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Old 04-13-2014, 10:33 PM   #1
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My new van!

I've been actively trying to buy a van for myself for the last couple of months. The first one I thought I was going to buy, the seller decided to sell it to someone else after telling me he would sell it to me. The second one, I rented a car and drove 2.5 hours but had to walk away from it due to some fuel or oil leaks on the 7.3 and it was way more beat up than the seller described. After looking relentlessly on CL, ebay, and autotrader, I finally found one that I really liked and was actually one of my top color choices.

Its an 05 E350 Chateau with the V10. I don't know what the color is called, but its like a military looking green with a dark grey lower trim panel. I read countless threads on several different forums on V10 vs V8 and I didn't necessarily want a V10 but when trying to find a used vehicle, you can't be too picky. With the V10, I think I get the torqshift transmission, so that seems like a bonus. It is also equipped with the 4.10 LSD rear end so when it gets lifted, it should work well with the taller tires.

Buying this van didn't go without a hitch though... long story short, I negotiated a price before I made the drive but when I got there, the van had a few more dings and scratches than originally portrayed. I basically told them that I would give them way less and they said no way. When I told them "ok, no problem" and walked out the door, they caught up to me and said they'll talk with another manager and to see what they can do. Turns out they wanted to sell the van so I got my price and here we are.

I'm pretty excited to have this van in my driveway. I looked up Action Van's website and turns out they have a picture of the same color van with the same wheels that I was thinking would look good. I've attached it below. Hopefully I can find a pre-owned kit soon because I've been itching to have a lifted van for some time now. Anyways, thanks to those of you who I PM'd and sought advice from. I was torn between a couple different vans, but then this one popped up and it all worked out.



Chateau interior with quad captains chairs


What it will look like with the lift...



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Old 04-13-2014, 10:34 PM   #2
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Re: My new van!

As far as the plans for this van, its really just to do some aesthetic mods and thats it. We still have our SMB so this van will be used for my side business (photo booth rentals) and family trips where we will need more room than my wife's XC90.

Oh and on the drive home, I got 12.78 mpg hand calculated. Hoping a tune and air intake will help that out a little when I get some more funds to throw at this thing.
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Old 04-13-2014, 10:57 PM   #3
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Re: My new van!

Wow another two van crew...killer
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Old 04-14-2014, 12:30 AM   #4
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Re: My new van!

Mikracer

Glad you found a van, love the color.
Buck
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Old 04-14-2014, 01:16 AM   #5
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Re: My new van!

Very nice van! I also love this color combo
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Old 04-14-2014, 05:36 AM   #6
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Re: My new van!

Great find, especially with the 4 Captain's chairs. Persistence pays off.


Herb
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Old 04-14-2014, 08:20 AM   #7
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Re: My new van!

Very nice man! Congrats on the find.

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Old 04-14-2014, 02:29 PM   #8
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Re: My new van!

Thanks guys! I'm pretty excited about finding this van. Now I need to save up for the mods!
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Old 04-14-2014, 02:38 PM   #9
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Re: My new van!

great color!
congratulations on your find!
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Old 04-15-2014, 04:53 PM   #10
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Re: My new van!

Very sweet! Congrats!
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