Okay another van. Critics please

[She]

<span style="color: #ff0000;"><a href="http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/3254011193.html"><span style="color: #ff0000;">Van</span></a>&nbsp;<span style="color: #000000;">OK I know a few things wrong. He was very upfront about it. BUT it has only 96000 miles which plays in its favor. Worth it do ya think?<br />Im planning on taking Peacetara's advice and meet at the railroad.<br />Thankie!!&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /></span></span>

 

[Rollin]

All I will say is be very&nbsp;cautious when it comes to Dodge, they are known to have transmission problems in those years... Don't ask me how I know&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/nono.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /><br /><br />http://www.ehow.com/about_5935891_dodge-ram-transmission-problems.html<br /><br />Might be worth spending the money to have a&nbsp;mechanic&nbsp;look at it&nbsp;before&nbsp;you before you commit. Sorry but I don't take a strangers word on matters like these.

 

[She]

Rollin I am going to HAVE to ask ya...you know? How do ya know and what is the problem? Please *looking&nbsp;innocently*

 

[tinythetrucker]

looks good and for the price you wont be out much if you need repairs, if your unsure have a greasy friend look her over, Good luck.

 

[She]

I have a couple of greasy friends LOL I need to check out what Rollin is talking about BRB

 

[Rollin]

Well all I will say is I had a 96 dodge and had nothing but trouble with the transmission not once but twice!!! At 70k miles. Needless to say I&nbsp;haven't owned a dodge since. I have herd this same problem from other dodge owner to so I don't think it was just a isolated case.&nbsp;<br /><br />It is always a gamble though and I am sure there may be some good ones out there to. If you test drive it pay&nbsp;careful attention to the sounds that the transmission is making. If you hear any clunking noises or if it feels like its hesitating to shift into another&nbsp;gear&nbsp;you are looking at trouble. Mine always&nbsp;struggled&nbsp;to shift from first to second and when if&nbsp;finally&nbsp;did there was a clunking sound/feeling.<br /><br />On the positive side the motor was a champ and I really liked the interior&nbsp;design/styling.

 

[psytechguy]

Nice looking van! And the 5.2/318 engine is a good one.

I'm usually sorta leery when I see used vehicles equipped with a big receiver hitch. Even more so if the mileage is up there.

If they've been used extensively to tow big loads, there's a chance the tranny's gonna need some attention. Especially with makes and model years that have known issues.

If it's a pickup or van that's just been used to tow a boat to the lake every now and then, it's probably no big deal.

You'll note the big trailer in some of the pics on that ad. I've gotten in the habit of noticing things like that in my search for a van. I also look at the hitch and bumper area. It's condition can sometimes be a fair indicator of how much towing the vehicle's been used for.

 

[karl]

Check under for rust, at the front frame near the steering box in particular.

 

[ZOFCHAK]

With the 5.2 it probably has an OD transmission and that's where a lot of the issues were on those transmissions.&nbsp; The over drive was not offered on the 3.9 V6 and those transmissions are very reliable.&nbsp; The 5.2 motors were bullet proof and can run for 300K+ miles if properly maintained. <br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; From the ad..&nbsp; "Paint needs to be compounded, belts need to be tighted, A/C charged, battery charged and has a crack in the windshield." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; Chances are good that if the AC needs charged it will also need new seals and possibly a few new lines as well. The lines rusted easily in those years and costs can add up in a real hurry.&nbsp;&nbsp; The belt will most likely need replaced (not just tightened) and the battery will need to be replaced (Not just charged) also you might as well replace the alternator at the same time as they are known to lock up.&nbsp; The paint is most likely faded right though the clear coat which was common on those vans, rubbing it out will burn right to the primer. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp; I've had a couple late 90's Dodge vans and unless you will be doing your own repairs, I'd steer clear of them.&nbsp; They can be cheap to fix on your own (used parts are everywhere), but if you won't be doing the wrenching be prepared for some significant repair costs.&nbsp; They are known for throwing computers and for wiring harness issues (Both extremely expensive repairs if you have to pay shop rates and use new parts).

 

[She]

Okay Thanks Zofchak. I emailed it to my friend (one of the greasy ones) to get his&nbsp;opinion cause he would be the one doing any repairs. Waiting.&nbsp;Definitively would NOT be taking to the repair shop for all those repairs. Thanks again.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[Ballenxj]

I've got a friend that has owned a couple Dodge vans. He said they were great, and he ran the wheels off of them. (Not literally) <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />I didn't know they typically had transmission problems? I "do" know that the older Dodge transmissions liked clean oil and filters though. (Road Runners &amp; GTX's) <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> <br />Keep us informed about what you do.<br />-Bruce

 

[PYSCHOWard]

There are GOOD and BAD in every brand, have it checked out thoroughly, and take it and your mechanic for a good drive. Issue mentioned in this post are valid, and O/D trans are sometimes problematic and must be given careful scrutiny.

 

[Guest]

Nice van, good price, great engine and maybe as much as 20mpg on the highway....As has been said, problematic trans....<br /><br />If you insist on buying a vehicle that spent it's life in the north, I would have it checked out and go for it.<br /><br />That said I would NEVER buy a northern vehicle...way too much experience with rust and as Neil Young says, "rust never sleeps!"<br /><br />Luck,<br />Bri

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

I wouldn't touch another Dodge van&nbsp;because of the transmission problems. I had my share of problems with a truck and a 3/4 ton van, new tranny was put on the van, miles were under 100,000 if I remember right. It just made a terrible clunk and dies on the street.&nbsp; I did drive the truck for years with a slipping tranny though. It was real old and not worth fixing but it kept running. Paint peeled on both.

 

[yesican]

I loved my 87 dodge 3/4 ton van with a 318.&nbsp; Bought when it was a year old with 14,000 miles on it.&nbsp; Yes, it did require tranny repair at 130,00&nbsp;but I towed a 6500 pound boat a few times up and down the hills near Traverse City Michigan to go boating and also&nbsp;hauled a 24 ft trailer with all my family possesions through a snow storm when I moved there.&nbsp; Other than the tranny, there were no problems&nbsp;mechanically except those things which wear out.&nbsp; I sold it with 240,00 miles on it in 2002.&nbsp; Still miss it.<br />Rae