Freightliner?

[Optimistic Paranoid]

My local craigslist has a 2000 Freightliner step van with 146,000 miles on it for $8000.

Does this sound like it's in the right ballpark?

He doesn't say whether it's a gas or diesel motor, so I've sent him a query via email. It does say it's an automatic transmission.

I know that certain diesels have a reputation for running damn near forever. I also know that when they DO break, they are VERY expensive to fix. I've got a lot of experience working on gas motors, none on working on diesels. I'm not sure I'd be comfortable owning a diesel rig.

Regards
John

 

[PastTense]

Spend some time looking at entries in a Google Search:
https://www.google.com/search?num=1...van&oq=allintitle:+2000+Freightliner+step+van

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Or at Craigslist across the country:
https://www.google.com/search?q=site:craigslist.org+2000+Freightliner+step+van

 

[Bdog1]

Pictures?

Sprinter? Or box van?

 

[PastTense]

It looks like this is the ad:
http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/cto/4459244301.html

According to one of the pictures it is an MT35, with 18 foot truck bed.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Yep, that's the truck.

The owner got back to me to report it is diesel.

Come to think of it, while step vans based on Ford or Chevy chassis often have gas engines, I don't think I've ever seen a Freightliner with a gas engine.

Regards
John

 

[Patrick46]

that's very likely a Cummins Turbo Diesel engine. It'll last 500,000 miles if you take proper care of it.

It's in an aluminum van, which will also last 500,00 miles, if you take care of it.

If this is the size you're considering, and if you've got the money, I'd be test driving it tomorrow.


whadda you thing there flying kurbmaster2??

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

It's the 4bt (4 cyl), not the 6bt (6 cyl).

A mechanic I trust suggested that once I get out west, and start running around in the mountains, I wouldn't be happy with it's lack of power.

I'm going to pass on this one and keep looking.

Regards
John

 

[akrvbob]

The 4bt is a legendary engine, but it never made sense to me how such a small engine could handle such heavy vehicles.

The 6bt is a know commodity and many guys use them in the Dodge trucks to pull huge 5th wheels up many Western rocky passes. You can't go wrong with a 6bt and in a light vehicle it gets great MPG.
Bob

 

[highdesertranger]

the 4bt is highly sought after engine for conversion. it's much lighter than a 6bt. however if your thing is going up mountain passes at 70 mph then it's not for you. if you are willing to go slower, they deliver excellent fuel economy. if I was looking for a step van I would have jumped on that one, as I have aged I have slowed down, so has my driving. highdesertranger

 

[Patrick46]

yeah...I'm with HDR! ^^^

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

the 4bt is highly sought after engine for conversion. it's much lighter than a 6bt. however if your thing is going up mountain passes at 70 mph then it's not for you. if you are willing to go slower, they deliver excellent fuel economy. if I was looking for a step van I would have jumped on that one, as I have aged I have slowed down, so has my driving. highdesertranger

I rarely drive much over 50 ~ 55. But I like a vehicle that has enough power to get out of it's own way.

In particular, I think that too small an engine has to strain all the time, and this shortens it's life.

I could well be wrong about this, but these are MY prejudices, and I just wouldn't be happy with a turbocharged 4 banger in a truck that size.

The search continues.

Regards
John

 

[Patrick46]

well, lemme ask ya this...

what part of the country are you in?? are you planning on doing alot of cross-country driving in your future??

jus curious.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

well, lemme ask ya this...

what part of the country are you in?? are you planning on doing alot of cross-country driving in your future??

jus curious.

Currently live in upstate NY. Retire in 10 months. Plan to follow Horace Greely's advice and "Go West, young man, go west". Want to spend my winters where I never have to deal with snow again. When it ain't winter, I plan to wander freely.

Regards
John