Hello Scotty and club!
I am looking to buy a used vehicle and need help. I am a 6’4” 330lb guy with a fused neck. Getting into and out of cars is VERY painful for me. There are car measurements with headroom and leg room. But the process of getting in or out is the hardest most painful part. It can literally send me to bed for days at a time!!
How do I find cars or trucks with the largest door opening size that also have the most height between the seat and the door jam? My neck no longer bends because of the fused neck. I need an automatic transmission and a smooth ride because of an additional 9 bulging discs in my spine. It can’t be a low rider type car as I can’t get down into a low car. Other than that practically; ANY type of car, truck, or van is an option. But I am running out of ideas. I currently have a Honda Element, but it really isn’t quite big enough. Please help me with suggestions? Or at least how to research?
Google seems to only give me head room and leg room measurements. Not the seat to door jam measurement.
Thank you in advance folks! I really really appreciate any ideas!
How about a full size van? They have very large access doors (driver and passenger) and plenty of head room.
We are starting to look for a 118" wheel base Dodge Sprinter passenger van. They were made 2002-2006 with a 5 cylinder diesel engine. Are these good vans? Should I look elsewhere?
Toyota Sequoia or Land Cruiser can be good options.
We are starting to look for a 118" wheel base Dodge Sprinter passenger van. They were made 2002-2006 with a 5 cylinder diesel engine. Are these good vans? Should I look elsewhere?
Those are rebadged Mercedes. The parts cost a lot and being a Diesel, not everyone knows how to work on them.
@yaser
'99-'07 are DaimlerChrysler, not Mercedes. Big difference.And the Chrysler versions are terrible like the Promaster
@MountainManJoe : The ones I saw here are Mercedes. I agree with you they are terrible vans.
ok So back to drawing board! Which is still WAY better than buyer's remorse!! Thank you kind sirs!!! Suggestions for a quality full sized van? I am also trying to stay in the $15K range. New costs are way too far out of my budget. With my neck and spine issues my ability to work is limited and I dont want our house funds to go to a vehicle till we have a house built...
I'd look for a full size conversion van.
you can't beat them for room
I found 2 near me. Anything I here I should walk away from? OR that I should check prior to making a purchase?
Or should I look for a completely different type of van?
1996 FordE-150 Transit Cargo Van with 68,000 with all captains chairs for $10500 conversion done by Universal by Glaval Corp
1370# maximum payload
138" wheelbase
3.08 rear axle ratio
35.0 gallon fuel tank
6050# GVWR, springs (2960# front/2950# rear), axles (3600# front/3800# rear)
72 amp-hour (650 CCA) maintenance-free battery
95-amp alternator
2012 2012 GMC Savana Cargo Van with 17,000 with 4 captains chairs and one bench. A Wentzville built conversion van.
Alternator, 145 amps
Exhaust, aluminized stainless-steel muffler and tailpipe
StabiliTrak, stability control system
Engine, Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI FlexFuel (310 hp [231.1 kW] @ 5200 rpm, 334 lb-ft of torque [450.9 N-m] @ 4500 rpm) (Standard on TG13405 and TH13405 models
Rear axle, 3.73 ratio (Standard on TG13405 and TH13405 models. Reference the Engine/Axle page for availability.)
Battery, heavy-duty 770 cold-cranking amps, maintenance-free with rundown protection and retained accessory power
Frame, full-length box ladder-type
GVWR, 7300 lbs. (3311 kg) (Standard on TG13405 or TH13405 models. Reference the Engine/Axle page for availability.)
Suspension, front independent with torsion bar (computer selected) and stabilizer bar (Requires TG13405 and TH13405 models.)
Wheel trim, chrome center cap (Included on TG23405 or TG23705 models. Included with (NX7) 4 - 17" x 7" (43.2 cm x 17.8 cm) steel wheel.)
Fuel tank capacity, mid-frame and approximately 31 gallons (117.3L)
Both would fit our needs, I think, but which van is going to be more reliable in the long run?
ok so that a clear NO for the Dodge Sprinter.
I found these 2 conversion vans near me. Anything I here I should walk away from? OR that I should check prior to making a purchase?
Or should I look for a completely different type of van?
1996 FordE-150 Transit Cargo Van with 68,000 with all captains chairs for $10500 conversion done by Universal by Glaval Corp
1370# maximum payload
138" wheelbase
3.08 rear axle ratio
35.0 gallon fuel tank
6050# GVWR, springs (2960# front/2950# rear), axles (3600# front/3800# rear)
72 amp-hour (650 CCA) maintenance-free battery
95-amp alternator
2012 2012 GMC Savana Cargo Van with 17,000 with 4 captains chairs and one bench. A Wentzville built conversion van.
Alternator, 145 amps
Exhaust, aluminized stainless-steel muffler and tailpipe
StabiliTrak, stability control system
Engine, Vortec 5.3L V8 SFI FlexFuel (310 hp [231.1 kW] @ 5200 rpm, 334 lb-ft of torque [450.9 N-m] @ 4500 rpm) (Standard on TG13405 and TH13405 models
Rear axle, 3.73 ratio (Standard on TG13405 and TH13405 models. Reference the Engine/Axle page for availability.)
Battery, heavy-duty 770 cold-cranking amps, maintenance-free with rundown protection and retained accessory power
Frame, full-length box ladder-type
GVWR, 7300 lbs. (3311 kg) (Standard on TG13405 or TH13405 models. Reference the Engine/Axle page for availability.)
Suspension, front independent with torsion bar (computer selected) and stabilizer bar (Requires TG13405 and TH13405 models.)
Wheel trim, chrome center cap (Included on TG23405 or TG23705 models. Included with (NX7) 4 - 17" x 7" (43.2 cm x 17.8 cm) steel wheel.)
Fuel tank capacity, mid-frame and approximately 31 gallons (117.3L)
Both would fit our needs, I think, but which van is going to be more reliable in the long run?
So the 2012 GMC is sold already....
But are there any suggestions for a van that will last me a good while with regular maintenance? Without major repairs? Or ones that I should specifically stay away from?
Is there a good place to look for used conversion vans? It seems like there is only 2 dealers in the whole country and they want $60k for a van. I can max out at $22K but would rather be closer to $15k. Any suggestions?
Thanks guys!