The quest continues... 2001 with 11 passenger seating. 104k miles. V10.

Pics of some issues and non issues: E350 - a set on Flickr

Has new tires

Asking $4600.

Thoughts?

 

The first door photo (right front?) shows a possible attempt to address the rust, some sort of close match touch up paint used over top of all that. Not a horrible thing and it is visible so you know its a possible issue. If you purchase that van keep in mind the door is probably toast, would need replaced at some point, perhaps far in the future. In this way its a known issue, not a surprise later on.

Lt front door shows something similar but nothing horrible either now at this point.

The other photos look good but if I were photo shopping initially I'd want close photos of the lowest part of the rocker panels, perhaps under the floor concentrating more on the body mounting points especially the transverse rib just over top of the rear axle. (A notorious spot on our favorite vans, sad to say.)

I'm finding MY 2000 and earlier have a lot less rust issues than do the '03's and later. Not sure about the years in between but even in the scrap yards E-Vans as early as '92 are still quite sound, my own '03 E250 slowly being eaten away, possibly due less and less corrosion materials applied during construction.

Nice looking otherwise though---decent price too!

 

I am asking him to check those areas that you specified. Also going to try and get the VIN to run it on the Ford Ebits system to see if I can get a list of options.

 

How about the sliding and rear doors and the drip rail?

Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 185K miles

 

Just an afterthought on the new tires thing..........

So many toss on a cheap set in hopes it'll add significantly to the final selling price. While new tires is a great beginning depending on their brand, type and load rating I'd keep in mind it might be something to replace in a year or so.

I've become a Michelin snob but I'm sure there are competing brands nearly as good. Yeah they're spendy but well worth it all things considered.

 

to add something on your inspection of rust... my '99 developed a significant problem on the floor right under the emergency brake pedal. can't see it of course until you remove the carpet and kick panel. just a thought, but could be a concern even on a vehicle that looks pretty good as this one does

 

Cappo most anyone whose ever pulled the OEM padded mats back would find significant rust that's formed under them. These vans sweat, the padding absorbs and holds the moisture seemingly forever, rust forming out of sight for a long long time. Since those mats have been installed into new vans this problem has been with us.

It is a concern but with a Club Wagon or otherwise heavily carpeted van it would be tough to inspect for this without extensive seat, trim and of course carpeting/padding removal first.

Not trying to be a buzz kill mind you but here's an example of what I encountered myself: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-por-15-a.html There was more surface rust than originally shown but that post is an example of what goes on out of our sight.

 

guess I would not be too concerned about normal surface rust, but I was surprised to find a whole I could stick my hand through behind the left front wheel. Could have been inspected from underneath too.

 

new tires are sometimes a cover-up for an alignment problem that causes abnormal tire wear, and new tires tell no tales.

and i'm sorry JWA, but there is no such thing as a cheap set for these vans - i've never seen a new tire in our size for less than 200 bucks.
but i won't get into my tires on this thread...

 

Josh you're correct on both points although by "cheap tires" I meant by comparison to a good and known quality tire.

Just about the time I bought my first set of Michelin LTX's a friend in the same biz, same E250 bragged he had new tires for like $500 mounted, balanced and out the door. Of course a year later those tires were shot, needed replaced but this time he opted for the better brand whose name long ago left my memory.

The issue of hiding alignment issues is quite astute---thanks for making me a bit smarter today!