Thinking of buying a 97 villager and looking for input

[Bazetech]

I am a truck guy have been all my life, but the familly is growing a we need more room, any way, we found a 97 villager with 140000k on it at our local, very reputable dealer and I can get out the door for $3000. We have test driven it three times, cold starts, hills you name it. it didn't get hot, smoke knock or any thing. It actually has a lot of power for a small van I thought. I have been inside, outside, under, through and into the engine as much as I could, and it all looks great, and I can't find a reason not to buy it. After reading some of the forum, it sounds like the majority of people that own them like them. Any info anyone would like to share would great. Thanks very much.

[dzus]

Hello; We bought our 97v new and now has 100k miles with no serious problems. The van has been very reliable. Things to look for before buying:
1. check for broken/missing exhaust manifold studs(12 each). Early to mid 90's viliagers have a bad reputation with this and big $$$ to repair.
2. check that rear a/c blower works. A bad solder on relay in front temp controller usaully causes this.
3. rubber 2" hose from egr valve to steal line cracks or ruptures or deteriates from heat,the check engine light comes on normally if this happens.
4. check that the fuel vent hose replaced per a service bulletin/recall because of fuel smell inside van.
good luck!

[Bazetech]

Thanks for the info! As far as I can tell everything works, but I'll check what you mentioned. The van seems to be in real good shape. I just want to make sure people havent reported problems like I've heard about the caravan and others. Again thank you for the info and I will check those items you mentioned.

[VILLAGERS4ALL]

I think you could do better than that on this deal. Talk him down to at least 2600. I gave 3 k for mine and it has 100k even. I seen some locals at a dealer that were 1997 nauticas and running 80k for 3500.00 and I could have talked him down to 3000. easy I am sure

[samdiego]

Here is a link that lists some of the Villager quirks. http://abra.homestead.com/villager.html

[gismo3]

I'm an original owner of the '97 and now have 256,000 Km. Never had any engine / transmision repairs. Normal maintenace work (brakes/calipers, and some suspension work @ 180,000K, & waterpump @ 240,000 K. The core heater now is not working and Rad is about to wear out. Will probably reapr son.

Very happy with this car, probaby best car I have ever owned. In case you didn't kow the engine is a Nissan and many parts are also.

[MercuryMan]

One of the best vehicles I have owned. Only problems I have had are the fuel pump being replaced several times and the suspension needed new bushings. I am at about 300,000KM now and she is still running strong.