Found a possible candidate!

[LughTheBard]

At shift change at Water Street Station, (my part-time job) a customer's van caught my eye. It was a 2000 Dodge 1500 extended cargo van. No hi-top. Had a rooftop Coleman RV AC unit. Owned by an older gentleman who obviously loves the van, but is starting to realize that he's not as capable of being active as he once was. One of the things that came up as we talked was he wanted it to go to someone who would love it like he did. But he's also not wanting to just give it away. He's done almost all the maintenance himself.

He doesn't really know the value of the vehicle. But, as he said, he doesn't really HAVE to sell it. I told him I understood and that if we did a deal, I'd want it to be one that was good for us both. I haven't looked at KBB or anything. The nice thing is that most of what I need to do may already be done, so I may be able to give more to him.

I took a few photos with my phone, but I may have to wait until I get home to upload them. We'll see!

Lugh

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Cool, sometimes those well loved vans are prime for some good, long service.
Check it out...good luck if you like it.

You'll be surprised when you see the room in ours after the I built the bed. Mucho floor space

 

[LughTheBard]

Here's a couple pics after all!

 

[Bdog1]

KBB isn't much help on a 15 year old van. Do a Craig's search instead. See what others in your area are "asking".

 

[LughTheBard]

Oh yeah, around 104K miles on it. He said he got it with 85K on it.

Jay, I'll bet you have floor space! Storage under the bed, right?

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Looks pretty nice. 104 K is just broke in and ready for fun
Ours has 106 K.
Ask about tranny service.

 

[LughTheBard]

I will. I gotta say, it is pretty! I'll still have to insulate, but it's fairly ready to go and I don't have to block off a bunch of windows. And I'm kinda excited about the AC!

 

[highdesertranger]

I love the side barn doors. highdesertranger

 

[LughTheBard]

Yeah HighDesertRanger, me too! Sliding doors may be convenient in parking lots, but I like the barn doors for camping. Which I hope to do more of.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I like barn doors much better than sliding.

 

[Patrick46]

I like barn doors much better than sliding.

yep...me too.

Good luck!!

 

[flying kurbmaster]

barn doors are much quieter, this rig looks great

 

[Roger450]

Good looking rig! I like barn doors too, my work van has them and true, they can be a pain in parking lots but for camping they would be great.

 

[LughTheBard]

Well, I'm told I should have access to some of my retirement money in about two weeks. So, trigger-pulling time is coming up! The van that prompted this thread is still available, though I still have to talk price to the Current Owner. I strongly suspect he's gonna want more than I think I can afford. I did just come across an alternative in Craig's List. it's interesting, though I wonder if I'd be buying someone else's problem.

http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/4486496581.html

I dunno, what do ya think guys?

Thanks,

Lugh

 

[SoulRaven]

Well, I'm told I should have access to some of my retirement money in about two weeks. So, trigger-pulling time is coming up! The van that prompted this thread is still available, though I still have to talk price to the Current Owner. I strongly suspect he's gonna want more than I think I can afford. I did just come across an alternative in Craig's List. it's interesting, though I wonder if I'd be buying someone else's problem.

http://tucson.craigslist.org/cto/4486496581.html

I dunno, what do ya think guys?

Thanks,

Lugh

Well, that one would certainly save you a lot of work, and probably money too.

If it runs/drives good, I think I'd jump right on it.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Lugh...That '78 Explorer looks pretty nice. I'd be inclined to take a real close look at that one. In fact, I'd not wait 2 weeks cuz its gonna be snatched up.
Were it me, I think I'd hustle over with some deposit cash and work your magic so they will hold it if its "the one".
The clearance lights not working are a non-issue. The fuel gauge might be a drop the tank (DIY) deal to put in a float or it could be a bad wire along the frame. It might even be the gauge itself, in which case an after market one can be mounted under the dash.
Otherwise, it sure looks like a rig I'd advise checking out.

(BTW....I know another guy in Tucson looking for an Explorer, and I'd bet he's not the only one )

 

[LughTheBard]

Talked to the owner, I'm hoping to get a ride over to look at it in a day or two. He actually suggested that he would take a deposit if we came to a meeting of the minds. So, we'll see what happens...

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Lugh...I hope it works out if you like it.
There's a fairly large following out there for these classic rigs.

 

[Patrick46]

Seems like a reasonable rig and a reasonable price.

another thing to remember, is that this is an Arizona rig...and therefore, shouldn't have the rust issues most of it's Northern cousins will undoubtedly have!! That's money in the bank right there!!


Good luck!!

 

[LughTheBard]

He's really motivated. The owner is planning to come over to my place tomorrow morning to show the rig to me. If I like it, he'll take a $100 deposit until I get my disbursement on June 9th, when I'll be able to pay the balance.

I'm really hoping this is the one because he seems excited and I'm excited. I don't want either one of us disappointed in the deal. One of the reasons he's motivated is he's moving and moving the rig with everything else is a major hassle. (Health issues)

I suspect this may be a bit of work, but potentially well worth it!

Any advice would be appreciated !