looking at 2 vans today

[steveh2112]

hi all, after a marathon 2 night, 1 day flight from Bangkok, we're finally in sunny California

i have set up to see these two today
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/5020883607.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/5021000114.html

both looks similar, the high top i think may be better for living in

anyhow, i wonder if you van pros have any thoughts for me, specific things to look out for, etc

thx steve

 

[Almost There]

IMO unless the 2001 has some serious problems, I'd grab it.

Couple of years newer and lower mileage.

Both have conversion windows so no difference there.

That high top, unless you're both really short isn't going to give you standing height anyways so no advantage to it.

No pics of the inside to compare there.

It's probably going to come down to who will offer you the best deal.

 

[Canine]

Well you've got two dodges with a v8 (don't know which motor, 5.2 or 5.9, both good though 5.9 will likely use more gas), the older one has a full leather interior if you like leather (doesn't do anything for me), the hi top will at least allow you some not fully crunched up room, I like that. I'd go for the hi top myself if apples to apples but so much is missing from the ads... You'll have to tell us what a personal inspection and drive revealed, that's if they were both available... As always, mechanical condition, any rust etc...receipts...

I'm prejudiced towards the hi top, others are dead set against thm for parking garages issues...

 

[GotSmart]

That is not a true high top. More of a low high top. Just tall enough to put on your pants standing up instead of sitting down. It should fit in the parking garages.

 

[Canine]

True. Mostly only medical transport or handicap transport have a real hi top, like 24 inch. These conversion van tops just give you more room, like mine. I still like it over the low top roof versions.

I haven't tried going into parking garages, one from lack of need and two, some have the low clearance bars that I do rub on, they maybe are set lower on purpose. Either way, I don't go in them...

 

[LeeRevell]

My "Midtop" gives me about an extra eight inches over a regular van, cramped for me at 6'4", but much better than the standard van height. I would need a minimum of a 27" topper to give me true full standing height. One hightop company has an option for up to 30". Of course that would reduce highway mileage, and shoot down any type of "stealth" (which is not a concern for me).

 

[steveh2112]

i looked at the 2001 yesterday and its a very nice condition van but the owner will not budge on the price. i didn't see the old one yet but i did se another hi top van which turned out to be a piece of ****, but i'm not sure the hi top was that big a deal, since i can't stand up anyhow, i kinda feel, what's the point

then i saw this
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/5024926366.html

so its a cargo van but it does have side windows and the specs looks great, 2003, 177k miles, $3200. so a lot newer and cheaper than the others.

and the furniture in the back of the first 2 i linked will just get in the way anyhow, i'd have to throw them out to get a bed in there

so what do you think of the above link?

thx

 

[GotSmart]

CHP does great maintenance.

Jump at that price after mechanical inspection.

 

[SoulRaven]

I'm a Dodge type guy, but here's some other good choices:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/eby/cto?srchType=T&hasPic=1&minAsk=1000&maxAsk=2500&query=van

Good luck!

 

[Canine]

Main question I'd have is title and licensing. Here in Az you cannot title or license a 1 ton van as personal, it's got to be commercial. I just don't want the extra cost of insurance and the commercial plates, which opens up another can of worms regarding vehicle inspections and stops by highway enforcement...

If Cali doesn't care or if everything van wise is considered commercial, like several east coast states consider all pickups and vans to be, then maybe no problem. Perhaps I'm too picky but I couldn't get insurance for commercial from my company or any other I have ever dealt with. That's the main reason I don't do 1 ton cargo vans...

 

[wagoneer]

In Ca. with my one ton van I simply put a bed inside a fridge and 5 gallon pooper. The vehicle inspector says that looks like a work bench (talking about my bed) I told him I was retired and needed a hard surface to sleep on he simply shrugged and gave me new plates. having windows helps. Hey I park my trailer at the Big Break Marina in Oakley.

 

[steveh2112]

so no problem with this in CA then if i put a bed and stuff in the back? do you the the DMV will be ok for me registering as private?

would 177k miles worry anyone. if the tranny about to die or anything?

 

[GotSmart]

177K~~~ The transmission more than likely has been changed. Get it inspected, and have a safety fund. Buying used is a risk, but a CHP maintained vehicle is a much better risk.

 

[akrvbob]

At 177 K if the tranny hasn't been rebuilt, it will probably need it within the next 30,000--any day now.
Bob

 

[steveh2112]

well i just bought the ex CHP van. it looks and drives great, the seats and interior look like new. apparently, the CHP used it as a mobile office at truck stops for checking truckers paperwork, so no heavy lifting and mostly freeway use.

the side and back windows open a bit and it has a roof vent too,so all i need is a bed and i'm good to go

he had about 8 calls waiting to see it so its good i got in there quick. i think i got a great deal.

steve

 

[GotSmart]

If you ever want to sell it, post it here first PLEASE!

 

[Canine]

I'll give you a full $50 profit... If you deliver.

Good work getting right on it. Vented too? Geez, saving money everywhere!

Yes the tranny is likely on its last legs if it's original, better price a rebuild and keep those funds handy. Junkyard tranny's are a possibility, you just have to look at the spread between the two. Labor to re and re is about the same depending on who does it, so you're just looking at the cost of the rebuild vs the chancy one. I've not had a tranny's rebuilt since my 77 GMC 3 speed, that was a whopping $650!

 

[66788]

I'll give you a full $50 profit... If you deliver.  

Good work getting right on it.  Vented too?  Geez, saving money everywhere!

Yes the tranny is likely on its last legs if it's original, better price a rebuild and keep those funds handy.  Junkyard tranny's are a possibility, you just have to look at the spread between the two.  Labor to re and re is about the same depending on who does it, so you're just looking at the cost of the rebuild vs the chancy one.  I've not had a tranny's rebuilt since my 77 GMC 3 speed, that was a whopping $650!

I lucked out on my Dodge 727 tranny.   Mine was shot and I found a fresh rebuild on Craigslist for $300.00.

A guy had a motorhome with a 5.9 motor and upon return from a trip, he removed the slipping tranny and took it to a local shop to have it rebuilt with a shift kit added.   While the tranny was in the shop, a tree fell on his motorhome and the insurance company totaled it and wrote him a check.   He paid $1,400.00 to have the work done on the tranny and sold it to me for $300.00 and gave me the receipt for the warranty.    Damn fine tranny.   I was the first one to put oil in it.

Personally, I'd pay the difference and get a rebuild, at least you know what condition it's in.

 

[Canine]

Gads, where do people get these deals. I'm the guy you want to buy the vehicle from. I never can find another me who over maintains...