Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Full Sized Vans
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This is so very hard to gauge what to ask. I think if I got someone just to come and see it would help. I also took all the adds in the paper and found the average to be around 3800.
The add reads 4200/offer. thanks again for all your suggestions.
Guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference
Thanks!
Jon
No info available from NADA on Leagacy since 1986.
I have no personal knowledge of the product.
Sorry,
Does anyone know of a van that would work? Do I have to go back to the 70's?
Thanks.
I am curious if anyone else has these problems, and has tried purchasing bigger wheels and tires to correct this problem. Its not just the wind, as even on the calmest days I have this difficulty.
Thanks
Dave
John
Regading plug access on the Dodge vans, I am certain the 2K is the same as the 93 I have. Once the engine cover is off, access is very straightforward. Changing plugs is not a problem, nor is access to any other critical parts. I can fit under the van to change my oil & filter without using a jack. I once pulled the engine on a 72 Dodge van (same basic design as the 2K). You disconnect the trannie and pull the engine up into the passenger compartment and out the passenger door. Now thats access! I think the engine cover on the Mopars is larger than the more recent Ford or Chevy vans. This give you greater access.
Dave
My problem with the steering is that it just requires constant minor correction to stay on course on the highway. It isn't a problem, but requires paying attention most of the time. I notice semi-tractor trailer drivers always having to adjust wheel position when I pull alongside too. Maybe I'm just too sensitive to it.
Good Luck with your purchase.
Dave
Does anyone have a guess as to the Selling Price for my '89 Ford E150 High-Top Conversion van? I don't know the conversion company. But it is still very nice inside: includes TV, VCP, AM/FM/Cassette,wood trim (in good shape), captains chairs and fold-down bed. The gray & maroon paint is starting to fade, and the engine is a bit sluggish. The body is pretty good yet with no dents or rust.
Also, for new vans, how much should I pay for a 2000 GMC high-top, with Explorer Conversion package? It lists for around $46,000. Can I get that down to $30,000??? Any Guesses??
All of the drivers hated the big Dodges on Interstate trips. The handling ranged from poor to marginally unsafe in heavy winds. I feel it had to do with the suspension geometry. They were a little better with a full load & 1999 model year was A LITTLE better. (Loved the Caravans.)
In contrast the big Fords drove like they were on rails. Solid as a rock. I preferred everything about all of the Fords. (3 were diesels.)
I have an 82 GMC/Sherrod which I want to replace in the next year or two. In my opinion, GMC is in between Dodge & Ford for handling.
I'm looking exclusively at Fords based on my experience. (Best drivability of all) Interested in a stock E 150 or conversion with minimum frills for camping and extended travel. (Alaska -2003)
I want to be able to tow up to 7500 lbs. occasionally. (boat) & I'm thinking of a Power Stroke diesel. Would appreciate input from anyone knowing anything about this. Nothing on conversion mfr's web sites.
I might suggest you think about going to a 250 (3/4 ton) vs. the 1/2 ton if you are going to tow that kind of weight. I am pulling an 8,000 lb. RV travel trailer with a Chevy Conv Van G20 (3/4 ton) plus I have beefed up all the suspension, added several transmission coolers, etc... I have a 5.7 L 350, and it does a good job handling the weight. If it were me, since you may not have near the "wind drag" with the boat as I do with the travel trailer, I'd seriously consider a V8 gas motor and spend the extra $ on the 3/4 ton unit (just my opinion based on my experience)
John
The (GM)350 is great. I move my boat with an old ratty K20 Suburban. Lots of power. 8-10 mpg.
Actually I probably have more wind resistance than you. I have an express cruiser with fixed pilot house that extends above the roofline by at least 4 feet.
Since my first post, I've determined that you have to go to an E250 or E350 to get the diesel and I dont think an E150 could handle the weight anyway. I feel a lot more confident with the bigger wheels, brakes, bearings of a 3/4.
The power of the diesel is excessive, but I've heard great things about their fuel economy.
I'd rather spend the money on sound mechanical features and cut back on interior frills and flashy paint jobs.
A local man who plows snow reportedly saved $400 on fuel costs this winter with the PowerStroke. (and this was a light winter around here) Also talked to another man who towed a MUCH heavier load from NY to FL with an F350 diesel pickup and got OVER 14 mpg.
I've heard that the Dodge (P.U.) with Cummins does even better but the drive train doesn't hold up as well.
Vince
John
van conditions:
driven in san francisco up & down hills with many stop & go deliveries
at 8,000 miles
rear brakes worn to rivets & found to have gotten
extremely hot. Front brakes had appox 10%.
COST $800
at 10,000
same as 8,000 with 25% on front. COST $900
at 12,000
same as 10,000 COST $900
van conditions:
switched to long delivery route few stops lots a freeway
at 16,000
found rear brakes failed. van spent 3 days at chevy and nothing was found wrong. COST $1,100
at 29,000
found rear brakes failed. van spent 14 days at chevy and nothing was found wrong. COST $1,900
at 43,000
strange noise from bottom - suspect rear brakes.
found noise to be trans - change under extended warranty. But also found rear brakes worn to 5% & front brakes at 30% - changed rear pads.
at 43,000+
started lemon law repurchase
at 49,000
chevy re-purchased van. I bought a new 2000 G25
I hope these brake work normally
If your new van doesn't have a transmission cooler, I'd seriously consider installing one, as I've mentioned in other posts, I have 3 on mine for towing, but even running around town, it will heat up to 180+ degrees w/out the travel trailer behind it....it needs to always stay under 200.
