What should I look for in a used van?

[Brewskier]

Hi everyone. I'm an SMB admirer who will likely never acquire one, now that E-series vans are on the way out. I am in the process of buying a house, so it will be several more years before I can even think about getting a van... I obviously can't afford to buy a new one from the factory, and I probably won't even have the cash necessary to buy a used SMB ($50k+), so I'm looking into the possibility of buying a van and adding to it over time. I'm just trying to figure out the best and cheapest ways to go about this.

What's the minimum that I should look for? I'm OK with a gas engine, since diesels are way pricier and require more maintenance. How old should the van be, how many existing miles would be the absolute maximum? I don't plan on towing anything in the future, so I don't need a big frame and powerful engine. I'd be fine with an E-150 with a V8, if that works.

[daveb]

Have you looked at this post?
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=6192

[jage]

Originally Posted by Brewskier

I am in the process of buying a house,

There's your problem ^^

I break it down into must haves and can't change- can't make an RB and EB or vice-versa, where as 4x4 is completely reasonable to have added. Starcool is a ton of work to add, and you can't take out a built in stovetop, well without replacing the counter.

An invertor is add-able, whereas a Suburban heater: you need to be willing to chop a hole in the van body... it breaks down to a personal thing, as I've heard people will do a complete tear out to change the floor plan, but for me that would be a "can't change".

So, make a list of what you absolutely must have and then cross off those things that can be changed, look for a van with the rest. If it has more, great.

Also don't be surprised if the experience of shopping changes your list!