Is purchasing a Ford with 80,000 miles a good choice?

So basically my boyfriend and I have been looking for a perfect van to road trip in, and we saw this absolutely perfect Ford Econoline 150 that is cutom made. The interior is in mint condition as well as the exterior and as far as I know the engine and everything is in perfect shape. Basically my question today is if this purchase would be worth it or do fords burn out quickly? The van is 1995 with 80,000 miles and it is $11,000. I think it is pretty good deal but I need a second opinion.

What could go wrong really?

"and as far as I know the engine and everything is in perfect shape." As far as you know? How much do you know? You didn't mention a year. Did you check the transmission fluid for color and smell? Does the oil look OK? Without knowing a year or price, I couldn't say.

$11,000 is pretty steep for a 23-year-old van, and it having only 80,000 miles at 23-years-old is an extremely dubious claim. You would be foolhardy not to get a vehicle history report through the DMV or through Carfax to help you verify that and not to have a mechanic fully inspect it first to ensure it's up to snuff and that it doesn't actually have a lot more miles. Even if that is right, though, $11,000 is still a LOT of money for a 23-year-old Ford Econoline. It probably only cost about twice that 23 years ago--let me say that again, "23 YEARS AGO!" Even if those are actual miles, 23 years is a lot of technology ago and a long time for hoses, belts, rubber, etc. To rot, so don't think that if it has that few miles, it's like a new van that only has 80,000 miles.

A 23 year old van for $11,000… That seems hella expensive to me… But i guess you have been shopping around more than I have

So Basically it's basically over 20 years old. So 80,000 miles isn't the main problem. Basically, you need to check all the other components, steering, suspension, and transmission. So you also need to check the metal moths haven't been taking chunks out the bodywork and chassis in places you can't find. (basically you need a good mechanic to check this)
So offer them 9000 and see what they say.
As others have said; what could possibly go wrong?

Without knowing the condition of the vehicle, can't answer the question. If it has been properly maintained (by the last owner and then by you) it could give you another 100,000 miles. If it has not been maintained, it could die next week.

If you are serious about purchasing it, have a mechanic that you trust look it over. They will be able to tell you if the vehicle is in good condition. The small amount you would pay for them to do this is worth a lot.

Also check the bluebook listing for such a vehicle. It will normally give you a reliable price range for that model with that mileage.

I have had several American made cars (both Chevy and Ford) that I have driven past the 200,000 mile mark. Currently have a Jeep that is about to past the 300,000 mile mark. If taken care of, it should give you at least another 60,000 to 100,000 miles.

A 1995 for $11,000?

For $6,000 more you can get a 2015 Transit that gets double the mileage and isn't over 20 years old.

For $1,000 more, you can get a 2012 Chevy 1/2 ton 4wd van.

I picked up my 1990 F250 with 50,000 on the engine and 130,000 on the chassis, with a camper for $500. I put $300 into the truck for an alternator and battery and $350 into the camper for a laminate floor, new ceiling and insulation…

$11,000 can buy you a LOT more.

Here are what econolines are going for:

You could also get a Toyota camper of same vintage that has bed, kitchen, bathroom for the same price.

(Basically) there are not too many quarter century old Fords on the road that are worth 11 Large. Period.

I'm not sure I'd pay that much for a 13-year old Ford Econoline van, but I wouldn't be concerned about the miles. That's actually rather low miles for a vehicle that old, and with proper care and maintenance it should be able to go that far again before anything really serious goes bad.

As always, have the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic that you know and trust BEFORE you agree to buy it. You'll have to spend a few bucks for the inspection, but it could save you THOUSANDS if your mechanic finds some serious problems.

There should be paperwork telling you what has been done to the engine. If that checks out, and they can show it has been well maintained yeš