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Old 12-24-2013, 12:49 PM   #1
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What would you do?

I am looking at an SMB that is in another state. It had a performance inspection done on it. Most everything was good, except they noted the engine idle quality as "poor". The van is a 1999 Dodge.

If I buy this, I'll be flying out there to drive back over two days. The guy said he's take my offer but only if I take it as-is, which of course now makes me even more nervous. I don't mind having some repairs, but am a little concerned about having to replace an engine right off the bat. More importantly, I don't want to get completely stranded on the way back.

Thoughts? Would you take this chance? I know the report is vague. The power delivery was listed as good though.

Thanks for any feedback!

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Old 12-24-2013, 02:40 PM   #2
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Re: What would you do?

Other than records I'd think you'll just have to go and see for yourself unless you have a friend closer. Find a local mechanic and test everything.

Sending an oil sample can help, but you have to do it or trust the guy to send you some oil and hope he didn't just change it.
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Old 12-24-2013, 03:40 PM   #3
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Re: What would you do?

How many miles? Poor idle can indicate a tune-up is needed, but can also indicate a cylinder imbalance which often does mean a new motor is needed. Unlike the Fords, the Dodge V8 is pretty much a 150k mile motor. It can go longer under light use and perfect maintenance, where the Ford gas motors can hit 500K under similar use. It is not coincidence you don't see Dodge Magnum trucks and vans for sale with ultra-high miles.
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Old 12-24-2013, 03:55 PM   #4
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Re: What would you do?

Can you tell us where the van is located? A forum member may be close enough and willing to take a look at it for you.

Did the performance inspection report have the cylinder compression checked/listed? That will tell you a lot about the engine. If they should be all in the same range indicating equal wear. If one or two are way out I would pass.
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Old 12-24-2013, 04:27 PM   #5
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Re: What would you do?

What would I Do is the question.

I think any used vehicle is bought "as-is".

With the lack of information you provided I would do nothing. It sounds like you don't know anything, and perhaps do not know anything about the vehicle to know if even a good deal.

I imagine you know the price. Perhaps you want to share price and pictures so others can comment.

I never had any issues with my Dodge SMB and it had 66,000 miles on it.

I think you are best served having someone look at it and tell you what is right and wrong and how much to fix it and if worth fixing at all if you buy it.
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Old 12-24-2013, 04:45 PM   #6
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Re: What would you do?

Thanks for all the replies. I know without seeing the van it is all one big question mark.

The report was already done and it is general, not comprehensive. Basically it was just a test drive with an eye out for troubles.

I was expecting the van to be as-is, it just made me more cautious when the seller specifically proclaimed it.

Hopefully I can get someone out there to see it.

I wondered why the Dodge SMBs seem to sit a while while the Fords get snarfed up right away!
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Old 12-24-2013, 04:51 PM   #7
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Re: What would you do?

The van has about 110k. The listing price is 14k.
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Old 12-24-2013, 06:15 PM   #8
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Re: What would you do?

Quote:
Originally Posted by jpau00

I wondered why the Dodge SMBs seem to sit a while while the Fords get snarfed up right away!
The biggest reason is probably the lack of a true frame in the Dodge, which makes it much more difficult to turn into a 4x4.

Also, the badges don't translate well... I.e. a Dodge 3500 van will have less GVWR than an E250 or even newer E150 van, which means you can't build as heavy without going over GVWR (not that the Ford vans don't go way over too ).

Drivability wise the Dodge vans tend to fall short, and the aftermarket doesn't really exist like it does for the Ford vans. Finally, reliability is a factor. And has been even before they stopped making them, and was a huge reason fleets were avoiding them even though sticker was many thousands less. If it weren't for the low sticker price, they probably would have stopped finding buyers for them in the mid-90s.

That said, and low-milaege and well-maintained Dodge will still probably last longer than a Ford that's been neglected.
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Old 12-24-2013, 07:49 PM   #9
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Re: What would you do?

Sorry,

Its the one at the Texas SMB. Here's the link.
http://sportsmobile.com/preowns/21

Its been there a while, so that may speak of issues.
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Old 12-25-2013, 03:20 AM   #10
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Re: What would you do?

^^The link isn't working.
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