New Day New Consideration

[RV-Hopeful]

New selection ... I posted this in my original thread titled "Thoughts on this van" but figured it was old and wouldn't get responses so I started a new thread, hope that is okay? Anyway.... I've been looking at this on line for several months, am going this week to look at it in person.

Want to get thoughts from those who care to offer them up. My brother suggested 2 types of checks to do . 1) take the oil cap off and run my finger around the rim - the results should be smooth oil not rough 2) start vehicle place foot on brake and then rev the engine to listen for any pinging or unusual rattles. I'm going to climb the ladder to look at the roof of course, do deep inspection on seams look under all sinks and bathroom area for possible leaks, just be overall hyper aware. Plus I'm going to call my mechanic to ask his opinion.

What else should I check for? Or given the age of this unit, should I just not bother. It look okay in the pictures. Pretty sure I'll need new tires. On, another question ... is is really possible that a unit this old to have only 52K miles?

http://www.vantasticvans.com/inventory/4...19-HT.aspx

Thanks in advance, again.

 

[GotSmart]

I have known people who have more toys than time.  52K miles is possible.  

Figure all seals on a 25+ year old unit will be needing replacing.  From AT on out.  All hoses, fuel lines, brakes.~~~ You get the idea.

 

[Canine]

I got a kick out of the "Our prices are so low we can't even tell you what they are".I think I would pass.

 

[RV-Hopeful]

I got a kick out of the "Our prices are so low we can't even tell you what they are".I think I would pass.

Thanks Bob!
Yea, over the months that I've been looking at that website it's sorta irked me that they don't have the prices listed.  I'm gona go look as they have all sorts of units, but I'm suspicious of a company that doesn't just say it like it is.  Where do these units come from? Are they unfit on some level ... is this guy a scammer?  Hmmm, food for thought. 

I just like the HT idea, even tho I'm short, I like the illusion of space it would provide.  In my dreams I'm getting a Lazy Daze 30' with the island bed and the big ol' windows to let the light in.

 

[Wanderer]

I "Would" also be irked at the "No price listed" but on the other hand, maybe they don't want the high page hits, but people who ARE interested in buying. I'd rather talk (If I was a seller) to someone who was interested and not some "Lookie loos"

 

[RV-Hopeful]

I just called them, asked the price ... guy I spoke with said it lists for $12,500 ... I explained my thoughts, he said if we could get to $10K how about that ... I'm like, ummmm I'll think about it ... in my head I'm saying NO!

Going down there this Friday, will have a gander and see what's what ... hope it'll shut the ol' brain off in regard to this unit.

 

[ilovemyvan]

Hi RV-Hopeful

I was thinking since he is starting the negotiation very high, you should start very low. Bring the list of things that Got Smart and others have mentioned. If you can look online somewhere and come up with an approximate price for the repairs, this could be a good negotiation tool. Have a price in mind before you get to the dealer and don't go over it. Above all don't hesitate to be assertive. Second above all , do not admit that you know nothing about mechanic stuff. Of course if at all possible, have a mechanic look at it.

Oh yea, one more thing. The odometer doesn't have a space in front of the 51K millage. It could be 151K or even 251K. The way to tell if it's really 51K is to look at the gas and brake pedals. How worn out are they?. Look at these pedals in your car and the millage on your car, this will give you some sort of baseline.

I hope it works out for you, it's such a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck

Nicole.

 

[RV-Hopeful]

Hi Nicole ... well, I already told him I wasn't particularly inclined to do mechanical things. Good idea to look at pedals. My 2008 car has 122K miles on it for could be point of comparison. Yes, that's what I thought about the mileage without that extra space in front it could be anything! Well, Friday will tell the tale ...

 

[Van-Tramp]

Yea, you can get a mid 90's Pleasureway for 10k.

That chassis and motor are solid, and the interior looks in good shape, but that van is not work a dime over 8k and that is if it is in perfect working order and a brand spankin' new paint job. Under 8k and you are talking a fair deal IMO. 50k on the clock is probably about right, but that is neither high or low for that motor... just middle aged.

I would ask WHICH 351ci motor it has (there are 3);
The 351 W (Windsor) is based off the 302 block (bullet proof and used for many many years) but would likely be a little underpowered for that chassis. The 351 C (Cleaveland) is a big-blick hot-rod motor but would likely be smog'd down in power real bad. Still a great motor, but not as easy to find parts. Then there is the 351 M (Modified) which originated from a big-block. I can;t vouch for it's reliability but it would likely have the better low-end torque (real power, not fake "horsepower"). Either way, that this will get single-digit MPGs... in the 9 MPG range at best with a few 10's just to tease you, although that is about norm for that era of van (no fuel injection)

Ideally, IMO, a 351 C or M and the guy is willing to go in the 7-8000 range on the price. I'd give it a proper look then.

 

[RV-Hopeful]

Yea, you can get a mid 90's Pleasureway for 10k.

That chassis and motor are solid, and the interior looks in good shape, but that van is not work a dime over 8k and that is if it is in perfect working order and a brand spankin' new paint job. Under 8k and you are talking a fair deal IMO. 50k on the clock is probably about right, but that is neither high or low for that motor... just middle aged.

