XFILE36, I think it's a good call to have a mechanic look over a prospective vehicle if you aren't sure how to do so yourself - this can end up saving you a lot of money in the future. First I would focus on selling the bimmer for $8,500 (unless it's black on black, then $8,750) - that is if it's a perfectly functioning car. I would start by having the oil changed (without the extras the shop will want to perform like air filter and trans-service - yada-yada), and clean the car VERY well. Start on the outside with a garden hose and dish soap and finish with whatever car wax is on sale. Give the interior the q-tip treatment in all the little knooks and cranies, and clean the leather seats with a mixture of equal parts vinigar and virgin olive oil (add a drop or two of lemon for foo-foo) - this is only cheaper than store-bought leather conditioner if you already have these items. Once the car is totally clean inside & out / top to bottom, you can ask $8,500 and present a car to a buyer that looks loved. When a buyer asks about maintenance, you tell them that you just had an oil change done on it, and if they ask about trans service or this or that service, you can just simply say that there aren't enough miles on the car to warrant expensive maintenance, and it functions perfectly as it sits.
Yes, it's going to suck not having a ride to go look at vans now, but you should have ~$8K to go find a good Chevy or Dodge (I love my Fords, but I wouldn't put one of our girls in a mod-motor - just my opinion), and besides I've been to L.A. (Lord help me, I hope my Mamma never reads this), and there y'all have something that most places don't which is a well-established public transportation system. When you go to look at a van, try to have the appointment to meet with a mechanic about 30-45min. after the appointment with the seller. I wouldn't ask if I can take a prospective van to a mechanic, but just do it, and if the seller calls wanting to know where you are during the test-drive, you can tell them then that your tech is looking it over, and that it's safe & sound at Premium Car Checker-Outter's shop, but not to worry that they aren't turning any wrenches on it, and you'll be back just as soon as they're done looking it over. In my experience no one wants to give permission to have the vehicle looked over, but the sellers with nothing to hide won't get angry when you do - you may have heard the old saying: "It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission." That means you should probably ask about the title first to be sure you aren't wasting your time and money having it inspected.
Just as an added bit of what I would recommend for you shop for in a van: Try to stay under 100K miles as that is where your expensive maintenance comes in (spark plugs, trans & axle service, belts & filters are all due for a change-out by then), but I know that lower mileage vehicles cost more money, so if you're not able to afford a lower mileage van, then see if you can't get one that's already had it's 100K mile service (specifically including spark plugs & automatic transmission filter). As I said before I would say to look for a Chevy/GMC or a Dodge since Fords have been known to do things like spit out spark plugs, and they have finicky parts like cam phasers. Price-shop up to $1000 over your max since most sellers out there aren't really expecting to get their full asking price, but be sure to leave yourself enough "just-in-case" money for any unexpected repairs. I'd argue that the number of owners doesn't matter unless it's an obvious flip, or it's had a history of fast turn-over as that could indicate a more serious problem, but 2-3 owners 2-3 years apart over 10 years wouldn't bother me a bit if it's clean & cared-for. Commercially owned vans are hit & miss since they're usually well maintained, but they're often "rode hard & put up wet." A conversion van would offer you a high-top and a better starting point from a builder stand-point, but you'ld be hard-pressed to find a conversion van in an extended length.
Anyway, I think I've said it all, and I should probably stop before I end up chewing on my shoe - that is if I haven't stuck my foot in my mouth already. I hope everything works out well for you, and good luck in your adventure. Cotton
