Seeking SMB

[Montanami]

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/...021178967.html

So....you senior members...what is “wrong” with this one? Here are my details to narrow down what I’m trying to find:
Single mom that doesnt want to break down (not that anyone does!) or have vehicle have issues on the road. Don’t want to spend $80k. Prefer gas over diesel due to Montana, Wy, and Co cold weather camping and ability of rig to start without issue. RB a must, no EB. Have a Westfalia to sell with full camper setup and suby engine. Really appreciate this group and all that I am learning from you.

[gahamby]

A little high on the miles. The rear end is squatting. You don't really want a diesel.
Post a pic of the Westy.

[Montanami]

Thank you! Hmmm...may only have pick of Westy in background, kiddo in foreground. Awesome VW wrench in BV CO is changing oil and checking it over 100% for its adventures with whomever purchases.

[Montanami]

Ps...is a 4.6 V-8 enough engine...its on a non 4x4, but wondering about conversion. Thank you

[gahamby]

The 4.6 will be disappointing.

[Montanami]

Darn. Sweet one in Ventura.

[Montanami]

[arctictraveller]

The 4.6 is a bit under powered for anything but flat freeway cruising. If your towing, driving through mountain passes or at higher altitude you will find it lacking, but usable. You will just need to downshift a lot more. A diesel will give you way more power and better mileage, but at the cost of increased maintenance expense and noise. The 5.4's are much cheaper to maintain and rarely have issues that are show stoppers. They fire up easily in cold weather, and have mostly adequate power. The V10 has gobs of power, are just as reliable, but at the cost of worse mileage than the 5.4. I wouldn't even consider a 6.0 unless it's been completely Bullet proofed.
Your Craigslist find has higher mileage, but it shouldn't be a big concern assuming it's had regular maintenance. With any engine, there are known issues, most of which are not too bad to fix. The gas motors loose ignition coils and fuel pumps occasionally. The 7.3 tends to need new crank position sensors every few years. In your price range, you should be able to find what your looking for, but it may take a while, and will probably sell quickly so be ready to move at a moments notice before someone else does. Best of luck.........

[Montanami]

Thank you so much! 5.4 it is, RB, now it just has to show up!! Appreciate all the patience and info

[Marcel Huijser]

We have a 7.3 diesel and use it year round in Montana. Having a programmable coolant heater makes it possible to start the engine regardless of how cold it is. It works much better than a block heater, but the real benefit is of course that the coolant heater allows for an off grid camp. Note that a coolant heater is not cheap..