John
I
I have a 99 Chevy Express conversion with 275/60r15 tires which are wider than the 235/70's (or 245's?) that typically come stock. The wider tires improve handling and help negate wind effects.
The draw back is that they are slightly smaller in diameter meaning the speedometer shows approximately 1.5 mph higher than the actual speed at 60 mph and the odometer tacks on an extra 1000 miles every 50K. Some would say the lower profile of the tires create a rougher ride or more road noise but I have not noticed any difference between my Chevy and my brother's Chevy whatsoever. It does seem to hold the road tighter and the wider tires seem to look better on the van than the skinnier factory tires.
Any ideas or suggestions? thanks for your time.
Michael/Atlanta
Compare original specs on the 302 with those of the 4.6L. You may find enough improvement in hp and torque that going to a 5.4L isn't necessary. My '97 is powered with a 4.6L V8 and it seems quite adequate. I don't tow anything with it though and if I were, I'd want the 5.4L.
Jerry
This may not be the right forum, if not please excuse me, but I've found shopping for a full size van to be very difficult, and finally...success!!
I started looking to replace my '86 Ford Club Wagon in April. I had decided on a Ford E150XLT, 5.4L V8 engine, limited slip diff, 7 passenger seating, dual air and privacy glass in green or black.
Made the rounds of the local dealers, read everything I could find on the net so I'd be prepared and informed. None had any van on the lot that met my needs, either totally underpowered or overloaded with options I didn't want and lacking the options I did want. None offered to order. They tried to talk me into a minivan (no thank you, goodbye) they tried to talk me into a conversion(no thank you, goodbye), anything but what I needed. Also ran into attitudes that ran the gamut from the 'Hey, little lady' routine, to the 'what do you (emphasis on the You) really need a full size van for anyway?', to one unforgettable salesman telling me I should be grateful to purchase what he had on the lot,,,,,yes, he really did and yes, I left that lot - Fast!
Finally contacted Autobytel.com, frankly not expecting too much after my experiences so far.
Wow....what a difference! I was contacted by the dealer within 24 hours. He also was not able to locate a van with my required options, and offered to order. I took my list of options and invoice/MSRP pricing, and questions ... we met twice, and I placed my order on May 8th! I was starting to worry about getting too close to the end-of-year, but I now have a build-date of June 19th!!
I'll have my new E150XLT, at invoice plus 1% of MSRP for the advertising fee, around the first of July! Yes, it took a while, but I was able to get exactly what I wanted, I think the price is fair, and I was treated with the courtesy and respect that any customer deserves. To me it's worth the wait....come on June 19th!
That's an interesting post. I hope you have good luck with the new one.
There are plenty of ads. I'm just wondering if there are any known turkeys that I should avoid.
I'm thinking Chev/GMC G10, maybe G20. A/C (front), 6-cyl. I'd like a V8 but the best one is supposed to be the 350 and that's supposed to be extremely thirsty.
The loads I'll be carrying will be relatively light. Nothing above 1000lbs. Usually less.
Am I missing anything? Can I get the wiring and hitch put on relatively inexpensively? Or should I just wait to find one with the original tow package on it.
Dave
1994 G2500 a/c tilt cruise V8 well maintained.
Not using it,just got a new one
A few notes: the trans will prematurely shift into overdrive between 40-50mph so I normally switch od off while driving around town. The heat deflector cowling? surrounding the exhaust makes a lot of clanging sounds while driving and after I shut off the engine. Is this normal?
Is there a bench/bed combo that I could purchase to replace the fixed rear bench seat? I saw a 1994 Chateau that had a factory installed one. It could be moved to middle or rear. I didn't see the option available in Edmund's van pricing lists. Thanks to all. pl
My heat deflector will sort of pop or make noise when I shut the engine off and usually once from closing a door after it has been setting a while. I'm not aware that it rattles while driving.
You might try looking for a Truck/Van parts and equipment store. You might be able to locate a seat there. If a '94 seat would fit, you might find one at an auto salvage yard.
Currently drive a '97 Ford conversion 4.6L V8. Two and a half years and 45k miles have been trouble free. Average about 15 mpg. Best of four vans I've owned.
93 GMC V6 short wheel base was also good mechanically. Averaged 16 mpg.
91 GMC Safari extended body, 2 wheel drive with 3.73 towing gear averaged 17 mpg. Was also good mechanically. This van with the standard 3.42 gear should average 18-19 mpg.
dfdreamer
The lowest value Sherrod is the Quantum. whsle 2,100. retail 2,700. Add these numbers to the cargo van values found at Edmund's.
I don't know about the V6. I would think a good test drive would be the best indicator.
dfdreamer@aol.com
An even mix of city and x-way driving will probably yield 16 - 19 mpg. The all wheel drive version will likely lower that by about 1 mpg.
I'm unable to comment on the effect of the high top on the conversions.
I owned a '91 Safari 2wd with a 3.73 towing gear and averaged 17 mpg. One common negative on these vans is the cozy leg room in the front passenger seat. Also, you'll probably find these a bit more truck like in ride and handling than the mini-vans.
Jerry