Older passenger and conversion vans can be had for great prices if you look around enough. You really get the most bang for your buck utilitarian-wise as vans do not hold value well. I definitely would recommend a short wheelbase straight six or v8 powered van over a Volkswagen Vanagon or similar van. You get a much sturdier van with more space, similar gas mileage, and readily available parts.
If that van checks out, I would just change the timing chain/belt and sprocket set and make sure the cooling system is in good shape; I then wouldn't hesitate to drive it any ware. This van doesn't have ridiculously low mileage, but I would be wary of older vehicles with extremely low mileage, as cars are meant to be driven atleast from time to time. It looks like a solid deal to me. I picked my van up on Craigslist for $900. Its an old dodge with a slant six and 4 speed manual transmission. It is geared low, but the overdrive helps out just enough on the highway; it will only go about 65mph on level ground but it gets 22mpg when you keep it around 55mph. The old straight six has plenty of torque and you rarely have to downshift in hilly terrain.I have only done minor motor maintenance(plugs, wires, new timing chain, rebuilt carb, changed oil) and it has been great. A new timing chain will really wake an old motor up. Make sure the suspension isn't too knackered out.
