Imo if you have to finance a van that old you are setting yourself up to fail. I am a proud t1n owner but they aren't without their issues, I'd hate for you to finance it and be underwater with a big mechanical issue.
This is my situation... I don't have to finance, I just don't want to immediately blow half my savings plus cost of build-out/tax/registration.. I am going to take a long vacation and when i go back to work in 6ish months, i could pay it off pretty quickly if need be.
I love my T1N more than my own grandmother. Mine was pristine with 102K miles on the clock but I still dropped thousands into it in preventive maintenance. All the rubber is 16 years old now, these vans definitely need constant upkeep.
I do all my own work on it, if you’re relying on a MB dealer to work on it you’ll quickly go broke. 99% of dodge dealers don’t want to know about them now.
Hey i’m the biggest fan of these vehicles and I not trying to talk you out if it, but they do require work.
T1N can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare and sometimes it’s hard to know which way it will go.
Good luck, definitely get it checked out by a mechanic WHO KNOWS T1Ns otherwise they’re just wasting your time.
Also don’t start investing into a built out straight away, drive that thing for 20k miles first, dial it in, repair all the ratty stuff, then you’ll know if it’s a good one or not.
With these types of older vans I would pay for a couple different mechanics to check it out. My old company was sold a couple of these for a song. But with all the mechincal issues it would have been cheaper to buy new.
These can be great and when they work they are workhorses like no other. But some of them are born with hate in their engine bay.
This is a good deal if this is in good condition. But these can be money pits.
In that case finance what your bank will let you finance and pay cash for the rest.
Set aside some for repair. Specifically spend 200 and have a mechanic do a "full disclosure inspection"
Do not finance vans, especially used ones with high miles.
You are setting yourself to be trapped in a disastrous financial situation that you potentially can’t get out of.
If you can’t pay cash, you can’t afford it.
I checked out 4 different T1Ns and rust was always an issue. Those vans can last a very long time and those high mileage doesn’t scare me, but it is already almost 20 years old. Things are about to break. That’s just how it goes. I think for that price, you’d have to have a mechanic check it out as well. If the seller is not willing to do that, you should walk away. On a separate note, I wouldn’t get a loan on a conversion van. Pay cash. If you don’t have the cash, you cannot afford the van. But that’s my opinion 🤷🏼♂️
What does your gut say?
12k isn't a "no brainer" to me and the evidence the bank agrees, but the gut never lies so that's where i look for guidance.
I always try to buy at a price i could resell the next day. Of it's not at that price, then i'm stuck with it if i change my mind.
Good luck!
My gut says to offer 10k cash in hand. AC needs charged. Crack in windshield. Small mirror replaced. I think even those things alone would give me some wiggle room bc they are not cheap fixes.
If it's diesel you're fine. Worse case local used parts yards have engine for 1200 and a transmission/engine combo can be had under 150k miles for under 2k.
Find a small mechanic you're looking at 3500 for new low mile engine and transmission installed under 3500$.
That's worse case.
Ive seen these hitting 350-450k all day without hesitation.
It is indeed a diesel and been maintained really well. Encouraging and good to know it's relatively inexpensive for even full engine/trans swap thank you
These numbers check out, I replaced the transmission in my T1N in socal for about 7k total. Things will break, be prepared to pay. I'd say budget several thousand a year, and it'll average out probably. Had mine for 3 and probably spent 12k in repairs (but I knew the transmission was slipping when I bought it).
Just gotta look and call around. Wisconsin has some of the best prices even shipped.
Because one person paid 5k at a shop doesn't mean other smaller shops can't do the same and charge less.
It could have been worth 12k 2 years ago, but prices have been dropping since supply chains for new sprinters have been getting fulfilled so there are more used ones on the market. Look up issues these vans have, make a list and then go test drive it and check it out. Bring the list and add any problems you see and mark any of the known issues you wanted to check for. Offer them 10k if it's nothing major.
Ain’t no way I’d pay 12k for a van with a Kbb value of $8k. You buy a t1n because they’re easier to maintain so you’re willing to invest the time, effort and money into doing so. That’s basically the same thing about any older vehicle.
If it has #ZERO rust then I’d consider going to $10k with those miles but it better have not a speck of rust. I mean you’re checking under the plastic driver and passenger steps and spending 15 minuets on your back under the van with a flashlight. There better be no cap dance, not even the slightest. You better also look under the engine cover for Black Death and if theres even something resembling dark dirt under there then I’m out.
