Choosing between two vans
See the second edit
I've looked through a LOT of craigslist postings for used vans and I've narrowed it down to the first link:
1. 1999 GMC Savana, 130k miles, $3,000
https://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/cto/d/1999-gmc-savana-1500-work-van/6245602337.html
2. 2006 Ford E250 Extended, 161k miles, $3,500
https://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/cto/d/2006-ford-e250-extended-cargo/6265112083.html
Both seem to be in good mechanical condition with no rust or cosmetic issues. The GMC has a bit of surface rust and I'm not sure whether it's an issue (see photos). I'm nervous about making a good purchase, so any experienced van buyers give me a shout with your thoughts.
EDIT:
I went to go see the GMC Savana. A couple things:
1. There were a few rust spots on the roof of the car and in the back of the interior (see photos: http://imgur.com/a/ePSOR). The seller described these as "surface rust" which can be sanded off and repainted. Is he right to describe it that way? Are the spots something I can nip in the bud? Any thoughts on what that would cost me?
2. The van had no license plates, and so I couldn't really test drive it, and I couldn't take it to a mechanic either. This was a big problem and I told the seller I wouldn't consider buying without a test drive and inspection. The solution I found was a mechanic in the area who has dealer plates. He was too busy to come by today, but he has offered to come by on Tuesday morning with the dealer plates to see the van and do a test drive himself, and call me about it afterwards. I live about 3 hours away from where the van is, so I can't come back out on Tuesday (I have work). I did NOT get the sense that the seller is trying to scam me; he had to turn in his plates when he uninsured his van, and he helped me figure out the solution to meet with the mechanic. I will wait to hear from the mechanic on Tuesday about how the test drive and inspection goes.
3. I tested all the features of the van (lights, radio, heat, ac, wipers, doors and locks) and drove it around in the lot the seller's keeping it in. I accelerated and braked hard in forward and reverse a couple times and the brakes were very good. I noticed a slight squeaking when turning to the right, and the seller said that was because the brakes are so new, just a few thousand miles. I'll see what the mechanic says, but it seems plausible.
4. The carfax report looks good: http://imgur.com/gallery/vblvj
5. The seller's price of $3000 is firm, though he's willing to discount any minor repairs that the mechanic says need to be done (the ABS light is on). I did not ask him about the rust repair.
All together, the van was slightly more worn in person than I expected from the photos, but it's probably around the best I'm going to do for my budget. With a nice full clean, it'll look more spick and span. I think he is firm on the price because of the value of all the associated hardware (racks, rack box and shelves) that comes with the van. If the rust is a minor issue, and everything checks out for the mechanic on the inspection and test drive, I think I'm going to go ahead and buy this van. Does this seem like a sound decision? Am I missing anything?
Thanks!
EDIT #2: I'm hesitating a bit on the 1999 GMC Savana, and I started looking around again and increased my budget. This is the van I found that looks most promising: https://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/cto/d/low-miles-2004-sprinterwb/6267951614.html
The owner seems to be obsessive and meticulous with the care of the car, and after speaking with him on the phone I don't get the sense that he's trying to hide anything or scam me. He was eager to go through every detail of every replacement and repair he's made, and he told me he's not trying to make money, just break even on his initial purchase. He's kept great records. He's eager for me to test drive the car and see how it feels at high speeds, and have a mechanic inspect it. I offered him $5000 and he's willing to take that. What he said on the phone was "I really don't think there's any work at all that needs to be done with this van. You can just take it and drive."
I like the higher ceilings, the bigger space, and the better resale potential. I also have a better feeling about the seller than anyone else I've met with. Let me know if this seems like a good deal to you all! Thanks!
Posted Aug 18, 2017, 1:48 AM UTC · edited