Vans, High Mileage, And Transmisions

totallysick

I've been lurking around here and have finally decided to post a question.

I am looking into getting a work van. A van would be great for sheet goods. Something like and E150, E250 or similar. I am a firm believer in paying cash and my budget is around $6,000 or so.

A lot of the vans in my price range have over 100,000 miles . A whole lot of the ads I've found read like this "new transmission" or "transmission rebuild at 70,000 miles... It seems the tranny is the weak link.

Are the trannys something to worry about? Should I pass on the higher mileage vans and stick to a newer mini-truck, like a Ranger, with a shell and rack and less miles or buy a van with over 100K?

skyhook

I have one of those high mileage vans. Bought it for 6k with 62k miles on it, 10 years ago. It took a hard hit and paid for itself about 4 years ago. It has 195k on it now, all I've ever done is oil/filter changes, tires, battery and U-joints. Load it up, slam the doors and down the road it goes.
20mpg (full size Dodge)

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Ed the Roofer

I have one 1989 Dodge Ram Van 2500. Paid $ 5,000 in 1998, and put in 3 transmissions, but nothing else. It has over 190,000 ,iles on it now.

It carries an entire bunk of plywood all the time.

Ed

fez-head

I have bought three 1998-99 E250's and one 1995 E150 all with over 300,000 miles and in great shape. All have the original transmissions but they were also maintained religiously. They are a great choice if previously corporate owned and maintained. I would not buy from an individual though.

Like you I like to pay cash when possible and can pick them up for $1,200 or less when they are available.

Good luck,
Jesse

silvertree

Bought a 3/4 ton Ford E van a couple of years ago from a local dealer that sells used fleet vehicles, 150,000 miles on it, paid cash. Fill it up to the roof with stuff and away you go. No problems yet. Paint was good so no issues about how it looks. Good gas mileage. The salesman showed me one with over 250,000 miles that was still looking and running good. I was doubtful about buying a truck with that many miles, but I'm a believer now.

mnjconstruction

I have 2 vans for work. An 1989 dodge ram cargo 1/2 ton with 96k miles. runs mint, never had a problem with it. had it for 2 years now and i bought it for $1500! My other van acually just died (transmission) a 1996 dodge ram cargo 3/4 ton. has 175k miles. I was going to put a new tranny in it but the engine isnt doing that great either so im gonna use it for parts. I also have a 2009 f-150 club cab that i bought a few months ago. When i first got it i tried using it for work, cause it was brand new and wicked nice, yeah that didnt last long. i hate working out of a truck, but love my vans!

Gold Tie

I'm the opposite. I am more of a truck/cargo trailer guy. I have a 93 e-350 with 216,000 miles on its 2nd tranny. (not sure when it was replaced) It still runs good for the small jobs that it does but doesn't even compare to the duramax/allison.