mid to late 90s conversion Vans

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Dec 14, 2010
Messages
138
Location
California
Drive train wise, does any one manufacturer stand out over the others? I have no real brand loyalty since most of them at this age will be in the mid 100k mile range and I just want something that will easily last another 100k.
 
It is the transmissions you got to suspect on conversion Vans. I think 130 k miles is about average life expectancy of one that has not been abused.

The V6's do not really get better mileage than v8's in most instances.

What is the most numerous make you see in your area?
 
Chevy/GMC's tend to stay the tightest when it comes to front-ends and suspensions. In my experience hi mile Ford and Dodge get all clunky and wandery.

As far as engine & trans, I think they're all about the same and tend to be somewhat neglected due to inaccessibility.

In the rust-belt where I live, conversion vans, or any full-sized van for that matter tends to rust out early and often.

Joel
 
Certainly a 10+ year old van will be heavily dependant on the maintenance it received - but if I had to bet I'd go for the Chevrolet for drivetrain. I have more than a few friends who have gotten 200K+ out of their Dodges with no probs - actually mine is a 98 with 100k miles and it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned: only $60 in two small repairs (not counting oil changes, one set of front pads, and 1 set of plugs). mine is heavily over-engineered (huge transmission cooler from the factory, dual piston brake calipers, dual air filter) but in general I would not bet on a dodge....
 
Originally Posted By: Volvo_ST1
If you had said you wanted an early '90s model, I'd have suggested a VW Westfalia Synchro...


thumbsup2.gif
+1 on the waterboxer Westfalia!

Who cares if your knees are the crumplezone.
They are still awesome vans

I was going to suggest a '60s era domestic crackerbox van with a 6 cylinder. 225, 240, or 250. No one finds fault with the reliability of the inline sixes and you can do a tune up sitting in the driver's seat
lol.gif
 
I could go for something older than mid to late 90s. However with a buget of $5k max, those VW's are out but Your right I do want one. Instead of a weekend trip, I could do week trips.

Was originally looking at smaller RVs but nothing around here under 20' that didn't require me to also buy a truck to set it on or tow it with so those have been out.

Hopefully gas prices will drive a big sell off and I can get something good for a heck of a deal.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom