Figured this would be the best place to ask everyones opinion. We are looking at buying a dodge conversion van as we need to have it converted to wheelchair accessible with a lift for our 15 yr old son. We are by no means rich or well off so we are planning on buying a used van and then trying to figure out how to pay for a lift to be installed.
My question is: how reliable are these vans. I cannot afford to buy something and then turn around and keep fixing stuff all the time. i know milage and age has a lot to do with it. i usually wrk on our own vehicles but dont have the time anymore. i just want some general experiences that you all have had with these vans. right now we are looking at a 2001 conversion van with only 60,000 miles at a great price.
Please be honest with your opionion, i dont want somebody telling me they live and breathe Dodge, I bleed Dodge, or stuff like that. This is a very important decision for our family so please offfer up any advice.. Thanks in advance.

 

I have a 1999 1500 Ram conversion van with the Magnum 3.9 V 6. I replaced the engine and transmission at 139,000.
To be honest with you, I could have just replaced the ring and got 215,000 mile out of it. Trans was still strong, just decided to replace them both at once.
Only problem I have had was finding replacement parts for the window regulator. This is a cable type that no one seems to make and I have gone though three water pumps in eight years.
Overall this is a tough vehicle. I am a Contractor and make my van work as hard as I do!

Phil's Handy Service, Inc.
Contractor Tampa Florida

 

Thanks for your honest input.

 

Ram vans do have their share of small problems, but I think the 98 and newer vans are better than the previous generation. Much of your decision will come down to just how well the prior owner took care of the van. Ask for receipts and also ask to see records of maintenance history. Sixty thousand miles is low for an 01 -- a very good starting point.

Rust can also be a problem that will seriously shorten the service life of a Ram van. Before you spend money installing hardware to suit your situation make sure to have the chassis thoroughly inspected for rust. If you decide to buy the van I would suggest you have it rustproofed and undercoated immediately after having the lift equipment installed.

The only other advice I can give is to bookmark this Forum and keep in touch with us. We will always be here to help.

Good luck on your buying decision!

 

my 92 b250 conversion van is a mean trip machine and that is what i use it for--it is not an every day driver and it is stored in a garage w/no rust on it-- i have other vehicles for daily use--it has 147000 mi on it. ecu has been replaced along with both front brake calipers,muffler and 3 row radiator--that is all i have ever done to it--i do bleed dodge--get over it!!!