Picking a van

[crazy_dave]

And the search continues.
I was thinking of checking this one out this weekend. Any input?



92 FORD E350 VAN $1400

1992 ford e350 van odometer: 140000 automatic transmission title : clean
THIS VAN IS IN GREAT SHAPE GOOD FOR CONTRACTOR, FLEE MARKET OR PERSON NEEDING WHEECHAIR TRANSPORTATION

 

[GotSmart]

Looks good, and the price is right. Drive it and inspect the underside with a flashlight. Ask for service records~~~ At that mileage, it is due for a lot of new parts. Has it been sitting long? Tires? has the tranny ever been replaced? Shocks, steering, suspension~~~ There are internet groups that are dedicated to this model. You can get a lot of troubleshooting help there.

I wish I had a high top!

 

[decodancer]

My only input is don't wait till the weekend. If It's any good it will be long gone before then. Price is really good and the high top is super. I have a Ford 150 and love it.

 

[crazy_dave]

Thank you for the replies. What kind of mileage do you think this will get?
I can’t really tell, Im waiting for some more pix. But it looks like the barn doors on the other side go up into the hi-top. Would I still be able to put a kayak rack on top?

 

[Simran]

I'd say 13 to 16 depending on your driving habits. Remember many times a 3/4 or one ton will have lower gears and consume more gas at interstate speeds. I have a real old 1 ton Chevy high top. I never travel the interstates with it. The best I've gotten was this spring, on one trip home, I got 13.5 mpg loaded for living with solar on top. That is pretty good for a naturally aspirated gas 350.
I wouldn't buy a used Ford diesel. I've heard to many horror stories about repair bills. I have a diesel bus and two diesel cars and I'm all about diesels, however, my diesels are all inline diesels. The v8 diesels just aren't built for longevity; pure & simple.

 

[akrvbob]

One way to look at it is that the high top alone would cost $1400 and the rest of the van is free!

I wouldn't wait either, go now and take cash!
Bob

 

[PastTense]

I notice the photo is dated January 10, 2004--more than 10 years ago. So it will probably have exterior rust...

 

[crazy_dave]

O.k., I got to talk with the guy last night.
He and some of his friend got this van to help out a fellow motorcyclist that was seriously hurt in an accident. The van is no longer needed so they are selling it.
Recent tune up, plugs, wires, battery…etc , starts and run great, they only drive it about 500miles a year. That may be a good or bad thing. He said the last time it was drove the check eng light came on but then went off shortly after so he didn’t bother with it. I know you can check pre ODB on Chevy, but how do you do it on a Ford?
Also he said it has an electronic dash and he’s not sure if the millage is accurate. I guess it has an (error) massage or something like that. Anybody know what he’s talking about?
He will take $1200.00 for it. Its about 4hr drive each way, is this worth taking a look at ASAP?
Ive asked for updated pix.

 

[decodancer]

It's one day out of your life, get your ass over there and see it in person!

 

[GotSmart]

Have a mechanic look at it. You could negotiate a lower price.

 

[Simran]

I wouldn't mess around. That van is almost 30 years newer than mine and that is what I paid for mine with a hi top. Just make sure it is mechanically sound; the small stuff can be fixed over time. If it is mechanically sound I'd be willing to over look a little rust. So many times we think we need something perfect for our money but that is unrealistic when a new van, that IS perfect, costs 35,000 dollars. Just sayin'!

You can't buy a 1 ton anything that runs for that kind of money!

 

[GotSmart]

Simran, It has to make a 3 hour trip to get home~ Having been stranded, It would be worth finding out if it could make i.

 

[crazy_dave]

It's one day out of your life, get your ass over there and see it in person!

LOL yeah, thats what I was thinking.
What part of NY are you going to be visiting?

 

[Simran]

Seems like I stated if it is "mechanically sound" a couple of time in my post.

Simran, It has to make a 3 hour trip to get home~ Having been stranded, It would be worth finding out if it could make i.

 

[GotSmart]

Seems like I stated if it is "mechanically sound" a couple of time in my post.

That you did. Just having my morning caffeine. That and another thump upside the head should wake me up.

 

[Simran]

:idea:

 

[decodancer]

Crazy Dave, I make a trip to Westchester county NY (near Greenwich CT) about every 8 weeks. I lived there for ten years and have friends and grooming clients to visit. I lived in Florida my entire life but consider NY home.

 

[crazy_dave]

I got some updated pix. Seems like a lot of van for the money and he says it about 98% rust free. Its insured and on the road now.
I just don’t know about the lift and the bus door for the passenger side. It looks like this is a pretty custom fit hi-top.
Would I still be able to work with it and turn it into what I’m looking for? Maybe it’s easier than it looks and I just don’t have the vision yet.
Please give me all the input you guys have. I’ve made arraignments to go look at it this Saturday.

 

[GotSmart]

If you do not like it when you get it home, list it here. A lot of members would live to get their hands on this!

 

[decodancer]

Damn, the interior is even better than the outside. You can resell the lift if it works. I'd love to have the big door, the slider on my van is a pain.