How far to go... 2014 E250
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How far to go... 2014 E250
Hello all! I've got a 2014 E250 work van that I'm struggling deciding what to do. The technician that was running it took out the motor, sounds like a spun bearing. The tranny was starting to slip a bit and it has the normal 8 year old Pennsylvania rust spots. With the price of replacement vehicles how much money do you put into an older van? I'd have to check again but I think its got somewhere around 110-115K miles on it. I've been checking around but I can't really find a good comparison for a value. KBB says 12-14k in fair shape needing parts but that sounds awful high to me... It does have 2k worth of shelving in it but... Thoughts??
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
IMHO these KBB values are BS so take that FWIW. Consider what you'd find and bring home for that same $12-14 money? Something whose condition is completely unknown to you, could experience a huge failure similar to your existing vehicle.
Has this engine been accurately diagnosed by someone trustworthy? Was the transmission serviced with full fluid flushes etc at any time during its life?
I'm currently running a 2000 E-250 bought with 203K miles, currently with about 290K miles, all original engine and transmission. I do my own service work including 3K oil changes and a full fluid exchange a few years ago, not quite up to the 50K point I'll do that again. Its entirely possible this engine has indeed failed but before scrapping the whole van I'd have it inspected to determine what exactly has gone wrong.
Has this engine been accurately diagnosed by someone trustworthy? Was the transmission serviced with full fluid flushes etc at any time during its life?
I'm currently running a 2000 E-250 bought with 203K miles, currently with about 290K miles, all original engine and transmission. I do my own service work including 3K oil changes and a full fluid exchange a few years ago, not quite up to the 50K point I'll do that again. Its entirely possible this engine has indeed failed but before scrapping the whole van I'd have it inspected to determine what exactly has gone wrong.
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Oh I completely agree! The KBB and NADA prices can sometimes be really out of line. I was thinking more like $2500 lol I do the bulk of my own repairs as well, I pulled bell housing cover to inspect the fly wheel and make sure it’s not cracked, it’s not. I have not had time to drop a pan to actually check bearings.
transmission service has been done but the driver is just extremely hard on the vehicle… He takes it home and does not keep us apprised of the mileage so maintenance gets missed. Example…. He gets paid to change the oil or run through one of the local shops. When he was off I took the van in for maintenance and found it has not been changed in 20,000 miles…. So any major engine damage wouldn’t surprise me.
You are very correct on what can you bring home for that kind of money. I just don’t know with the past driver issues do you buy the board put out the big money just so you have a warranty?
transmission service has been done but the driver is just extremely hard on the vehicle… He takes it home and does not keep us apprised of the mileage so maintenance gets missed. Example…. He gets paid to change the oil or run through one of the local shops. When he was off I took the van in for maintenance and found it has not been changed in 20,000 miles…. So any major engine damage wouldn’t surprise me.
You are very correct on what can you bring home for that kind of money. I just don’t know with the past driver issues do you buy the board put out the big money just so you have a warranty?
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Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
Sounds like this is a fleet vehicle. If so the owner must take take care of all maintenance, the driver cannot be trusted to do anything. You may get lucky with some drivers that will treat the vehicle with some respect and at least do regular oil and tire pressure checks, but I'd bet the majority are of the opinion that it's "not my truck.. not my problem".
That van would sell for $10k + here depending on body condition... if it were in good running condition, and there is no good reason for the motor to give up at 100k except cronic neglect, I retired my '06 last year with 350k on the clock and it still ran well but the body was shot.
If the motor is shot I'd suggest sourcing a replacement from a scrapyard to get it running and back on the road as quickly as possible, this should also be the least expensive option.
That van would sell for $10k + here depending on body condition... if it were in good running condition, and there is no good reason for the motor to give up at 100k except cronic neglect, I retired my '06 last year with 350k on the clock and it still ran well but the body was shot.
If the motor is shot I'd suggest sourcing a replacement from a scrapyard to get it running and back on the road as quickly as possible, this should also be the least expensive option.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,255
Likes: 1,657
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
transmission service has been done but the driver is just extremely hard on the vehicle… He takes it home and does not keep us apprised of the mileage so maintenance gets missed. Example…. He gets paid to change the oil or run through one of the local shops. When he was off I took the van in for maintenance and found it has not been changed in 20,000 miles…. So any major engine damage wouldn’t surprise me.
Once you have a better idea what repairs will be necessary you'll have a better idea whether this van is worth that expense.
Once its been repaired or replaced perhaps become more involved with keeping the tools of your trade in good working order. This driver shouldn't be trusted to do that---he'll have learned nothing since you're footing the bill to repair/replace this vehicle.
Sorry 'bout your luck---hope the repairs are quick and inexpensive.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,269
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From: IL
Hell if the motor is out already, put it on an engine stand, drain it out, flip it over and remove the pan, you're already halfway home, if all it is is a spun bearing then it should be apparent when pulling the connecting rod caps. If there's no crank damage then a new set of bearings is all you need, pretty cheap from Rockauto. Even if you have to pull the crank and buy a new crank and bearings, you're still way ahead of the game as far as money goes. If you're going to have the work done for you then it's another ball game and a lot more money.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
A 2014 E Series is not old, especially with only 115K mile on it. If the body and frame dont have too much rust and things like the door cables, handles windows, door hinges, basically the bulk of the van minus engine and trasmission is in good shape, if it were me I would put a rebuilt engine in it and service the tranny, It should last for a long time. I just put over 2K into my 1994 and its got over 244,xxx miles on it and is still going strong, every few months something breaks or falls apart and I either fix it or let it be, depending on what it is.
October of 2017 I bought a 2005 E-350 Club Wagon with extended body and raised roof with tall rear doors----was a wheelchair lift-equipped van, 5.4 engine, 4R75E transmission with just over 140K miles. First day of full ownership the transmission failed, needed a complete rebuild.
Luckily I was able to have that work done for just over $1700--I know people. In September of 2018 I replaced the engine due excessively low oil pressure---a whopping 8 PSI at hot idle. That was about $7K all tolled. Since I paid just $5,300 for the entire van those steps were wise investments since this is my daily driver work van. Because I'm a fully mobile shop having a reliable dependable vehicle is paramount to my making a living.
I DIY my own maintenance so not much goes unnoticed or left before repairs are made. Money and/or my convenience is completely unimportant, what needs done is done without hesitation. I am also the only one driving this van which is to my benefit too I think.
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