Would any of you buy an auction van?

[Otter]

Hers the nice thing about government or other big fleet vans: since they're not owned by individuals, they're generally well maintained and serviced because they get called in on a regular schedule and the cost isn't out of anyone's personal pocket.

I used to work in the fleet department of a nationwide company and we brought those cars in religiously for service and kept them in top shape to cut down on repairs.

[Sheriffdoug]

Originally Posted by bongcrosby

I'm interested in this van as a base:

2008 Ford E-Series Van E350 Super Duty Extended | eBay

It's pretty much what I'm after: V10, extended, cargo, and super low miles. How much is a pre-purchase inspection usually? How do you go about finding someone out of state to do the inspection? This van is in Chicago. Can anyone tell by the photos what this van was used for? The meter in the photos, is that engine run time?

Thanks

BC

G'day,

Great look'n van, ticks all the boxes. Was it a City Mortuary/Coroners Van?

[bongcrosby]

Originally Posted by Sheriffdoug

G'day,

Great look'n van, ticks all the boxes. Was it a City Mortuary/Coroners Van?

I don't know. I talked to the guy at the lot and he wasn't sure where it came from other than a government auction. He told me this is the last of eight vans he purchased, all with between 4k and 9k miles on them.

[cmmitch357]

I bought my E-350 from a dealer that buys them at government auction. It came from the LA DWP. They need 4x4 vans to service the power poles that can be reached only via dirt road. Mine is also a V10 gasser.

It's got 160k miles on it, but I've never had a problem with it. I've had it for 5 years, but it only comes out 4 times a year.

As Otter said above, these things are fleet serviced vehicles, so they get all the care and feeding they need.

I'd say it's a really good deal.