Would like feedback on van purchase

[Sundancer]

Hi folks! I've found a potential van to purchase - a 2011 Chevy Express extended 2500, with 113,000 miles.  I have disabilities and can't handle mechanical work myself, so I've been looking at vans under 10 years and 120,000 miles. 

I've just had it thoroughly inspected by an excellent mechanic. Most fluids need flushing, needs a new spare tire, battery is running a little low, and a couple of sensors are going bad - tire pressure and throttle position sensor. Most everything else shows normal wear and tear for a work van.

The main issue is that it's been in a couple of accidents and has had a lot of body work. Average quality repairs, but no sign of damage to the frame. The dealer is asking too much, given the accidents, but if I can negotiate the price, do you think this vehicle might be worth purchasing?

 

[BradKW]

What's the dealer asking?

Sounds like a nice van...

 

[Sundancer]

He's asking $13,500 and my auto inspector suggested $11,500 as a more appropriate value, given the accidents and work needing doing. I'm currently living out of a rental minivan and a tent, which is costing a lot of money each week. I can't wait months to find a "perfect" deal, unfortunately.

 

[BradKW]

I'd probably be ok with paying 12.5 for that, but hard to factor in accident repairs without more info or seeing it...

 

[Sundancer]

Thanks, that's about what I was thinking. I'm in the early stages of negotiations. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Mobilesport]

I just wanted to point out that you can buy a older van with 113000 miles for way less , I don't know if it would be better to do so but just wanted to make that point so other people can chime in and give you advice from this info

 

[Sundancer]

Unfortunately, that doesn't seem true on my area. I really want an extended cargo van, and I've only found 2 within 200 miles - this 2011 and a 2005. The asking price for both is the same. And the 2011 has windows on the side and back doors, which I also really want. There aren't a lot of options on short notice, unless I was willing to purchase a standard length van.

 

[cortttt]

Unfortunately, that doesn't seem true on my area. I really want an extended cargo van, and I've only found 2 within 200 miles - this 2011 and a 2005. The asking price for both is the same. And the 2011 has windows on the side and back doors, which I also really want. There aren't a lot of options on short notice, unless I was willing to purchase a standard length van.

I found it was really hard to find Chevy/GMC vans with moderate mileage. I was told by a dealer that people just hang onto them. You can either find newer ones or really old ones much easier.

You might try Penske. I think you can get an extended van - look at the 23705's (3/4 ton) and 33705's (1 ton). I see a couple with similar mileage for around $12-13K and they're willing to go down. I'll bet you could get it for 11K...

http://www.penskeusedtrucks.com/search-inventory.html

The upside with Penske - at least in my experience - I bought one a couple of months ago -  is that the van appears to be quite well maintained and I'm sure it won't have any body damage. (The mechanic there told me they ship out damaged vans to auction.)

The downside is that you might have to fly somewhere to pick one up and if you want to have a mechanic look at it you'll have to arrange that. I actually bought one over the phone and flew about a 1,000 miles to pick it up.  That takes some trust! So far so good though...The Penske guy told me that most of his sales are made over the phone.

So far so good.

The other downside is that it may not have a spare tire or spare tire hoist! Mine didn't. That adds about $4-500 to your cost. It also won't have any windows...so it may not be the van for you.