Long shot - anyone in Point Richmond CA to check out SMB?

[tdgsmb]

Hi -

I am a first time poster - have been watching for quite a while for an affordable Sportsmobile. There is an older (1997) SMB with rebuilt engine in the San Francisco area:

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/rvs/2034161222.html

Pictures are here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/84615657@N ... 508709317/

I am in Southern Utah, and just wondering if someone is very close and has time to swing by to take a quick look and/or has a trusted mechanic in the area for a pre-purchase evaluation if I do head out in person.

I realize this is a long shot, but thought it could not hurt to post.

Also, please send any questions that must be asked when buying a Sportsmobile of this age - things a newbie would definitely not think to ask.

Thanks,

- Tom

[billwilson]

$27k for a 1997 seems a tad steep
HOWEVER, recent engine, rear and tranny do raise the value

i am in so cal, so i cant help

comments gents?

[tdgsmb]

I agree, but thought it may be worth a look in case it is exceptionally well taken care of. 13 years may be the point where alot of things start breaking...

[jage]

4x4 Dodge, I'd have a lot of questions about the origin of that... don't think I've ever seen one and you want to know what replacement parts it may need, whether it came new or was added later.

My PH bars bend exactly like that- I've always wondered if it was damage, but it doesn't affect anything that I can tell.

Looks like onboard propane, so you should have a CO detector and a propane detector. The CO detectors need to be replaced every few years.

Overall, cute and looks like good condition. I'm always a bit leery over rebuilt trannys and running gear... every piece that wasn't gone over has exactly as many miles as ruined the ones that had to be rebuilt, or were cared for in the same manner that ruined them, or et. cetera, et. cetera.

Dodges like that should be wider than a similar Ford, so you get more room across likely.

[macmcintire]

My opinion -- it is over-priced, even though it is in great shape. Keep looking. A year ago I bought my 2002 Ford E250 Sportsmobile in absolutely perfect, spotless shape with 28,000 miles on it for less than $32,000. Don't settle for a lesser Sportsmobile when patience may payoff in the long run. There must be a reason why Sportsmobile stopped converting Dodge Vans. If you could get this one for $15,000 it might be a good deal, but I think what they are asking for it is way too much! Just my two cents.

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by macmcintire

...There must be a reason why Sportsmobile stopped converting Dodge Vans. ...

I believe it was only because Dodge stopped making the vans in favor of (importing) the Sprinters.

[Ford_6L_E350]

The 4x4 certainly adds to the value. But, as to what it is worth??? These vans are very difficult to get a fix on the value. Just not enough of them sold to be sure of the pricing.

Mike