2000 E150 Chateau WIW
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Senior User
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From: Chicago
2000 E150 Chateau WIW
I've got a chance to buy a 2000 E150 Chateau and I was wondering it the price being asked for is fair.
4.6L V8 Romeo (I assume it is PI)
4R70W
3.55 Open 8.8
Toreador Red
Medium Graphite
Quad captains chairs
Rear bench
Class I Trailer Towing
Handling Pkg.
No rust, one owner, 65k
They only want $6800
4.6L V8 Romeo (I assume it is PI)
4R70W
3.55 Open 8.8
Toreador Red
Medium Graphite
Quad captains chairs
Rear bench
Class I Trailer Towing
Handling Pkg.
No rust, one owner, 65k
They only want $6800
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
What is "WIW" ?
Don't assume the heads are PI---visually verify however that shouldn't be a deal breaker for that year---the CID's would have me running the opposite direction but that's just me.
Not sure that particular vehicle is worth the asking price even though mileage is ridiculously and wonderfully low---my skeptical self asks why?
Are maintenance records included or available?
Don't assume the heads are PI---visually verify however that shouldn't be a deal breaker for that year---the CID's would have me running the opposite direction but that's just me.
Not sure that particular vehicle is worth the asking price even though mileage is ridiculously and wonderfully low---my skeptical self asks why?
Are maintenance records included or available?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Best of luck with whatever you do.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Chicago
Well I'm not gonna get into a pissing contest, but it is a pretty common term. I don't expect you to read my mind, I'm just a little surprised. I'll gladly explain any abbreviations, but in reality I'd like to talk about the truck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
After your tech inspection you'll know more and only then can decide if anything close to that asking price is worth it. As I said I'm not comfortable that that motor and if records aren't available I'd be hard pressed to offer more than $4K assuming its in unbelievable condition completely rust-free, no signs of severe previous body damage, the front suspension solid.
Things like flexible and hard brake lines no doubt questionable; shocks & tires typically something pretty much assured would need replacing or renewed. If A/C equipped does it work as it should, air flow not diverting under sustained throttle, blend door working while cycling the dash mounted temp controller. In fact is there a coolant smell inside the cabin from a possible heater core leak?
Is there an abundance of air fresheners, perhaps to cover another smell? Any idea of the floor under the carpet---rust holes there?
I have a 2000 that was salvage titled for no reason other than its age, mileage and relatively minor under body and suspension damage--its still running strong after 275K miles, 7 years new-to-me. Honestly its a superior body to my '03 that's one huge rust bucket, just hit 200K miles.
Driving and close inspection will tell you everything---let us know if it follows you home.
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Yes, agreed I also, am skeptical about the engine. I searched about the 4.6 Romeo and found the infamous ticking problem. I trust the Windsor more. I asked the dealer for pics of the underside and I got random pics concentrated on small areas. Suspicious. I saw the axle was rusty but I was going to have a Traction - Lok installed if it does comeback with me. I have asked the dealer many questions.
1) Why was it traded in? It seems odd since from what I find it is at an Alfa Fiat dealer.
2) Does it have any service history? If so what has been done to it?
3) Was the van originally from Ohio? It seems to be well kept for a region that uses road salt in the winter.
4) The tires seem to be new. Why were they replaced?
5) The ad says the van has passed Ohio state inspection, and I was wondering if you can enlighten me as to what that consists of and how stringent the testing is.
I also, am skeptical about the engine. I searched about the 4.6 Romeo and found the infamous ticking problem. I trust the Windsor more. I asked the dealer for pics of the underside and I got random pics concentrated on small areas. Suspicious. I saw the axle was rusty but I was going to have a Traction - Lok installed if it does comeback with me. I have asked the dealer many questions.1) Why was it traded in? It seems odd since from what I find it is at an Alfa Fiat dealer.
2) Does it have any service history? If so what has been done to it?
3) Was the van originally from Ohio? It seems to be well kept for a region that uses road salt in the winter.
4) The tires seem to be new. Why were they replaced?
5) The ad says the van has passed Ohio state inspection, and I was wondering if you can enlighten me as to what that consists of and how stringent the testing is.
