so it looks like they have just turned the seat around. On my 2002 GMC I can't see to use the passenger side mirror when the seat is turned around so I'm not sure how they've got it set up. OTOH, a swivel base is not that expensive and can be had from a wrecking yard in many cases.

The generator is way oversized for anything a van dweller would ever need, heck my 35' Class A didn't have THAT big a generator. Sell it for what you can get and put the money in to tires, a small genie like a Honda and pocket the rest.

$5,000 isn't a bad price for it, I paid less for mine in Sept. 2014 but I got such a good deal that I think I stole it...

Thinking if I get it, I would take that seat out and install my swiveling desk chair.
Not sure what I could get for the generator or what I would need to be able to charge batteries and use a small microwave a few minutes a day. Still have to figure that out.
BTW, I followed your journey to get to quartzsite . Good on you. You are awesome!

 

[PatsyG]

The generator is a classic Onan, rather expensive, and overkill.
You could sell it, buy a honda 2000 and still power your microwave, and have money left over and WAYYYYYY more SPACE!!!!!
Looks good otherwise for a vehicle, and the space you would gain would be invaluable!

Thanks for that, I appreciate the explanation. People on this forum are so helpful and kind. Funny too.

 

[highdesertranger]

x2 on the generator. that thing is huge. a Honda 2000i will power a microwave but not that roof top AC. I didn't catch what state you are in but a swivel desk chair will not pass a safety inspection. highdesertranger

 

[PatsyG]

x2 on the generator. that thing is huge. a Honda 2000i will power a microwave but not that roof top AC. I didn't catch what state you are in but a swivel desk chair will not pass a safety inspection. highdesertranger

I live in Phoenix, but would like to register in Quartzsite if possible. No biggie if the desk chair doesn't work. My cat likes it though.