You are here: Forums Vans & Minivans Conversion and Full-Sized Vans Conversion Vans

Conversion Vans

371 messages,  Last post on May 18, 2009 at 11:38 AM

You are in the Conversion and Full-Sized Vans Forum. Your Host is Karens

What is this discussion about? Van

Messages Page 2 of 38 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ... 38 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

#6 of 371 tootall by tootall Jan 26, 1998 (1:29 am)
I travel 5 states selling for a living, the past 15 years I have driven full size van (GMC or Chevrolet) conversions. Mileage at the time of trade in would average 125,000, 90% highway miles and no real major problems on any of my vehicles except routine things like alternators, batteries etc. Conversions have been by Starcraft, Carriage and Explorer, all Indiana conversion companies. Explorer seems to give more bang for the buck and stands behind its product very well.
#7 of 371 jmbl by jmbl Jan 29, 1998 (3:30 pm)
Hi: We're starting to look for a conversion van as well, but we're in the market for a used one, around the years 93-95. We want something that'll be great for camping and long hauls. We're in the military and love to travel. Any advise on what to get/stay clear of for those years, what dealerships/areas to avoid (i.e. avoid Staten Island--we're in Brooklyn), better deals for the money, etc. We'd prefer a high top, bed in back and TV/VCR for sure. If anyone's in the general area selling his/her van, we'd love to hear from you to with the details of what you have for sale. Thanks for any and all tips! JMBL
#8 of 371 sbas by sbas Feb 28, 1998 (12:57 am)
need info on conversion vans---safety, reliability, etc. model doesn't matter. any info appreciated. thanks sbas
#9 of 371 gtschmidt by gtschmidt Mar 19, 1998 (11:30 am)
My wife and I bought an 1996 E-350 low top Conversion Van by Explorer with 4.10 Axle and 7.5 liter V8.. We use it primarily for camping and towing. The E-350 is a little bit rough in the back seat unless you have trailer attached. This vehicle is a great tow vehicle. We had some minor problems in the first two months, all of which were handled quite satisfactorly by the dealer (ABS relay, cracked interior trim piece, wheel balance). When we took it in, the dealer found two other problems (which we would never have noticed probably) and fixed them. The Explorer conversion is very good in my opinion and they stand behind their product. We are very pleased with both Ford and Explorer . By the way, before this we had a full size Chevy Blazer. This was the worst vehicle we have ever owned!
#10 of 371 lateral by lateral Mar 30, 1998 (2:44 am)
We are searching for an Astro minivan in the 1993-1995 year range. We have found several we like. How do you determine the difference between a conversion van and a std. We can't really see any pricing difference. Also Edmunds Market value for every van we looked up, about 10 or so, is higher that the price at the dealer. In other words we can't use the guide book to justify the dealer lowering the price since they are already lower. Is Michigan just a cheap place to buy a car?
#11 of 371 jboater by jboater Mar 31, 1998 (3:26 am)
Lateral: It has been my experience that, in general, the NADA used vehicle pricing guide is rather liberal for the Detroit area market. For used vehicle pricing I would recommend looking at the Tradin Times or Auto Swapper for similar autos/vans offered for sale by private owners. A conversion van is one that was purchased new from the manufacturer by a conversion company. They usually are identified by the manufacturer name and conversion company name. Examples; GMC Safari/Starcraft, Chevy Astro/Debut, Ford/Coachmen, etc. Astro and Safari passenger vans are also produced by GM. These vehicles are not considered conversion vans. If you look at the regular passenger vans, you will find pricing differences are,in part, based on the trim package. The Astro CS is a less expensive package than the Astro LT. If you are a member of a credit union, you might look to them for help in researching pricing differences. Also, watch for the mileage on any given vehicle. High mileage will have an adverse impact on the value and the depth of the market for you to sell to at a later date. Good luck, Jerry
#12 of 371 grahare by grahare Apr 02, 1998 (11:27 pm)
Gary, I'm considering an Explorer, but have also looked at Geneva. Do you know anything about Geneva? Rob
#13 of 371 garyabc by garyabc Apr 03, 1998 (6:05 am)
Geneva is a small company in Wisc.....I don't think they have as nice appointments as the Explorer and I know they cost more. Explorer makes most of their components and I think Geneva buys components and assembles....replacement parts could be a future problem. Good luck
#14 of 371 dirt by dirt May 01, 1998 (11:43 am)
I'm looking at a 1996 Econoline with a Cobra conversion package. New cost 27K, asking 17K. Garage kept, fully loaded, 27K miles. Wife would rather buy another minivan. I can't seem to find any reviews on the conversion vans or comparisons to the minivans. Any suggestions?
#15 of 371 Vipergg by Vipergg May 03, 1998 (2:03 am)
We just bought a new Dodge long wheel base Conversion van made by Mark 3 . These seem to be very well put together . Got the 318 V8 and 4 speed so this will tow about 7000 lbs . We bought a new leftover 97 and paid $18400 and this loaded with everything , all kinds of map lights , rear air conditioning , cruise, tilt , power windows and locks . I'll let you know after we have had it awhile how it is . It rides very nice even in the back seat . The new 98's have a nice new modern dash and front area but i couldn't justify an extra $3000 just to have a more modern dash . Hopefully the quality will be good , i'm not worried about the engine as the 318 V8 has been around for 30 years . Dodge seems to have some pretty good deals on these things . I see alot of them on the road here in upstate NY .

Messages Page 2 of 38 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ... 38 Prev Next Last

Go To Msg # Search This Discussion

You are here: Forums Vans & Minivans Conversion and Full-Sized Vans Conversion Vans