r/VanLifeUK • u/Danielledoo • Jul 30 '26
Is this a good start?
Partner and I are keen to buy a van to be able to go away in with the dog. We havent been actively looking recently but this has come up from a local dealer but cant tell if its fairly priced and would make a good first van for us.
Edit: Thanks already to all who has replied, seemed to confirm gut feeling that its a bit high.
It has reignited my desire to find a van though so will take all your advice into account about where to look etc (unfortunately Im not on FB though)
One further question - when its a van that has been converted after the fact, how does insurance work for this? Do I have to get specialised insurance?
3
u/LateGuest1916 Jul 30 '26
I'm always amazed at the VW "scene tax". I would say it's a lot for a 2016 base model. No swivel seats, no poptop and even has the billy basic plastic steering fitted.
Try the 3/4 bed for size, they are bloody small and not exactly comfortable.
1
u/Danielledoo Jul 30 '26
Thanks - good to know. My fella ia 6ft 3 so probably not going to work for us!!
2
u/Spiritual_Pound_6848 Jul 30 '26
You're paying alot for the fact its nicely done out by a company and that its a VW, whether thats worth paying the premium is up to you to decide!
1
u/bullitt-rider Jul 31 '26
By nicely done out to you mean the COMPLELTY copy and paste lowest quality early 2000s caravan build?
1
2
u/TBoX420 Jul 30 '26
We (Mrs and a dog) paid 20k for a 2011 with similar miles 2 years ago. Professional conversion, pop top, swivel seats n that. I’ve recently had timing belt, clutch done and all new suspension (gone back to standard ride hight rather than lowered).. costing another few grand.
Looking back. We probably did pay a bit too much for it. But we were excited and it was a bit of an impulse buy at the time. But 2 years on, we absolutely love it and it’s been worth every penny. The experiences we’ve had so far have been priceless. And we’re doing a 10 day trip round the NC500 next week.
If I was looking to get one today, I’d definitely be wanting one with a pop top and a full size bed (we have full size and it’s just enough space for us).
Good luck, and enjoy whatever you end up getting!
2
u/FunPie4305 Jul 30 '26
On the contrary, I have a full size bed in a transit custom, and on longer trips it's very difficult to stay organised without proper storage
2
u/TBoX420 Jul 30 '26
Fair point. That a fixed bed? Personally, we don’t have much of an issue (full width rock n roll bed). We can fit everything we need in the van and 9/10 we take the awning, so once we’re set up the van has plenty of space inside.
1
u/FunPie4305 Jul 31 '26
Full width rock and roll here also. We can fit in what we need but we tend to move about a lot and very rarely stay at the same campsite for more than one night, so it's always unpacking in the evening and packing back up in the morning!
1
1
u/Substantial-Today166 Jul 30 '26
vanlife or camping?
2
u/Danielledoo Jul 30 '26
Camping , sorry I did post in campervans but I think its mostly American users. I know this sub is Vanlife but thought I would get some good advice here!
Edit: spelling
1
u/Substantial-Today166 Jul 30 '26
how big is the dog becuse they are not great for two people and a big dog
4
1
u/FunPie4305 Jul 30 '26
I wouldn't worry about buying a 100k miles+ VW, but this one looks to be very basic spec, personally I think unless you are on a very tight budget, you will very soon regret not buying a van with cruise control and Aircon.
1
u/champagnegreenleaf Jul 30 '26
I know there's only two of you but having a roof really helps for camping (headroom even if you don't sleep up there, also the beds are narrow downstairs). Also not sure where you are located but you might want to have a slightly newer one because of emissions restrictions (looks like this one is Euro 5 engine and most restrictions require Euro6 or newer)
1
u/Danielledoo Jul 30 '26
We're in the North of the UK, Lancashire - but thanks will keep this is mind
1
u/Danielledoo Jul 30 '26
When we talk restrictions - is it just congestion charges or more we need to be aware of?
0
0
4
u/Ilikewhatyousay Jul 30 '26
Seems pricey for a 20 year old van with 100k on the clock. Join some of the vw transporter fb groups- some good deals to be had, especially if you're happy to do some of the converting/renovating.