Conversion Van Pricing

bob293 · September 1999

Jerry,

You seem to be the answer man when it comes to conversion values. I'm looking at a 94 Grand Voyager SE with a Mark III hightop coversion. I can figure the price on the base model but not the conversion. He says he is willing to let me have it at the price a dealer quoted for trade-in $10,500.

Thanks in advance,

Bob Smith

ronjoyce · September 1999

I just found this site;been looking for a while.
I'm also looking for any way to get an idea of what I really should pay for a van conversion. Been looking at Ford, Chevy, GMC, and Dodge, but I have the same prolem in estimating what my cost should be. Has anyone developed a percentage to deduct from the van cost and also from the conversion cost to provide a ballpark figure. Any help appreciated. Ron

jboater · September 1999

Bob,

'94 Mark III mini van:
msrp 6,295. used whsle. 1,670. retail, 2,180.

Sorry for the delayed response. Haven't checked the site in several days.

Jerry

jboater · September 1999

Ron,

New conversion values are often near impossible to get a handle on. It's why I think it is important to have a feel for the used market in your area. As an example, if you are looking at a new Chevy/Mark III, it can be very helpful to know what its' approximate value will be in say 2 years. If you can find a couple of comparable 2 year old vans for sale, their asking prices should give some insight on the market value of the new van 2 years from now. You may choose to not purchase a $32k van if you find that its expected 2 year old value is $18k.

Im our area, the number of conversion units has declined quite a bit. I suspect that the high prices have a lot to do with it.

I know this doesn't give you any hard and fast rules for buying a CV. For those of us who are cost/depreciation conscious, buying and or selling a CV can be quite a chore.

I hope you do well in your endeavor.

Jerry

aferrara · September 1999

I would like to do my own conversion but need help finding parts. I'm looking for suppliers of windows seats reefer ect. can anyone help.
Thanks

Augie

guitarzan · September 1999

Check out the Town Hall Accessories conference also aferrara.

guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference

rjoyce1 · September 1999

Jerry,
Sorry for this late response, been away on business. Thanks for your valuable input. I didn't realize there could be such a large drop in value. I'll be looking into the used market here in eastern PA. first. Thanks again, Ron

robbk6 · October 1999

I recently bought a 94 Astro (extended body) with a Gladiator conversion. I paid 4800, it has 90000 miles(lowest of any car I have incl my 95 escort I bought new), the interior was a little worn but not terribly bad. Only problem is the TV doesn't work. Any body know of good places to find 9" tv's. On the web or actual stores are fine. My local area doesn't have anything but Sears but I do travel alot. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Robb

guitarzan · October 1999

Is this a Sears hardware or Sears department store? The department stores, even if they don't have a TV in stock (which some of them do carry 9" TV's) should also be able to order one for you. You can get a head start by checking out the major manufacturers web pages. Magnavox and Sony come to mind as making these. The Sony was much pricier than others (I used to sell them), however, it's reception was much better!

If you have a good place to order from folks, feel free to post it!

guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference

alfred1 · October 1999

I'm looking for a place to buy a new conversion van. I'm looking for a great looking conversion kit. Mark II has one that is ok, but I'm looking for a better one.

fsobo · October 1999

I'm looking to buy a 99 leftover conversation van either a Mark III, LA West, or Universal. Would like to find out what the dealers invoice is on the conversation, the same way I've found the manufactures invoice on the van and options. Can anyone help?

guitarzan · October 1999

Jboater, thanks for all your help throughout this topic!

He has a NADA book fsobo, perhaps he'll be back around soon.

guitarzan
Community Leader/Vans Conference

Karen_S · October 1999

...Jboater is a gem!

Thanks for all the info, Jboater!

KarenS
Vans host

fsobo · October 1999

Thanks guitarzan & KarenS! I've seen his input and hopefully jboater will have information that will be helpful. Leaning more to the Ford E157 Universal done by Glaval. The dealer gave me a copy of his invoice from Glaval showing a $6183.oo price. Does anyone have a feel for the fairness of this document?

jboater · October 1999

Hi:
I've been a bit busy and haven't checked in for a while.
NADA indicates that info on Universal for model years 1997, 1998, and 1999 are not available due to a lack of response from the manufacturer for pricing info. Original MSRP's for the 1996 model year range from 8195. to 14595. depending on the conversion model.
Mark III MSRP's on 1999 full size van models range from 4499. to 11999.
L.A. West MSRP's on 1999 models range from 6495. to 15465. again depending on the conversion model.

