Found a Sportsmobile. What do you Think?

[Adam S]

Hey everyone! Im new here and hoping someone can help me out. A bit about me: I'm 32, and have about 2 more months off of work until I start my new job. I want to take advantage of the time and hit the road. I found 1999 Dodge 2500 Sportsmobile (standard and not extended length) for sale from the original owner. It has just under 75000 original miles. Original paint is in good condition. Things it needs are listed below:

New deep cycle battery to power appliances
New tires
New front and rear pads, rotors, shoes, and drums
Probably new suspension as its all original
A good detailing
New water pump (the one to pump water from the holding tank to the sink)

There are some minor dings, but nothing bad enough that I would bother repairing as I dont need anything fancy. No major rust besides some surface rust to the frame and components under the car. Does this sound good so far? What would you value this car at? Thanks for all the help!

[boywonder]

Welcome.....the stuff that's worn out is pretty typical.....nothing major.....

The water pump is around $60-$70 or so IIRC...search for shurflow RV pump.

Does the van have a pop top?

[Adam S]

It does not have a pop top. However, it does have a higher than normal roof. I can stand up normally inside it and I'm 6 foot.

[MadScience]

Brake disks and tires can add up to real money, since this is a heavy duty vehicle.

Weren't the dodge vans early unibodies? If so, check for rust/rot very carefully.

[Adam S]

Any idea what I should expect to pay for something like this? I know this is a very general question, but if someone has an idea it would help me a ton.

[gcvt]

If it's got a rear Starcool A/C, have the entire system checked out. They're expensive to fix, and they are tied together so if there's a problem it can/will affect the factory A/C and the rear A/C.

Any pics? What's the asking price?

[Adam S]

Ill find out about the A/C system as I am unsure. Asking price is 14K. Ill try to post pics.

[Adam S]

Here are some pics.

[Pntyrmvr]

Strut rod bushings from Moog or the dealer installed exactly as instructed will fix the creaking and snapping over low speed bumps and entrances.

All Dodge vans since 1971 were unibody.

The price is a little high in my mind. Pop top Dodge SMBs are getting $6-8K for late 90's units. Low mileage is a plus, but not enough to justify the difference.

Plan on doing the intake manifold gasket with an aftermarket unit once it starts drinking oil. It may be years til it does, but they all do it eventually.

If you do the water pump put a high quality timing chain set in it with the V-6 chain tensioner. Cheap insurance once you are that far into the engine.

Rad too. Still original?

I've had 7 of these things so feel free to ask questions.

Oh, and paint the roof!


"Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money."

[Adam S]

Pyntrmvr,

That price was in line with what I have seen online as well. It's difficult to price these as there is no KBB for these. Although the seller said he is negotiable, I have a feeling he would not be receptive to an offer that is half of his asking price.