Selecting a van

[Blazin0glory]

Hello all, I've just recently joined and have been enjoying reading the stuff on the forums! I am currently looking for a van. I have a couple leads, but wanted all of your opinions. I would like to keep the price under $4000. It seems that a lot of the vans in my price range have 150k+ miles on them. Is this going to be a safe and reliable van to live in?<div><br></div><div>Here are a couple listings I have found:</div><div><a href="http://topeka.craigslist.org/cto/2943199784.html" target="_blank">http://topeka.craigslist.org/cto/2943199784.html</a> </div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2976296589.html" target="_blank">http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/2976296589.html</a> </div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3003991328.html" target="_blank">http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3003991328.html</a> </div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for any advice you may have!</div>

 

[Seraphim]

<p style="margin: 0px;">

Is this going to be a safe and reliable van to live in?<br>

</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">No one can answer that question with any reliability based on Craigslist ads.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">An engine with 150K is looking forward to some serious work, unless the previous owner has already done a rebuild of the engine. A lot depends on the work he has already done on the vehicle, as wells as how it has been maintained. The answers only come from inspecting the vehicle in person, and asking for documentation of work already done.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">If all the parts under the hood look original, the oil is dark black, the hoses hard and the belts have cracks, then it's a fairly good bet the vehicle was not properly maintained and is due for a breakdown. </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Put your hand behind the exhaust while the engine's running: are the 'puffs' even against your hand? Does your hand come away damp (walk away if it does).&nbsp; Does the engine smoke for a few seconds when the engine starts? If yes, it's problem. Does it smoke constantly? A bigger problem.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">You have to inspect the unit.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Last one indicates he has all maintenance records...</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p>

 

[Blazin0glory]

Ok then I have a dilemma. My apartment lease is up in 2ish months and in that time I planned on buying a van and be living in it by the time the lease it up. I've been wanting to be a vandweller for over a year, but I don't know if in reality I'll like it. So I was wanting to buy a cheaper van to try it, but if I do like it I'm stuck with a less than stellar van. Also I only have about $4k saved for a van. Perhaps I should sign an apartment lease for another year and just save and plan?

 

[stude53]

<p style="margin: 0px;">If you need more time, I suggest you ask for a six month lease extension. Never hurts to ask and if you have been a good tenant, the answer may be yes. That should give you time to find the right van for you and get it ready. Remember, you only need the basics to get started, and you can add or customize as you go.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Bob</p>

 

[KatieinKansas]

<font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Welcome...</span></font><div><font class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Katie</span></font></div>

 

[Blazin0glory]

Extending my current lease is not possible. I live with 3 roommates and things aren't working out. So we all need to find a new place to live. All the apartments I've looked at have 1 year leases...but I could see if they'd do a 6 month lease.<div><br></div><div>I have another question about vans. I found a '96 econoline with 74k miles in my price range. But it has a V6 4.9L engine. Will this engine provide enough power to haul everything I need to live? also, would it handle okay in mountainous&nbsp;terrain? or should I just be looking for something with a V8?</div><div><br></div><div><a href="http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3022864557.html" target="_blank">http://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/3022864557.html</a> </div>

 

[Les H]

Blazinoglory,
The 300 straight ( not a "V") six is a legendary engine from ford, about as close to bullet proof as you can get. Tons of torque ( low end " grunt") and decent mileage. Plus , it's a 96, so it will have fuel injection and OBD2 diagnostic computer. A 250 means it is a 3/4 ton which has a larger frame and suspension to handle the weight of any conversion you may want to do, short of granite floors and countertops. That same engine was used in tow trucks, dump trucks, buses, and so on, so plenty heavy duty enough. I have owned several.
Les

 

[PYSCHOWard]

<P>You will have many Good Choices in that price range as well as Lemons, just take your time and check each one out Good.</P>

 

[Blazin0glory]

awww I really wanted to put in granite counter tops! lol. and Blkjak, your concise comments made me chuckle. But seriously, thank you all for the help! I am going to go look at and test drive that '96 econoline later this week. I also set up a mechanic to inspect it. Only $49.95!&nbsp;<div><br></div><div>I'm very excited!</div>

 

[Telcobilly]

X3 on the 4.9l straight six. There's a reason almost all class 8 trucks use straight 6's. Sounds like that van has possibilities.. Good luck

 

[Seraphim]

<p style="margin: 0px;">

I also set up a mechanic to inspect it.<br>

</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Excellent idea.&nbsp; Let us know how it goes. </p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Also, basic maintenance and repair is not difficult. Pick up a basic automotive tool kit and start learning to do for yourself. Much cheaper.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">There are some knowledgeable people here to offer advice on DIY</p>

 

[karl]

x4 on the engine.<br>It may help you to think of a van purchase in the manner you lease an apartment- for a set amount of time, then move on/up....or not.....<br>As an example-<br>A drunk driver totaled my pickup and I bought an $800. van with 88k and quite a bit of rust with only one 3k/2 month adventure in mind. The van came with the patch panels&nbsp; for the rusted areas- I simply screwed and glued them in place and painted the lower portion with undercoating spray, added salvaged insulation, paneling, flooring, bed frame, a converter and spare battery. 28k/20 months later(and going strong), 1 balljoint,&nbsp; muffler and 4 winter tires are all that I have spent other than gas and oil changes for a total investment of $2000. or less.....So it is possible to get into something mobile without a lot of front money- it may be just for a&nbsp; while until sometthing better comes along.....<br><br>Good Luck<br>

 

[Blazin0glory]

The seller took the van to the mechanic and he kept pushing him to go faster and not check everything. After this, the mechanic called me and told me what happened and it didn't even charge me because they weren't able to do enough testing. I'm skipping over that van.<div><br></div><div>I found a topper for my pick-up on craigslist for $40, I think I will be using it as a dwelling while I look for other vans. The pick-up will work fine while I still have a job and only drive around town, but it doesn't do so well going long distances.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>I've also switched my search to a minivan instead of a full size van. I'm pretty sure I can fit everything in a minivan that I need. I think living in my pick-up will be a good staging ground because the living area won't be that different from a minivan. The factors in my switch to a minivan are better mpg and better stealth.</div>

 

[Cubey]

While not the most fuel efficant beasts on the road... I feel you can't go wrong with a Ford Econoline. They are insanely common and easy to get parts for. Garages that work on fleet vehicles can work on them with ease. Plus they are nice and big inside.<br>

 

[stude53]

<p style="margin: 0px;">Drakelouis is an advertiser for RV sales.</p><p style="margin: 0px;">&nbsp;</p><p style="margin: 0px;">Katy?</p>