Suggestions based on 4k budget

[Vic.]

Howdy all.

I'm researching vans available for up to 4k. It looks like there are some nice, reliable vans out there, but do you reckon I can find one that's known for reliability at this price?

 

[Lucky mike]

nope!!!!.........guess it depends where you are in the country for starters......4k would buy a real nice van in NH or Fla. but wouldnt get you much in chicago.....

 

[GotSmart]

Start by looking at the threads that have been started recently on purchasing vans. A lot has been covered on what to look for. Mostly rust, but some have known defects that make people run away from them.

Whatever you buy, estimate another $1,500 for repairs that have been put aside. A transmission will cost, the motor, The rest of the things are $$$ also.

I have a $500 van, that has eaten another $1,000 , but only because I did most of the mechanical work myself. It still needs another $1,200 in solar, and the AC. $150 to $500, a steering box. $100 because I can put it in myself. (Otherwise $200.) The motor and transmission was good, so this was worth the money invested.

It is a 1991 Dodge Ram250.

 

[akrvbob]

I paid $3500 for my 2001 Chevy Express extended van knowing it needed new brakes. I've since put 15,000 trouble-free miles on it. I think you can get a good van for $4000 or less.
Bob

 

[decodancer]

I paid $1500 for my high top van. It had a stuck caliper when I bought it so easy fix. I've had to put a few other things in (heater core, belt, tires) but total cost was about I/2 your limit. There are good vans out there, just be patient and keep looking.

 

[Vic.]

Yep, I've looked at other threads as well.

Thanks everyone. I'm just doing some research for contingency plans in case my Jeep fails on me. Plans B, C, D, etc.

 

[highdesertranger]

have patience. you will find one. if you have mechanical ability you'll be fine. if not, it's best to have a mechanic you can trust to give it a once over. highdesertranger

 

[SoulRaven]

I prefer the 70's & 80's vans, I have found them to be MUCH more reliable than the newer ones, and easier/cheaper to fix too.

I have bought marvelous window vans in the $1000-$1500 range that needed nothing other than a new home. I think I have a total of $1200-$1500 in my current one, camper portion included. I've put about 50k trouble free miles on this one I think.

 

[bpeck]

High-top Ford based conversion vans can be had for less than that, easily. I got my 94 for $3000 with under 100k on the clock, very clean and well maintained. Ford owns 80% of the cargo van market (think of how many fleets are entirely Ford Econolines). The Econoline model went basically unchanged from 92-07, which means junkyards across America have endless parts. Mechanics in major cities as well as small towns in the middle of nowhere will be able to work on your van. Pull the rear captains chairs/bench seat out, build a raised bed, camp stove, cooler, water jug and some clothing and you're ready to go. It literally is that simple.