1998 F150 Conversion Van

1998 conversion. Looks good on the computer. I have messaged the guy to setup a viewing. What things should I look at particular to this year and model?

Currently, we have a 2008 Town & Country. 4 kids, so there are 6 of us riding. Plus we have 2 big dogs that like to go with sometimes. Anyone else make the switch from a newer minivan to an older Econoline? Any regrets?

 

Personally, I'd rather not have to turn in my man card to drive a mini-van.

 

After 30 years of driving big vans, I turned in my man card and now have a Grand Caravan. Switching from an 8 year old vehicle to an 18 year old vehicle is generally not a good idea.

The E van will have front airbags only so you are giving away many safety features, and conversion vans (which mine were) do not have to go through crash testing with their aftermarket seats and belts. Conversion vans are typically made with very cheap materials and sloppy construction, so an old one can be a really bad rattletrap with collapsed seat cushions, worn fabric, etc. They are not built to OEM standards.

I would personally not want to stake the safety of 6 people on an 18 year old vehicle... If you want a big van, I would seek a Club Wagon, which is built totally by Ford, instead of a conversion of any kind.

And I would seek a newer one than 1998 especially if you are not yourself a good mechanic. It will still lack side airbags but the seats and belts will have undergone crash testing and will be made of automotive grade materials.

Good luck,
George

 

x2, and 2003 & up will have RSC as well. The newer the better, and make sure it works. No lifted or otherwise fiddled with vans also.

 

You make lots of sacrifices going to a full-size van, and I wouldn't add to that by going ten years older than your current van. They can hold up well if taken care of, but like all things mechanical they will still break.

We recently upgraded from our '12 Odyssey to a '15 Transit-350. We like the new van, but it's quite cumbersome in small areas and the gas mileage is substantially worse. If it's within your budget I'd recommend checking out used Transits. There are a LOT of ex-rental 12-passenger models out there for around 50% off MSRP.

 

Everyone who posted above me seems to have made all the best points.

Generally speaking it sounds like a not-so-good idea.

However if you will keep it close to home then you may be ok. No way would it be smart to take the family on a long trip.

An 18 year old vehicle is a PROJECT, not a family hauling mule.

 

Do you have to choose one or the other? We have a minivan and an E-350. Both have their place and that place is very different, giving enough justification to keep both. We have 4 kids that are fine in the Caravan, but they prefer the size and comfort of the big boy. However, my wife will not drive that thing, which works for me!