About financing

[SolarSoda]

Gunny - thanks for explaining the travel trailer for me! I did Google it too, so now I'm looking at RV parks around here. I gotta say, it doesn't look good for saving money. It's cheaper than a brick-and-stick for sure, but still more than what we were paying before. I'll keep looking. Thank you to everyone for all your brainstorming and ideas!

 

[bullfrog]

When we started out my employer had a parking lot that had had some cars broken into simply because no one was around, so we set up camp there for a few months. Came with a breakroom TV, microwave and fridge as well as a bathroom and electric. Left the lights and TV on in the camper when not there and when there walked female employees to their car at the end of late shift. Never had any problems and got so fat on cake and cookies had to join the YMCA a block down the street just to stay in shape. No rent for a few months put a down payment on a camp lot.

 

[SolarSoda]

What a fantastic idea! Honestly, I'd been thinking about living in the parking lot at work but wasn't really sure how to sell this to the powers that be. They are super up-tight and conservative, but if I tell them they get free security out of the deal they just might go for it. We have had cars broken into before. It's been awhile, but it does happen. This gives me more confidence about pitching this idea to my boss. He probably wouldn't mind having an on-call director ready with such short notice, either (I work in news; don't hate me, lol).

 

[SolarSoda]

Ok, CRVL members, let me know what you think -- 

We just put a down payment down on a van that is the best we've seen for meeting our needs, but we haven't signed the dotted line yet. We're taking it to the mechanic tomorrow, we're having a very experienced friend come with us to test drive it, etc. ... 

It's a 1999 Ford E-350 Super Duty extended cargo van, with the 7.3L diesel engine (over 250k miles on it). It was a transport vehicle for a children's home, so the inside still has the seats in it. If for some reason that doesn't work, it's Lantern Motors in Fort Myers, FL on Cleveland Ave. $9000

So please, tell us -- is this worth it?? Are we making a horrible mistake?? Please let us know your opinions!!! Thank you!!!



For more pics head over to their website.

 

[DannyB1954]

There was no link in your post. You may want to start a new thread in the van section titled something like your opinion on this van. The people who have not been following this thread will have a better chance to see it.

I am not a fan of diesel engines. The cost to repair can be quite high. I think this may be the link http://www.lanternmotors.com/invent...y& 1999 Ford E-350 Super Duty - Fort Myers FL

One other thing, take the VIN number and shop for insurance. In some States it can be hard getting insurance on a bus or commercial vehicle.

 

[OutdoorFT]

Unless I was towing, I personally wouldnt want a diesel engine. If this is what you want, then its worth it. As long as its mechanically sound, I see no problem with it.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

I think if it were me I'd finance a newer lower mileage gas engine van before I'd finance almost 10k on an 18 year old 250k mile van. If I did decide to go with that van I'd want to know how many miles are on the transmission and get as much maintenance info as you can on it. If things start going on it a few months down the road you could be looking at thousands more in repair bills.

 

[DrJean]

Have you checked any of the blue book values? I would have suggested joining a club like AAA and see what financing they would offer, which would also be based up their expert idea of the value.

Looks like you have a plan in the right direction! Remember, nothing is permanent and we learn as we go... you can do this!