My reference to model, as an example, would be LA West Elite or Enterprise, or Excalibur. Then there are two versions of each of these defined as Low Roof and Sport Roof.

As you can see, I would need rather specific info to provide a more detailed answer.

Feel free to follow up if I can be of more help.

Jerry

jboater · October 1999

Hi again,

THANK YOU both for the nice acknowledgement.

I hope the info is both informative and useful to the individuals who have made the requests.

Jerry

andisgd · October 1999

I am looking at conversion vans but don't know
what size engine is needed and would a v6 or v8 be better which is considered safer and more reliable
I need to also know about a 3 vs a 4 auto so when I talk to a dealer I don't sound like an idot. They ask so many questions and I wnat to make sure I am getting what is needed.

jboater · October 1999

andisgd:
An expert I'm not. My comments are simply from my personal experience with admittedly only a few vans.
V6 vs V8 in a full size van - The Ford I'm driving came with the 4.6L V8. I've found it to be quite okay given my use of the van. Generally, commuting and hauling personal stuff in the van. I don't tow anything with it. Personally, I lean toward a V8 because of the weight of the van. Which V8 is a matter of what is available on the "in stock" vans because I don't buy "built to order". The bigger the better, unless there is a substantial difference in EPA fuel ratings.
Transmissions - I'm not certain, but you may not have a choice on transmissions. It looks like Ford and GM both use a 4 speed automatic. Heavy duty versions on 3/4 ton and one ton chassis.
Conversion company - search about for a company whom you believe has a solid reputation and good product quality. It could make a difference should you have a warranty claim. It may also make a difference in overall durability of the interior, electrical, stripping, and other components installed by the conversion company.
Test drive - on an x-way at posted speed, windows up, radio off. Listen for road and wind noise. Some conversions have little or sub-standard sound insulation and noise levels are noticeably higher than in others.
Rear Air/Heat - this is, in my book, a must have - can't do without "option". Usually found on mid to higher priced vans. Dealers will offer after market install of this but I prefer the van manufacturer version.

I hope this is of some help.

Jerry

sanginij · October 1999

Jboater,

Hi. I'm trying to figure a fair price for a '99 Chevy Express Benchmark Conversion van. It has all the bells and whistles, TV, VCP, 2 CD's, 5.7 V-8, etc. with only 3,000 miles. The dealer is asking $29,900. They seem eager to move and willing to negotiate...any suggestions? Compared to some conversion packages, the Benchmark seems to be very nice, but I don't have any idea what is a fair price for this vehicle. Thanks in advance!
Garth

sanginij · October 1999

Jboater, et. all,

Hi. I'm trying to figure a fair price for a '99 Chevy Express Benchmark Conversion van. It has all the bells and whistles, TV, VCP, 2 CD's, 5.7 V-8, etc. with only 3,000 miles. The dealer is asking $29,900. They seem eager to move and willing to negotiate...any suggestions? Compared to some conversion packages, the Benchmark seems to be very nice, but I don't have any idea what is a fair price for this vehicle. Thanks in advance!
Garth

jboater · October 1999

sanginij,

Not mention or reference to Benchmark is made in the NADA book.

Jerry

sanginij · October 1999

Jerry,

Thanks for checking on the Benchmark for me. By the way, do you have a preference when it comes to GM or Ford vans? Also, do you have any recommendations on conversion packages I should stay away from or those that I should seriously consider? Again, thanks in advance for your help.

sanginij

sanginij · October 1999

Jerry,

I've come across a '96 GMC Savana Explorer (Level 4) conversion van. It has 57,xxx miles, cloth interior, and the 5.7 V-8. The dealer is asking $21,900. They said they could come down a couple of hundred...yea, just a couple! Any ideas on a good price? Thanks for your help.

sanginij

sanginij · October 1999

Jerry,

Correction: It is an Explorer Limited, Level 3, not a Level 4. (I was told it was level 4, but then they said it was a level 3 with all the options of a level 4 except for leather and a compass.) Thanks for your help.

sanginij

jboater · November 1999

sanginij,
NADA has no info on Explorer. NADA book on the '96 cargo with cd, rear air, and anti theft is whsle. 12,400. retail 14,800. less 450. mileage adjustment.
I don't know if LA West is a fair comparison but, their '96 Elite Sport roof (2nd most expensive) had an msrp of 11,244. used whsle is 4430. retail 5910. and their Enterprise Sport roof (3rd most expensive) msrp 8494. used whsle. 3010. retail 4030.

