Looking at a high mileage used van

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Sep 7, 2009
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What is your plan for this?

Of course the overall platform of the e350 is bulletproof, but 260k miles is no joke. If this vehicle must be 100% reliable then keep looking.

Engines and transmissions are fairly easy to replace in those, if the chassis is in good shape and it otherwise fits your needs I'd probably go for it.
 

Lazarus52980

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Sep 14, 2010
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We are intending to use it for our 4 kids and some foster care kids.

I am told that it is being sold after having been used to cart people around as a hotel transport van. That would explain why it still looks clean. He tells me it has a 2" thick file from the maintinance... I THINK it will work for me, but as you said, 264K is no joke, so you never know. I am hoping that we can get 3 or 4 years out of it at about 10K miles a year...
 

heymrdj

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May 28, 2007
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It's an aside but have you checked your licensing? Some states, if I remember correctly, and I can't research it from here, require a shuttle license to drive vehicles over 8 passenger regardless if that many people are in them or not.

Also the E350's are bullet proof. The tranny is rarely an issue unless they towed heavy without proper cooling. The 5.4L is a strong engine that likes higher RPM's. If maintenance was kept proper 400k is easy without any major parts. The 6.8L V10 was even more durable of an engine. If it has the 7.3L diesel, then you've got good old fashioned iron on your hands. I have an uncle in Florida that uses a 1998 7.3L Econoline 350, currently just over 600k miles on the engine and around 200 on the tranny (tranny swapped just after 400k.) 7k full synth oil changes tranny fluid at 40k, overhauls at 120k. I think he did have to put in new injectors within the 300 range.
 

Doppel

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Feb 5, 2011
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Given what that looks like, at that price if they have a maintenance file you probably can't go wrong, IMO. Of course with its mileage as high as it is you should have money aside for whenever something does go on it.
 

Lazarus52980

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Alright. Unless it just runs like crap, I am going to buy this tonight. Thanks for all the advice all. If I do get it, I will try to post a photo.
 
Sep 7, 2009
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I recommend having it inspected... It'll probably be 50-$100, but worth it. It's likely they'll find a couple things, then show up with $2k cash and he will sell it to you.
 

Lazarus52980

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UPDATE:

I did not end up purchasing this. It did not run well, and the transmission fluid was a scary black/purple. THank you all for the advice on this, and I think next time I will insist on an inspection from my mechanic before even considering a purchase.
 
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