Hello, I'm currently in the market for a cargo van for my job. I work as a plumber and have to haul around 1,500 pounds in equipment. I'm looking at two ford E-series at the moment and looking for advice. First up is a 2006 E350 extended diesel with 88,000 miles it has no shelving or bulk head either. Secondly 2013 E150 gas with 65,000 miles but has bulk head and shelving. As far as pricing there's roughly a 4,000 difference. Now shelving and bulk head aside, I'm leaning more towards the e350 for the payload and the fact it's a diesel but I'm not sure if E-series has any bad years or things I need to watch for. One last thing I should mention, the E350 has had two accidents but the vehicle was not damaged it says on the carfax and the e150 is clean if that matters. Any advice is much appreciated and Thanks!

 

For me personally I'd avoid a diesel like Zika----unless you're already a skilled and experienced diesel mechanic. Those engines require vital maintenance that is either time or money consuming. They're said to be insanely reliable and long lasting which is true only if they're maintained properly.

Your cargo needs and mine are much the same and I'm running an '03 E250 with 5.4 gasser motor, extended body. New-to-me unloaded it weighed 5,300#, after adding my tools, boxes and typical cargo load I'm right at 7,800# and there's no problem at all.

I've added numerous suspension improvements for my own satisfaction but for the most part so much of that isn't necessary if the standard configuration suits you.

The 2013 E150 is really an E250 capacity-wise---the door jamb sticker should show a GVWR of 8,600#. If that's not enough rear spring leaves could be added to make that chassis an E350. Honestly I don't think you'd need that but its possible, maybe costing $500 or so at the right shop.

While the E350 extended is a nice body the wrecks would concern me. As a former body shop owner so much can be hidden with nice paint, future problems not immediately observable to the average person.

Shelving and a bulkhead are nice IF you need them or can use what's already there---I've usually removed and pretty much discarded them all.

That's just my input----------hopefully gives a bit of perspective or insight.

 

Assuming similar condition - E350.

 

I am also a plumber and have 3 E-350s. Ive had 1/2 and 3/4 tons in the past and they just don't take the weight over a long period of time. 1/2 tons are the worst.

 

I try and buy used ,off lease E 350 15 passenger vans. They usually have less than 50,000 mi on them and I put about 10,000 mi/yr on them,so the bodies usually rot off before the mecanicals go bad.They have all the comfort amenities( pwr windows,seats,dual heat and air,etc) and are 9200 GVW. Also,the windows make seeing things in the cargo area very easy.

 

I'm going to check out e150 but I'm going to check the e350 also but the accident thing is concerning

 

Adding to my own recent buying experience and results with a found accident report on my current '03 E250. The CarFax suggested it was a small collision affecting mostly the rearward hinged side door. A few years later and having crawled all through and under the van for various reasons I see "small" it was NOT.

By now I'm highly suspicious of that year anyway but the repair was poorly done. Having once owned a body shop I'm embarrassed admitting what I overlooked in that "new car enthusiasm" (drove like a dream) has become an eyesore. Still runs great though.

To me engines and other bolted-on parts are easy---once bodies begin to go its costly and a bit fool hardy keeping the ravages of time at bay. This all depends on your climate though---I'm in/around Columbus, Ohio.

 

I agree about the body and I live around Cincinnati, Ohio so climate is harsh here especially with winters.

 

Mostly I'd agree but my 2000 E250 that came from Dayton under a salvage title is so rust free its pretty amazing. Another friend bought an '03 brand new, 6 years later its a mess.

Anyway keep us up to speed on your eventual choice.