It seems that about half of all the posts made here start out like, "I just bought a "199X(200X,201X)" ford van and now it doesn't run right. I've checked everything I can think of and it still (stalls out, cuts off, won't shift, etc, etc) Do you know what the problem is?

Not trying to be a smartass here, but it seems to me that when people sell vehicles, they do so for a reason. Could be that they no longer need the vehicle (which would be the main reason for most people selling vans) or it could be repairing the vehicle into a driveable condition would cost more that the vehicle is worth.

I wonder how many people check sites like this one before they plonk down their money for their new "bargain" ride? That way they might have some insight into what all those whines and clunks might mean.

 

How is it that they don't have or know about Code Scanners?

 

a thorough test drive usually will flush out any problems
if you buy it you should get a manual too,especially if there are problems
if you buy it knowing there are issues , you should be a mechanic , not a DIY'er

 

Yup

I got manuals for all my junk

I'm a master tech

And sometimes I enjoy messing with stuff, sometimes I get frustrated



I ALWAYS poke around online before maknig a purchase, just to see if there are any "known" issues to look for

 

I agree and disagree. Nothing wrong with a DIY taking on a project. Asking the internet is really just another tool in the box for us shade-trees. Besides, each one of the problems may eventually happen to me, so if I can do a quick search and get a decent starting point, that's cool.

But, I totally agree that thinking you're sneaking one past the seller and getting a GREAT deal is just a fool's play. Any more these days, people know exactly what they're selling. The days of people selling a car for dirt cheap that only needs a $.25 part are long over. Make sure you know what you're buying when you buy it (or at least budget for some expensive repairs if the price is silly low).

 

True a DIYer can take on a project but usually they don't know what is wrong or what it costs.That can end up as an expensive mistake.

 

That said a lot to the OP question.

I agree that when I run into a "new-poster" that just bought this van last week and now it don't run, ect, ect........

The Old slogan is.........'Buyer-beware'
And if it's for the price that was asking........'Ya get what ya paid-for'

Most of us that DIY and shade tree know what to look for, and what to pay, knowing what it will cost to get it "road-ready"

And I'm a Real Cheep SOB when I'm buying something
I can tear down a used vehicle before the guy even can tell me what he thinks is wrong with it. Years ago, I was "banned" at several car lots that I helped friends make a deal with a used car, and I'm proud of that

So, to answer the question, a new poster/buyer should start out with......"I just bought this van, and I'm having a problem with........." And end with, " I knew it might not be right........But I have the budget to make it right"
That would perk us all up, and answer any question the poster might ask.

 

Sadly and regardless how much or often we grizzled old timers here on FTE lament and try to inform newbies how their posts should be constructed it always falls on deaf ears. Logic as we individually think it is doesn't always or even often transfer to other people.

I tend to avoid the sorts of threads like OP cites, at least after making one or two comments addressing the situation. Most people in such situations have it in their minds they're one up on someone, rarely pay attention to sage advice offered so I ask myself why bother wasting my time.

We've seen it time after time and it won't improve or change so we're better off just enduring it, letting those so convinced they know better learn from the doing. Trust me; its far, far less aggravating to just pass by some threads.

 

Ok guys I completely disagree.

There is no way anyone can know everything about a vehicle they just sold, or one they just bought.

Sure, buyer beware and all that, but some of us are on a budget and buy a used vehicle knowing we might need to roll up our sleeves and fix one or two things...and this a good resource for info to do just that.

I'm not really a car guy...never have been. I do know my way around electrical issues in general, have some shade tree skills, and have about 50 years of messing with motorcycles...35 years driving truck...you learn a few things...but cars? I tell ya...I had a good friend for 30 years who knew his way around Fords and cars in general...but he passed away 2 years ago...

So...you guys are are pretty much my go-to guys if I end up with a question I need answered about this used van I bought last year. It was a former fleet vehicle so it had pretty good maintenance records and the test drive and inspection I gave it all led me to purchase it. So far, its been a very reliable vehicle but after all, its got 110,000 miles now.

Shortly after I bought it I found this forum...and reading thru all the information takes time but has been very informative. I dont think I've posted any questions yet...but...

I'd hate to think that all the gurus on here are losing patience with us!

 

Now THAT is a true statement! I'm sure I'll have another lame question or two before I'm done. Hate to think it'll annoy the masses!

 

I'm new to the van forum, but have been around for a while here.
One of the grievances I have, is that there is a very good search feature here on this site


I hate to see, newbees, and old timers alike, post the same question, almost back to back.


Nothing worse than seeing 5 different people have 5 different threads on
" how do I get the #? spark plug out?"

 

I know reposts and overposts can be annoying, but after all this time, and knowing it happens on every forum ever created, it doesn't bother me anymore. It's pretty much the nature of the beast. Worse than the overposts are the people who jump into a thread just to demean someone or carry a grudge from another thread. That's also the nature of the beast with some people and it can't be helped either. That's where the mods step in I guess. And the grammar ****'s. Don't forget the grammar ****'s. Ugh.

 

The same question asked over and over again means I have gotten really good at posting permalinks and doing a copy-n-paste. Think about teachers: Answering the same questions over and over again...on this forum I'm more like a student...but on the bike forums...I am sorta one of the 'gurus'....not bragging just fact.

I answer a LOT of questions about motorcycles on a couple of other forums I belong to. I do that in person also. On a forum like this, just dont click on threads that are repetitive if its an annoyance. Simple!

One more thing I try to remember....providing helpful answers (several times to several members) only makes me more valuable as a forum member...and thats a good thing...right?

Hope so.

 

Guessing I came off as a jerk, and that was not my intent.
I do help every chance I get, as I have been there, the one needing informatin, and getting it.


I started off on this site as another user, but due to another member stalking me had to abandon that account.
I used to post how too's with pictures, and answer questions as much as my time allowed.


I have slowed down with this, because even though there is a court order on this idiot, he still shows up in my driveway from time to time. I also don't need him to correlate this account with the other one.


That being said, I apologize for anyone thinking I have a swelled head, and don't want to help out if they need help

 

I've found the Search feature to be frustrating and useless.