Inspect the chassis, wheel wells, and sills. Tap the metal; it should feel solid, not like crumbling crackers.
Elias performed the "corner test," pushing down hard on each fender. what to look for when buying a used van
If the seller "warmed it up" before you got there, they might be hiding a rough idle or starting issues. 2. Hunting for "Iron Worms" (Rust) Inspect the chassis, wheel wells, and sills
Meet Elias. For months, his browser tabs were a graveyard of dream builds and marketplace listings. He finally found "the one"—a 2018 cargo van with low miles and a price that felt like a steal. But as Elias learned, buying a used van is less like buying a car and more like inspecting a house that’s been through a category-four hurricane. If the seller "warmed it up" before you
Elias arrived early to ensure the engine was stone-cold. He wanted to hear it struggle—if it was going to.
Listen for knocking, hissing, or tapping during a cold start .