on the subject of realistic costs...

...how much can i expect to spend on getting a used van and converting it to run on veggie oil? i know people who can help me with the work.

driving is my first priority right now, and i'd rather start off green.

 

Using a plastic boat tank, I think that you can have an effective conversion for about $500-600. Replacing any rubber lines, and going with a sunk in tank and a very effective filter setup should cost between 1000-1200. This is based on what I've seen people convert VWs and Mercedes locally.

That's not counting the cost of the van, of course. Van costs will range wildly, I assume that you are looking for a full size van. I've seen them go for about $1000 for a 20 year old van, and I've even seen some very clean, but higher mileage 5 year old vans for only about 5000.

The van is the biggest expense, of course, and depending on the age/condition, you will liking have to put money into tuneups, belts, brakes, etc.

 

i'm looking for a "learning van" as this will be my first veggie vehicle, and i'd rather learn on something less expensive than say the bus i hope to have for my business someday.

in the meantime, i hope to have something adequately safe, able to last at least a few years, and large enough to hold kids, camp gear, tables and set-up, and a few plastic tubs of inventory.

it's totally ok with me if it's ugly as hell, although that will embarrass my son to death, almost as much as the bumper stickers i plan on covering the thing with. ("Buckle up! It makes it harder for the aliens to suck you out of your car." "Doing my part to piss off the Religious Right!" "Vegetarians taste better." "WARNING! Invisible Dragon in Back Seat!" and "Who lit the fuse to your tampon?" for starters.)

oh yeah, plenty of room for bumper stickers. that's kind of important too.