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Most of the (Family Vans) get a quickie oil change and a drive through car wash once or twice a year and not a care given! Chances are it still had the factory Michelins on it like the spare tire has now. It's going to need everything serviced and or replaced and when your done it will start swelling and rusting at the seams..........good luck.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Not sure if at this point rust would erupt from the more common spots--IMHO anyway. One would think with all the down time that sort of thing would have started being noticeable by now.
This body does show the ravages of sitting around more than driven which is why I wonder about the condition of brake lines etc---brake cables too. There are probably more than a few body ground terminals that have begun to corrode and deteriorate which can cause its own issues.
Fuel tank could have internal rust just waiting to plug the pump---replacing that ain't a picnic.
Since this van is at a dealers its unlikely you'd get them to come down to my idea of a fair price, $4500 max, out the door, tax, title & license.
This would be a project in the making, at least with my experience of owning and driving a vehicle no more than a few miles each day.
This body does show the ravages of sitting around more than driven which is why I wonder about the condition of brake lines etc---brake cables too. There are probably more than a few body ground terminals that have begun to corrode and deteriorate which can cause its own issues.
Fuel tank could have internal rust just waiting to plug the pump---replacing that ain't a picnic.
Since this van is at a dealers its unlikely you'd get them to come down to my idea of a fair price, $4500 max, out the door, tax, title & license.
This would be a project in the making, at least with my experience of owning and driving a vehicle no more than a few miles each day.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
It won't be a PI engine in a 2000; Romeo started making the PI 4.6 for the 2001 models and virtually all vans, Explorers, and cars will have Romeo engines.
My '02 had the cylinder heads replaced at about 42k miles under warranty (I extended the 3/36 full vehicle warranty when I bought it). It was making a slight ticking noise, I found the TSB, and the service manager was my friend.
That van sure looks ugly and rusty on the bottom. Feel every door seam for bulges (especially the 40% half door which seem to go first).
The tires are the cheapest $65 Goodyears they make and are not XL weight rated. They have a weight rating of 105 and you should have 108 tires on there.
Buying vehicles over a distance can be a ripoff with "selective pictures" being furnished.
Take care,
George
My '02 had the cylinder heads replaced at about 42k miles under warranty (I extended the 3/36 full vehicle warranty when I bought it). It was making a slight ticking noise, I found the TSB, and the service manager was my friend.
That van sure looks ugly and rusty on the bottom. Feel every door seam for bulges (especially the 40% half door which seem to go first).
The tires are the cheapest $65 Goodyears they make and are not XL weight rated. They have a weight rating of 105 and you should have 108 tires on there.
Buying vehicles over a distance can be a ripoff with "selective pictures" being furnished.
Take care,
George
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Senior User
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From: Chicago
Answers to questions I posed him in an email.
OK,
ALL EASY STUFF, NO PROBLEM
1) Why was it traded in? It seems odd since from what I find it is at an Alfa Fiat dealer.
IT WAS TRADED ON A NEW JEEP, FIAT IS JUST ONE OF THE (6) DIFFERENT LOTS WE STOCK
WE HAVE (12) NEW CAR FRANCHISES TOTAL
2) Does it have any service history? If so what has been done to it?
WE DID A COMPLETE SAFTEY AND SERVICE OUT:
LOF
FRONT WIPER BLADES
AIR FILTER
PASSENGERS WINDOW REGULATOR
LEFT FRONT BALL JOINT
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS
MOUNT AND BALANCE (4) NEW TIRES
REAR SHOCKS
SERVICE AND RECHARGE A/C UNIT
Just a list of what they did not a service history.
3) Was the van originally from Ohio? It seems to be well kept for a region that uses road salt in the winter.
IT IS A ONE OWNER, LOCAL TRADE WITH A PERFECT CLEAN CARFAX. IT STARTED LIFE IN BERKEY OHIO AND NEVER LEFT
THIS HARDLY DRIVEN WITH A AVERAGE OF JUST 4300 MILES A YEAR, MAYBE JUST SUMMER ACTIVITYS, LIKE FAMILY VACATIONS,
CAMPING, FISHING, AND LIKELY GARAGE KEPT
SEE THE COMPLETE CARFAX
This explains a lot.
