I’m looking for some input, what would you do if you were in my situation.
Here it is…
I am going to need to replace one of my 2 vans. In the winter (Dec - Mar) I use only 1 van, so I don’t need the 2nd van until April 2010. The good van is a 2000 GMC Safari that I purchased last spring for $4800. I have been looking around at used vans (5- 8 year old vans) and they are priced between $5-$12Grand. One of the Car Dealerships that I currently clean for has a 2007 Ford E250 Cargo with 25,000km that I could purchase with $0 down and $375/mon (tax incl.) for 6 years.
Would appreciate your thoughts.
Not sure that I see your delimma. I’d go for it. I’d also try to get the van for a swap on the window cleaning. Does it cost them $375/month for the windows? If so, would they trade it out?
I am going to try this with one of my dealerships when they get the perfect van!
Why do you recommend a truck? I was under the impression a van was the best vehicle for this trade. But if a truck is just as good I would rather have one than a van.
In my opinion nothing beats a van but I would not do the deal you are talking about because you will ultimately lose a lot of money on the value of the vehicle. You are going to be paying $27,000 for a vehicle that will be worth somewhere around 3-5 thousand when it is finally paid off. A net loss of $22,000 or $3,500 per year.
If you are going to go the monthly payment route I suggest you consider leasing a truck/van. I was quoted $175 month for brand new Tacoma a few months ago on a 36 month lease. There are certain tax advantages to leasing for a company but I’m not certain what they are since I’ve never done it.
I would “suggest” that you not buy a ford. GM is your best bet. I know they are all junk, but until Toyota sells a diesel, 1 ton, longbed, crew cab, 4wd, in the US, I’m stuck.
Obviously, if you can work a barter w/ the dealer that would be nice. I agree, van or truck is a personal choice, personally I prefer trucks, they are a little easier to work on. But if security is an issue in your area, a van might be better.
True that. I have had many Ford trucks and SUV’s I have never had a problem that was unexpected. Lets face it everything breaks down once in a while. I would have to say ecconomicly the best truck I ever had was a 94 Ford Ranger 4 banger. It was good on gas, hard to speed when fully loaded. Now I roll a Ford f350. Still love it. I just had to upgrade to a bigger office. I think if you are looking for a truck, the extended cab is a must. Then a good toolbox in the rear followed by a headack rack or ladder rack of some sort.
[FONT=arial, Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]The key component of a FMV lease is that the lessee has the option to return the equipment at the conclusion of the lease–without further obligation. The lessee may also have the option to purchase the equipment for its “fair market value” or to continue leasing the equipment from the lessor. Technically, the lessee does not own the equipment–it is akin to a rental. The lessee does not record the equipment as an asset on its balance sheet, nor does the lessee record a long term liability. The lease is generally treated as an off-balance sheet, “operating expense” and hence, it is 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE.[/SIZE][/FONT][/FONT]
I have had several astro/safari vans (around 8 total ) and they are really reliable as it gets when it comes to a domestic work vehicle. Rear wheel drive and an incredible 4.3 liter v-6. The 4.3 is identical to the 350 chevy v-8 except it has two less cylinders. It is not uncommon to get 250,000 miles out of one. Two of mine have over 240,000 and have tons of power left. Plenty of get upm and go. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that GM made such a reliable vehicle.
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Hey Doug,[/FONT][/COLOR]
[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]I thought you were a truck guy. You posted some pix of your fabulous rig a while back. Would you really rather have a van?[/FONT][/COLOR]
Thanks for all the comments and feedback.
After thinking it over today, I think the Ford E250 is a bit big for my needs. I like the smaller Cargo’s, so I think I will keep an I open for another GMC Safari. Although that new Ford does look pretty sweet. I haven’t seen any up here in my neck of the woods yet, though.
but I have 6 vehicles and three are Fords. One is a Chevy and by far the Chevy is the worst of the bunch.
