Any advice for this used van im looking at?

[vanny1337]

There is a dealer near me that is selling a used 2012 cargo van that is $1.5k under what kelly blue book says is the minimum cost. When I went to go see it the car's cosmetics where pretty rough, dents some paint beginning to bubble, . He insisted it ran perfectly fine but after the first test drive the caliper started smoking so he replaced it, then the transmission was slipping so he said he would start replacing that. All these repairs i have not payed for and would be included in the price if i where to purchase. The purchase would also include a 30 day warranty and the shop seems to have a 4.7 rating on google. I know the broken caliper and transmission are signs that I should walk away from this car. Should I even consider buying after the repairs? If I would I would try to talk it down further

 

[Beeps and eats]

It sounds like it was rode hard and put away wet. Some company Vehicles are worse than high mileage private owner vehicles. Because the driver's don't own them and get a new one if it stops running.
I'd pass on it. There's a van out there with your name on it just keep looking.

Sent from my Z981 using Tapatalk

 

[KroFlite]

I guess you know why it's priced the way it is. They are going to "replace" the trans? Kind of doubt that. Maybe some liquid first aid. I'd pass on the vehicle and the dealership. Plenty of good cargo vans out there.

 

[wagoneer]

That is a difficult question for someone to answer not having access to a first inspection, oil in the water ,water in the oil, knocking sounds, grinding sounds weird smells aggresive rusting has it been under water in a fire in a wreak. You need all your senses operational, be subjective be disstrusting at the same time being open and conversational, use your intuition guage the sellers sales pitch. Tranny not so bad only 2500 other things can get way more complicated. Good Luck

 

[Firtree]

The dealer could be a decent dealer. The van could be fine once repaired to continue as some sort of town work vehicle but still not be the right van for you and your use.

 

[ChezCheese:-)]

If on the test drive it displays all these problems, how much is going to go wrong in the next week or month or year. It's a lemon.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Have it inspected by a mechanic.
$1500 below KBB for a beater is no deal. Especially for a 2012 that is asking how much for? And the mileage? Lots of important details left out.

And a used vehicle is always a risk.

Personally prefer private sales, avoids the price premium and negotiating games hassle.

Consider Penske and Uhaul fleet sales. Or govt public auctions for fleet maintained vehicles. Probably get a better price with one that was maintained.

 

[Canine]

You've probably seen that bumper sticker that says, "Drive it like you stole it." I would make one that said, "Drive it like you rented it."

I don't understand the love affair with Kelly Blue Book. I've walked away from so many vehicles that were priced according to KBB because they were overpriced. I will pay a fair price for the right vehicle, or less, but I won't pay more no matter what some book says.