As the title says, I am at the moment considering aquireing a "new" 2005+ Express van, most likely it will be a cargo van as I don't have any reason to have a family hauler, and would primary keep stuff in it (more like storage and tools for fixing cars I guess) anyways that is another point, I currently have my Jeep wrangler which is taking care of the 4x4 aspect for when it gets crappy weather wise here in the New England area, but at the moment I have a 1999 F250 (that I love having and have put some time into mod wise, and general work wise) however the body on it sadly is showing signs of severe noncorrectible cancer (rust) and while the motor I know could go easy another 500,000+ on it I can say with some certainty the body will not.....(i've already had a few pieces fall off in nice rust piles in my drive way) and my parents are also kid of urging me to look for something that is not as much of a "money hungry pit" now I could go brand new with a 2020 something or other but yea not my style.....I like to work on my stuff when I need to so new is not my cup of tea.....

anyways I am looking at a 2005 Express, cargo van with the V8 in it, and when it comes to working on cars I have absolutely no issue working on my own vehicles and getting dirty with the rest of them, I do how ever have issues when the previous owners of vehicles I buy turn the wireing into a rats nest (and thankfully while that was done on my truck, it was quick and easy to sort out, as it was a fleet truck) so I would consider the same for the Express, get one from a fleet or similar type, as bare basic as I can get (yes I would get manual crank windows if I can find one with them......)



anyways, enough of me prattling on, what are some (common?) issues I should be aware of or be looking out for if I decide to look at and test drive some express vans? are there common things that generally break that need replacing at a certain mileage (like some chevy vehicles I know have had issues with water pumps going bad and nearly causing an engine to go **** up because the pump nearly took other parts with it type issues). anything I should stay away from or signs that I should look for that would tell me to just hop in my truck and run away in fear?


if anyone is interested I have linked below one of the Vans that I am considering looking at

https://www.curmsonsauto.com/vdp/136...-York-NY-11377

 

As the bold red text at the top of the page says, don't post help topics in the welcome area. There is a section just for full size vans that fellow vanners watch and will be able to offer advice there.

The 4.8L will be a bit gutless, especially with higher mileage. It's 14 years old, so you'll be constantly fixing things that are worn out, falling apart, plastic and rubber will be rotting etc. Common problems are intake gaskets, peeling paint, and your typical GM electrical gremlins. Check the NHTSA website for recalls.

Personally, I would spend a bit more on a newer 5.7 or 5.3L.

 

Thanks, not really looking for help yet, when and if I get to that point I will be sure to post in the proper area, I figured as I am just introducing my self and still looking for a van (not decided yet, except for a full size Express type) this would be the best area, but I will defiantly check the NHTSA site, I have had a few other vehicles that ranged from 30+ years old to less then 10+ years old so I am not afraid of vehicles that are higher mileage (I work on my own stuff for the most part), and I can repost this in the full size van area if you think that would be best.

 

It sounds like you are asking for advice for purchasing a van, so to me it makes sense to ask the people who discuss vans. You can do what you want. I'm just think you'll get better feedback there. The welcome section title literally says introduce yourself here, but ask questions in the relevant forum. Pretty straightforward.

It's great that you fix your own vehicles. I don't doubt it. You probably wouldn't be here otherwise. My point is if you want a dependable daily driver that won't suck your time and money, get something newer. If it's something you don't plan to drive often then go for it. Unlike pre 90's cars, they don't make 'em to last any more.

 

I went a head and reposted in the van area to get more guidance anyways, and I agree with you, they don't make them like they used to, and no the van and the Jeep would be splitting the DD duties, I am trying to convince the other half to get rid of there falling apart Volvo (that thing is a real money pit) but yea.....have had bad experiences with Chevy in the past, but decided that I would at least give them another opportunity as I have driven a few 2005 vans for my previous job that actually were fairly nice.