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Another new to it all- where do I start?
Hi. Never had but always wanted a camper van, pref VW. Now early retiring and some European road trips planned. Web searches confusing: just want a ready-to-roll reliable (am no mechanic) pre-owned campervan that sleeps 2 + dog, decent spec including loo, quite economical but can climb hills. Budget up to £18k. Where do I start? Be grateful for advice!
CandA
How big a van are you considering?
You have a good budget. You could get a medium to large size van with plenty of room for a proper bathroom and a dog.
If you drive a big vehicle sensibly it doesn't cost much more than a smaller vehicle.
When touring big vans are unbeatable.
Consider where you will store it at home though.
Camper Van Life is brought to you by Darren Lambert, a big fan of camper vans.
If your looking to get a classic VW bay window model, forget it.No room to swing a cat, let alone have a pee in the night.
They are very trendy, but sluggish, unreliable and just abit to small.(My Brother owns one and while he tools along in the slow lane, I'm well ahead in my Transit).
Tell you what I'd do.....Buy a good sized used base van...ie LWB, High roof etc.(yes you could look at a VW if obsessed) for say 10 to 11k and then have some fun designing and spend a few K fitting it out to your own personal reqs.(If you are going to buy a classic VW you NEED to be mechanically minded as due to their age, they can be quite high maintenance. Other vans to Consider...Sprinters, Transits etc. Don't for gawds sake by a Fiat Ducato...You bank acct. will be emptier quicker than you can say "Breakdown truck". Good luck.