OT: May I ask for advice on modern E350 vans?

[robroy]

Good day!

I'm considering replacing my 1986 C20 454/TH400 pickup (pictured here) with a modern E350 van (perhaps between 2000 and 2005). I'm thinking that the E350 would be more comfortable on long trips (overdrive), more practical for hauling stuff around, and more fuel-efficient than the C20. I'd like to spend about $4,000.

I've been looking at Craig's List and have found a number of potential vans that fit this description. Yet before I run out and buy something, I thought it would be a good idea to ask for some general advice.

The qualities I'm specifically looking for are:

• Fuel-efficiency (meaning, lots of power per fuel consumed).
• Reliability.
• Being inexpensive/easy to maintain.
• Being comfortable on long trips (such as between California and Utah).
• Having heavy-duty brakes and suspension, because I like these things.

What options should I look for?

What options should I avoid?

Thank you very much!
Robroy

[Ranchero50]

That's a hard one... None of the full size vans ride well or are easy to maintain, much less actually being fun to drive in traffic. I'd suggest some used car lot trips to test drive a couple before commiting to one.

Personally I'd look more towards an powerstroked Expedition if you need that size with some efficiency or a V8 Explorer. The wifes '02 Explorer LTD with the 4.6 is very quick and comfortable but only gets around 12-13mpg tooting around town.

Jamie

[robroy]

Good afternoon Jamie, thanks for replying!

That's a hard one... None of the full size vans ride well or are easy to maintain, much less actually being fun to drive in traffic. I'd suggest some used car lot trips to test drive a couple before commiting to one.

I see! It's true that I've never driven one, so your advice seems very wise.

Having owned this C20 for a number of years, I've realized how handy it is to be able to haul stuff in the rain (with the camper shell). I also realized that I basically never want to remove the shell, so it seems like I may as well have a van instead.

Personally I'd look more towards an powerstroked Expedition if you need that size with some efficiency or a V8 Explorer. The wifes '02 Explorer LTD with the 4.6 is very quick and comfortable but only gets around 12-13mpg tooting around town.

Those Expeditions are very nice--my neighbor actually drives a diesel Expedition that I could probably check out if I asked. I was thinking that they were a few feet longer than an E350 but maybe they're not.

I think I'm interested in something more truck-like than an Explorer, although your wife's sounds like a safe, quality driver.

Jamie, thanks for your excellent reply!
Robroy

[westco]

Although they are hard to come by...a Power Stroke van would fit all of your needs, keep an eye out on ebay and CL. I have a E150 running 33" BFG's and i get 15 mpg on the highway with 4:56's and a 5.8l and it tows my 21' self contained toy hauler just fine...I don't know what I get towing.

You can't beat a van for comfort on trips especially with a family.

[robroy]

Good afternoon WestCo, thanks for replying!

Although they are hard to come by...a Power Stroke van would fit all of your needs, keep an eye out on ebay and CL.

Okay! Yeah I think those look pretty fantastic--I just haven't been sure how many there are out there (it might be very difficult to find one). But I have a suspicion that I'd be happier with one of these than with a gasoline van.

I have a E150 running 33" BFG's and i get 15 mpg on the highway with 4:56's and a 5.8l and it tows my 21' self contained toy hauler just fine...I don't know what I get towing.

That sounds nice!

You can't beat a van for comfort on trips especially with a family.

That's what I'm thinking! I don't have a family exactly, but Kasie and I do have visitors from time to time, and it would be nice to be able to take them on outings in comfort. A van just seems like the most practical, all-around vehicle for this type of thing.

Thanks very much WestCo!
Robroy

[71fordkid]

Vans are an interesting beast. They do ride kinda rough, especially 4wd and 250 and up. The visibility is alright as long as you dont get a cargo van. Theyre pretty bulletproof. The 5.4 has an issue with spark plugs blowing out ot the bores. thats really it. as long as you keep up on oil changes and transmission servides, you'll be fine, and it will probably be a good bet for you. As said before, test drive before committing. Vans arent for everyone.

[Mancar1]

After my career in the greatest Navy in the world. I spent 5 years as a Handyman. I used a 79 Dodge Van, 2X, price was right, it was great. good for trips, fishing, and camping. Very good when doing a job in the rain. I could use the side doors, back doors, or the two front ones. Easy access to whatever I wanted. Had plenty of power. I got around 14MPG. Had a 318. I do not have it anymore, but it seved me well. (Although I hated that carb, darn 4barrel with a plastic body. Keep my rebuilt one in my shop and swaped em out about once every 9 months.) Yes I believe Vans are a handy vehicle.

[george worley]

I used Ford vans in my work (carpet- tile installation)for 30 years. Mine were all the extra long ones. A E150 will haul a lot of weight and still ride decent when empty. A E250 would be more than enough van for you.I overloaded both models a lot and only the brakes needed changed quicker. All were V8 and Auto.drove all vans at least 200,000 and never had a serious mechanical problem. You will want one that has windows on the passenger side and back door, it makes driving a lot easier.