16 Footer Posted August 9, 2017 Report Posted August 9, 2017 I am thinking about buying a 2009 Chev Uplander from an 80 plus guy who is in a retirement home and can't drive anymore. It only has 40K on it and should be good enough to tow my 16 ft Grumman with a 25 Merc on it. The problem is it has been sitting out side for about 3 years and not driven at all. It definitely will need an oil change, new battery and brake work. What other repairs do you think it needs to get it on the road and how much is it worth in this condition? Thanks for your reply. .
DanD Posted August 9, 2017 Report Posted August 9, 2017 All fluids should be replaced, power steering, brake, transmission, coolant along with the motor oil. There's no doubt that they (other then the coolant LOF) are moisture contaminated. If possible get a transit plate on it, so it can be driven to a garage for a safety inspection; before you commit yourself to the van. Have the shop do an assessment of belt and hoses and other non-safety items. Also remember that a safety certificate means that the vehicle passed the MTO minimum requirements on the day of inspection. Ask the shop what items just passed; things that may need some attention in the near future. Once you have this information on the vehicle; you will be able to make an informed decision on what to offer for the van; if you still want it. Dan
OhioFisherman Posted August 9, 2017 Report Posted August 9, 2017 What Dan said, vehicles that have been sitting a long time have a habit of attracting mice ( my experiences ), take a look under the hood at the plug wires and other wiring they sometime will chew on the insulation or build nests under the hood or in the vehicle. I have a 2009 Chevy cargo van, I haven't driven since 2011 but my son who lives with me uses it occasionally, it also has around 40k mileage on it. 1 battery replaced, lack of regular use, a lot of the electronics still draw current, 1 rotor, left front developed a rust area, again lack of regular use. I get an oil change and grease job on mine once a year, even though it hasn't exceeded 3k miles a year since I stopped driving, your vehicles owner may not have done that? The value? without actually seeing and driving it? No real idea, it could be trash or treasure?
16 Footer Posted August 9, 2017 Author Report Posted August 9, 2017 The van body looks good, but I did not have access to the keys to check under the hood and inside. I doubt the oil has been changed in the past 3 years.
ratherboutdoors Posted August 9, 2017 Report Posted August 9, 2017 We had an 08 montana, pretty much the same vehicle. Lots of power, should pull the boat no problem. I had replaced just about every part in the front end, bearings included at less than 100K. the good thing is that the parts are cheap and easy to install yourself with a small amount of knowledge and youtube. We had about 130K when the tranny started to slip, that was more than I wanted to deal with so traded it in a couple months ago.
buick14 Posted August 9, 2017 Report Posted August 9, 2017 ^ had a friend with a Montana which had the tranny go around the same kms also..
16 Footer Posted August 10, 2017 Author Report Posted August 10, 2017 I am still considering buying it but if I do will tow it to a mechanic to have it checked out and the tranny fluid will be replaced.
ratherboutdoors Posted August 10, 2017 Report Posted August 10, 2017 It wasn't a bad vehicle, if the price is right buy it. I'm not sure I would pay more that $3000 though especially if you need to put the better part of a grand into making it road ready. my trade-in was sub $2000 but that's no surprise, we traded it for a 2015 Toyota Sienna at Markham Toyota (FYI they were great to deal with).
16 Footer Posted August 12, 2017 Author Report Posted August 12, 2017 Got the keys and it took 30 minutes to get it running. Fluids appear to be ok. Going to have it towed to a mechanic for an assessment.
Old Ironmaker Posted August 12, 2017 Report Posted August 12, 2017 Change ALL the fluids regardless of how it looks, listen to Dan. I ruined a classic Benz letting it sit in a damp garage for 2 years. I bet that stupidity cost me 15 grand. To get it running right would have cost me another 6K or more not including interior, body and chrome work. Parts are not cheap for a Mercedes 560 SEC. What an idiot.
DanD Posted August 13, 2017 Report Posted August 13, 2017 Got the keys and it took 30 minutes to get it running. Fluids appear to be ok. Going to have it towed to a mechanic for an assessment.
buick14 Posted August 15, 2017 Report Posted August 15, 2017 Change ALL the fluids regardless of how it looks, listen to Dan. I ruined a classic Benz letting it sit in a damp garage for 2 years. I bet that stupidity cost me 15 grand. To get it running right would have cost me another 6K or more not including interior, body and chrome work. Parts are not cheap for a Mercedes 560 SEC. What an idiot. Man that's a sweet car! Hope the van works for you, but ya listen around when things sit they die and need life breathed back into them...
ecmilley Posted August 16, 2017 Report Posted August 16, 2017 There nice riding vans but don't tend to age well. Steering and sspension issues lots of little electrical Gremlins and rust in the body. Have it rustproofed if u get it
ecmilley Posted August 16, 2017 Report Posted August 16, 2017 There nice riding vans but don't tend to age well. Steering and sspension issues lots of little electrical Gremlins and rust in the body. Have it rustproofed if u get it
16 Footer Posted August 16, 2017 Author Report Posted August 16, 2017 I checked the body top and under it is good no rust. It has been towed to Dave's who is a good and fair mechanic. He is busy and can't look at it until the end of the week.
bow slayer Posted August 20, 2017 Report Posted August 20, 2017 (edited) we bought one that was 1.5 years old at the time with 20ks on it. Owned it for 6 years. It was a piece of junk,constant wheel bearing replacement,ball joints ,abs light always coming on,the seats got stained by water and always looked dirty has some electrical glitches,when we got rid of it it was having some tranny issues 170ks.....the only good thing was it pulled the boat well. Prevousily we owned a montana van(not the sv6) it was a much nicer vehicle. Now my wife drives a ford freestar van and has for 6 years and loves it. Edited August 20, 2017 by bowslayer
16 Footer Posted September 17, 2017 Author Report Posted September 17, 2017 Finally bought it for $3800 uncertified. Passed Etest but needs $1500 of work to certify.
Old Ironmaker Posted September 17, 2017 Report Posted September 17, 2017 That price seems steep for a 10 year old van. Best of luck to you.
John Posted September 17, 2017 Report Posted September 17, 2017 Finally bought it for $3800 uncertified. Passed Etest but needs $1500 of work to certify. What does it need?
huzzsaba Posted September 17, 2017 Report Posted September 17, 2017 (edited) My guess since its been sitting for so long is it would need brakes and tires. Maybe exhaust too. Edited September 17, 2017 by huzzsaba
DanD Posted September 17, 2017 Report Posted September 17, 2017 My thinking is that if you paid 38 for a 10 year old vehicle and you only need to put 15 into; you're miles ahead of the game. What's 15 hundred these days when talking cars; nothing!!!!! Dan.
16 Footer Posted September 17, 2017 Author Report Posted September 17, 2017 It only has 42K on it and needs battery, brake work, rear wiper motor, fluids replaced.
ratherboutdoors Posted September 18, 2017 Report Posted September 18, 2017 Yep, rear wiper motor, easy to replace, did mine I think 3 times. Enjoy the van!
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