Shopping for a Van in Denver

[Patrick]

I'm using https://denver.craigslist.org/searc...+van&max_auto_year=2010&max_auto_miles=150000

For my research.

I will be buying a van for a daily drive, weekend adventures, and vacation trips.

I like the looks of the Chevy Express Van.   I want the van to look nice (wife is traveling with me).   
I'd like to spend around 10K.

I'll be researching and shopping for a few months.   Gonna do some test drives on different vehicles.
Any advice for shopping in the Denver area would be appreciated.

 

[rvwandering]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, Patrick! Good luck with your search! If you need advice about any of the vans that are considering feel free to ask. Some of our members are mechanics or are very familiar with the problems and advantages of different vehicles.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips, Tricks and Rules" post lists some helpful information to get you started.

Most of our rules boil down to two simple over-riding principles: 1) What you post should provide good information (like your introductory post), and 2) Any response to someone else's post should make them feel glad they are part of this forum community.

We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[bullfrog]

There are several posts already in the forum if you search this site. Get a good education from them and start to develop a relationship with a good mechanic you can trust as he will be your best source and insurance in finding a good van. As far as build outs lots of good sources and with the RTR happening soon maybe a trip would be in order to check out in person with people that use them daily for living arrangements.

 

[Patrick]

. start to develop a relationship with a good mechanic you can trust .

Any suggestions on this?   Do mechanics advertise van expertise?
I guess any van I decide I like I should have inspected?
Thanks

 

[bullfrog]

Local vocational schools if any are close could probably make some recommendations as well as some auto parts stores like NAPA. Check the internet in depth for reviews on any you get. If there is a van or car club gathering that might be good to visit as well and ask for suggestions.

 

[Patrick]

https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/arvada-van/7042925447.html

Dang this one just popped up.

I'm not ready yet.

Then again............................

 

[bullfrog]

There will be much better newer ones pop up for that kind of money.

 

[highdesertranger]

x2 way to much money for a 87 1/2 ton van.

red flags,

"odometer reads 80,000". so what it only goes to 99,999 so it could have flipped.

"LED headlights" = illegal

"new distributor". yeah right at 80,000 miles I doubt it.

"brand new electric fuel pump controlled by a switch to avoid vapor lock at high altitudes". this is a big, no it's a huge red flag. only people that have no clue would do this. if someone thinks this is how to fix vapor lock who knows what else mickey mouse stuff they have done tp the van.

highdesertranger

 

[Riverman]

Personally, I would not buy a van older than a 2010 model for a hundred reasons. No V-6 engine for mountain driving and with as low miles as you can find.

The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.

You usually get what you pay for in the long run anyway.

 

[Patrick]

So check this thing out
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/breckenridge-2010-mercedes-benz/7043097088.html

Would that thing be expensive for parts?

What about diesel? I've never owned a diesel anything, how's the longevity on that?

Thanks

 

[B and C]

Nice but it is a mercedes. IIRC, those turbo diesels are expensive to get worked on and shops that work on them are few and far between. Check the sprinter forums for what the problems are (I think it's the turbo = expensive).

 

[highdesertranger]

Mercedes diesel, run. highdesertranger

 

[Patrick]

So carfax has really good specific listings for what I'm looking for.

https://www.carfax.com/Used-Chevrolet-Express-Denver-CO_w115_c23487

Not ready just yet to buy but I like the looks of the Chevy express with six doors. What is better the hinged two door side or the sliding door?

I'm partial to the hinged two door side, though I'm not sure why.

 

[B and C]

I like barn doors best. When shutting sliding doors, they make a pretty loud noise that none of your neighbors will like. A tarp can be put over barn doors that are held halfway open and used for shade or shelter from rain. Some use them for taking a shower. IMO, barn doors are way too versatile to even consider a slider. Sliders are great for cramped parking spaces though.

 

[highdesertranger]

x2 barn doors all the way. they are a much simpler design. highdesertranger

 

[Qxxx]

Patrick, try cargurus.com, you'll get a better comparison that using craigslist. Enter your price range.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...SelectingHelper.selectedEntity=d618&newUsed=2

 

[Patrick]

Yes, first one was a good hit.
Thanks.

 

[Bear_from_OBX]

x2 barn doors all the way.  they are a much simpler design.  highdesertranger

Driven a bunch of service vans with both sliders and barn doors; give me barn doors for long life and fewer problems, every time.

 

[Patrick]

I finally did it.

Bought a 1987 Chevy Van off craigslist.

350 with a 4 speed auto transmission.

4 woking captains chairs and full bed in back.

I got a lot to learn, but I think I'm in a good base for starting.

76000 miles on this well kept conversion van.