I would ask WHICH 351ci motor it has (there are 3);
The 351 W (Windsor) is based off the 302 block (bullet proof and used for many many years) but would likely be a little underpowered for that chassis. The 351 C (Cleaveland) is a big-blick hot-rod motor but would likely be smog'd down in power real bad. Still a great motor, but not as easy to find parts. Then there is the 351 M (Modified) which originated from a big-block. I can;t vouch for it's reliability but it would likely have the better low-end torque (real power, not fake "horsepower"). Either way, that this will get single-digit MPGs... in the 9 MPG range at best with a few 10's just to tease you, although that is about norm for that era of van (no fuel injection)

Ideally, IMO, a 351 C or M and the guy is willing to go in the 7-8000 range on the price. I'd give it a proper look then.

Thanks Van-Tramp! That's sorta what I was thinking about the price, I honestly guesstimated it would be around 6-7K - I was stunned when he said the price.  Good point about WHICH motor! I wouldn't have known that. So I should look for fuel injection for better gas mileage? That's another good thing to know.  I love the knowledge passed on here. I feel less the duck outta water ... I can almost see the pond!

 

[GotSmart]

Thanks Van-Tramp! That's sorta what I was thinking about the price, I honestly guesstimated it would be around 6-7K - I was stunned when he said the price.  Good point about WHICH motor! I wouldn't have known that. So I should look for fuel injection for better gas mileage? That's another good thing to know.  I love the knowledge passed on here. I feel less the duck outta water ... I can almost see the pond!

Here in Missouri, this is what you find in the duck ponds looking for ducks.  See, It is living in its camper shell.  

 

[highdesertranger]

dang that's a face only a mother could love. highdesertranger

 

[GotSmart]

dang that's a face only a mother could love.  highdesertranger

Used RV salesman~~~ 

 

[RV-Hopeful]

Here in Missouri, this is what you find in the duck ponds looking for ducks.  See, It is living in its camper shell.  

Wow - that's a big snapper!

 

[GotSmart]

Wow - that's a big snapper!

I bet you smile when you see the next used RV salesman~~~ LOL!!!    (Keep the fingers back!)

 

[RV-Hopeful]

Yep, I'll be smiling cause it does resemble most  ... I'm really dreading the salesman interaction.
Regarding the website I saw the subject van on ... it seems that the VIN's they have listed are invalid, at least according to RVchecks.com ... I did a sample from another RV selling site and it confirmed there was a report out there, yet with vantastic vans I used a 2009 model and it said the information was invalid. Originally I had tried it with older one like I'm posting about but thought they might be too old or something ... I'm beginning to think these guys are not on the up and up.

Anyway, going to look at it today JFTHOI as well as a class c at the polar opposite (29' 2006 fleetwood jamboree 75K miles and a 10 cylinder) ... figure if I look at both ends, perhaps I can start focusing on the downsizing rather than the shopping!

 

[Gunny]

I haven't posted on your new thread, sort of spoke (or wrote ) too much on your other thread. 

Know for certain the dealer did not pay KBB or NADA retail for the vans, no matter which one. And if he is posting bogus VIN's he is also a crook. His only goal is to separate you from your money, he could not care less if the thing breaks driving off the lot.

No legitimate dealer will object to an outside mechanic checking it over. Most will make a copy of your drivers license and insurance and away you go for an hour or so. If he won't......Run just as fast as your Keds will let you.

 

[VJG1977]

Yep, I'll be smiling cause it does resemble most  ... I'm really dreading the salesman interaction.
Regarding the website I saw the subject van on ... it seems that the VIN's they have listed are invalid, at least according to RVchecks.com ... I did a sample from another RV selling site and it confirmed there was a report out there, yet with vantastic vans I used a 2009 model and it said the information was invalid. Originally I had tried it with older one like I'm posting about but thought they might be too old or something ... I'm beginning to think these guys are not on the up and up.

Anyway, going to look at it today JFTHOI as well as a class c at the polar opposite (29' 2006 fleetwood jamboree 75K miles and a 10 cylinder) ... figure if I look at both ends, perhaps I can start focusing on the downsizing rather than the shopping!

CARFAX Check Results

The VIN you entered, 1FDGS24HXHB351695, is invalid. However, it is very close to the one(s) listed below. If your VIN is listed below, click on it to continue.

1. 1FDGS24HXHR351695  1987 FORD/ECONOLINE VAN SUPER E250/5.8L V8 4BL

2. 1FDES14NXHB351695  1987 FORD/ECONOLINE VAN SUPER E150/5.0L V8 FI OHV

3. 1FDJE34LXHB351695  1987 FORD/ECONOLINE E350/7.5L V8 4BL OHV

4. 1FDFE25NXHB351695  1987 FORD/ECONOLINE E250/

5. 1FDEE15HXHB351695  1987 FORD/ECONOLINE E150/
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/vindecoder.php?vin=1FDGS24HXHB351695

 

[highdesertranger]

I have posted this many times. please do not think Car Fax as the last word as far as vehicle history. many shops, in fact most shops do not report to Car Fax. highdesertranger

 

[VJG1977]

I have posted this many times.  please do not think Car Fax as the last word as far as vehicle history.  many shops,  in fact most shops do not report to Car Fax.  highdesertranger

I agree but all the other VIN decoders only tell you the number is invalid.  Car Fax offers "However, it is very close to the one(s) listed below."  The dealer most likely added a extra letter somewhere in the number.