1994 Sportsmobile e350 4x4 - $25000 (Alamosa, CO)

[janliness]

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/rvs/5013823660.html

Looks like a nice rig, no affiliation...

jan

[86Scotty]

That's a nice van at a good price, for a decent mileage 7.3

To consider:
Interior would look great with a cabinet hardware swap out and maybe black T-molding to give it a more modern look.

Grill and headlight swap (read cheap) would make the exterior look 10 years newer.

The seats in my 95 are much more supportive and comfortable than the newer seats IMO, which could be a good thing for someone if these aren't worn out. I've driven a LOT of newer Ford vans.

This Quigley appears to have the older style box control arms which are prone to cracking. They'll need inspection for sure.

At 150k behind a 7.3 the transmission might be about done. Maybe it's been rebuilt by now.

1994 is pre-OBDII. Not sure what that means on a diesel but for the gas models it means no plug and play tuners.

Unfortunately it doesn't look like the original owner opted for pop-out rear windows, which they could've gotten in this year. A huge plus on any 96 or older van.

Looks like the original propane/co2 detector, which will no doubt be gone at this point (they have a definite shelf life). About $50 to replace and I would do it ASAP.

[Bellpilot]

Theses prices just continue to amaze me. $25,000 for a 1994 SMB.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by Bellpilot

Theses prices just continue to amaze me. $25,000 for a 1994 SMB.

You don't think that's fair for a 7.3 with a decent floor plan? Just curious, not being argumentative.

[MrHenrietta]

Originally Posted by Bellpilot

Theses prices just continue to amaze me. $25,000 for a 1994 SMB.

Seems like a good deal to me. Especially if you got him to drop a few grand in the negotiation process...

[Ben10281]

At 150k behind a 7.3 the transmission might be about done. Maybe it's been rebuilt by now.

Not sure if they updated the ad or not but it now says "New Transmission with 3 Yr unlimited mileage warranty"

I have seen several diesels with hood vents to let hot air out(mostly the 6.0L's), but not so much the induction scoop. Is that needed/helpful for the 7.3L turbo?

Any issues with parts availability for a '94 Ford? I know the Fords are more plentiful than the other makes(Dodge/GMC/Chevy) but does that extend all the way back to '94?

[rallypanam]

Originally Posted by Ben10281

I have seen several diesels with hood vents to let hot air out(mostly the 6.0L's), but not so much the induction scoop. Is that needed/helpful for the 7.3L turbo?

I suspect that is due to the aftermarket turbo - which would be my only question on this - Hypermax Turbo and install. That was the 'problem' with these generation 7.3s (94-97).. No turbo. Super reliable, but pretty slow. I have no experience or knowledge on the Hypermax, but that could/would be a great upgrade on these gen motors.

Originally Posted by Ben10281

Any issues with parts availability for a '94 Ford? I know the Fords are more plentiful than the other makes(Dodge/GMC/Chevy) but does that extend all the way back to '94?

Ford parts would not be a problem..

[rallypanam]

P.S. Ben, you know you are ready to upgrade to 4x4 Diesel. Go on, you only live once!

[86Scotty]

Thanks Ben, I didn't catch that about the rebuilt tranny. That's like a multi-thousand discount right there.

Someone else will know for sure, but I'm almost positive this is an aftermarket added turbo. I'll bet that's what the extra breathing is for. The Power Stroke wasn't around, at least in the van, in 1994. Maybe not in any of them. It's still the same 7.3 otherwise I think so parts availability should certainly be no problem.

[BajaSportsmobile]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

This Quigley appears to have the older style box control arms which are prone to cracking. They'll need inspection for sure.

That vintage would have 2" square tube arms with the shock mount welded to the upper arm - I've never seen them crack like the "C" Channel arms do.

Seems like a nice SMB - I just never know what these things are worth.