Hi,
I'm new to this forum. My family has grown and grown and grown and we're ready to ditch the old unreliable minivan in favor of something bigger and newer. We have decided to look for a 12 passenger van. Our choices are limited, Ford E series or Chevy Express. I'm not brand loyal, I've owned both Fords and Chevys through the years and find them both to be good vehicles.

I don't know much about these big vans. Somebody we are loosely acquainted with from our church has a 2008 12 passenger Express with 145,000 miles. The body and interior are in good condition. However, I'm wondering if it will continue to be a reliable vehicle for several years to come with so many miles already on the odometer.

How long do these vans typically last before they become maintenance hogs? What are typical things for the Express series to be aware of? Are there any specific mechanical or electrical problems that are associated with these vans?

 

145,000 is getting up there. Plan on a constant repair bill. Unless you have records that show what has been done in the last 20,000 miles.


Otherwise these vans have no specific year issues to be concerned about. White paint peeling is about the only concern. Calculate your payload to see if you need a 2500 or 3500 series van.

 

I kinda disagree. Yes 145k is a lot of miles, and you will have quite a few minor fixes (minor if you can do them yourself)

But when I was in the market for one, I saw MANY that had well in to the 300k+ range of miles. So for the right price, I wouldn't be terribly afraid to pick it up.

 

145 miles in 7 years. That has to be a lot of hwy miles. They are not too hard on things. I usually am looking to get rid of my van at around that mileage. But if this one has been well maintained, and not beat up on, then it should run for years.

 

What would you consider the right price? The seller is asking $10,500. I have not seen it in person yet. Will go to look at it on Thursday.

 

Too high.
I paid that much for my 2002 2500 ls passenger in 2010, so 8 years old and it had 109000 kms. (65000 miles). So with that kinda mileage they are dreaming.
The problem is that passenger models are less common to find, but if you keep looking and maybe expand your search area, you might get lucky.