So, you’re thinking of buying a camper van? Congratulations! You’re about to start your vanlife journey which is one of the most exciting adventures! And this is only the beginning.
However, it can be quite a daunting experience, so here are my top ten tips for making that purchase!
1. Consider your top-end budget
When you decide you want to buy a camper van, you’ll have a budget in mind for what you can afford. Within that budget, not only do you need to consider the upfront cost of the vehicle, but also the cost of insurance, tax, storage (if applicable) and running costs etc.
An older van is likely to be cheaper, but may have more mechanical issues down the line which could cost a lot to repair. Conversely, a newer van may cost more upfront but is more likely to hold its value for longer if you plan to sell the van again in the future.
Have a look at what is on the market for your budget and compare different types of vans available.
2. Understand the type of trips you plan on taking
Before you know what type of van you’re looking for, you need to understand what kind of trips you’ll be taking it on. Do you plan on taking it for weekends away in the UK? Do you prefer staying on campsites or wild camping? Are you planning on taking it on longer trips or even taking it abroad? The answer to all these questions will determine what features you’ll be looking for in your camper van.
If you’re planning on using the van for weekend trips round the UK, you may choose to purchase a smaller van without some features such as a shower or toilet. If you prefer the wild camping option, then I would recommend buying one with a toilet or even purchasing a portable cassette toilet afterwards. You don’t want to be caught short!
3. Think about what size vehicle you need
How many people will be sleeping in the van, i.e. what berth will you require? How many belted seats will you need during transit?
A smaller van, such as a VW, Renault Trafic or Vauxhall Vivaro, is a lot more compact and therefore easier to manoeuvre round tight countryside roads. It’s also easier to find parking in cities as you can park in regular parking bays. If you’re looking for something you can stand up in, or additional sleeping areas for children, look for one with a pop top for that extra room once parked up.
A larger van, such as a Citreon Relay, Peugeot Boxer or Sprinter, will have a lot more capacity for internal features and accessories. A larger van will also more likely have additional storage options, and capacity to take larger items such as bikes, canoes and paddle boards etc.
4. Shop around using various sites
There are many places for people to advertise the sale of their camper vans. The best place to get an idea of what is available on the market is Quirky Campers where there are a wide range of camper vans advertised.
Come up with a list of essential vs desirable features for your van and use the filters to narrow down your search.
Many people advertise their vans using Facebook Marketplace, and there are several camper van specific groups you can join to see what’s available and ask for advice. Many people also advertise their vans through eBay and Gumtree.
5. Ask for a video call with the seller
You may want to enquire about several different vans before making a decision on a purchase. If a van is of interest to you, but the location is far away, ask the seller if they are willing to do a video call to show you the van in more detail and for you to ask any questions. This way, you might just save yourself a long trip if something is revealed during the call.
6. Do a vehicle check before purchase
It’s possible to check the MOT status of any vehicle if you have the registration. If the reg is not shown in the advert, ask the seller to provide it so you can make the necessary checks.
It is also possible to pay for a vehicle inspection from the likes of the AA and RAC, who can provide a comprehensive report on the condition of the vehicle. An inspection costs a couple of hundred pounds, but may save you thousands in the long term!
7. Investigate insurance and tax requirements
Once you have seen a vehicle you might want to purchase, get some quotes from one of the online comparison sites to find out how much the insurance will cost. This may play a big part in your decision to go ahead with the van purchase depending on your budget.
Have a look at the vehicle tax requirements and if you live or travel in one of the clean air zones then ensure that the vehicle is ULEZ compliant.
8. Take it for a test drive
When you go to view the vehicle, make sure to take it out for a test drive. You can purchase insurance for the day on a vehicle and take it out for a spin. Make sure to take it somewhere you can get up to the national speed limit to test it out properly.
Listen out for any unusual sounds and ensure that you give the brakes a good test!
9. Ask what accessories are included
Before you agree on a price with the seller, make sure you are clear exactly which accessories are included. The photos and demonstration may include items such as cookers, gas canisters, a toilet, a fridge, tables, chairs, an awning etc, but the seller might remove these before the sale.
You should agree with the seller which items are to be sold with the van and evaluate your offer based on this. If you have to purchase these items in addition to the van, it will add considerable money onto your spend total.
10. Don’t be afraid to negotiate on price
So you’ve done all your research, you’ve found the perfect van and you’re ready to make an offer. If you are buying from a private seller, they may not be expecting to get the full amount advertised for the camper van. If the advert has been up for a while, they may willing to accept a lower offer.
Start with an offer lower than you’re willing to pay, and have a clear figure in mind that you are willing to go up to. If the seller tries to negotiate, don’t be pressured into going higher than your maximum. The seller is not going to want you to walk away at this point!
And that’s it! The most important thing to remember when purchasing a camper van is to trust your instinct. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is!
But don’t be disheartened, there are many genuine sellers out there and you will know when you find your perfect van!
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