Stuck at point of buying a van - HELP !!!!

[HoneyGayle]

So, I'm at the analysis paralysis stage of trying to determine what to buy.  But my bigger question for the moment is, once you decide what to buy, how do you determine what's too old, how many miles is to high, and how to combine those factors.  Also, having watched various videos about how and what to look for in buying a used van, I realize that I do not have the expertise, or even basic knowledge, that would make me comfortable in choosing a vehicle.

Any thoughts?

Anyone in the forum who is a vehicle locater / negotiator ?

Thanks, everyone.

 

[Gary68]

i would suggest the newest chevy express with as close to or under 100k miles that you can afford,kelley blue book and nada guides will give you a market value

 

[John61CT]

Like learning playing the stock market, do it for a while without actually pulling the trigger, kick a lot of tires, even pay mechanics to walk you through inspections.

Won't take as long as an Associates Degree, but closer you get to that level of investment the more confident you'll be.

And by really holding off, you'll increase the odds of **the one** eventually coming your way, a real super bargain you'll feel it in your bones.

Still do the due diligence, but jump ASAP when she comes, they don't stay on the market long.

 

[Gideon33w]

Check my sticky in the maintenance section for some info on the common big 3 vans offerings.
That said, a lot depends on budget but I suggest the Chevy Express cargo with a 5.7L V8.

 

[introverting]

Make sure you take any vehicle you're considering purchasing to a mechanic to have it checked out.

 

[Madpeep]

Just get out there as soon as possible. No one finds their perfect van on the first try. Everyone finds things that the like and dislike about their choice. That's why so many people move up to larger vehicles or shrink down to smaller ones. I spent months trying to find the perfect vehicle for me and I never found it. Instead of shopping forever, I set a price point and bought the best vehicle I could for that dollar amount. I put my belongings in and went driving. I didn't know if it was going to last a week, a month, or a year. So I didn't put any money into it. I figured that if it survived, I'd start improving it a little at a time. It was just a high mileage conversion van (178k), but I've put another 33k mile on it so far. Visited 12 national parks, went to the RTR in Quartzsite, visited family/friends all over the country. I'm having a blast. Just get out there as soon as you can. Worry about the perfect vehicle later on when you know what you really need vs want.

 

[jonsun]

was about to say the same thing. You dont know what you dont like until you try it. If money wasnt an issue I'd buy a class C put a couple batteries in it and some solar panels and go.

 

[user 37446]

I totally emphasize with the difficulty of deciding, since I've been all over the map from mid 2000's minivans with fold down seats (examples on YT videos) to the "standard" cargo vans, Astro vans, conversion vans, class B's, passenger vans... It certainly can be overwhelming. If you watch YT videos on vandwelling, you'll notice many of the vans are older, not shiny new ones.

Combine 2 of the above posters input, go to a mechanic with any possibility (or find a seasoned person or mobile mechanic inspector) and set a price point that also has built in at least 1/3rd of the van cost for repairs down the road, (more than 1/3rd if it is less than $4K to buy).  

Decide if you want windows (with the associated covering issues) or a "box" without windows (cargo with nothing) or in-between (cargo with both back and the side 60/40 door windows present). 

Decide if you want to stoop/crawl around (low top van)or want the increased 10-12" height found in a mid-top (tv top) conversion van. You'll likely not find a cargo van with an extended roof without an extended hunt and a lot of luck.

Once you have a price point and have made the window decision, you've narrowed it down substantially. Then haunt Reddit and Craigslist ads for a week or more, no matter what the location (check the CL surrounding areas boxes or try a different city not too far off). Get a feel for prices. 

Check on our "trading Post" subforum, occasionally members resell their vans (TxtoSturgis had one recently).

You can also send out an appeal to forum members to "bird-dog" for you with parameters given, so it's not a waste of their time.

Hope that helps.

 

[Gideon33w]

I actually posted my most recent build for sale the other day. Price is or best offer. Would have to sell very soon though since I'd need to money to switch to a "normal" life. Otherwise, I'm keeping it for me, haha. --- Otherwise, location, budget (for van and build), willingness to travel for the right van, and then the minimum van requirements (like window vs cargo, and low vs high top) can get us searching for ya.

 

[user 37446]

Gideon33' pid='315249' dateline='1501004177']
"I actually posted my most recent build for sale the other day. Price is or best offer. Would have to sell very soon though since I'd need to money to switch to a "normal" life. Otherwise, I'm keeping it for me, haha."

Sorry Gideon, I told her Tx2Sturgis when I meant your rig...

 

[Gideon33w]

Lol, same difference --- It's currently a big question mark as to keep or sell anyways. As I said, would have to sell soon or not at all.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Hey now, don't be selling my van without asking!

 

[Gideon33w]

Hey now, don't be selling my van without asking!

Apparently, it's not up to you. Guess you better start hunting for a replacement, lol

 

[user 37446]

But it is for a good cause, sturgis...