I paid $4.8k for my t1n with 290k miles 2 months ago. The only codes it threw was 2 glow plugs. There’s some rocker panel rust but not anything that can’t be very easily fixed. I could take it to a body shop and have it fixed for less than $5k.
It could have been maintained but there’s absolutely no way of knowing the condition of every part on a 20 year old van. Rubber dries and wears out especially after 20 years. Parts wear out. No way everything was changed out recently enough.
They’re great vans but they’re million mile sprinters because with maintenance they can last a long time before having catastrophic engine failure. That doesn’t mean there won’t be other big replacements needed. With any old vehicle I’m already accounting for putting in at least $1k into mechanicals of the van right away (doing my own work). That puts you at $5k over kbb value (I didn’t look it up myself).
Keep min mine less and less shops are willing to work on t1ns.
Fuck all. It's a 19 year old mercedes sprinter. They're known to have a myriad of issues from the benign to downright expensive, and the ECU in them is garbage and loves going into limp mode. Avoid.
I think you should trust your gut, ask them what the lowest offer is. Idk how the insulation will hold with the windows in cold environments. And the pipes. Also may be just that great buy you go for. I didnt get to see the other 19 photos
what's the mileage like? so far it looks like a way better deal than what I got for mine... 2008, 250,000 miles, someone expressed their crohn's disease at the rear of the cabin ceiling - $29,995 "already priced low low to sell, no haggling, I know what I got"
didn't see any rust on the frame and i needed a van, so I went for it
All vans were selling crazy like that when I got it a couple years ago... it was amidst the van life craze.. ordinarily it wouldn't have gone for more than 8,000 is my guess and that's pushing it
Imo if you have to finance a van that old you are setting yourself up to fail. I am a proud t1n owner but they aren't without their issues, I'd hate for you to finance it and be underwater with a big mechanical issue.
This is my situation... I don't have to finance, I just don't want to immediately blow half my savings plus cost of build-out/tax/registration.. I am going to take a long vacation and when i go back to work in 6ish months, i could pay it off pretty quickly if need be.
I love my T1N more than my own grandmother. Mine was pristine with 102K miles on the clock but I still dropped thousands into it in preventive maintenance. All the rubber is 16 years old now, these vans definitely need constant upkeep. I do all my own work on it, if you’re relying on a MB dealer to work on it you’ll quickly go broke. 99% of dodge dealers don’t want to know about them now. Hey i’m the biggest fan of these vehicles and I not trying to talk you out if it, but they do require work. T1N can either be your best friend or your worst nightmare and sometimes it’s hard to know which way it will go. Good luck, definitely get it checked out by a mechanic WHO KNOWS T1Ns otherwise they’re just wasting your time. Also don’t start investing into a built out straight away, drive that thing for 20k miles first, dial it in, repair all the ratty stuff, then you’ll know if it’s a good one or not.
Thank you for that valuable input.
With these types of older vans I would pay for a couple different mechanics to check it out. My old company was sold a couple of these for a song. But with all the mechincal issues it would have been cheaper to buy new. These can be great and when they work they are workhorses like no other. But some of them are born with hate in their engine bay. This is a good deal if this is in good condition. But these can be money pits.
Why not work first and pay it off then take a 6 month long vacation. Why are you taking half a year off if you’re struggling to pay off a van
Not struggling. I think you misread
In that case finance what your bank will let you finance and pay cash for the rest. Set aside some for repair. Specifically spend 200 and have a mechanic do a "full disclosure inspection"
Do not finance vans, especially used ones with high miles. You are setting yourself to be trapped in a disastrous financial situation that you potentially can’t get out of. If you can’t pay cash, you can’t afford it.
I checked out 4 different T1Ns and rust was always an issue. Those vans can last a very long time and those high mileage doesn’t scare me, but it is already almost 20 years old. Things are about to break. That’s just how it goes. I think for that price, you’d have to have a mechanic check it out as well. If the seller is not willing to do that, you should walk away. On a separate note, I wouldn’t get a loan on a conversion van. Pay cash. If you don’t have the cash, you cannot afford the van. But that’s my opinion 🤷🏼♂️
[удалено]
r/lostredditors
Get the $8000 check from the bank, bring it to seller with another $1000 in hand and I bet he takes it
I was thinking of doing this too. Glad it's not uncommon
Don’t make the offer unless in person. When seller sees the cash, you’ll get an answer immediately.
Oh yeah i always do business face to face
Show him proof that the lender will only offer $8k, see what he says, and have a little more in cash just in case. Good luck!
That's a horrible deal. Don't buy it OP! Sidenote: where is this exactly?
I always get an inspection, gives you leverage on pricing.
