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Old 12-20-2014, 01:31 PM   #1
Dia
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2011 E350 RB w/top - WE HAVE A RIG!

See end of thread for update. We caved and applied for a loan. Loan's approved; she's ours and her name is Lola.
--------------------


Hi, all,

I've been talking with a dealer about this vehicle: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale ... =384861499

It's a 2011 RB, 55,000 miles with one bench seat and a manual poptop, and it's listed for $14,484. The issue is that the dealer says it's having transmission problems, and they might send it straight to auction and not sell it retail.

The basic warranty has expired, but the drivetrain warranty is still in force.

I've seen the carfax, and it's clean, one owner, regular oil changes and no accidents.

Pursue or back away?




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Old 12-20-2014, 02:38 PM   #2
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

It seems cheap enough that you could afford to spend a few thousand on a transmission and still be ahead - if you can live with the layout.

Mike
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Old 12-20-2014, 03:00 PM   #3
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

They think the transmission issue came from the factory that way? I'd like to know what caused the transmission to fail in the first place and if it's connected to something else that might fail. It can be replaced.
Maybe price a new trany and torque converter, then go from there. Hard to say but the body looks good. Are you OK with a manual lift top?
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Old 12-20-2014, 03:11 PM   #4
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

All they've said is that it has a transmission problem, and they may decide not to sell it retail. I don't know if a light is on, or if it drives funky or what. It's in Texas, and I'm in Cali, so I can't really zip over and see.

Re: the top - I'm OK with manual because the price is so low that even if I convert to electric, I'm still ahead of the game. That top is worth what - 6 or 8 grand?
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Old 12-20-2014, 03:28 PM   #5
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

Quote:
Originally Posted by daveb
They think the transmission issue came from the factory that way? I'd like to know what caused the transmission to fail in the first place and if it's connected to something else that might fail. It can be replaced....
Makes me wonder if it towed heavy a lot. Then again, there are some problems that can get misdiagnosed as trans problems. I'd commission a reputable local mechanic to check it out.


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Old 12-20-2014, 04:35 PM   #6
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

Even if you have to rebuild the trans and had to put in about $3-4K, I think its a decent buy. KBB in "good" condition is $15,800. To put in a manual top from SMB West, its about $7500.

The one thing that caught my eye is the dash. Theres either silicone or a lot of peeling going on. Not sure what thats about.

I think I remember you saying you will need room for your son. If the van doesnt come with the first bench, you could find a bench for pretty cheap and leave the rear bench out. That way your son could sleep in the back on either a cot or sleeping platform.
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Old 12-20-2014, 06:55 PM   #7
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

I wouldn't heaiatate. If it's a real problem, the power train warranty will take of of it.
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Old 12-20-2014, 10:02 PM   #8
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

tranny is cheaper and easier to install than the PH top.........the black rocker panels are interesting....

I wouldn't hesitate either....................
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Old 12-20-2014, 11:15 PM   #9
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

Talk to:
John Wood Automotive
366 Maple Ave
Holtville, CA 92250
ph: 760-356-1734
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Old 12-21-2014, 01:21 AM   #10
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Re: 2011 with transmission issues - back away?

If there is a problem with the transmission and its covered under warranty, it seems like its slam dunk. You'd be buying a van below KBB private party and getting a pop top for free. It doesn't look like theres a bed in the pics, but you can make or buy one.
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