Never thought I'd own a Van....

[86Scotty]

I would skip this van. I tend to agree with Simplesez above. These old E150's are a dime a dozen. Maybe 2 dozen, they just aren't where you happen to be right now. I could find you 50 tomorrow for $1k in the Southeast. Plus, it looks like it probably smells like ass.

If you want to convert to 4wd find an e250/e350 and be willing to travel. There are about a hundred stories on this forum if you dig deep enough where recovery missions (trips to pick up a van somewhere far away) have made amazing memories for people.

On the flip side you could buy this one (I wouldn't offer half what he's asking) and go with it for now leaving as 2wd to see if van life is for you guys. Don't be afraid to upgrade.

Either way you'll get lots of help and support here. Glad to have you along.

You have spoken and people here will help you find what you're looking for.

[BrianW]

Wow, that van linked in the SLO CL ad is NOT one I’d be too keen on. 94 with 180k miles for $3500? No way. I agree with Eric: old conversion vans like that are fairly common. Nothing special about that interior at all, and it could be easily replicated with a weekend and a trip to Home Depot. I’m not against older vans at all (I have a 98 E250 SMB), for the record.

[BroncoHauler]

Here's one that should be for sale soon.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2019/12...edged-building


Herb

[Grampswrx]

Here are a bunch of better vans for similar money:


https://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/...034793021.html


https://philadelphia.craigslist.org/...026403558.html


https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...026141426.html


https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/c...039582333.html

[Grampswrx]

I echo everyone else: buying the wrong base van to start with will destroy your budget. DO NOT GET AN E-150. The spring mounts are narrower and there’s all kinds of extra work that will have to be done to 4x4 convert it. Unless it’s a 2008+, which isn’t in the budget.

Saving $2500 on a van will go out the window when it costs an extra $5000 to get it where you want.

Fly out to get a van and convert it in a Home Depot parking lot for the drive back.

[BrianW]

^^The Philadelphia CL van is about 15 mins from where I live if anyone wants me to take a look.

[BenJJ]

Originally Posted by CGgonzo12

I honestly looked around on Craigslist for the last hour and never came across that van. That's frustrating. I am not sure how much offroading we would do to be honest but I do like the idea of being able to do it. So the van you just posted although and E150 would be the better V8? or am I misunderstanding?

1997 is the year they swapped over to the 5.4L Triton v8 which has a good reputation and been used up until 2016. 1996 and younger would either have a 4.9L or 5.8L v8 according to wikipedia. Other members on here would be better suited to discuss the differences between the motors and discuss the limitations of the 5.4 v8 in an offroad scenario if there are any. I think the general rule of thumb is that if you aren't towing anything that engine should be very capable.

[Cyrull]

Here are the most common repairs/fixes for your vehicle you were originally looking at. I'd check all of these components before you decide to purchase if that is something you are still interested in.

[Glen]

Guess I just need to be patient, I don't know exactly how much camping/off trail stuff I will be doing so having the smaller V8 may or may not affect me.

To be honest.... I am not sure what to do at this point

For what it's worth, even though I didn't know a whole lot about the specifics of owning one, I've wanted a Sportsmobile type van for as long as I can remember. It wasn't until I retired a couple of years ago that I was finally in a position to scratch that itch. Once I got my wife to say yes, I got into a bit of a frenzy looking for something before she changed her mind. However, it actually took a while before I found the right one at the right price.

I joined this forum and tried to learn as much as I could so while I was searching I had a much better idea of what to look for and what to stay away from. The van I ended up buying was posted on this forum and a big part of my decision was actually based on the comments/opinions/suggestions from some of the senior members. All I can say is I'm SOOOO glad I waited until the right one for me came along.

[86Scotty]

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Here's one that should be for sale soon.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2019/12...edged-building


Herb

Yep, great deals are falling out of the sky.

Obviously he was just trying to get all of the trash out from under the seats but there are easier ways. What a stooge.