What do y'all think of this van?

[PatsyG]

I found this van for sale on Phoenix craigslist.

I will have to pay for any work that has to be done to whatever van I end up with. So I figure I need to buy a late model van with a reasonable amount of miles.

What do y'all think of this one?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/ctd/5334267192.html

 

[PatsyG]

I found this van for sale on Phoenix craigslist.

I will have to pay for any work that has to be done to whatever van I end up with. So I figure I need to buy a late model van with a reasonable amount of miles.

What do y'all think of this one?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/ctd/5334267192.html

Oops, they have this one, too in Corona, Ca:

http://www.gobestauto.com/ViewDetails.aspx?VID=1300

 

[GotSmart]

Those two are as far apart as it gets.  The ford is about 2 feet longer than the Dodge~~~

The Dodge is also a`1/2 ton, and the Ford is a 3/4 ton.  

You might want to see how people have their units set up at RTR.  

It is best to get at least a 3/4 ton.

 

[masterplumber]

The 2002 seems like a better deal to me, but both seem a little high. It's been a few years since I've bought one, but I bought a couple Ford 3/4 ton extended passenger vans with about 140,000 miles - only 38,000 more than the Ford, for right at $4000 in Denver. They were well maintained vans that were 8 - 10 years old at the time

 

[LeeRevell]

Tough choice.  Nice length on the Ford Gen Four, but the Dodge's midtop gives more head room, and windows are nice if you want them.  Saves two grand on price too.
Basically comes down to personal choice, and which one 'speaks' to you better.

 

[PatsyG]

 

It is best to get at least a 3/4 ton.

Curious, why is it better to get at least a 3/4 ton?

 

[PatsyG]

The 2002 seems like a better deal to me, but both seem a little high. It's been a few years since I've bought one, but I bought a couple Ford 3/4 ton extended passenger vans with about 140,000 miles - only 38,000 more than the Ford, for right at $4000 in Denver. They were well maintained vans that were 8 - 10 years old at the time

What do you think would be a fair price on these?

 

[GotSmart]

Curious, why is it better to get at least a 3/4 ton?

 because it takes no time at all to get 1,000 lbs of basics in a living space.  

The 1/2 ton dodge is only 7 1/2 feet from the back door to the back of the front seat.

Yoy need to go back to basics first.

How much work are you willing to do to get the interior ready?

 

[SoulRaven]

The Dodge is the way to go. It was a used as a car not a work truck, interior already in place, 318 fuel injected, long wb with 9.5' of load space, and is NOT a one-ton extended maxi which have design flaws that are HUGE safety issues.

Remove and save the two rear seats and see if you can live with the sofa bed.

But it's priced about $2k too high.

 

[Cheli]

They both have their pro's and con's. But if I had to chose I'd pick the Ford probably, for a couple reasons but for reasons that others wouldn't care about because everyone has different needs.

I like the Dodge because of the additional head room since I'm tall and I also like how it would be more stealth looking like an every day vehicle. But I like how the Ford is a 3/4 ton and has no windows on the side because I'd get creeped out by sleeping next to windows. I know it's weird but I don't think I'd be comfortable with my bed up against windows. And I like the door that separates the cab from the back. Maybe it's because I'll be a solo female traveler so that just gives me extra comfort of security.

 

[GotSmart]

The Dodge is the way to go. It was a used as a car not a work truck, interior already in place, 318 fuel injected, long wb with 9.5' of load space, and is NOT a one-ton extended maxi which have design flaws that are HUGE safety issues.

Remove and save the two rear seats and see if you can live with the sofa bed.

But it's priced about $2k too high.

Sorry Lou, but that only has 7 1/2 feet of load space. It is a shorty.  I have one.

 

[BradKW]

My buddy bought that same Ford 2yrs ago for $2 k more, about same milage iirc, and has been very happy with it...

 

[SoulRaven]

I would say comparing apples and oranges. I have a preference for Ford since we have had excellent results and we always buy used. It is longer though which would allow more space but you wouldn't be standing up as you moved through it, bothers some people and others not at all. The Dodge is nice with the raised top and windows but shorter in length. The windows could be a plus if you might have a bite of claustrophobia in a small quarters. I saw a couple full-timing in something like that in a video last week. I would come up with the layout I wanted and work backwards from that point. Always prioritize your needs because with me, nothing is a perfect fit and you want to make sure you cover your most needed on the list. Never pay sticker price.

 

[PatsyG]

The 2002 seems like a better deal to me, but both seem a little high. It's been a few years since I've bought one, but I bought a couple Ford 3/4 ton extended passenger vans with about 140,000 miles - only 38,000 more than the Ford, for right at $4000 in Denver. They were well maintained vans that were 8 - 10 years old at the time

Is 140,000 miles not too many? What would be too many miles?

 

[PatsyG]

 because it takes no time at all to get 1,000 lbs of basics in a living space.  

The 1/2 ton dodge is only 7 1/2 feet from the back door to the back of the front seat.

Yoy need to go back to basics first.

How much work are you willing to do to get the interior ready?

Already decided that. Willing and able to put in insulation and flooring, make bed frame. Have an old buffet that could be used for storage and countertop. Also have nightstands could be used for storage with Ikea cabinets above them for clothes and other storage.
But need more space than 7 1/2 feet, so guess this one is out.

 

[PatsyG]

I like the Dodge because of the additional head room since I'm tall and I also like how it would be more stealth looking like an every day vehicle. But I like how the Ford is a 3/4 ton and has no windows on the side because I'd get creeped out by sleeping next to windows. I know it's weird but I don't think I'd be comfortable with my bed up against windows.

DITTO

I have a severe back problem, so not being able to stand up would really be hard on it. I like to have some windows, but not all around my bed. So back to the drawing board. I am not finding what I want for $10,000 or less. May not exist.

 

[PatsyG]

The Dodge is the way to go. It was a used as a car not a work truck, interior already in place, 318 fuel injected, long wb with 9.5' of load space, and is NOT a one-ton extended maxi which have design flaws that are HUGE safety issues.

Remove and save the two rear seats and see if you can live with the sofa bed.

But it's priced about $2k too high.

The Dodge id the one I would really prefer because of the head room. Easier on the back. But maybe need something heavier, as GOT SMART says.
Thanks for the info about extended van safety issues.

 

[GotSmart]

Look for a longer high top. Thrtr are a lot of them out there.

 

[Gary68]

if you have the cash buy private,dealers like to double their money and have no history on the vehicle

 

[SoulRaven]

The Dodge for sale is the long WB 127" van you can spot it due to the 18" between the rear side door and the front of the rear wheel well.

It has a 9.5' cargo bed, if it was a maxi it has a 12' cargo bed.

The short van is on 109" wb and the side cargo doors have no space between them and the front of the rear wheel well and you can load an 8" sheet of plywood and close the rear doors.

This is a short Dodge Van:

I bought a 1980 short Dodge B100 for $3750 brand new and also owned a 1977 Tradesman 300 maxi 8 lug camper van.