views on van options

[bethiebugs]

Sorry if I am asking too many questions in one day...

I need some experiences/perspectives on these options:

2002 Chevy Astro passenger van with higher top, V6, 170,000 miles, excellent condition--$2750 (said he was selling it because the higher top doesn't fit in his garage).

1999 Dodge Ram Van Conversion "Mini Van", V6, 102,717 miles, excellent condition--$4995 (dealer said it looked like it had been kept in a garage).

Neither has rust and both have A/C and heat and appear to run well.

Thank you for any input!!!!

 

[mr_elijah_gardner]

It would depend which one you like the best. Both seem step on price to me. 

You said 99 is a "mini van" like a Caravan? If so that's way to expensive.

The hightop astrovan could be interesting. If you were looking for a smaller van it could be a good choice. Especially being a hightop.

 

[grandpa pete]

The astro will be much easier to get parts for and fix...high top a BIG plus ...get a swivel for passenger front seat

 

[Gideon33w]

Astro hitops arent very high but definetely better than stock. Higher miles but if well maintained it will be fine. Dont buy a Dodge.

 

[Almost There]

You still won't be able to stand up in the Astro with the 'high top' even if it's a 24" hightop - which I've never seen on an Astro/Safari btw.

But, it will give you more headroom so that you can put the bed high enough to store things under.

The Dodge is inaccurately described. A Dodge Ram van is a full size van, a Dodge mini van is something along the lines of the Caravan which is much smaller than the Astro/Safari. More like a bit of an overgrown station wagon. Not sure what it is but a 99 is probably older than you want and way more money than the Astro.

 

[Gideon33w]

Or, you could buy my already built van - https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=26465

 

[frater secessus]

The Dodge is inaccurately described. A Dodge Ram van is a full size van, a Dodge mini van is something along the lines of the Caravan which is much smaller than the Astro/Safari.

There was a "Ram Cargo Van" on the minivan platform:

 

[Almost There]

I stand corrected!

I don't believe I've ever seen one of them - or if I did I didn't recognize it as such!

 

[bethiebugs]

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/ctd/6301795013.html

This is the Dodge van ad...
And this one is the Chevy Astro:

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/6297159036.html

 

[Gideon33w]

Hmm, never seen one of those either. Wondering what the difference is besides the lack of rear windows and probably gutted rear.
I'd want to see suspension improvements and different gearing at the very least if intended to be a workhorse.

Yeah, that is a Dodge full size van. As I suggested earlier ... Don't buy one. Read the Mechanical section for more info.

That high top on the Astro will give you about the same interior height as a stock Chevy Express van.
I built two Astros and loved them. Just not a lot of room. And I'm a pretty small guy.

 

[Almost There]

Ok, that Dodge Ram is NOT a mini van. It is built on the full size van platform.

It IS the short wheel base version so it's not quite 2' shorter behind the driver seat.

Both the Astro and the Dodge will have about the same headroom because the Astro has the 'tv top' added on. You will not be able to stand up in either one of them.

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Gideon33w said
> Hmm, never seen one of those either. Wondering what the difference is besides the lack of rear windows and probably gutted rear.

Commercial fleet -- Tradesman Cargo Van

 

[Kia girl]

I will never buy Dodge with that mileage again. Let's just say every Dodge van I have had started needing all kinds off repairs after 100,000. Over $3000 integration past year and just found out I need a new engine also and a bunch more other things. This van was well kept up with Maintance like my other ones. If I had to choose I would go with the other one.

 

[Gideon33w]

I will never buy Dodge with that mileage again.  Let's just say every Dodge van I have had started needing all kinds off repairs after 100,000.  Over $3000 integration past year and just found out I need a new engine also and a bunch more other things.  This van was well kept up with Maintance like my other ones.  If I had to choose I would go with the other one.

This is why I suggest one go read the mechanical section and my sticky on full size vans. 
Also why I try to get people not to buy the Dodges in the first place.
Weak suspension design and even weaker transmission make for costly repairs.

 

[Kia girl]

This is why I suggest one go read the mechanical section and my sticky on full size vans. 
Also why I try to get people not to buy the Dodges in the first place.
Weak suspension design and even weaker transmission make for costly repairs.

I have to say over the years I have been lucky with the transmission not going.  It has been more engine problems.

 

[Gideon33w]

I have to say over the years I have been lucky with the transmission not going.  It has been more engine problems.

They are categorically inferior to the offerings from Chevy and Ford. 
At least as far as mechanicals go. But what good is a vandwelling if it doesn't work as a vehicle?
About the only plus side is the substantially higher prevalence of high tops.

 

[Kia girl]

They are categorically inferior to the offerings from Chevy and Ford. 
At least as far as mechanicals go. But what good is a vandwelling if it doesn't work as a vehicle?
About the only plus side is the substantially higher prevalence of high tops.

I know.  Let's just say my husband came and bailed my van out.  Wheels locked from sitting for only 2 weeks.  Head gasket blown, battery dead and more.  He bought me a new car while I was on the road and drove that van away the way it was.  Never again will I buy a Dodge van.  Most cars will go 200,000 to 300,00 mile but now any Dodge van I have had.

 

[Gideon33w]

No surprise there.

But back on topic. The Astro has some miles but the 4.3 is just a Chevy 350 minus 2 cyl so they are pretty darn solid. The 4l60e trans behind it is good, easy to service, and cheap to repair if needed. If you get it, just be sure to grease the suspension points. It's often forgotten but the Chevys have greasable suspension components and it REALLY prolongs the lifespan. Keep in mind that mounting solar to a high top is a bit more complicated than a regular top though. At the end of the day, I was very happy with my Astros and with proper maintenance they last a long time.

Beyond that, seriously consider a full size van. A lot of members who started in a smaller van and have been at this for a while ended up switching to a full size.

 

[bethiebugs]

Thank you everyone so much! I think after hearing all the great experience you all shared, I will probably continue to look for a full-size van. I appreciate you all taking the time to answer my questions!