How would you market this old van?

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I have a 1993 Ford E150 conversion van that I want to get rid of. I'd prefer not to have to give it away. Over the 5 years I've owned it, I've dumped about $4000 into various repairs and parts replacements (stupid, I know).

Currently, the van has some problems that could stand to be fixed. At the top of the list is a new fuel pump. I think Ethanol in the gas caused this problem. The pump was replaced 3 years ago. The speedometer has just stopped working, and there's a sensor (I think) that affects the way the transmission shifts (rough, thunk with each gear) that needs replacing (for the second time).

Despite the fuel pump problem, it always starts (some days after cranking it a dozen times until the pressure builds up, other days it fires up immediately). The 351 V8 runs good, very good, in fact. It has a tick tick lifter problem (not a big deal). Tires have about 20K miles on them. And the AC (completely rebuilt) is excellent. Gas mileage? forget it...about 8mpg.

So it has good points and (mostly) bad points. I was thinking about putting an ad on Craigs List. I would like to get $400 for it. Don't know if that's realistic or not. What approach should I use in my ad copy? Use minimal copy to try to get a curiosity response? Or come clean up front, talk about the warts, and let the chips fall?

Appreciate your thoughts.

Wes
  • Profile picture of the author Greg71
    If you can sleep in it, point out how much it will save them in rent.
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      In my neck of the woods a 93 is still considered pretty new
      I drive an 85 Jeep and a buddy of mine has a 63 Chevy van that still runs (though he has it stored for restoration).
      If you only want 400 for it, check with your local scrap yards to see what they would pay. You may get a little more selling it for junk.
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  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    List all the good points FIRST.
    AND emphasize all the work and money you put into it.**

    sub-title the negatives 'Seen Better Days'

    and emphasize that all the memories are included free. (and how you hate to part with it in spite of the 'issues').

    To a 'heavy hitter' marketer I would say they are mysterious in front and then come clean if asked.

    To me as a consumer I want to know up front - too many 'what ifs' or not enough information, I will just shine it on - (forget it)

    To me as a 'business person' I like everything up front and technically detailed to avoid too many 'back and forths' (inquiries and responses)

    (keep in mind as a marketer I suck because I give too much information)

    ** this can be disappointing because people don't seem to care - when I sold my old Bonneville SSEI it had a brand new rebuilt transmission, and lots of other maintenance - nobody cared anything about it except for mileage and blue book value. But 'hedge your bets' and emphasize all the care the van has had.

    yes i felt stupid too for all the money i put into it.


    p.s. -- also be cognizant of 'window dressing' - clean it up as well as you can before showing it - inside and out --- and even steam clean the engine if you can afford it.

    "Clean" in itself is a selling point.

    I have read in real estate advertising that even something as small as a new $10 shower curtain in the bathroom can make a big difference when showing a property.
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    CANDY AND ATTORNEY FEES INCLUDED.
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  • You could explain all the benefits of Living in a Van Down by the River...
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  • Profile picture of the author tboneman
    Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. Think I'll go with the 'upfront and honest' approach (vehicle has some issues but none are terminal) For what it's worth, it has a TV/tape cassette player. I've never turned it on so I don't know if it works. The body is in good shape. Could use a paint job but what 20 year old vehicle doesn't?
    Bought a 2003 Chevy Venture replacement last week. Little old man drove it to the restaurant and back daily. Has 66,400 miles on it. It's beautiful. Paid $3000 for it. For a change I think I might have gotten a good deal. Hope I can get some of that 3 grand back from selling the van.
    Thanks again.
    tbone
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Didn't see it mentioned above but may have missed it....

      have you checked to see what price yo could get selling the van as salvage metal? Might surprise you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Are binoculars and a trench coat included?
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  • You could try putting the ad in Craigslist places where it might appeal to the "wanderlust soul" - who just like to get up and go, and have a 'base station' - windsurfers, snowboarders, mtn bikers, etc. -

    Maybe someone wants to turn it into an "Art Van"
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  • Profile picture of the author Rick B
    If it's not a misprint and you really only want $400 it shouldn't be a problem getting that. Anything that moves is worth that much unless you're in an inspection state and it won't pass inspection. List it for $650 and then take $400.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Before you sell it for $400 - check with a scrap metal buyer. He might pay more
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      Please do not 'release balloons' for celebrations. The balloons and trailing ribbons entangle birds and kill wildlife and livestock that think the balloons are food.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    ...or, donate it to a Rawhide Boys Ranch and be part of turning a young life around.

    Yeah, I know it's not the kind of advice you requested, but it doesn't hurt to try.



    @ Pat - great advice!
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  • Profile picture of the author MyDragonSoftware
    Hi, you will have no trouble getting $400 for a running vehicle. But seller beware applies here. Write an advertisement that completely discloses everything you know about the vehicle. Include the words "as is where is" "no warrantee, no refunds" "I suggest buyer get it checked by a mechanic" Do not worry, you won't scare any buyers off. make sure you personally go with the buyer to transfer the title! Put all this on a sales receipt that you both sign and each retain a copy of. Someone who is buying a $400 vehicle may not have the money to transfer and buy a tag, insurance. They may drive it around while it's still in your name, so seller beware. I am not a lawyer and this is not meant to be legal advice just the voice of experience. I never meet buyers responding to a cl ad at my home, just meet them at a nearby grocery store parking lot, for security.
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