I quoted the cargo values because it more closely represents the vehicle the converter uses although the values are for a fully oem manufactured van. As such the combined values here might well still be on the high side.

Jerry

sanginij · November 1999

Jboater,
Thanks for the information on the explorer van. When buying a conversion van, would you recommend offering a price somewhere near whsle? What if I'm not trading another vehicle in?
sanginij

jboater · November 1999

sanginij,
The seller's asking price and your opening offer establishes the negotiating range. If the seller accepts your opening offer, you may have offered to pay more than was necessary or you found a seller who was under pressure to sell. Book values are a tool to help buyers and sellers determine approximate values. When buying a used vehicle, it will also be helpful to further research your market area in newspaper classifieds and auto swapper magazines. The more information you have, the less likely you'll suffer buyer's remorse.
The trade-in, should be viewed as a separate transaction from the proposed purchase vehicle. This will eliminate manipulation of the price of a purchase vehicle and eliminate your focusing on "how much one dealer vs another dealer is giving you on the trade". You should know what a fair wholesale or trade-in value is for the particular vehicle you are trading in. Each component in a transaction should be viewed independently and always assume that each component is negotiable. That includes the cost of extended warranties, interest rates on dealer arranged financing, document preparation, vehicle preparation, etc. If you don't like the offered price but want the product, offer to pay an amount you feel comfortable with. An extended warranty at 50% to 75% of the offered price might be quite attractive.
As a buyer you want to pay the least amount possible and as a seller (trade-in) you want to receive the highest amount possible. Given your research efforts, it appears to me that you will do well in the acquisition of your next vehicle.

Jerry

eyoleven · November 1999

I am in need of wholesale and retail pricing of my 1995 Ford E-150 Conversion Van. It is a Mark III conversion and has a 5.8L. I have tried looking at the various web sites with no success. This is the only plac I have seen where this info is discussed. Can someone help? jboater, are you out there?

sanginij · November 1999

Jerry,

Thank you for the informative buying/selling tips--I plan to put them to good use in the not too distant future! This site is a real must for anyone interested in purchasing a new or used conversion van--or any vehicle for that matter.

sanginij

jboater · November 1999

sanginij,
YOUR WELCOME!

Jerry

jboater · November 1999

eyoleven,
NADA book on the conversion, whsle 1550. retail 2080.
'95 Cargo van whsle 9700. retail 11900. Average mileage range is 60 - 65k miles

Jerry

eyoleven · November 1999

I applaud your efforts along with sanginij!! I have enjoyed reading your posts and appreciate looking up those values for me.

jboater · November 1999

eyoleven,
our welcome!

Jerry

fauxpa · November 1999

this was just the info I needed - thank you.

jboater · November 1999

Fauxpa,

Your welcome!

Jerry

tsangac · November 1999

I was negotiating an E-150 4.2L V6 conversion van at the end of October. Edmunds listed rebates of $2000 and incentive of $1000 and I bargained accordingly (without good info on the true conversion price from Elk). When the deal finally closed in November, I realized that Ford's rebate had been increased to $2500 on that van. Even on this day, the incentive and rebate page is 2 weeks behind schedule. In the process of negotiation, I even offered $150 over my original, without knowledge of the rebate increase. Buyers out there look out!

hockeydad8 · November 1999

Hi everyone,

Last year we purchased a used 96 Dodge 2500 High-Top Mark III LX conversion van, with leather interior. It currently has 59,500 miles on it. When we purchased it as a third vehicle we had no idea how much we would be using it. I am now considering trading it in along with one of our other cars for a New (99) conversion van. My first question is "Does anyone have any idea how much my 96 should be worth on a trade?" And second, does anyone have an idea of dealer cost for a 1999 Dodge 1500 Elk Limited conversion van with leather interior. So I have a idea as to where to start the negotiations with the dealer?

any information would be greatly appreciated.

hockeydad8 · November 1999

Jerry,

The info is greatly appreciated. One question, On the Elk pricing, is the used/wholesale price the Dealer cost? Or is that the retail number?

