Looked at this van yesterday 99 dodge with 65k

[sephiro499]

I like it but it's the first van I've seen. I'm also a little leery they will only accept cash, also the top is peeling/cracking?

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If you look closely at the front it appears someone backed into the bumper since it's slightly off the rest of the body.

 

[66788]

I'd steer clear of van conversions and look for a clean cargo or window van. The large windows in the conversion are difficult to deal with from an insulation standpoint and the bed is a chiropractic nightmare. Lot's of wasted space too.

You can design what works best for you from a blank canvass.

 

[Patrick46]

I'm also a little leery they will only accept cash, also the top is peeling/cracking?

first...

ALOT of folks are leary about anything other then a cash deal. Either they've been burned by someone giving them a bad check, or they simply don't want a 'paper trail' leading back to them. I'm onna those people.

(I had a guy drive 250 miles to come buy a stepvan from me, and he thought I'd gladly take his outta-state check! ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!!! Boy, he wasn't too happy about that! He had to drive an hour each way to find a bank just to cash his OWN check, and bring me the cash back for my van.)

second, the paint on the roof is DELAMINATING, meaning that the clearcoat is pealing off the basecoat. This is very common.
It's not a good thing, but nothing new and no need to worry. Just somewhere down the road this roof will need to get repainted or resealed.
(you can use this as a point of haggling down the seller's price.)

the bumper....no big deal either, but again, a point for haggling.

what kinda miles and/or asking price for it?? details??


I (personally) don't care for factory conversion vans, but if you don't have the skills or knowledge to convert a van for yourself, then this rig could be a good starting point for ya.

oh...those fold-down beds are a joke!!

 

[LeeRevell]

The top likely just needs some TLC - a good sanding, then prime and paint. A boat shop could advise on how best to tackle it.
Otherwise a nice looking van. A bit roomier top than my E150 Conversion has.

 

[sephiro499]

first...

ALOT of folks are leary about anything other then a cash deal. Either they've been burned by someone giving them a bad check, or they simply don't want a 'paper trail' leading back to them. I'm onna those people.

(I had a guy drive 250 miles to come buy a stepvan from me, and he thought I'd gladly take his outta-state check! ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!!! Boy, he wasn't too happy about that! He had to drive an hour each way to find a bank just to cash his OWN check, and bring me the cash back for my van.)

second, the paint on the roof is DELAMINATING, meaning that the clearcoat is pealing off the basecoat. This is very common.
It's not a good thing, but nothing new and no need to worry. Just somewhere down the road this roof will need to get repainted or resealed.
(you can use this as a point of haggling down the seller's price.)

the bumper....no big deal either, but again, a point for haggling.

what kinda miles and/or asking price for it?? details??


I (personally) don't care for factory conversion vans, but if you don't have the skills or knowledge to convert a van for yourself, then this rig could be a good starting point for ya.

oh...those fold-down beds are a joke!!

It's a 99 dodge with 65k miles. I would be fine with a blank cargo van as well but since I'm 6 1 I really really want a high top.

 

[Reducto]

Sun damaged roof paint is pretty common in the SW and not that big of a deal. Much better than the undercarriage rust they get in the NE! Looks like a decent van, just do the usual mechanical checks.

I only take cash for cars - they can fake cashiers checks nowadays. If you feel unsafe just have them meet you at your bank - withdraw, hand over cash, sign papers right there in the lobby.

 

[idn88]

Plus one on the cash only deal. I actually really like it when people ask me to meet them at their bank so they can hand me the cash - less likely its counterfeit. Also, even if I trusted a certified check - which I wouldn't - but if I did I would still have to drive to the bank anyway....

I know a lot of people here prefer cargo vans, however the nice thing about buying a conversion is both the high top and the chances with cargo vans is somewhere in its history some tradesman loaded it to the gills with heavy tools and drove the snot out of it. Long term owners of conversion vans potentially less likely, but do go ahead and have it professionally checked out.

 

[jonthebru]

I like it! You haven't said how much they want. Probably more than its worth due to its low mileage and what looks like a good body and interior. Things like the roof and maybe the tire age can help you get the price down, cash in hand also works.
You are going to take out the rear seats anyway so the "bed" is irrelevant. Plan a nice personal live in situation and you are off to the races! At 6'1 you still won't stand up but it will be a higher ceiling than a regular van.
If they are the original owners see what records they have, some of the "duty cycle" wear and tear repairs may have been done, if not Dodge owners forums will be the source of that information. It looks like it has some blackout blinds that if they work may be worth saving.
They are so many worn out old vans available out there, this one may be an anomaly.

 

[sephiro499]

I like it! You haven't said how much they want. Probably more than its worth due to its low mileage and what looks like a good body and interior. Things like the roof and maybe the tire age can help you get the price down, cash in hand also works.
You are going to take out the rear seats anyway so the "bed" is irrelevant. Plan a nice personal live in situation and you are off to the races! At 6'1 you still won't stand up but it will be a higher ceiling than a regular van.
If they are the original owners see what records they have, some of the "duty cycle" wear and tear repairs may have been done, if not Dodge owners forums will be the source of that information. It looks like it has some blackout blinds that if they work may be worth saving.
They are so many worn out old vans available out there, this one may be an anomaly.

The are asking 6,000 and I believe they want cash. They said they had someone else looking at it as well so it's probably already gone. I wish the mini vans were more spacious you are find those everywhere.

 

[idn88]

. I wish the mini vans were more spacious you are find those everywhere.

Have you checked out the newer Mini Vans built in the 2000's. Most of those were large enough to hold a full sheet of plywood with the seats removed. The earlier ones would not, and for some reason I think the new designs are starting to get smaller again also.

 

[akrvbob]

My advice is to get what you want, not what a lot of other people like. If standing upright is important, don't apologize, get a high-top van!

It looks like a good van, but $6000 is ridiculous.
Bob

 

[Patrick46]

They said they had someone else looking at it as well so it's probably already gone.

This is a ploy to get you to make a quick purchase before you take the time to reconsider the deal. Much like your conclusion of "so it's probably already gone", this is what they want you to think, so by acting fast and NOT THINKING THINGS THROUGH, you make a rash decision and buy thier van without getting it looked over by a mechanic, and not haggling them down to a lower price. Act fast or lose is thier idea.

Take your time!

There ARE other vans out there for sale too.

$6000 is ridiculous.

Agreed!

 

[jonthebru]

I'm with Patrick and Bob, 6K is to high. If someone buys it so be it, keep looking.

 

[sephiro499]

In the end I wasn't able to make a decision within 24hrs, so I didn't. Still looking and doing more research. This is a lot more complicated that I thought it was.

 

[jonthebru]

I find search tempest a very handy browser program. Set it up for where and what you want to search to your hearts content. The chevy express van is readily available everywhere.

 

[user 2252]

I agree, 6000 is to much. Keep looking.