Advice on first van purchase

[Dom877]

I'm looking to buy a van to convert to a camper - I plan on doing lots of the work myself so happy to start with a panel van but essentially I dont really know much about vehicles or what would be a fair price. My max budget is £20k all in (£15k for a van then £5k to convert?) so it would be great to have some pointers on some vans that look like they are in decent condition and would make a good starting point for the conversion. Im finding it way easier to price up and spec the camper parts vs choosing the base vehicle

In a perfect world here is what I would like the following things but I appreciate some compromises may have to be made:

Van:
Automatic
AirCon
Located somewhere not too far from Sussex/south coast
I was told its worth avoiding Twin Turbo engines
SWB

I found this 2017 T6 listed on FB Marketplace, there is not a huge amount of info but it would be good to get an idea if this seems in the right ball park? Obviously if I can spend less on a van that would be good as I would then have more for the conversion (or save!!).

 

[JumpShip]

Be VERY careful of anything that seems cheap , there are masses of scams on these vehicles .
NEVER pay anything for a vehicle without seeing it in the flesh .

 

[Dom877]

Does that one seem too cheap? Maybe I should stick to a dealer!

 

[Sirrell85]

I'm looking to buy a van to convert to a camper - I plan on doing lots of the work myself so happy to start with a panel van but essentially I dont really know much about vehicles or what would be a fair price. My max budget is £20k all in (£15k for a van then £5k to convert?) so it would be great to have some pointers on some vans that look like they are in decent condition and would make a good starting point for the conversion. Im finding it way easier to price up and spec the camper parts vs choosing the base vehicle

In a perfect world here is what I would like the following things but I appreciate some compromises may have to be made:

Van:
Automatic
AirCon
Located somewhere not too far from Sussex/south coast
I was told its worth avoiding Twin Turbo engines
SWB

I found this 2017 T6 listed on FB Marketplace, there is not a huge amount of info but it would be good to get an idea if this seems in the right ball park? Obviously if I can spend less on a van that would be good as I would then have more for the conversion

I was in the same situation myself a while back. I paid to have the windows and pop top installed professionally and done the rest myself, I spent around the 10k to convert it and paid 15,500 for the van. Depending what your plans are 5k could disappear pretty quickly

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

£5000 would get you a poptop and a single captains chair.

 

[Sasquatch]

I wouldn't suggest it's impossible, but that budget is going to be seriously challenging.

 

[DaveD]

Located somewhere not too far from Sussex/south coast

If you're buying a bog standard Ford Fiesta that can work, there are loads of them.
I drove for 4 hours to see my T6, back in 2019, because I wanted a specific configuration. I bought it and drove it home and still drive it daily.
I'd advise you to be prepared to travel a bit to see a van that meets your requirements and budget.
Either way, good luck on your search!

 

[JumpShip]

I wouldn't suggest it's impossible, but that budget is going to be seriously challenging.

What he said

 

[Dom877]

yeah fair enough, I can travel if needed - only mentioned location as it would be easier if it was near but I would 100% travel if needed.

My plan for the conversion would be to insulate and carpet line the back, add a Ushaped bed and a fairly simple electric system with a leisure battery. I think I can install windows myself but would pay someone if needed! I know a pop top would be out of budget initially so am happy to wait a bit for that. I think I can bring this in for around £5k-ish. Happy to take feedback if I am being unrealistic though...

Alternatively I could spend less on the van and more upfront on the conversion but I thought it was probably best to get the best van possible then slowly add to the camper part as I go.

 

[Chippie1]

https://www.t6forum.com/threads/t6-...Sale T6 2018(68) t32 highline SWB DSG DAY VAN