Is this a good deal?

[fulla]

Hey,

I'm thinking about getting a R reg SWB 2.5L diesel for a trip to Europe in the summer. I've never owned a van before (and I'm from Australia), so some advice would be good.

The van I'm looking at is rusty as hell (door frames, engine bay and chassis), but I'm not too concerned about this as I'm planning on selling as soon as I get back to the UK. I went for a test drive today and everything seemed fine - no funny wobbles/noises, brakes were very good, steering was fine, all lights etc working, started first time. The seller says it had a full mechanical overhaul 2 years ago and the alternator, fuel pump and belts all look pretty new. I did an MOT check and she's failed in the past, but passed the latest MOT with "slight pitting on brakes".

Is it possible/accepted practice to ask the mechanics who did the most recent MOT to give their opinion on the van/check their history? Or will I look like an idiot if I walk in and ask for them to tell me about some van they serviced 9 months ago?

It's got tax and MOT until Sept 09.

I'm planning on chucking a mattress and some beer in the back and going to Portugal.

Asking price is 750 ono - what do you guys think? Is this a fair price? What else should I be looking out for? Also, the pick-up in first seemed hopeless - had to push the accellerator to the floor to get her moving...but revs in 2nd and above were fine. Is this normal for this van?

Thanks for any and all genuine advice,

Tom