VAN Value when researching for a purchase

[THECHEMICALS]

I have been looking for a van to start my first journey and i have been using bluebook as a source to value potential vans. However i have noticed most vans are selling for 1000-3500 more than bluebook values them as. I have inquired with a few sellers and they tell me that you cant use bluebook for work vans because they are in demand as a work vehicle (im looking for an express or econoline or similar). <br>Is this true? Should i just pay what im willing to pay for a van instead of using a value resource like bluebook? It just seems strange, yesterday some guy was trying to sell me a Ford E250 from 1995 with 170k miles for 4 thousand dollars. Bluebook had it for around2200 dollars in immaculate condition....which this vehicle was not but was in good condition. Anyone have feedback on this?<br><br><br>

 

[akrvbob]

It depends on the area you are in. I am looking for a van here in the LA area and they are a dime a dozen. $4000 will buy you a 1999 or even 2000 year with 130,000 or less, sometimes a lot less. Here it is a buyers market, sounds like where you are it is a sellers market. Can you expand your search to different areas? Are you searching on Craigslist or at dealers. Dealers always charge more, in fact KBB allows more for a dealer and less for a private sale. <br><br>I won't buy a used rig with more than 130,000 miles. Bob <br>

 

[owl]

&nbsp;&nbsp; I was in the rv and auto business in the Sac. Ca. area for years and still have many friends in the business here. I made a couple of calls to them, here is what I was told.&nbsp;Cargo vans new are so expensive that the average small business owner can't afford them. This has increased the demand, at least in this area, for used vans. More demand equals higher prices. Blue book values, despite what they say, are based in some part by percentage reductions in value regardless of market. When I started in the business the blue book came out yearly, now it comes out bi monthly. It is virtually useless and was never a bible but a guide. My point is, the more you look in your area at cargo vans the better you will get a feel for them. At some point you will find one and you will just know it's right. Go slow and take your time. Always have a mechanic look at it! Good luck.&nbsp;&nbsp; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Michael<br>

 

[mockturtle]

Dealers do usually charge more but bear in mind that the price is jacked up to allow for a 'generous' trade in.&nbsp; If you aren't trading, you will get it for less.&nbsp; <br>

 

[THECHEMICALS]

I have only been looking under pvt seller, mostly on autotrader and craigslist. Dealers have taxes and dealer fees and dont negotiate prices the same way pvt sellers do. <br>As far as having a mechanic check them, the demand is so high that most sellers dont give a window to take the van to a mechanic. Vans sell very fast in my area, and noone wants to bother with mechanic checks,and i dont know any mechanics who would travel with me to the van itself. Make matters worse, i dont have transportation, i sold my only car to get money for a van.<br>

 

[SoulRaven]

Dont forget e-bay motors, this where I found exactly what I was looking for...<br>

 

[phoenix900]

But on ebay how can you get your mechanic to look at b4 buying?<br>

 

[THECHEMICALS]

Looks like im going to be buying my first van in an hour.<br><br><A href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003...=US_Cars_Trucks&amp;hash=item1c261871a7#v4-40" target=_blank>http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003...=US_Cars_Trucks&amp;hash=item1c261871a7#v4-40</A><br><br><br>Looks alot safer than the vans ive seen on craigslist anyway but the guy doesnt want to go lower than 4k.<br>

 

[phoenix900]

Let us know how works out for ya. thx<br>

 

[THECHEMICALS]

<P>It didnt work out. Everything was perfect but the title had some issues. We will try to work it out on Monday.</P>