Hi there! New here, but I've been a vanner since birth...my dad bought a 1977 Ford Econoline, 3-on-the-tree, the year I was born, and I was practically raised in that thing! Anyway, now that I have a son of my own, I'm looking to get back into the van lifestyle. I'm ready to get serious now that summer is approaching, with some road trips on the horizon.

Anyhow, I've been looking on and off for the past 5-6 months, and the best I've found in my price range is a 1992 Chevy G20, 350 engine, with all the bells and whistles (well, the bells and whistles from 1992 anyway - ha!! - we would put in a new TV, Blu-Ray player, radio, etc.). It's only got 82,000 original miles on it. Here's the CL ad: http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/2945504544.html

My main question for you guys, if you know, is how much is a fair price for it? I'm thinking anything over $5500 is highway robbery, but the dealer selling it won't go that "low." It is in fantastic condition, other than a really strange "grinding" type sound when hitting the gas in 2nd gear. What could that be, do you think? Is it a sign of the transmission starting to go? That would definitely help in the dealing process, if that were the case.

The thing is, I'm kinda in love with it, but I really don't want to do something dumb and overpay for it! Any advice?

Good looking truck. Seems like it may be somewhat overpriced. I paid 2300. for my 93 lowtop conversion, however, that one does look nicer. Can't answer you about the grinding sound, you could always hire a mechanic to go check it out from top to bottom, should be able to find one in the phone book for pre-sale checkouts. Good luck.

Seems like it may be somewhat overpriced I paid 1700 for my 92 conversion, keep looking try the classified here are ebay

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, it's in fabulous condition - by far the best I have test driving out of about 10 in the area. Quiet, idles really smooth, no clanking or squealing, and the inside is nice and tight - no rattles at all, front and rear AC blows cold, etc. Ugh - I love it. I guess I'll try being patient and seeing if he'll go down after it sits for a while...

How many miles did you guys' vans have when you bought them? How much have you put into them after purchase? (If you don't mind my asking.) Any issues with transmission, etc?

mines had about 100,000 miles on it but it had no mechanical problems, but i brought my van to do something totally different. it has been chopped and shortened. i put a lot more money into it, but i wouldnt have brought this van if it needed mechanical work. i find a lot of vans out there for a very good price needing little or no work. at a very lower price than you are looking at.

Way overpriced. I bought my 91 Econoline Crestliner for $2800. And it only had 80,000 miles.

160k miles, needed new axle, ac is shot, and brakes were bad, wobble at 65, steering line bad, and minor oil leak, but she runs beautifully. Picked up 400 bucks and has been a work in progress.

Tried viewing the link but posting was deleted so I can't judge. As for the 2nd gear grind you describe sounds like the transmission is about to go but can't judge til I hear it, otherwise sounds like a good rig. If the tranny is going bad and you plan to buy, id suggest doing a filter and oil change in transmission but do not flush, flushing is bad! Sounds like it was flushed by dealership so id take caution if purchase is planned.

Good luck in your hunt, hope to see pictures if you go for it.