Thanks again

hockeydad8 · November 1999

Jerry,

The info is greatly appreciated. One question, On the Elk pricing, is the used/wholesale price the Dealer cost? Or is that the retail number?

Thanks again

jboater · November 1999

hockeydad8,

NADA doesn't have dealer cost for new units.
I've provided used wholesale (trade-in) and used retail to help in your decision as to the amount you might wish to pay.

Jerry

1307jeter · November 1999

I presently own a 1995 Dodge B2500 Hi top mark III Conversion van. I do not know if there is a name for my particular conversion model. I am trying to get an idea of its trade in value. It has the SLT package with 5.8 liter, od trans., dual air, Premium sound,rear heat, I also added a leaf to the rear springs to bring the back up level with the front.it has 53,500 miles on it and is in good shape. New Michelins put on about 15,000 miles ago. if anybody has any idea about how I can figure out a fair trade in price please let me know. Thank you Todd

fadp · November 1999

Dear Jerry,
Please help me price out (wholesale/retail) my
1996 Chev Express 1500 Gladiator(Designer Series)
HiTop Conversion Van. The original MSRP for the
conversion package in 09/96 was approx $25,000.
The van has 52200 mi, w/a $0 ded ext warranty to
09/2001 or 75000 mi. In add to the top-of-the-
line conv package w/ all of the "bells and
whistles", it has a 5.7/V-8 eng w/battery
guard, and all other listed options on your price
guide for this particular model. It has 4 new
Firestone Affinity Tires @ 42000 mi (12/98).
Both inside and outside are in excellent condition

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Warren

jboater · November 1999

1307jeter,
NADA values;
Mark III original msrp 4619. used whsle 1550. used retail 2080.
'95 Dodge whsle 8650. retail 10775. plus 700. for SLT and 400. low miles.
Try comparing chassis value with Edmunds.

Jerry

matt77 · November 1999

Jerry,
Thanks for getting back. I won't actually be attemping to sell my '98 Chev Gladiator until third quarter '00, so maybe something will be out there by then. Meanwhile, I will try and give Glavel a call.

Matt

1307jeter · November 1999

Jerry,
Thank you so much for the information about pricing my van. It gives me a good starting point.
Thanks again, Todd

acabthomas · November 1999

What's a fair trade-in value for the following
conversion van:

1995 Chevy G20 Van, 5.7L, Upfitter package, front & rear heat & A/C, power windows/locks/seats, cruise control, tilt wheel, ABS, AM/FM cassette, TV, VCP, rally wheels, HD radiator & trans cooling, full-size spare, no leather

High-Top Conversion by Tiara Motorcoach

52,000 miles, excellent condition, no scratches,
dings, or rust, minimal wear

Thanks.

jboater · November 1999

acabthomas,
There are 15 models for the '95 Tiara. I'm unable to differentiate or identify yours without the model name.

Jerry

acabthomas · November 1999

It's the Emerald model - hopefully that's what you need. It also says "model: CON TIARA".

Thanks!

glittle1 · November 1999

I found a '95 Chevy G20, 5.7 V8,3.42 rear end,81,000 miles,clean. Conversion done by US Conversions/ Kenron( maybe Kentron?). All leather,TV and VCP, LCD tv screens on the back of all the capt. chairs. Fine high gloss wood trim.The '95 is old body style but looks good. Ever hear of this conversion company?

jboater · November 1999

glittle1,
NADA lists U.S. Conversions by Kentron, Inc. Elkhart, IN
Says "no longer in production". 1995 was last year produced.
Models were Biscayne, Kingline, Legacy, Legend, Legend Designer, Park Ave., Phoenix, Phoenix Designer, Rockport, and Seville.

Jerry

Conversion Van Pricing

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