Let me be the first to more loudly say there's not a blamed thing wrong with your current van----nothing!! At 112K miles its barely broken in drive line-wise---I have a 2000 DD with 272K miles on its 5.4 and it runs perfectly. Please don't dump this one with that little mileage on it.
The 2005 E150 is still the "light weight" chassis version which would not be something I'd want in a van. While its cargo weight capacity can be increased you still have the less robust frame and chassis of the E150. If there's an upside to the one linked it's the existing upfitted SMB conversion, the proverbial turn key acquisition.
Your anticipated build-out plans say to me the linked E150 isn't something you'd truly benefit from, basically it has too much stuff, more than you believe you need or want. Yes that pop top is nice but do you really, really need or want it? Would it be something you can live without and still have a decent vehicle?
As for styling is that also that big a deal? While changing the front sheet metal is relatively easy for an advance DIY'er is the expense and trouble worth a bit of cosmetic surgery? Or did I miss the part where you're incredibly wealthy and cost doesn't figure into such decisions?
Would new sheet metal make it run better, give it more dependability, add to its eventual resale value, make it less prone to normal mechanical issues?
You already have a well running van whose history of maintenance and upkeep is known to you. Its most likely paid which makes it a beautiful thing. As such its a great base to do your minimal build out now, the chassis and engine more than suitable for additional upfitting down the road.
Were this my choice I'd first have the current van thoroughly gone over; front end inspection, flush transmission, brakes, change plugs (if more than 50K on existing)---just everything that typically needs attention. You'll have an incredibly reliable van and can gloat at those with payments on something "new" to boot.
SilVan
Sportsmobile (AKA Money Pit)
Linear Mode
