Help finding an ideal van

[Deleted member 20]

I think that van should cost about $1500

 

[squatlyfe]

Why do you say that?

 

[Deleted member 20]

I guess after further reading its a pop up which is cool. I guess it is in Cali & most everything is overpriced there & after looking at what else is on CL it seems average. Go for it but realize if they are asking for $3500 or trade most likely they are flexible since trade values fluctuate greatly depending what the item is. I bet a good negotiator could by that van for $2,500-$2,750

Thats a big van & a gasser, if its just you perhaps a smaller van.Approaching $4k I think a diesel isnt out of the question or a camper style van.

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/4896140739.html

 

[squatlyfe]

Word. It has a 30 gallon tank and gets 500+ miles per tank. The dude didn't say how many MPG's it gets though.
It does seem a little big. I'd try to get it under 3k

 

[squatlyfe]

I guess after further reading its a pop up which is cool. I guess it is in Cali & most everything is overpriced there & after looking at what else is on CL it seems average. Go for it but realize if they are asking for $3500 or trade most likely they are flexible since trade values fluctuate greatly depending what the item is. I bet a good negotiator could by that van for $2,500-$2,750

Thats a big van & a gasser, if its just you perhaps a smaller van.Approaching $4k I think a diesel isnt out of the question or a camper style van.

http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/cto/4896140739.html

^ That's a nice one as well. Let me know if you come across anything similiar!

 

[Odin]

Thats a big van & a gasser, if its just you perhaps a smaller van.Approaching $4k I think a diesel isnt out of the question or a camper style van.

@highwayman your on point.
I have narrowed my own search to an awd hightop astro/safari (so difficult to find it seems.)
you mentioned in another thread... made me reconsider.
Or a 7,3 nonturbo ford diesel....(has been my holy grail for a low mileage campered out e series diesel lol) although in the E series conversion vans I also am wondering if the inline six they used to produce would be a good deal for a gasser. (supposedly as long lived as a diesel engine... but wonder if it will get decent mpg as a six on a full size construction van... ) If I don't weigh the van down with a keep it simple conversion might be?

@squatlyfe those chevy vans are nice. though for vest milage on a gasser I think there is a combo of finding one with a shorter wheel base (think they call them the rally vans not sure) and you need the 7004r transmission with overdrive matched to probably the 5.0 v8 rather than the 5.7

no expert but i spent a good stretch searching for g20's and found that combo to claim up to 22mpg highway.

(seems to make sense... i think mpg is a dynamic combination and wheel base length, driving habits, and gear ratio/transmisson type all factor in)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Van

 

[Odin]

this in google search seems like a good example of what I'm talking about.

 

[Deleted member 20]

I am unsure but I think my holy grail would be one one of those Unimog expedition style RVs or a big Prevost Entertainer bus. I like all of the sportsmobile conversions of different models & many of the Sprinter conversions & or other chassis as well. I know this drifting away from an affordable & suitable van but.... Odin said Holy Grail & I started dreaming without a budget in mind. But seeing as these expedition style RV are so expensive If money wasnt an option perhaps I would buy a Prevost Entertainer bus & go on tour in style while living out my rockstar fantasy.

http://www.sportsmobile.com/
http://globalxvehicles.com/globalxvehicles-for-sale/
http://www.expedition-trucks.com/brokers/unimog-u2450-4x4-expedition-truck
http://www.goodsonbussales.com/prevostentertainers.htm

 

[Odin]

OH... it's just 580000$$$ no problem I'm good for it. ::greedy::
let me take out my monopoly monies...:ompus::

@highwayman you so funny ha ha ha... ::cat::

Dude I suppose I should have said my hoboholygrail of vanliving.

 

[FrankieC]

I second the recommendations to find an older American 6 cylinder van. Something with a short wheelbase, inline-6, and a manual transmission would be ideal. This is tough to find but they are out there. They are very reliable and parts are cheap and relatively easy to find, especially the low mortality rate parts. I have an 85 dodge with a 225 slant six and 4 speed manual. Go to craigslist and enter those parameters.

 

[FrankieC]

Oh and whatever you do, don't get a Volkswagen, especially not a cheap one. An older american inline six van will get the same if not better gas mileage, have more power, more space, and will be more reliable and use cheaper parts. Seriously I almost let my excitement get the best of me and nearly bought a $1000 VW type 2 vanagon on my way home from beet harvest. I am not a flagwaving american when it comes to buying cars either, every other vehicle i have owned has been a JDM 4 banger. I bought my van for $900 and it has served me well, much better than i am sure any VW would. It also blends in well as long as i am not parked by an elementary school lol.

You should have alot to chose from on the west coast
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/cto/4907324636.html
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/cto/4912173708.html

Show up with cash and lowball you can get something solid for a grand