Hello and Welcome, I must be brutally honest, when I first saw the list of all the repairs your van needs I said to myself "What in hell was he thinking to buy that". He needs so much done. That said if you paid $500 then you probably got a $500 van. So that's a done deal and you just gotta deal with it the best way that works for you. I think you got took, maybe you did & maybe not. I bet you aren't the only one this has ever happened to.
Once in SD I feel in Love! A 1981 full size Ford Bronco called out to me as I passed a car dealership. I thought it was GORGEOUS........Shiney bronzy gold.....bucking broncos on the sides......4x4.......chrome running boards....32in tires.....it was lust errrr love at first site. I traded in the cutest little turquoise 2dr chevette and paid $1,000 down and owed $2,000. Stopped at Wal-mart and when ready to leave it wouldn't start.
3 miles from the dealer!!! I called the dealer and it was not a calm discussion. They said they'd send someone right over......Shortly a car pulls up, the salesman gets out pops the trunk and pulls out this monster shop battery charger! They bought a new battery for me, now this wasn't too bad of a truck deal. I was sooo happy in my big shiney Bronco
Right up until 6 weeks later in Minnesota when the engine blew up at 60 miles an hour! Luckily I had a good job and good credit so I could replace the engine.
I have rarely been without a vehicle of some sort since I began driving in 1967. I have even when very young felt that a vehicle = freedom & having control of my surroundings, later it meant always being able to provide a roof of my head if needed. I think if I was in your situation I'd do as suggested and fix the starter and brakes, then go to AZ, people say things are cheaper there. Flagstaff and that area wherever it is cooler then south AZ for the winter. Are your brakes good enough to travel? Fix'em if not . Papa always said he could drive anything as long as it had the 3 s's Start & Stop & Steer. Some states food stamp cards only work in the issuing state. If you waited to leave until you could stock up with Travelling food that doesn't require refrigeration including bottled water it would be good.
There are a lot of threads here about what basics are needed to survive and be comfortable in a van. To me as long as I have a running vehicle I have shelter for Queenie my untrained attack Chihuahua and myself. Right now I have a Ranger 4x4, ext. cab truck and a dome tent that will sleep 4. Now I live in an apt. and have SS benefits. I am also becoming better prepared to live on wheels of some sort in the future.
I would like to suggest that you seek help thru various social service agency's. Not just for van repairs but things to help live mobile...a tent, sleeping bag linens, food storage containers etc Just pretend your van is a covered wagon and you need to stock it like your moving to a new and maybe better life. Also some folk may feel that asking for help is begging...I think when we need help we should ask... and when we can give help we should act.
Have you thought about posting what you need on craigs list? Also check for free stuff there too. Where I live a lot of us just set unwanted items on the curb....I call it roadside shopping...there are a lot of walkers who will pick up small stuff and I've hauled bigger items in my truck for some folk. While out "shopping" today Queenie and I found a nice wood 3 shelf TV stand and 2 hanging baskets. I shop like this so often friends, family and even neighbors who don't drive ask me to find things for them. It's just a little $$$ for gas and we get to do some road running and feel fresh air. Queenie hangs out the window and I hold her leash so she does't tip out.
Oh yeah if you can ride get/ride a bike and keep the van you'd have a cheap means of transportation.
Also I think you may need permits for boondocking on state and federal lands.
I hope you fid some of this to be helpful and things work out for you. Jewellann