4) The tires seem to be new. Why were they replaced?
SEE NUMBER #2 Dodged the question.
5) The ad says the van has passed Ohio state inspection, and I was wondering if you can enlighten me as to what that consists of and how stringent the testing is.
THAT IS AN EMISSION/SMOG TEST Not the answer I was looking for.
OK,
ALL EASY STUFF, NO PROBLEM
1) Why was it traded in? It seems odd since from what I find it is at an Alfa Fiat dealer.
IT WAS TRADED ON A NEW JEEP, FIAT IS JUST ONE OF THE (6) DIFFERENT LOTS WE STOCK
WE HAVE (12) NEW CAR FRANCHISES TOTAL
2) Does it have any service history? If so what has been done to it?
WE DID A COMPLETE SAFTEY AND SERVICE OUT:
LOF
FRONT WIPER BLADES
AIR FILTER
PASSENGERS WINDOW REGULATOR
LEFT FRONT BALL JOINT
FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS
FRONT BRAKES AND ROTORS
MOUNT AND BALANCE (4) NEW TIRES
REAR SHOCKS
SERVICE AND RECHARGE A/C UNIT
Just a list of what they did not a service history.
3) Was the van originally from Ohio? It seems to be well kept for a region that uses road salt in the winter.
IT IS A ONE OWNER, LOCAL TRADE WITH A PERFECT CLEAN CARFAX. IT STARTED LIFE IN BERKEY OHIO AND NEVER LEFT
THIS HARDLY DRIVEN WITH A AVERAGE OF JUST 4300 MILES A YEAR, MAYBE JUST SUMMER ACTIVITYS, LIKE FAMILY VACATIONS,
CAMPING, FISHING, AND LIKELY GARAGE KEPT
SEE THE COMPLETE CARFAX
This explains a lot.
4) The tires seem to be new. Why were they replaced?
SEE NUMBER #2 Dodged the question.
5) The ad says the van has passed Ohio state inspection, and I was wondering if you can enlighten me as to what that consists of and how stringent the testing is.
THAT IS AN EMISSION/SMOG TEST Not the answer I was looking for.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,112
Likes: 286
From: Eastern TN
The underside looks like our '93 that spent 20 years and 180K miles between Boise and Salt Lake City. It came with the same not XL Goodyear Wranglers too!
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 191K miles
Sixto
93 E150 Chateau 5.8 191K miles
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 18
From: Detroit
If it had that much work done (things like a window regulator, suspension work, AC work), and from the looks of the underside, it was a neglected vehicle that was parked in a salt pile...or at least never went thru a car wash with an undercarriage flush. The rim on the spare wheel is gross; they don't rust that bad. They probably gave the prior owner $500 on a trade.
I would not have any issue with tire replacement--a lot of dealers will replace mismatched or worn tires to avoid lawsuits. And with bad ball joints and rear shocks being bad, the old tires may have been eaten up or cupped badly. But the ultra cheapo Goodyears are ultra cheapo and do not meet the load requirements of an E150.
Blue book is usually low on solid trucks that are older--these things will go a million miles. But if it rotting away, not so good. I would consider paying the price if the van had lived down South and was ultra clean. Do you have pics of the interior? Usually a neglected van will have lots of gooey stains in the upholstery, filthy thresholds, and bad smells from either smoking or rotten food spilled by kids.
Good luck,
George
I would not have any issue with tire replacement--a lot of dealers will replace mismatched or worn tires to avoid lawsuits. And with bad ball joints and rear shocks being bad, the old tires may have been eaten up or cupped badly. But the ultra cheapo Goodyears are ultra cheapo and do not meet the load requirements of an E150.
Blue book is usually low on solid trucks that are older--these things will go a million miles. But if it rotting away, not so good. I would consider paying the price if the van had lived down South and was ultra clean. Do you have pics of the interior? Usually a neglected van will have lots of gooey stains in the upholstery, filthy thresholds, and bad smells from either smoking or rotten food spilled by kids.
Good luck,
George
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