maby not, I'd imagine a engine rebuild would run 18-25k, so costly anyhow whatever it takes to get going then buy new or build ur own expedite truck starting with the cab and chassis
tell him to talk to the hospital peoples, maby the hospital or the doctors will do one of those write off thingy's, they do that stuff all the time, or i hear about such.
my advice i only hear cargo van dudes starve out there, idk never i would deal with a little van anyway, get class a cdl and drive t/t like i did, or do heavy duty expediting stuff(cdl work pays more, more opportunities)
id rather buy cheap n rebuild,, other than spending 28-40k and possible do the same thing shortly after, or buy barley used or brand new down the line in the future when u have the reserves or capital to do so, anyhow