I've got a long wheel base Mazda e2000 that I've had for a few months.
These are the same as Ford Econovans. Its great to have all my gear in the back, and not worry about leaving something at home.

The major issue I have with it is it's gutless! It's a 2litre petrol, and is a pain to drive after driving something with a bit of power.

I did have to get the suspension changed so that it handled better with very little weight in it, as before that it bounced all over the place. They are meant to carry a fair bit of weight so the suspension is built to handle much more than your windsurfing gear is going to weigh.

For around $2000 I think you would be pretty limited in what you can buy, and you really won't be able to tell what's wrong with it until you've owned it for a while. I guess an older ex-courier van would be the only choice, but as long as its a LWB, you should be okay for room.

From what I have read, the engines in most vans are good for a few hundred thousand kays, so you should be okay.

I have had nothing go wrong yet, but if the engine dies, it might just be a chance to swap it for something with a bit more power!

I can recommend getting a van with side windows for better visibility, but some people recommend no-windows for security.

Either way, take a few for a test drive and see which ones feel better to you.

Hope this helps.

I know friends that got a L300 4WD, from 86, with 270 000km for 1800$ last year , they crossed over to the east coast with it, drove around, had to change clutch and few other little thing but nothin serious.
I personnaly use to have a Toyota Tarago and it is pretty good stuff too, drove it from 290 000 to 376 000km changed (radiator and clutch over that period..plus other little bits). So I would recommend Toyota, Mitsubishi L300 (4wd or not), some Nissan Vanette are ok too.(tarago does have less room than others)


For that price range,I would recommend checking the cooling system carefully (i.e. radiator not all crumbly..etc..), and that there no problem with the head gasket or massize oil leak.then you are fine. good luck

thanks for the replies...so quick as well

I think $3.5k is the max I want to pay for a van at this stage...
Would definately want manual (auto box would be close to dead at the price im looking at??)
Most likely looking at getting an L300 as there seem to be quite a few cheap ones around the place that just wont die
Is 4WD ever an issue reliability-wise? there seem to be a lot of cheap parts going around as well (probably from the ones that do die )

After looking through the quokka it would seem that$3k would get me a reasonable van around 1988 or so...
...does anyone else have any other advice or opinions on vans?

thanks for all the help
-Stevo

i still think a station wagon is the way to go...
make sure you get one where you can lay the front seat down...

I have owned Mazda 1800, Ford Econovan, Mazda E2000 and Toyota Hiace also drive at work Transits, Sprinter and a Truck. All vans seem to go alright for what you may be paying for them. You will love the high driving position and visibility. Recommend 5speed with more than 2L petrol engine, all windows, engine under the seat, aircon. The best vans IMO are the Toyota though the twin rear wheel Mazdas and the lightweight Mitsubishis handle better. Don't get a Mercedes or Ford Transit and note the smaller size of the side door on Mitsubishi.

The rear door seal on old vans can be faulty - this should be fixed or the exhaust directed sideways so no fumes enter the van.

cheers

Hi Monty
It may not bother you but those vans are longer overall for their load length (because of forward engine) and usually taller making parking a little harder. The back door is barn door style - gets in the way. Generally a little doddgy design inside with visors and aircon, and had brand new Transits stalling. I wouldn't go with an old used diesel as they start to smoke and stink badly.

Hey it's not all bad though. These vans would be a better choice than the others for camping, touring, long trips like around Australia or regular trips to Esperence and Gerro. See also VW Transporter and Toyota Commuter Bus or a nice big Truck - lots of room. Ask last years WA Formula Team about passenger conditons for the truck idea (Jesper, Steve S, Nik, Chris L)
cheers
novak

thanks for the help!...
I am now actually looking for vans, as my car is almost ready to be sold, and will probably buy a Ford Econovan/Mazda e2000.

After buying ill be adding cd player/speakers, seats that convert to bed, and storage,tint and curtains.... and eski of course!!!
maybe even go wild and add some nice rims and some crazy surf paintjob thing on the side if I get carried away... (and if my wallet permits)

Thanks for all of your help everyone, its been great...
-Stevo

Hey kitingkook, here is the thread about different vans, hope it helps...

cya
-Stevo

quote:

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Originally posted by Crash Landing

I have an L300 Starwagon which seats 7 and the seats fold flat to form a bed. I had a bad engine it (which was 1.8ltr) but replaced it about 6 months ago with a low KM japanese import 2ltr engine and the power difference is huge. Unfortunately it only has 2 months REGO left on it, and I'm not keeping it as I'll be getting a new van on a novated lease. Basically it needs a bit of work doing to it (like tappits adjusting, stopping a transmission leak, new tyres soonish, suspension may need some work) but I can't be bothered. It runs really well with the engine, but I don't know what to do with it! The engine cost me $1700 alone, and I might just take it to a scrap yard Anyone out there interested in a dirt cheap van (like $500) if anything for a spare, low KM good condition engine??!!

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