2002 Chevy Roadtrek 190 Popular w/ 126k miles - good buy?

[tyguyler]

Hello everyone,

I've stumbled upon this forum in my quest for research on the 2002 Chevy Roadtrek 190 Popular. I've found one that looks from the photos to be in decent condition with 126k miles on it for $10,500.
Part of my research seems to say that this is a screaming good deal (seeing similar for $20k+), KBB says this price is right on target, and also feeling some hesitancy on purchasing a 24 year old vehicle.
I'm definitely going to check out this vehicle, and I'm looking for some pointers on specific things to check & test when I arrive. I have no experience with vans, class B's, or large vehicles like this. I read about checking to be sure the steering box has no rust from this video (14:07) and obviously making sure that the vehicle itself is free of rust.
Check to make sure all the components of the RV are functional; generator, water pumps, drainage, appliances, etc.

I'm not very mechanically inclined, but I have had instances where I've identified and diagnosed problems on previous cars of mine through research. I've turned wrenches a few times with my friends to make upgrades on my cars, but nothing too crazy. I'm aware that buying an old vehicle like this will come with things that need to be fixed. From what I've read, it seems the consensus is that these vehicles are pretty reliable though.

Another concern is the ground clearance, I would probably add a lift on relatively soon. I like to drive on dirt roads to get to the better campsites. Obviously cant do anything too rough with this vehicle though.

Any advice, red flags to look for, or wishes of good luck would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[booster]

The link is for a Dodge and they had front subframe rust problems. Normal rust Chevies don't have that issue.

A 2002 will likely be built on a previous generation Express that would have the older small block Chevy 5.7L instead of the newer design LS 6.0 in later years. Front suspension is the older style also and can have alignment adjustment range issues. Front grille differences and the slotted plastic top rear door trim panels indicate and the older generation.

Be sure to check for water leak signs and check all the appliances carefully as that price may indicate some issues with something. A professional inspection would certainly help you make sure. Underbody rust can be an issue, but not usually to bad compared to the Dodges.

 

[mik mikgil@icloud.com]

Hello everyone,

I've stumbled upon this forum in my quest for research on the 2002 Chevy Roadtrek 190 Popular. I've found one that looks from the photos to be in decent condition with 126k miles on it for $10,500.
Part of my research seems to say that this is a screaming good deal (seeing similar for $20k+), KBB says this price is right on target, and also feeling some hesitancy on purchasing a 24 year old vehicle.
I'm definitely going to check out this vehicle, and I'm looking for some pointers on specific things to check & test when I arrive. I have no experience with vans, class B's, or large vehicles like this. I read about checking to be sure the steering box has no rust from this video (14:07) and obviously making sure that the vehicle itself is free of rust.
Check to make sure all the components of the RV are functional; generator, water pumps, drainage, appliances, etc.

I'm not very mechanically inclined, but I have had instances where I've identified and diagnosed problems on previous cars of mine through research. I've turned wrenches a few times with my friends to make upgrades on my cars, but nothing too crazy. I'm aware that buying an old vehicle like this will come with things that need to be fixed. From what I've read, it seems the consensus is that these vehicles are pretty reliable though.

Another concern is the ground clearance, I would probably add a lift on relatively soon. I like to drive on dirt roads to get to the better campsites. Obviously cant do anything too rough with this vehicle though.

Any advice, red flags to look for, or wishes of good luck would be appreciated! Thank you!

Check very thoroughly for rust in the rain gutter/drip rail in the 4 corners and above the windshield. Often their is hidden rust under the seam sealer. Water gets trapped under the seam sealer and doesn't dry out. the after market rear side windows can also have hidden rust behind the metal lip. Look for water stains in the rear interior fabric liner corners. Old sealant dries out and cracks allowing water to get in-between metal and fiberglass roof. Rust out behind the interior paneling where you cant see it. Look for dark stains (black) in the wood at the rear corners at floor level. If its dark, water came from above sources. if its been in the northeast snowball, crawl underneath and look at all the fastening screws for compartments. They rust out from non stainless self tapping screws. Check to see if the gas tank has been moved by RT. Some units have gas filling problems due to gas tank relocation. (gas filler and vent binds/kinks inhibit escaping air).
Check intake manifold for leaks in the corners. 3 way absorption refrigerators typically are inefficient and only lower temp by about 40 degrees.(if it still has the original). Rust is the biggest issue. The rest can be repaired.

