bcbuilder

Greetings. I'm a contractor and am in the market for a van. I'm only able to afford one with somewhere in the range of 90K miles on it but I've done some research, here and elsewhere, and it seems like the Chevy van holds up pretty well over time, if well taken care of I'm sure. Do you agree?

And what are some potential problem signs I might look for when looking at these higher mileage Chevy's? Are there common problems that occur at the 100K mile point? Are there things I should look into replacing right off the bat? Thanks for the expert advice.

DFBonnett

It will be as good or bad as any Dodge or Ford of the same vintage. How well has it been maintained? Coolant, trans fluid, oil all changed on schedule? Maintenance history is the most important factor, IMO.
I have a 2004 bought new and it's been OK, but It has very low mileage. Truth be told I would have gladly paid $10K more for an equivalent size van made by Toyota or Honda.

MT-2500

I would go for a 1 ton 3500 5.7 v8 and 4l80e transmission.
Most will go over 200K with out major problems.
But keep up the reg service and Maintenance.
I would go for more often oil changes than the manf. says.
3K is a good rule to go by on regular engine oil.
Do not wait for the oil change light.
MT

__________________
Remember proper testing gives us the answer to many problems.
MT

Fecklar

For example, I have a 1998 Chevy Express with the 5.7 V8 and 4L80E transmission. Still original engine and transmission with 865,050 Kms (537,196 miles) on it. It is used as a courier van. Oil changes every 5000 Km and transmission service 40,000 Km. Complete tune up every 160,000 Km. I also changed the fuel filter every 40,000 as well. No complaints here. Great truck!

indyrt

Well, i had 6 3500 extendo gm's 5 were new and I couldn't brag more... best ride in it's class.. can pull a bobcat no prob.... I bought a 1999 w/ 125k and it was like the outhers at 40k.... I have 175k and i have had to put in a lot of misc$.. could be lack of maint on my part as I have no time and $.... LOVE the 3500 though... look for a well maintained on.. not mine...I paid 5,500

RT

DAVE500

I've only had my 2005 three months. Bought w/ 56,000 miles on it, runs great. The first thing I did a was complete (aftermarket parts) tuneup. The thing I don't like is the thin sheetmetal - tap it in the wrong spot and you get a ding. I sold my 2002 with 180,000 miles on it to a friend when I got the 05, and that still runs great too. The new 4.3 seems faster than the old one (even when it was new). I'm an old Ford guy that got tired of rust, but these Chevy vans won me over...

Garf

I have a 1999 1500 with a 4.3L and 140k+ miles. Doesn't use any oil, starts instantly, good power for a 6. Lost a fuel pump relay recently.