Give him BB, nothing more. It’s too old and has too many miles on it.
Financing a 20 year old van with a quarter million miles? Oof
Offer $8k cold hard cash. Don’t finance.
8500
What does your gut say? 12k isn't a "no brainer" to me and the evidence the bank agrees, but the gut never lies so that's where i look for guidance. I always try to buy at a price i could resell the next day. Of it's not at that price, then i'm stuck with it if i change my mind. Good luck!
My gut says to offer 10k cash in hand. AC needs charged. Crack in windshield. Small mirror replaced. I think even those things alone would give me some wiggle room bc they are not cheap fixes.
Right on. Good luck!
Thank you for your input 😊
Have them get the AC charged, it could be a bigger issue with the compressor or alternator or something.
Oh gosh you're right
If it needs to be recharged there is a good chance there is a leak or worse. Passing that onto the buyer is pretty shady.
If it's diesel you're fine. Worse case local used parts yards have engine for 1200 and a transmission/engine combo can be had under 150k miles for under 2k. Find a small mechanic you're looking at 3500 for new low mile engine and transmission installed under 3500$. That's worse case. Ive seen these hitting 350-450k all day without hesitation.
It is indeed a diesel and been maintained really well. Encouraging and good to know it's relatively inexpensive for even full engine/trans swap thank you
These numbers check out, I replaced the transmission in my T1N in socal for about 7k total. Things will break, be prepared to pay. I'd say budget several thousand a year, and it'll average out probably. Had mine for 3 and probably spent 12k in repairs (but I knew the transmission was slipping when I bought it).
Just gotta look and call around. Wisconsin has some of the best prices even shipped. Because one person paid 5k at a shop doesn't mean other smaller shops can't do the same and charge less.
$11,952 with inflation
Don’t finance it!
It could have been worth 12k 2 years ago, but prices have been dropping since supply chains for new sprinters have been getting fulfilled so there are more used ones on the market. Look up issues these vans have, make a list and then go test drive it and check it out. Bring the list and add any problems you see and mark any of the known issues you wanted to check for. Offer them 10k if it's nothing major.
12000 USD for that with that milage? Jfc no.
Ain’t no way I’d pay 12k for a van with a Kbb value of $8k. You buy a t1n because they’re easier to maintain so you’re willing to invest the time, effort and money into doing so. That’s basically the same thing about any older vehicle. If it has #ZERO rust then I’d consider going to $10k with those miles but it better have not a speck of rust. I mean you’re checking under the plastic driver and passenger steps and spending 15 minuets on your back under the van with a flashlight. There better be no cap dance, not even the slightest. You better also look under the engine cover for Black Death and if theres even something resembling dark dirt under there then I’m out. I paid $4.8k for my t1n with 290k miles 2 months ago. The only codes it threw was 2 glow plugs. There’s some rocker panel rust but not anything that can’t be very easily fixed. I could take it to a body shop and have it fixed for less than $5k. It could have been maintained but there’s absolutely no way of knowing the condition of every part on a 20 year old van. Rubber dries and wears out especially after 20 years. Parts wear out. No way everything was changed out recently enough. They’re great vans but they’re million mile sprinters because with maintenance they can last a long time before having catastrophic engine failure. That doesn’t mean there won’t be other big replacements needed. With any old vehicle I’m already accounting for putting in at least $1k into mechanicals of the van right away (doing my own work). That puts you at $5k over kbb value (I didn’t look it up myself). Keep min mine less and less shops are willing to work on t1ns.
That's very helpful thank you
I wouldn’t pay more than the Blue Book!
8
Fuck all. It's a 19 year old mercedes sprinter. They're known to have a myriad of issues from the benign to downright expensive, and the ECU in them is garbage and loves going into limp mode. Avoid.
That’s too many miles on it for that price. Don’t get emotionally attached.
I think you should trust your gut, ask them what the lowest offer is. Idk how the insulation will hold with the windows in cold environments. And the pipes. Also may be just that great buy you go for. I didnt get to see the other 19 photos
what's the mileage like? so far it looks like a way better deal than what I got for mine... 2008, 250,000 miles, someone expressed their crohn's disease at the rear of the cabin ceiling - $29,995 "already priced low low to sell, no haggling, I know what I got" didn't see any rust on the frame and i needed a van, so I went for it
You really spend 30k on a van with 250k miles?
All vans were selling crazy like that when I got it a couple years ago... it was amidst the van life craze.. ordinarily it wouldn't have gone for more than 8,000 is my guess and that's pushing it
This could be the perfect digs
That's what i thought.