Recommendations for a used van, $1500 range

[revelations]

Hey all - need some quick ideas. Looking for a minivan that will be used for weekend trips. Budget is around $1500.

I know the Astro's are tough and generally cant go wrong with, but what about the Kia and Hyundais? Pontiacs OK? Chrysler Minivans shit the bed easily too?

Also, looking for a pushrod engine, or timing chain, which rules out most Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans (most vehicles in that price range will need a timing belt replaced).

Its something that's going to be used once a month perhaps, so no heavy miles.

[01RedDX]

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[corsvette]

The Dodge Caravan were a tough beast, easily go 300,000+ kms on original drivetrains. They had the trannys well figured out by the 2001+ generation. I'd look for one of those as they're pretty dirt cheap too.

The pontiac/Chevy vans are ok, just be careful of intake gasket leaks that are common on the 3.4 V6.

[revelations]

^ great info from both .... thx

[speedog]

Don't bother with the Astro/Safari any more - too few of them left and many of them are over priced. Also eat front suspension components like a kid eats candy.

[ExtraSlow]

For that price, a caravan will be a decent bet. They depreciate like mad, so you can probbaly get a much newer one of those than anything else.

They are pieces of shit new, but don't get much worse when old. Good choice.

[mr2mike]

Caravan and don't worry about the timing belt. Buy another van if it breaks.

You did say, used very little and no heavy miles.
Seals are a bigger issue especially if it's sitting a lot.

[revelations]

^It will be used once a month perhaps, but I cold always use it more for weekday trips too (pleasure use).

[TomcoPDR]

Originally posted by revelations
^It will be used once a month perhaps, but I cold always use it more for weekday trips too (pleasure use).

Bangbus?

[revelations]

Has potential for bangbus, yes.....

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by revelations
Has potential for bangbus, yes..... Every van has bangbus potential.