So, you've decided to take on the exciting challenge of converting a van into your very own home on wheels. Congratulations! Before proceeding to the purchasing stage, and consequently building the custom van out, there are quite a few steps you should take (How to get started with vanlife?). We’ll cover those briefly, but this article primarily intends to provide guidance when actually purchasing the van, to make sure you’re fully informed and don’t end up with a lemon. Further, this guide is intended primarily for consideration of used vans that you’ll end up building out, and not specific to buying vans that may already be converted, or partially built out.
Prior to signing on the dotted line and purchasing a van for camper conversion, you should thoroughly evaluate whether vanlife is right for you (Is vanlife right for me?). This may entail taking a test trip in a camper, mapping your budget and income and connecting with the community. You’ll also want to consider your expected lifestyle and associated needs to determine the ideal layout and then the make / model of vehicle that is a best fit (What type of vehicle is best for van life?). Once you’ve gone through these steps, have the exact vehicle in mind and are ready to purchase, you’ll need to be well-equipped with the following knowledge to ensure you end up with a great vehicle. These are the most important areas to consider when inspecting or evaluating a particular vehicle for purchase.
Inspect the vehicle in person
You'll want to look for a van that's in good mechanical condition and part of verifying this requires you to inspect in person. If you’re unable to inspect in person, at the very least have the seller send you videos addressing each of the categories below, or arrange a friend, family member or 3rd party service to evaluate in person on your behalf.
Look for rust: When you're inspecting a van, be sure to check for rust and damage both inside and out. Rust can be a major problem for vans, especially those that have spent a lot of time in areas with salt or moisture. Check the van's body and undercarriage for signs of rust, and look for any areas that have been repaired or repainted, as this could indicate previous damage. If you're unsure what to look for, consider bringing a mechanic with you to inspect the van.
Exterior: Start by taking a close look at the body of the car. Check for any major dents, dings, or scratches. A few minor blemishes are normal for a used car, but if there are a lot of them, it could be a sign that the previous owner wasn't very careful with the vehicle. Be sure to also inspect the paint job and look for any areas where the paint is faded or chipped, which could indicate rust or other issues.
Interior: The interior of the car is where you'll be spending most of your time, so it's important to make sure it's in good condition. Check the seats for any tears, rips, or stains, and make sure they're comfortable to sit in. Take a look at the dashboard and the controls to see if everything is working properly. Also, check the carpeting and floor mats to make sure they're not worn out or dirty. Check for any water damage, mold, or mildew, as these can be difficult and expensive to fix. Assess the condition of the flooring, walls, and ceiling, and make sure there are no major structural issues. Bring a measuring tape, and confirm the wheelbase, length and height of the van in person. It’s not uncommon for listings to intentionally or unintentionally err in the measurements as the differences between some of the sprinter style models can be confusing.
Tires: The tires are another important area to inspect. Start by checking the tread depth to make sure it's not too worn down. You can do this using a penny, as mentioned earlier, or by using a tire depth gauge. Also, inspect the sidewalls of the tires for any cracks or bulges, which could indicate a blowout waiting to happen. Finally, make sure all four tires are the same brand and size, and that they have been rotated regularly.
Engine: The engine is the heart of the car, so it's important to make sure it's in good working order. Start by checking the oil level and the color of the oil. If the oil level is low or the oil is black and dirty, it could be a sign that the car hasn't been well-maintained. Also, check the belts and hoses for any signs of wear or cracking, and inspect the battery to make sure it's in good condition.
Transmission: The transmission is what allows the car to shift gears, so it's important to make sure it's working properly. Check the transmission fluid to make sure it's clean and at the proper level. Also, take the car for a test drive and pay attention to how it shifts gears. If the transmission is slipping or jerking, it could be a sign of a problem.
Brakes: The brakes are one of the most important safety features on any car, so it's essential to make sure they're working properly. Test the brakes by driving the car and making a few hard stops. Listen for any squeaking or grinding noises, which could indicate worn brake pads or rotors. Also, pay attention to how the car handles during braking. If it pulls to one side or feels unstable, there could be an issue with the brake system.
