Torn between cargo van and conversion van

[dvdchris]

[size=medium]My own two cents; in Texas, I found cargo vans to be priced significantly higher than book, difficult to shop due to distances, and typically have more significant problems than the ad stated. Virtually every one I looked at had a broken windshield. Finding a clean title vehicle I have noticed has become an issue as well. EVERY private seller vehicle had a title problem and I shopped for months.
If you go cargo van, I would try to find one previously owned by a business that would lend itself to be easier on the van, such as a dry cleaner, office supply, computer repair, restaurant/deli delivery and so forth. I would stay away from vans used for plumbers and heavy equipment. If it has a tow hitch, that probably means it was used to tow something, adding wear and tear on your transmission and other systems. I have seen a number of fairly clean looking ones from cable companies.

 

[MrNoodly]

Yeah, mine was owned by a small security systems company. I bought it from the proprietor. It was in great shape. He had the title in hand. He had even cleaned it.

 

[macmccune]

[size=medium]My own two cents; in Texas, I found cargo vans to be priced significantly higher than book, difficult to shop due to distances, and typically have more significant problems than the ad stated. Virtually every one I looked at had a broken windshield. Finding a clean title vehicle I have noticed has become an issue as well. EVERY private seller vehicle had a title problem and I shopped for months.
If you go cargo van, I would try to find one previously owned by a business that would lend itself to be easier on the van, such as a dry cleaner, office supply, computer repair, restaurant/deli delivery and so forth. I would stay away from vans used for plumbers and heavy equipment. If it has a tow hitch, that probably means it was used to tow something, adding wear and tear on your transmission and other systems. I have seen a number of fairly clean looking ones from cable companies.

These are the main reasons I see for going passenger van over cargo, esp one used by a church or something.

Watching craigslist over the past few months I have seen tons of good looking vehicles come and go. I dont have the budget to go inspecting/looking right now, but I know there are tons of opportunities and I shouldnt jump on the first decent van I see. Talking to the owner goes a long way too, as people who arent knowledgeable about maintenance make that apparent during conversation. At the same time I see tons of vehicles that are obviously abused or on their last leg, and the owner hypes it up like the deal of the century.

 

[offroad]

Can you put in virtual windows with a camera and a large video screen ?