97 Chevy Conversion Van - Need Advice

[SweetMarie1965]

I've been spending the day on Craigslist and other automotive sites looking for a van. I've learned a lot! I have a low budget, but I've found a van that looks well taken care of; it has one of those raised tops which makes it nicer than the flat roof. It has 140,000 miles on it which is the lowest I've seen so far; most are in the high 180's or over into the 200's. I'm not wild about the inside of these vans; if I decide to get it I'll probably strip out the back... too much carpet and velour for me and glossy wood for me. And I don't need a TV and DVD player built in. The mileage is not great, but I can probably do better by decreasing the weight in the back and by driving sanely. I'm older now so I avoid high speed driving and quick starts at stop signs - that helps a lot. The mpg on a rating site gives it 13 city/17 highway. I have $1500 to spend - the asking price is $1350 which is exactly in line with the Kelly Blue Book for this vehicle.

http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/cto/4757510717.html

I don't necessarily want stealth, so I'm not concerned that it doesn't look like a work van.
Any words of wisdom? Is the mileage too high?

Thanks! Mary

---

I just looked closely at the picture again; it seems the side windows are broken. Looks that way, darn it.

 

[akrvbob]

If I were you I would definitely check that one out. Be sure to take it to a mechanic to give it an inspection. Usually costs about $75 but could be the best money you ever spent!

Take $1350 cash and offer him $1100.
Bob

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Thanks Bob, I'll do that.

 

[SoulRaven]

The seller didn't exactly go overboard with pictures. If the van is any distance from you I would ask that some interior pictures be sent to you. I'm a cynic, I always think that there is a reason someone doesn't put more than one picture up.

That being said, for the price it would be workable if it is in any sort of decent shape.

Be careful meeting someone and carrying cash, meet in a public area or a Police station.

Good luck, hope it's a keeper.

 

[Patrick46]

this looks to have good potential from what little we can see.


hope it works out for ya!!

 

[StarEcho]

Be careful meeting someone and carrying cash, meet in a public area or a Police station.

Good luck, hope it's a keeper.

I second the be careful with that much cash. When I bought my trailer, I found that if I deposited cash into my bank account it would be available immediately. If I deposited a check it would have to clear. So I found the nearest branch of my bank to the seller, withdrew money from my savings in another bank and deposited it in the other bank checking account. Then after I agreed to purchase the trailer we met at the bank and I withdrew my cash and the bank did the title transfer for us. So just an alternative to actually carrying cash.

 

[sassypickins]

Hi SweetMarie,

I'd contact the poster first and ask questions about mechanical and structural (especially rust) conditions, then do a little repair cost research. The results may show whether it's worth a go see and mechanic's fee. If the guy says he doesn't know, hasn't had it long, etc., be wary and ask if he has prior owner contact info and/or maintenance records. Get the VIN number from him and run an online car check for history. And here's help from Florida DMV if you haven't already checked it out: http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/buy-sell/state-regulations.php

Gypsy Chic recently posted a great inspection list you can pick the critical questions from.

I'd say put your $$$ into a vehicle that is mechanically and structurally sound over one that looks good. For that price, again, imho, it's not likely you'll get both. I'd go for a blank slate interior (like a cargo van) as you can outfit it on the cheap and improve as you go. But as this is already a sort of hi-top I can see the appeal for sure!

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Thanks Sassy! It's one owner; the price is in line according to the KBB. I'm told I can expect at least 250,000 miles from it if I decide to buy. A lot of vans of this age I'm seeing are way over 200,000 miles already - I'm not game for that. But we'll see what happens. I haven't heard back from the gentleman as yet. What I'd really like is a Chevy Express if I can find one. Many years ago my ex and I put a high top on an old Chevy van; so that might be in the future. We'll see what happens. I'm not in a rush per se; although I am anxious to get on the road. I've been sitting still way too long and I'm beginning to feel very low in spirit. Time to move on! I've seen a couple of astro vans that look good on the outside, but the engines are rebuilt. Have to study up on that before I think of buying. Thanks for the link from the Florida DMV... I didn't think of that before.

 

[sassypickins]

I watched a video of a diy hitop job. Yeah, it doesn't look that hard if you have a little help to lift it on! I was going to do that if I couldn't find a hitop.

I heard nada and edmunds have closer to market values but I can't say if that's true. You might check them anyway just for comparison.

I'm in rainy Oregon. My mood never fails to drop some in November. I can't wait until Dec 21 when the shortest day is done and at least it sounds better! Then I get excited again LOL.

 

[LeeRevell]

No detail or inside pics, NO description or explanations....... RUN AWAY!!

 

[SweetMarie1965]

The gentleman wrote me back today. He is a gentleman. He reminded me that the van is 17 years old. He said the motor is good and transmission are good but the a/c needs some repair and also the power windows. He said the carpets need to be cleaned. I didn't get a bad vibe from him at all. Very polite and upfront.

Found another nice van today - a 97 Chevy conversion van, 121,000 miles, extended and loaded with features. Spotlessly clean. This man wants $450 more than the book values say, and he won't deal. It's beautiful too. But that's the way it goes. I didn't get a nice vibe from him at all - he was a bit high minded. lol... Three of those low mileage ones came up on Craigslist today.

I've noticed that these Chevy vans seem to run a long time. Most have miles well into the 200,000's, some nearing 300,000. Speaks well for the model. But I think 140,000 is as high in miles as I wish to go to start out, and a max of 125,000 is probably better. Wish I could buy new; I've always bought new cars for cash; but my fortunes have changed, that's no longer an option. Dang... I bought a Mercedes diesel in 1977 that I drove for 27 years with no issues at all. I wish I'd kept now. I gave it to my ex. I grieve for it at times. The upholstery looked the same as the day I bought it. Unbelievable...

The search continues...

 

[gypsychic]

Keep your spirits and your energy up SweetMarie. It's only the 2nd day of what might be a long search but you will definitely find YOUR van. Sending good vibes your way!

GypsyChic

 

[akrvbob]

I agree with basically everything you said SweetMarie, I think you are on the right track!

I think your van is on the way to you right now!
Bob

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Thanks! The support on this forum is awesome to say the least. What a wonderful site - Bob you've done an amazing job here. Bless you! And I really do believe a van is on its way to me.

I'm finding that I have to limit browsing Craigslist, Auto Trader and other local vehicle sites, or I start feeling sad. I see beauties that are not far out of my price range and I want them now! ha ha! So one hour a day is the searching limit. Then another hour looking at what people have done and noting their advice. I'm a patient person when it comes right down to it, especially when I can't afford any big mistakes. And my friend Ken is helping me; he's got me reigned in pretty good. Van money was there earlier this year, but the dentist took it all. Highway robbery is what it was... $5000. So if the search takes some time, it only means I'll have more money to put toward.

All in all, things are positive. But with any luck, and a wind at my back, my van and I may be able to attend the Wanee music festival in Live Oak in April, and the New Orleans Jazz Fest the same month. But if not, definitely be able to by the following year. I'll use the old counting off the days on a calendar method to keep my spirit up.