FOUND Vans For Sale- Sticky??????

[desertspeed]

After reading through many of the build threads on here I officially have the 4WD van bug. My family and I spend a lot of time in Baja, and as sad as it sounds my Silverado 2500HD Crew Cab just doesn't have enough room for my wife and I, our 2 kids, and 2 dogs, plus all of the "essentials" that they just can't live without for a week .

In my search for a better solution I have decided on a van, but as anyone else who has been looking knows, the most desirable models are few and far between. I have been scouring Craigslist, Autotrader, Truck Paper, etc and still haven't found one anywhere close to me.

I thought we could all help each other out in our searches, and maybe the mods can make this a sticky. I know I am not the only one on here looking.....

Also, I am open to having a vehicle shipped, but would prefer someone local to check it our first. If anyone is local to any of these and is willing to take a look I will cover gas costs, etc. I would be happy to return the favor is anyone needs one looked at in So Cal

"MY" Requirements:
1. Passenger version, extended body, 2WD, no conversions
2. 7.3l diesel, 6.0l diesel, or V10
3. My "perfect" van would be a 2005 V10 15 passenger.

I will start:

2000 E350 7.3 15 passenger, 69K miles, $13K in Michigan- http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...18626641&Log=0

2006 E350 6.0l 12 passenger, 102K miles, $13K in Michigan http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...18163360&Log=0

2003 E350 7.3l 12 passenger, 103K miles, $12K in Texas http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...25605301&Log=0

2002 E350 7.3l 15 passenger, 128K miles, $11K, in Ohio http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...19012528&Log=0

2005 E350 6.0l 15 passenger, 104K miles, $20K, in Loa Angeles area http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...23912931&Log=0

2007 E350 6.0l 15 passenger, 74K miles, $20K in Indiana http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...16536518&Log=0

2005 E350 6.0l 15 passenger, 143K miles, $16K in Ohio http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...22141691&Log=0

2004 E350 6.0l 12 passenger, 95K miles, $16K in Michigan http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...07228583&Log=0

(3x) 2006 E350 6.0l 12 passenger, 66K miles, $14K in Houston http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...22359088&Log=0

2004 E350 6.0l 15 passenger 132K miles, $13K in Stockton, CA http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...13854831&Log=0

2000 E350 7.3l 12 passenger 144K miles, $12.5K in Tampa, FL http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...19790579&Log=0

2000 E350 7.3l 15 passenger (Quadvan 4x4) 98K miles, $18K, in Austin Texas http://tucson.craigslist.org/ctd/3110637198.html (the current owner is just a reseller and knows nothing about the conversion, but according to QuadVan it is most likely IFS)

[desertspeed]

2004 E350 15 passenger 6.0l Unlisted mileage, $13K, Las Vegas http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/ctd/3134951071.html

[ujoint]

I like the sticky idea, a dedicated post for sourcing vans.

[SWbySWesty]

So you're only open to the newer model vans? GREAT deals can be had on 80s and 90s vans. I got mine for a steal.

[desertspeed]

So you're only open to the newer model vans? GREAT deals can be had on 80s and 90s vans. I got mine for a steal.

Yeah, I would like a newer one. I currently have an 04 Silverado that I will be selling to buy the van, so my budget is around $15K or so for the van, which will give me enough left over to do the 4x4 conversion. Of course, if I can find a good one for less I wouldn't complain......

I have a full sized off road race truck that I will be towing, and I spend a lot of time down in Baja with my family, so I really want/need a newer van. More power, less maintenance, etc. I have enough projects on my plate with my other vehicles.

[schluchtenflitzer]

@ dessertspeed
perhaps this is the right for you?
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...19240151&Log=0

[desertspeed]

@ dessertspeed
perhaps this is the right for you?
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...19240151&Log=0

Thats about 1,500 miles away from where I am at (San Diego). There can also be issues with rust on vehicles from areas outside the southwest. I would need someone local to there to go take a look at it and check it out.

[blupaddler]

Did you see this one here locally?


http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3122743008.html

[MTDewX8]

this isn't local for you, but was wondering if anybody could talk me out of this one. I not thrilled its a dodge 308 and full time 4 wheel drive. the transfer case and hubs can be changed fairly easy. but not a motor head and the fords and chevys seem to be more prevelent.
but the van has all the other things I would like (besides a diesel)
just thoughts and opionions??


http://bend.craigslist.org/cto/3067894785.html

I am considering this one, and a 97 chevy that is for sale on the forum ( http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...amperized-6000 ) and I am at a flip a coin almost. one is cheaper but close enough to condiser either I think. both are fly and drive so I dont actually get to see them in person till I am needing a ride home. lol

thanks for any input.

[desertspeed]

Did you see this one here locally?


http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/cto/3122743008.html

I have two non-negotiable requirements- the first is than it is an extended body, and the second is that is is a passenger version, not a cargo van. I have decided that I could live with a V10, and I may be actually leaning towards a newer V10 at this point since it has the better tranny and doesn't have the issues of the 6.0 diesel. With a lower initial cost and less $$ required to "fix" the 6.0, I think the V10 will work for me. So I have expanded my search.