buying 02/03 plate transit swb high top

[willphill]

Ay up

I have recently had my camper conversion stolen and am looking to do the whole job again, but this time i am going to make hoprfully the more sensible decision to use a ford transit. I am pretty much sold on the idea and am now embarking on the minefield which is searching and buying. Unfortunately i'm not a very well off man and only have a budget of £3000 absolute maximum, but have narrowed my search to a swb medium or high top model of less than 10 years old. I have spent most of the afternoon researching until I happily stumbled on you fellas and the seemingly endless wealth of information at your fingertips. So as I am likely going to be a transit owner promptly registered. Anyhow I have many questions and am unsure of some of the things I have learned so far and would like to firstly outline what I think I know, Ask about what I don't and then seek counsel on acceptable pricing to mileage and condition.

What I think I know (please correct me if I am off the mark)
# The PS refers to power output (horsepower and torque?)
# The 280 0r 260 refers to gross vehicle mass.
# Front wheel drives have a little more height loading space (better for camper conversion).
# Rear wheel drives have bigger wheels (hence the slightly smaller load space).
# Rear wheel drives are better for towing or carrying very heavy loads (which I won't need).
# Vans with higher number PS's are more thirsty on fuel.

What I don't quite get (Please fill me in).
# If the 260 or 280 etc refers to gross vehicle mass why is it different in vans that are the same size (for example a swb low roof)? Is it the weight of the mechanical parts?
# If I were to purchase a swb medium top and use it for a light application (camping) and am not fussy about racing around or going really fast but more concerned about fuel consumption, is it best to go for the lowest 'PS' and lowest 'gvm' I can find with front wheel drive?

Advice about buying
# I have been looking at vans in the £2000 to £3000 price range, I haven't seen many (within a 30 - 50 mile radius) with less than 100 000 miles on the clock is this usual/acceptable? Should I wait and try to get a better deal? Does an average 7 - 10 year old transit with over a hundred thousand on the clock generally have plenty left to give (assuming it is in reasonably sound mechanical condition)? Are there any common faults I should look for when viewing?


Thanks for taking the time to read my post any help whatsoever would be gratefully recieved.

[Luke]

# The PS refers to power output (horsepower and torque?)yes
# The 280 0r 260 refers to gross vehicle mass.yes 280 would be 2800gvm
# Front wheel drives have a little more height loading space (better for camper conversion).yes about 4/5"
# Rear wheel drives have bigger wheels (hence the slightly smaller load space).they have a higher floor due to the diff to see the difference look at a fwd and a rwd with the back doors open
# Rear wheel drives are better for towing or carrying very heavy loads (which I won't need).yes fwd's make better campers

[willphill]

Thanks for that Luke - seems like your just up the road mate were in sheffield.

[Luke]

you've just missed a meet local to us at the transport musiem in rotherham

if i was building one i'd go for a 100ps they seem to be a best all rounder and still give good economy, fully loaded campers still weigh quite a bit

also the only real difference in 260,280,350 is the rate of the springs (higher will be a harder ride) and the final drive ratio, before you buy one post the reg on here and somone will tell you what diff it has to make sure its not going to be revving like mad on the motorway

[willphill]

will do, thanks again for the advice - just got to locate one in decent condition at the right price. Had a fairly good look around this site now, lots of really useful stuff, very glad I joined.