http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/ctd/2625238580.html http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/cto/2640777289.html
So far the best candidates in terms of price and mileage have been 97-98 dodge rams. That of course is subject to change when looked at in person. I definitely haven't come across any 1 tons or a 7.3. I have found a few AWD but not in my price range. There's some nice astro van conversions but they're not big enough.
You need a BIG van..... Here's the kind of van I was thinking of..this one's a bit pricey though.. http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=307475203&dealer_id=63719703&car_year=2003&systime=&doors=&model=G15EXP&search_lang=en&start_year=1996&body_style=VANS&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=used&distance=300&min_price=&rdm=1318641920434&drive=&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&sownerid=1374338&lastBeginningStartYear=1981&end_year=2003&make3=FORD&showZipError=y&make2=GMC&certified=&engine=&dma=ALBANY-SCHENECTADY-TROY&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=64&isFlashPlugin=true&transmission=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&model3=E250ECON&color=&address=12202&sort_type=priceDESC&model2=GMCSAVANA&max_price=&make=CHEV&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=257&standard=false Here's a '99 Ford E-250 in Warrenton, VA (wherever that is...) Has the 5.4 SOHC V8, which is a good engine..... http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...s=25&seller_type=b&cardist=343&standard=false I'm finding almost all the conversions out there are built off the 1/2 ton chassis...... '97 Ford E-250 supervan hi-top in Vienna, VA - low miles http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...s=25&seller_type=b&cardist=315&standard=false 2000 GMC Savana 2500 hi-top, 85k miles, looks nice, Manchester NH http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...e=b&num_records=25&cardist=119&standard=false
I looked at the first one yesterday and thought it was nice. The plan is to buy around dec. Hopefully there's some good ones available around that time.
My personal favorite on looks alone is the express. Last year i rented a 12 passenger express to go Disney. Unfortunately we hit a deer before we could even get on the road. It's replacement was an econoline but i liked the chevy better. To me it was a better ride than the ford. Thanks for the autotrader links. Up until now I've only been looking on craigslist but those are some good options at good prices.
Hi top vs lo top? Anyone have a preference? I've seen some things say the hi top is worse in the wind and structurally compromised in the roof area. Thanks to everyone for their assistance P. S. some of these exterior designs (paint/graphics) are really a turn off
Our first was a regular roof Chevy. Loved it so much we kept it over seven years and camped a lot with it.Even though we had a motorhome and RV trailer. Weekends and extra long rides made it great to just pull in a campground and sleep. Next was the Dodge hi top more suited for camping because of the stand up room. Some may say that a hi top is worse in wind. Most are contoured somewhat in front, and let's face it, both styles are just boxes...Sort of like driving a brick! Don't take corners on two wheels and you will be fine.
All of mine have been low-top (factory roof) but if I was looking again I'd probably go for a hi-top. You would probably notice a crosswind a bit more, but that's probably the only down-side. I don't think structural rigidity is an issue. Any crash that's bad enough to affect the top would be enough to total the van anyway.... They've got a full frame underneath for support.
Like Krash wrote, you'd like a hi top better and I still believe mine handled better in wind than my Dodge quadcab with cab high topper.
I have owned several Ford vans and had a Dodge and a GMC Savanah as work vans. The Dodges have almost no leg room for the front passenger. The Ford has a little more but not much. In my opinion the Chevy/GMC had the best ride. Also had a better turning radius. The turning radius on the Dodge was HORRIBLE. The problem with going with a dealer is you will pay retail. Try to get approved at a bank or credit union so you can buy from a private owner.
I had a 93 chevy gladiator van 3/4 ton with a v6, stay away from them, mine wqouldnt get out of its own way, I like the hightops, to me there are more room in them, if you want to check out info check out www.vannin.com they will have lots of info on vans. I belong there as well.
Always a GM van!! For us, with maximum of four people and four dogs, the 1/2 ton is good enough.. For me, i like the late G20ies better than the 2500s, but i rather drive anything thats a little bit older Im a nerd, and i know it.... A V8 is absolutley neccesary, the V6 trucks i have used is terrile underpowered, and is known at least here in Sweden to burn transmissions..
The first day i stated looking i came across this one and fell in love with it. I'm also a fan of some of the older models but i'm hesitant to get one. This one has sold already so it's gone but after looking at bigger pictures on a pc vs my cell phone, i did notice issues which would have caused me to pass on it. I love the blue interior. Speaking of that, does anyone prefer leather interiors? I don't care for them on a regular DD. I don't see that changing when it comes to the van.
Thanks for the link. I've come across that site before when i was looking for something else. I'm sure they'll have some additional tips and hopefully some show and tell.
