Advice please: How old and how many miles on van is "unreliable"?

[Zil]

yes, wagoneer. A diesel is worth the money.

 

[Patrick46]

<P>Thoreau....is $3500 the seller's BOTTOM DOLLAR??? I always offer less, but not insultingly so.</P><P>I'd go back and have another look at this van...but I'd bring a set of coveralls, gloves, and a really good flashlight&nbsp;and climb and crawl all over this rig.</P><P>A big tell-tale sign is how does it look UNDERNEATH! Is there oil dripping from anywhere under the engine or transmission?? Look under the hood very carefully too. Is the engine compartment clean, or has oil or antifreeze leaked in there?? If it has, it'll clearly show. Also give the hoses and belts a good look. Are there any patches on the radiator?? Are there any loose wires hanging under the dashboard??<BR>I'd also give a good look at brakelines, and any wiring you see under there. How 'bout the rear end?? Any seepage coming from around the driveline or pumpkin?? Also, have a good look at the tie-rods. And when you drive it, are there any squeeks from the running gear or brakes??</P><P>Now, my wife would say something along the lines of... "I'm not a mechanic, and I wouldn't know what to look for" on that advice. You don't need to be. Just look for the obvious! You kin tell if somethings' been leaking, and/or if there are cobbled patched up repair jobs or not. Use your eyes, nose and brains....that's what they've been given to you for!</P><P>After this, then I'd STILL have a mechanic give it a good look-over...they can give all the systems a full check out up on a rack.</P><P>&nbsp;</P><P>As for those kids in that video....I'd like to bitch-slap 'em!! Naivete' is one thing, but not checking out more options is frikken STUPID!!!! They need to go to a junkyard and have them install a running engine in their van...NEVER go to a STEALERSHIP!!! They're gonna charge you the most and give you the least!!! (I'd like to see whatever came of their story)</P><P>fwiw...I just bought a '90 E-350 in great running shape, albiet a bit used, for $600.00</P><P>JMO! </P>

 

[PastTense]

So Thoreau what did you end up doing and how did it turn out?