Opinions need on 1996 Econoline...

[nickd]

This popped up on Craigslist yesterday. In the market for this kind of van, and it seems like this might be a good buy.<br><br>Opinions? Thoughts?<br><br>http://austin.craigslist.org/ctd/3638368697.html<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3G93La3I75G65F15Hdd2n9d6746f63238197d.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[nickd]

Also, this GMC Savana popped up as well. Very intriguing. Looks to be in great shape. Talked to the guy selling the van about the replaced engine. He told me engine started tapping recently and the mechanic said it would be simpler to replace the engine rather than rebuild. The replacement engine has about 90,000 miles on it and is an identical OEM GMC engine. <br><br>Would love some input!<br><br>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3630023949.html<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3Ga3ka3Hb5N75Kb5Jed3255329e2325cc1d52.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[MrNoodly]

I would find out why the engine needed to be replaced on that GMC. Neglect? Abuse? Those engines should be good for at least twice that mileage as long as someone doesn't do something wrong with it.<br><br>As for the Ford, it has the advantage of not having a Triton engine to worry about. The 300 c.i. 6-cylinder has its fans, but it <em>might</em> be a little underpowered.

 

[idn88]

Ford 300 / 6 is a very dependable engine. &nbsp;It may be under powered at highway speed but will have plenty of torque low end. &nbsp;They had a couple of known issues, one being the timing gear - the fiber gear would go suddenly, leaving you stuck on the road, and should be replaced with a steel timing gear to be certain that doesn't happen. &nbsp;The other thing that was an issue is if over-revved they would break piston skirts. &nbsp;You will know this immediately on driving, its a terrible knock when just starting under load. &nbsp;Having said that, I put 50K miles on one with broken skirts it it never did quit. &nbsp;They are more than&nbsp;likely&nbsp;to run longer and cost less to repair than any modern V8.<br><br>The other problem you may find is that the van may be geared very low due to the smaller engine, and those engines will burn a ton of fuel if revved over 3000RPM. &nbsp;They were designed to run at lower speeds (long stroke, long rod, high torque).<br><br>The add is funny - listed at 3350 on craigslist but pic in the window says 2999 &nbsp;They need to work on their advertising.

 

[MrNoodly]

And it looks like the body on the passenger side is a little buggered up on the Ford, if that matters to you.

 

[nickd]

Thanks for the feedback so far, guys.<br><br>I'm checking out the GMC tomorrow. Gonna take it for a spin and talk to the current owner about the replaced engine. Hopefully I can get some more details. If it drives well and everything else looks pretty good, I'll probably take it to my mechanic to have him give it a thorough inspection, especially since the engine has been replaced. The GMC looks really clean and in great aesthetic condition.<br><br>I'm still intrigued by the Ford, but I'm a little iffy on the 300/6 engine. Would love to hear more from other people who have experience with these engines.<br><br>

 

[weestrom05]

the 300 engine is nearly bullet proof. &nbsp;I am using one now in an e 350. &nbsp;I pull anything up t0 about 8000 lbs at normal I 4 speeds with no problems. &nbsp;Curt

 

[DarthMuerte]

As a Ford certified tech I will say that the 300 straight 6 is a bullet proof motor. It will last forever if basic maintenance is kept up. I made the mistake of selling my last van with one, it had almost 500k miles on it and was still going strong. I only sold it because my wife hated it. I had it longer than our marriage lasted(7 year marriage vs 13 year ownership). I should have kept the van. <br>I would be more worried about the tranny. It is likely an AODE. They have issues.

 

[nickd]

Glad to hear some glowing reviews of the 300/6. I'm calling them today to set up a time to test drive the van.

 

[MK7]

It is likely an AODE. They have issues.

<br><br>Do the AODE in Ford vans use that plastic linkage near the throttle body to shift? That was the big problem in my older Mustangs with AOD. But I heard AODE in the next gen Mustangs were weak as well.

 

[nickd]

Another van that I saw when I was scanning Craigslist. High miles, but really low price. Would something like this be worth investigating if it was well maintained by the owner?<br><br>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3535076637.html<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3F63Nd3H35I65Ga5J9d1b85d1122cbe331991.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[nickd]

And going to check out this one as well. Primarily interested in bare cargo vans, but this has only 60,000 miles on it and looks to be in great shape!<br><br>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3641881509.html<br><br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3L83Ma3H95N65I35F8d2p0dfb051fe739147a.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>

 

[MrNoodly]

I'm always suspicious of vehicles with dents and dangling license plates. It could mean the owner has more important things to worry about than the vehicle's appearance (like jobs to get done) or it could mean they're careless and neglect upkeep.&nbsp;<br><br>The vents on the side might be a bonus (extra ventilation) or a problem (drafty, easy bug access).

 

[nickd]

&gt;Good points there. I appreciate all the input. Been very helpful!

 

[nickd]

Two more vans that popped up today. Definitely on the hunt. Called on both of these. Thoughts?<br><br>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3655058334.html<br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3K53G93M95E35Ka5F8d3249d73d5ce8c919b5.jpg" class="bbc_img"><br><br>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3680898608.html<br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3I33J53oc5G55E15F8d3ec5a62b34e81c1433.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[MrNoodly]

Of those two latest choices, I'd go with the Ford because it doesn't have a Trident engine, and the Chevy has only a 6 cylinder engine, which may not be strong enough for your load.<br><br>The Ford is finished of nicer inside. (Though you might ask if there's insulation behind the side panels.)

 

[nickd]

I've been trying to get in touch with the owner of the Ford, but haven't heard anything back, unfortunately. Hoping to hear from them soon.<br><br>In the mean time, I'm also looking at this van. Higher miles, but I believe it was a fleet vehicle, and they have all maintenance records. Waiting to get details on its past life from the seller.<br><br>http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/3688921366.html<br><img rel="lightbox" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3kf3Ib3M35Ge5Ma5Jed3i9e75f846e0a11140.jpg" class="bbc_img">

 

[Ballenxj]

I'm basically a Chevy guy so take my advice with a grain of salt. I "do" however find that one owner Ford with the straight six intriguing. <br>Other than that, I would look closer at the Chevy's. (Now ducks and runs) <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[nickd]

<span style="line-height: 20px;">I'm basically a Chevy guy so take my advice with a grain of salt. I "do" however find that one owner Ford with the straight six intriguing.&nbsp;</span><br style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Other than that, I would look closer at the Chevy's. (Now ducks and runs)&nbsp;</span><img style="max-width: 100%; max-height: 650px; cursor: pointer; line-height: 20px;" src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><span style="line-height: 20px;">&nbsp;</span><br style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">-Bruce</span>

<br><br>I checked out the Ford, but I don't think I'm gonna spring for it at this time. The owner didn't seem to take very good care of the van. Lots of things falling apart. Very dirty interior. No maintenance records. It's unfortunate, because I think it could have been a great van, but I'm just a little uneasy.