Help choosing a van.

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Feb 9, 2004 | 07:02 AM

#31

86rustbucket

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 321

Likes: 0

From: Metamora

Leo T, I guess that I just prefer the OE passenger vans better. Sure they don't have all of the creature comforts that you can get in a conversion, but the interiors feel more durable (I have lots of tears and stains in the fabric that I can't fix), and less prone to rattles than the stuff in the conversions. Plus, I'm growing to not like the larger side windows that come with conversions. I also have a slight water leak around the back door that I didn't notice right away, as a result, the conversion stuff (lots of wood under the carpet and trim panels) is beginning to rot. If it was OEM plastic, I could just clean up the water and be on my way....

Feb 9, 2004 | 03:39 PM

#32

Leo_T

Senior User

Joined: Feb 2003

Posts: 341

Likes: 0

From: eastern Ma

86,

Those are good reasons. Can't argue with that. I was just wondering. I have to agree that some of the interior is delicate.
Good luck with what ever you choose.

Feb 9, 2004 | 08:47 PM

#33

rebocardo

Post Fiend

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 13,873

Likes: 3

From: Atlanta GA

Just dropped by again and read all the other posts since last time. I have to agree with all

IJRoorda

has said, fwiw.

Feb 9, 2004 | 08:59 PM

#34

Charlie Foxtrot

New User

Joined: Feb 2004

Posts: 13

Likes: 0

From: sarasota, fl

Thanks Isaac and everyone else!

I looked under a newer E150 and found I-beams too.

I definitely need a passenger van, and don't think I want to build my own interior. But if a 250 cargo van came along at a good price with a window in the door, I might consider it. Don't need anything luxurious, just 1 or 2 bench seats, sound deadener and some cargo space. Definitely need rear AC in Florida tho.

thanks again

cf

Feb 12, 2004 | 08:53 PM

#35

pops_91710

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 1,166

Likes: 0

From: Chino, California

I love my V-10, and would buy another one in a heartbeat! As for sucking more gas? I dunno.... I'm pleased with 15/16 mpg on the open highway. My 5.4 does no better!

Never had a spark plug blow out either. If it ain'yt happened by the time you buy it, it's not likely to imho.

Feb 18, 2004 | 11:24 PM

#36

DadVan

Senior User

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 289

Likes: 0

From: The Show Me State

Folks,

Here's another vote for a "nearly new" E350 with the V10.

I bought one of the rentals talked about in an earlier post. I paid 15K and it had 23K Texas miles on it. I wanted "heavy duty" because I wanted it to last... It actually rides quite well as long as you match the tire pressure to the need. I admit to running mine right at the specified 80psi rear and 60psi front, so it can be "harsh" compared to my ol' A*.

DadVan

Feb 21, 2004 | 12:57 AM

#37

Bruno-the-Dominator

Freshman User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 37

Likes: 0

I had a 99 E-350 with a V10 and 4:10 rear end and it was a great van. I now have an 01 E-350 15 passenger with a 5.4 and like it even more. It's nice to have room to haul the wife and three kids and more than enough camping and misc gear. Believe it or not, this van has better throttle response ans is quicker. The rear end is a 3:73 and my MPG is about 100 miles better per tank. I have had no problems with my 5.4 with 55k on it(knock on wood). I bought this van used this summer for an awesome price of 14,900. Amazing that the sticker was in the console and was over 32k when new!!! If your licky enough to find a van at a dealer, they are usually willing to deal since they have limited appeal. I also bought mine at the end of the month, always the best time to buy. Hope this helps.