1992 Chevy G30 100k miles

[Flade]

Hi everyone, newby here
Me and my husband are thinking to buy a shorty, not for full-time living but more for 1 to 3 months (max) long trips around the country. Because it's not going to be our full-time home, we wanted something below 23'.

I just happened to find this for sale on FB Marketplace and it looks in great conditions:
$2,900 - 1992 Chevrolet G30
Automatic transmission, 100.000mi, Gasoline 5.7 Engine
Just out of service, runs well, clean title, fresh engine and AC
No rust - tires are in good conditions (he says)

What do you think?

I really like the look of it. It's 2 hours away, and I am thinking to go and see it this weekend, but I wanted to ask an opinion about it and especially about the GAS ENGINE!
Do you think that the fact that it's a Gasoline engine rather than a Diesel will cause issues ones converted? Anyone has the same bus?

Thank you so much in advance for any input!!!
Flavia

 

[peteg59]

Looks to be in good condition. Inspection of the rear wheel wells and flooring in that area back is highly recommended, if not already done.

The 5.7 is a good engine, and should go a lot longer than the current mileage you show.
I have a 90, 4 window with dual rears and a bit wider rear body.
It would be very tight for 2 people but if you're comfortable with rubbing elbows on occasion, you should be good.
It's not a Chevy though, it's a GMC!
Good luck...

 

[Flade]

Looks to be in good condition. Inspection of the rear wheel wells and flooring in that area back is highly recommended, if not already done.

The 5.7 is a good engine, and should go a lot longer than the current mileage you show.
I have a 90, 4 window with dual rears and a bit wider rear body.
It would be very tight for 2 people but if you're comfortable with rubbing elbows on occasion, you should be good.
It's not a Chevy though, it's a GMC!
Good luck...

Thank you so much for your reply!
Yeah I know it will be tight, but I also lived in a Toyota Hiace before, full-time for 8 months, with my ex bf and we did fine, so I feel like this should be more than fine I like the perk of being able to park more or less everywhere and better mpg. Do you think that Diesel would get a better mpg?

I would love to see photos of your conversion!

 

[JustKip]

The Chevy (GMC, too, peteg59 ) 350/5.7 is probably the most common gas V8 in the USA. It's reliable, and parts can almost be found at your neighborhood 7-11...OK, not 7-11, but if you need an altornator or starter you can get it off the shelf at Autozone or NAPA.
As for gas vs diesel, gas can also be had at any street corner 7-11. Diesel might be less available in some out of the way places.
And there is huge aftermarket support for the 5.7, if you live in a state with less restrictive emissions control testing.

With the single rear wheel bus, you will need to keep your build from getting too heavy.

 

[ol trunt]

I'm a skeptic. The seller says the bus is just out of service--I'd want that verified. 100,000 miles in 27 years works out at just a bit over 3,000 miles a year. Does that make sense? The generally accepted replacement date for these light duty buses is 8 to 10 years, not 27 years. Check the weight plate (GCVW) and make sure it is at least 10,000 pounds. Anything less and you will surly find yourself over weight even with a modest build out. For me, the single rear wheels would a pass on this bus.
Jack

 

[Flade]

I'm a skeptic. The seller says the bus is just out of service--I'd want that verified. 100,000 miles in 27 years works out at just a bit over 3,000 miles a year. Does that make sense? The generally accepted replacement date for these light duty buses is 8 to 10 years, not 27 years. Check the weight plate (GCVW) and make sure it is at least 10,000 pounds. Anything less and you will surly find yourself over weight even with a modest build out. For me, the single rear wheels would a pass on this bus.
Jack

Thank you yeah...I think we will pass on this. I don't want to have to worry for every pound added. I also heard that Diesel engines can be more expensive to fix, but if well maintained can go up to 600k mi, so it seems like a better investment on top of the fact that it's a more powerful engine.

I very much appreciate the everyone's advices though! I will be back

 

[JustKip]

I see that you're in San Diego. There's a guy in National City who frequently posts Ford E-450 diesels on craigslist. He bought a ton of them at auction and always has them available.

EDIT: I was wrong. It's down in Imperial Beach
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/d/san-diego-ford-e450-school-skoolies-bus/6919426383.html

 

[Flade]

I see that you're in San Diego. There's a guy in National City who frequently posts Ford E-450 diesels on craigslist. He bought a ton of them at auction and always has them available.

EDIT: I was wrong. It's down in Imperial Beach
https://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/ctd/d/san-diego-ford-e450-school-skoolies-bus/6919426383.html

Yes! I saw it! I am planning to go there this weekend to check some out and get a better understanding in person of what exactly I want!
Are you down here too?

 

[JustKip]

Yes! I saw it! I am planning to go there this weekend to check some out and get a better understanding in person of what exactly I want!
Are you down here too?

My wife is from Lemon Grove, and has 7 siblings between Encinitas and Alpine. I lived there in the early 70s