Suspension: The suspension is what helps the car handle bumps and turns smoothly. Check the shock absorbers and struts for any signs of wear or damage, such as leaking fluid or rust. Also, inspect the springs and other components for any signs of wear or cracking. Finally, take the car for a test drive and pay attention to how it handles bumps and rough roads.
Electrical system: The electrical system in a car is responsible for powering everything from the lights to the radio. Test all the electrical components to make sure they're working properly, including the headlights, taillights, turn signals, horn, and windshield wipers. If anything isn't working, it could be a sign of a larger problem with the car's electrical system.
Fuel efficiency: Vans are not typically known for their fuel efficiency, but newer models and smaller vans can be more economical. Consider the type of engine and transmission, as well as the van's overall weight and aerodynamics, when assessing its fuel efficiency. When inspecting in person, many van systems will have a display for MPG or a similar metric to give you a sense of how well this performs in reality. If you’re unable to find this, ask the seller, and in worst case, check online - but be aware that online expectations will differ from actual efficiency performance (especially after building out).
Test drive: Finally, take the car for a test drive to see how it performs on the road. Pay attention to how it accelerates and handles at different speeds and in different driving conditions. Try driving on the highway, on city streets, and through some turns to get a feel for how the car handles. Listen for any strange noises or vibrations, which could indicate a problem. If possible, try driving the car on a rough road to see how the suspension handles bumps.
During the test drive, also pay attention to how the car brakes and accelerates. Make sure the brakes feel responsive and the car doesn't pull to one side when braking. Make sure the acceleration is smooth and there are no strange noises or vibrations coming from the engine or transmission.
Check the vehicle’s history, stats and records
It’s important to check that the van has a clean history and profile, or at least ensure that the price is reduced to account for any concerns.
Ask the seller for a vehicle history report (ex. CarFax). This report will provide information about the car's previous owners, accidents, and maintenance history. If the car has been in any accidents, make sure to inspect the areas of the car that were repaired to ensure the repairs were done properly. Some sellers (private) will be hesitant to provide a vehicle history report - this isn’t necessarily an immediate red flag and barrier to purchase, although you should keep it in mind. The reports can be costly for small-time or individual owners, so private sellers may be hesitant to provide on a frequent basis - if they aren’t going to share one with you, at the very least they should provide the van’s VIN number so you can check the information yourself. There are several online resources that can check for accident history for free if you get the VIN. If you’re purchasing from a dealer, they should be willing to provide a vehicle history report and anything otherwise would be a red flag.
Once you have the VIN, you should also confirm all details of the van relative to the listing, and your in-person inspection. This includes the van's mileage, damage, service records, age of van, length, etc. You’d be surprised how often a listed van may differ in person or with the government reported information, so be sure to double check to ensure you’re getting what you pay for.
Overall, taking the time to inspect a used car thoroughly before purchasing it can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run. Don't be afraid to ask questions and request more information about the car's history and maintenance records. And remember, if something doesn't feel right, it's better to walk away from the deal than to end up with a car that will cost you more in repairs than it's worth.
Have a mechanic inspect the van before buying and converting
It's a great idea to have a mechanic inspect a used vehicle before buying it, and can be one of the most important steps to take before purchasing as a mechanic can provide an expert opinion on the vehicle's condition and help you identify potential problems that you probably won’t see.
A mechanic can inspect the vehicle's engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other components to make sure everything is in good working order. They can also check for any signs of wear and tear, such as rust or leaks, that may not be immediately apparent to an untrained eye. Having a mechanic inspect a used vehicle can also help you negotiate a better price. If the mechanic identifies any issues with the vehicle, you can use this information to negotiate a lower price or request that the seller fix the issues before making a purchase.