 

[Busybrain]

Hello everyone,

I've stumbled upon this forum in my quest for research on the 2002 Chevy Roadtrek 190 Popular. I've found one that looks from the photos to be in decent condition with 126k miles on it for $10,500.
Part of my research seems to say that this is a screaming good deal (seeing similar for $20k+), KBB says this price is right on target, and also feeling some hesitancy on purchasing a 24 year old vehicle.
I'm definitely going to check out this vehicle, and I'm looking for some pointers on specific things to check & test when I arrive. I have no experience with vans, class B's, or large vehicles like this. I read about checking to be sure the steering box has no rust from this video (14:07) and obviously making sure that the vehicle itself is free of rust.
Check to make sure all the components of the RV are functional; generator, water pumps, drainage, appliances, etc.

I'm not very mechanically inclined, but I have had instances where I've identified and diagnosed problems on previous cars of mine through research. I've turned wrenches a few times with my friends to make upgrades on my cars, but nothing too crazy. I'm aware that buying an old vehicle like this will come with things that need to be fixed. From what I've read, it seems the consensus is that these vehicles are pretty reliable though.

Another concern is the ground clearance, I would probably add a lift on relatively soon. I like to drive on dirt roads to get to the better campsites. Obviously cant do anything too rough with this vehicle though.

Any advice, red flags to look for, or wishes of good luck would be appreciated! Thank you!

We owned a 2002 190P and loved it. We sold it reluctantly after adopting a second child but regretted it. The build quality, cabinet and fit, use of every bit of space, hardware, etc. were unmatched. We have a more expensive Sprinter van based class B now, but it is not as carefully planned and we have modified it quite a bit. The 190P’s systems were easy to understand, use, and service, and we did not have issues with the vehicle - it was a carefree part of our life and we remember it fondly. I think you would be very happy with it, even if you need to update or replace parts or decor. We replaced the original carpet; our carpet guy did a lovely job. Anything you do is small in scale so not the expense for a house, and with the quality and price you are looking at, you can make it your own.

 

[KurtFranz]

Hello everyone,

I've stumbled upon this forum in my quest for research on the 2002 Chevy Roadtrek 190 Popular. I've found one that looks from the photos to be in decent condition with 126k miles on it for $10,500.
Part of my research seems to say that this is a screaming good deal (seeing similar for $20k+), KBB says this price is right on target, and also feeling some hesitancy on purchasing a 24 year old vehicle.
I'm definitely going to check out this vehicle, and I'm looking for some pointers on specific things to check & test when I arrive. I have no experience with vans, class B's, or large vehicles like this. I read about checking to be sure the steering box has no rust from this video (14:07) and obviously making sure that the vehicle itself is free of rust.
Check to make sure all the components of the RV are functional; generator, water pumps, drainage, appliances, etc.

I'm not very mechanically inclined, but I have had instances where I've identified and diagnosed problems on previous cars of mine through research. I've turned wrenches a few times with my friends to make upgrades on my cars, but nothing too crazy. I'm aware that buying an old vehicle like this will come with things that need to be fixed. From what I've read, it seems the consensus is that these vehicles are pretty reliable though.

Another concern is the ground clearance, I would probably add a lift on relatively soon. I like to drive on dirt roads to get to the better campsites. Obviously cant do anything too rough with this vehicle though.

Any advice, red flags to look for, or wishes of good luck would be appreciated! Thank you!

I have an 02 chevy and they are fine if in good shape. all of the above advice is solid. if it is clean and rust fee i suggest you take it for a

 

[GroupB]

A thorough test drive including high speed to evaluate steering stability.

 

[GallenH]

TY: I'm driving a 1996 PW that my FIL bought new and hardly used. Sold it to us in 2016 and it still runs well. Not sure about the 2002 Chevy but ours on the Dodge B3500 chassis has no passenger side air bag. A definite minus.

 

[KurtFranz]

A thorough test drive including high speed to evaluate steering stability.

yes!