How Important is the Year?

[urfaes]

Hello! New user here, and I have to defer to your wisdom. I'm currently looking into two possible vans for my first: a 1996 Chevy high top conversion with 193k miles for less than $2,000 or a 2005 astro that has shelves already installed for almost double the price. From your experience, would the 1996 be a worse choice because it is almost 10 years older than the 2005?

 

[MrNoodly]

Have you read Bob's blog post about buying a used vehicle?

 

[poncho62]

I think with those 2 choices, you need to decide how much space you want...The full sized van is larger than the Astro.
That said, with 196k, you want to check it out real well.

 

[cyndi]

Without knowing the mileage on the Astro, $4,000 doesn't sound like a bad price for a 2005 vehicle.

 

[Almost There]

I've lived full-time in both an Astro and a full size van.

If you're going to use the vehicle for something more than a week or two of living OUT of, then I'd definitely want the larger vehicle.

Keep in mind that neither of them may be the 'right' vehicle for you. Most of us look long and hard for months before we find what we really want.

 

[TrainChaser]

The care it received during its life can matter, too. If it sat for a few years, the seals may have dried out and won't hold pressure when it is driven. Look for rust. Ask about it's history (and take it with a grain of salt). Have it checked by a mechanic is crucial, esp if you don't know much about cars. If you have a trusted mechanic, but the rig is out of your area, ask your mechanic if he knows anyone in that area, or anyone who might know someone.

Don't be too quick to buy. It's like marriage: marry in haste, repent at leisure.

 

[Wanderer]

Hello! New user here, and I have to defer to your wisdom. I'm currently looking into two possible vans for my first: a 1996 Chevy high top conversion with 193k miles for less than $2,000 or a 2005 astro that has shelves already installed for almost double the price. From your experience, would the 1996 be a worse choice because it is almost 10 years older than the 2005?

Well, it really depends on the appearance, mech and history.

A high topped 150 or "Shorty" is a terrible choice for me, for others they can work with it...

What galls me is some of these "Owners" claim they kept it maintained religiously, but have the devils own time proving it!

Of course, buying used you have NO clue as to it's history except from carfax and even then, a carfax won't show everything if it's not reported.

With me, the desire for space leads me to the 3500, E-350 and Express types of vans. The younger it is, means that unless you know what you're doing, repairs are best left to those with experience in repairing such. Gas  mileage is better, but there's trade off.

I'd REALLY love to have an old tradesman just to see how it was for living in and then go to a semi-new one and see how it compares.

Cargo is preferred for privacy.