Ultimately, having a mechanic inspect a used vehicle can give you peace of mind and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Mechanics will likely charge a fee for the inspection (unless you’re friendly with one), but It's a small investment that can save you a lot of money and hassle in the long run. Don’t feel intimidated asking the seller for permission to bring the van to a mechanic, it’s a normal part of the process and a fair request. In some cases the seller may prefer that you bring a mechanic to see the van (rather than taking the van away for a few days) - this is a reasonable response from the seller, and you should make the effort to find a mechanic that will visit with you. If you’re unable to find a mechanic that will review the van, see if you can at least talk through the specific vehicle you have identified to purchase with a mechanic (send them the listing, and ask for any specific concerns or questions they’d suggest raising). If the seller is entirely against having a mechanic review the van in any capacity, this is a red flag and should introduce some hesitation towards your purchase.
Simulate your living experience
Before purchasing, while you’re inspecting the van, envision yourself living in it. Does the size and style match what you think would be suitable for your lifestyle? Is the spacing comfortable enough for your purposes? It may feel weird, but lay down in the area you plan to put a bed - does it seem reasonable? Consider bringing tape and a measuring device to map out exactly where your build features and appliances will go. Does everything fit as expected? When looking at a van to convert, this is an important step to make sure the van is actually feasible with your plans and you don’t get stuck when you get to the build process.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate price
You want to stay within your budget on the purchase of the van, because in many cases the actual build cost can be variable depending on market prices, mistakes and adjustments to plans mid-build. Don’t be afraid to attempt negotiating with the seller - worst case, they say no. There are plenty of guides, videos and resources online giving advice for how to negotiate with used car sellers, so do your research before entering conversations.
What questions to ask before purchasing a van for conversion?
Before buying a van that you plan to convert into a camper, it's important to ask the right questions to ensure that you're making an informed decision. These do not replace the need to inspect the vehicle yourself, and have a mechanic review, but here are some general questions to ask the seller or dealership to ensure you’re knowledgeable beforehand:
What is the make and model of the van, along with the VIN number?
Knowing the make, model and VIN number of the van is important as it will help you to research the vehicle's reliability and durability. Some van models may be better suited for conversions than others. It’s important to confirm this information, as sometimes listings can be deceiving.
What is the mileage?
The mileage can give you an idea of how much wear and tear the vehicle has experienced, and can help you to determine whether the vehicle has been well-maintained. It’s an important detail to confirm.
What is the overall condition of the van?
Ask the seller for an assessment of this, but always supplement with your own inspection as described above. You’re looking for any signs of damage or wear and tear. This includes checking the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. If you're not familiar with vehicle mechanics, consider bringing along a mechanic to inspect the van for you.
Has the van been in any accidents or undergone any major repairs?
Knowing the van's accident history or repair history can give you an idea of its overall condition, and can help you to anticipate any potential issues down the road. See if the seller can give you report confirming this information.
What is the van's towing capacity?
If you plan to tow a trailer or carry heavy equipment, it's important to know the van's towing capacity to ensure that it can handle the load.
What is the van's fuel efficiency?
Fuel efficiency can be an important factor to consider, especially if you plan to travel long distances or spend a lot of time on the road. A more fuel-efficient van can help you save money on gas over time.
What is the van's interior height and length?
Interior height and length are important factors to consider when planning your conversion layout. Make sure the van is spacious enough to accommodate your needs and preferences.
What is the vehicle's maintenance history?
Ask for the vehicle's maintenance records, which can give you an idea of how well the vehicle has been maintained over time. Regular maintenance (ex. Oil changes) can help to prolong the life of the vehicle and prevent future problems.
What is the van's load capacity?
Knowing the van's load capacity will help you to determine how much weight it can safely carry, and can help you to plan your conversion build out accordingly.
Is there a warranty or guarantee on the van?
Ask about any warranties or guarantees that may come with the van. This can help to protect your investment and give you peace of mind.
By asking these questions, you can ensure that you're making an informed decision when purchasing a van for conversion.
Where can I find first-hand answers related to things to check for before buying a van?
Reddit is a great start:
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