My current van is a ’92 Chevy cargo van. Its about at the end of its life. I found a really nice ’03 ford E-350 extended van that I could make a really nice work rig out of but its a window van. Its always been in my head that a window van does not look professional on a jobsite. Is this just in my imagination? Will I look less of professional if I show up with a widow van, even though it will have the racks off my Chevy, and all of my necessary shelving in the back. It would be lettered also but probably not for a month or two.
Greg
Replies
Take a look at the Dodge Sprinter. Much better value. http://www.dodgesprinter.com "cause its really a Mercedes! Fexex are using hundreds of them!
I looked and test drove a Sprinter. Awesome piece of equipment. Tons of room. I'm not paying the $37,000 they wanted for it. I can get the E-350 for $11,000. The Sprinter has a Porsche gear box in it, a 5 speed auto. So would it run like a truck or a sports car?Greg
GW, if you look the fool in a window van, then I looked like that for the previous two trucks. If you're confident about no theft and don't park it too long at HD or the bar, you'll look just fine. Added feature, you'll look the fool if you ever back into anything.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Just a thought: With the window van you could put some of that translucent fog spray paint on the inside of the windows, then it would be nice and light in there when you were in there looking for something, but all your stuff wouldn't be able to be seen from the outisde. Matt
How can you get a 2003 350 for 11000. That seems to be a huge amount of depreciation for a one year old truck?
ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.
Porsche, Mercedes. I can't even begin to imagine how much maintence would cost on that thing.if I was any smarter, I might be dangerous...
Dealer said the van will tell you when to change oil, somewhere between 30k and 50k miles. One "liffetime" transmission service @ 75k miles, and I guess all the other service that goes along with a diesel.Greg
We were going to replace our box van with a Sprinter, but we replaced our forklift.
I did talk my friend into getting a Sprinter. He is a carpet cleaner and puts about 750 miles a week (max) and said that the savings in fuel work out to be about 300$ a month easy. He used to have a Ford (gas) that made about 10 mpg.
He does work for both Paul Allen, and Bill Gates, so looking professional has some merit. :-)
Now, Dodge finally has the Sprinter under thier badge (instead of Freightliner). Are they still so pricey?
We've been looking at a GMC Box van that has utility boxes on the outside.
The $37,000 quote I got was one that had the Dodge badge on it.Greg
Hi
30-50000miles between oil changes???? Was it also used by a little old lady to carbon monoxide two husbands?
Mac
This is the van I bought last summer I've since had the windows tinted dark . Given the choice I would choose a window van again .It's just that much easier and safer for manouvering in traffic or tight parking spaces.With the tinting you can't see through from the outside unless your using a flashlight but you can still see enough looking out.
cheers
........Rik......
Thanks all for your input. The windows are completely tinted black. Used limo company van. 78,000 miles, power stroke diesel engine, came from auction, dealer has a warranty on it though.
It must of just been in my head about the professional comment. Since first post I took aride and found quite a few window vanswith company lettering on.Greg
That engine is a night / daymare waiting to happen. It's at the end of it's useful life.
WTB that's why it went to auction.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
I never heard of a diesel engine dying that quick. Most people around don't even consider them broken in until they hit 100k. What do you know that you're not saying?Greg
Known history.
Know the injection system design guy.
Get to see the broken down stuff delivered to the dealer fresh from the factory.
Check used listings. That engine at 100K, 200K or 300K if there are any.
Check the value of the vehicle at each increment. Don't use the blue book. Look at actual market.
Do the same for Dodge and Chevy.
If it's the 6 banger DON'T TOUCH IT.
The amazing thing is how many near or just over 100k Ford disels there are on the market compared to other brands.
The ripple affect when a 10$ part quits on that engine will pop your eyeballs when final tally is in. It is also a tempermental cold weather engine. At 30* they have a mind of their own. 0 and under is hopeless.
The real weak link is the hydraulics.
Who ever invented work didn't know how to fish....
Powerstroke is a good engine. Mine has 76k on it and never been touched. A buddy of mine is knockin' on 200k with no problems. I also have a GM diesel that's been nothing but problems.
Diesels are more expensive to work on than a gas, but usually require less maintenance and get much better fuel economy (especially loaded). It does take about 14 quarts of oil for an oil change.
I would not fear a Powerstroke with what sounds like highway miles.
My $.02,
John
J.R. Lazaro Builders, Inc.
Indianapolis, In.
http://www.lazarobuilders.com
Gw,
I have Chevy truck now but my next one will be a Ford. Gave my 94 F-150, straight six, 5-speed to my loser-in-law. Had 200k on it then, has 300k on it now. besides normal maint., it has had the oil pan gasket replaced. thats it.
As for the Powerstroke, what version? I'm a big diesel fan but have heard that the 6.0 powerstroke is a problem child ( heard the same thing about the Duramax). I would ask a few mechanics with no stake in the matter what they think if it is the 6.0
If you can swing it you might want to look at a new van. I just bought a new 03 Explorer. Sticker was over 34K. Paid less than 26K