What have I gotten myself into??

[WanderingRose]

Just a word in favor of diesel engines.

I had two Sprinters with MB diesel engines over 17+ years, and loved mine.

The first was still going strong at 12 years old and 193,000 miles when I totaled it, the second was 17 years old and about 124,000 miles when I sold it last year.

To a couple just starting retirement travel who said it was exactly what they were looking for.

I didn’t find it expensive to maintain/service, nor difficult to find service around the country when I was traveling, nor diesel mechanics to be exorbitantly expensive.

My home mechanic in a locally owned business took care of most maintenance the past 10 years or so, and at a fraction of what Peterbilt had been charging me,

There are a lot of Sprinter/MB vans out there, and mechanics who have those fleet contracts, and I have found them very reasonable.

The expensive places are the dealerships, which many people tell you are a “must” for service, but that is not the case.

I would have a diesel again, also maintain it well and plan to drive it 200,000 miles or more.

In my next life.

 

[Lorelei072]

I went and looked at the ‘99 Ford that I didn’t particularly like because the AC was welded into the back doors and I thought the “house” part was dated and poorly constructed. It was actually nice though in person.

I found a diesel mechanic <1 mile from where I work and have been talking to him about getting a diesel/ambulance. He recommended the 7.3 l motor and that’s why I decided to go look at it.

Also for the low miles, already set up conversion, it was the closest to my location in North Georgia, and within my budget.

Well I am disappointed it’s been poorly maintained. Or rather not likely maintained at all.

I decided to walk mainly because the fresh fluid stains on the driveway were admittedly brake line fluid. I cannot face traveling 4-1/2 to 5 hours through unfamiliar territory in an unfamiliar vehicle and suddenly loosing brakes.

Then there was the admission that the oil was changed only once in the 4 years that he’s had it. It was black but not sludgy. I don’t think he drives it much but it started right up for me.

The tires were dated 2014 & 2015. They still had a little bit of tread and did not look dry-rotted.

The windshield was cracked and the wiper blades were comping apart. And there were at least 2 lights to replace.

I thought it handled ok but only got up to 30-35 mph. It had about an eighth of a tank of fuel so we didn’t go far.

I got to check Craigslist on my drive back to Georgia and see that he’s reduced it to $3k