Should I buy this van?

SDSMB8 · 07-25-2018, 05:54 PM

Spent an hour on the phone with the seller. It's an hour and a half drive, so I am a little hesitant to make the drive if it's not a solid yes.

He says everything is perfect EXCEPT...the digital mileage indicator reads "error". He says it's because the sun damaged the instrument cluster and they tried to swap it out with a used one. Not sure if this is true or now, of course. He also says it had 160k miles previously.

Any advice?

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/...653302960.html

**BroncoHauler** · 07-25-2018, 06:05 PM

Looks pretty damn clean.

Any chance you can get the VIN and run a CARFAX? I don't think a whole lot about that service, but if the van has been to a dealer, or another service center that reports mileage, it may help validate the mileage claim.

Will you be able to register the van in your state without a working odometer? Might be worthwhile to ask your DMV before you go any further.

Herb

Twoxentrix · 07-25-2018, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Looks pretty damn clean.

Any chance you can get the VIN and run a CARFAX? I don't think a whole lot about that service, but if the van has been to a dealer, or another service center that reports mileage, it may help validate the mileage claim.

Will you be able to register the van in your state without a working odometer? Might be worthwhile to ask your DMV before you go any further.

Herb

Strongly suggest you take the advise above - I'd also reach out to Ford Dealer to see if a Code Reader can retrieve mileage???

Grampswrx · 07-25-2018, 06:49 PM

In CA they would probably just mark it TMU (true mileage unknown) on the title and let you drive away in it. Either way, its on the seller to make that happen, not you. Unless you are buying it "as is." Can you go with the seller to AAA to get it registered when you buy it? That might work. Then you would know for sure.

BrianW · 07-26-2018, 06:38 AM

Ad says they have receipts for work done, which should all have mileage noted on them I’d think.

Teeth · 07-26-2018, 10:34 AM

I was going to order a new digital cluster once and the people that rebuild them were going to reprogram the VIN and exact mileage into it. It was a long time ago, and I can't say for sure you'll still find people that will do any gauge cluster.. but if you can find a place that would do yours they might have some input or you could ask the seller to do it prior to the sale maybe?

Otherwise, a branded title means nothing unless you are going to sell it... then it can make things scary to potential buyers.

Steve C · 07-26-2018, 10:52 AM

Seems like 1 1/2 hours is nothing to go see the van. I picked up my first van in April and it took me a flight from Idaho to San Jose to see it and drive it home.

The van you're looking at seems VERY clean and priced to GO! If I was you, I'd follow the advice from the previous members, then run don't walk to go look at it (before someone else does). That is if that's the van you want...

VanDude72 · 07-26-2018, 07:14 PM

No Brainier.. the price is right! Even if there was no odo... It runs drives and stops... You can eat sleep and #2 in it.. $8500.. what is that two months rent for a studio apartment in LA.. go get it and forget the unknown mileage.. drive it.. enjoy..

86Scotty · 07-26-2018, 09:35 PM

I would take Herb's advice above so YOU know how many miles are on it, but I agree it doesn't really matter on a 23 year old van. Judging by the clean condition and it having a 7.3 it seems like a deal to me!

If you get it you have to keep the hubcaps......and the horseshoe.

Slicks · 07-26-2018, 11:16 PM

Looks like it is gone already, seemed like a great deal.