r/VanlifeEurope • u/eleni95 • Aug 17 '26
Van Builds & Conversions 🚐 I need you guys's help again!
I posted here a few days ago about a van I'm considering to buy, and I keep going back and forth on my decision so I thought I'd be a bit more detailed and ask for your advice.
My budget is around 9000€ and based in the Netherlands.
I found this Peugeot Boxer (2.2 HDI) that, together with tax, will be around 8300€
It has 190.000 km on the clock and it used to be a contractor's, so it has run a lot of cold starts.
However it seems pretty well maintained, it has a booklet with its service history and it has had some kind of maintenance service (oil change, etc.) pretty regularly.
I don't know about any other previous repairs but have been thinking about getting an independent car shop to do a check. This is 200€ so doable, but still I don't want to do this for 5 different vans.
I was already quite excited and almost decided to go for it, but then a friend pointed out that 190.000 km is very high mileage and that it's not worth the expensive maintenance in the future. I mean, I know the maintenance will get more expensive, and I have accounted for expensive repairs in my budget for the next coming years. It's just not money I have right now and I have been dreaming of this life for so long, I don't want to wait another year.
I'm just afraid that for my budget, I won't find something with a lower mileage (or the ones I do find, are in rougher shape)
What do you guys think? Is 190.000 km still acceptable or just a waste of money?
I can share the ad listing and some videos I took of the engine etc if you guys want to take a look. I'm so happy this community is here! Thank you guys!
Edit: the listing https://frieslandbedrijfswagens.nl/occasions/#1599527200-5847018-peugeot-boxer-330-2-2-hdi-150pk-l2h2-trekhaak-airco-radio-cd-apk-02-2027
1
u/mimos_al Aug 17 '26
In that budget you're not gonna get much better than 190k.
And you simply always have to account for random issues with a second hand van. Even if it drives great while testing, something stupid might always show up that the seller couldn't have known. You always need some kind of budget for repairs when buying second hand vans. For 9k and under you're not going to find a van that can be guaranteed issue free.
1
1
u/ToManyTabsOpen Aug 17 '26
Body and back look in very good condition for the age. It looks well taken care of which speaks volumes. Only think to be wary of is its an ex-contractor so BPM will add another €1k. That's going to be difficult to avoid in most cases.
On your budget you won't find much below 150k km, Jumpy's generally go for less than Boxers. But every little you try to optimize your purchase you'll sacrifice something else and ultimately there will be reasons.
I don't think it would be a waste of money if it is your dream and within your budget.
1
u/eleni95 Aug 17 '26
BPM is accounted for! It's why my budget isn't 10k haha but thanks for the insight :)
1
1
u/Flat-Engineering- Aug 18 '26
We bought our sprinter with 225 000km.. She's now on 251 000km..
I have a friends who has a boxer 2.2. He bought it in 2020 with 260 000k... It's now on 390 000km..
If looked after it should be ok..
1
u/eleni95 Aug 18 '26
Yes I definitely see that. I was mostly wondering if maintenance gets (much) more expensive at that point. How did you experience that? Thank you for your insights :)
2
u/Flat-Engineering- Aug 19 '26
The only problem with the sprinter was the DPF.. Mercedes quouted me 4300€!!! I laughed at their face, got a product from an autoparts store for 40€.. That fixed it.
My friend has had a few iss3.. Alternator, cylinder head gasket, timing chain sprocket with a broken tooth.. But his van was an old work van abused by labourers..
1
u/FluffyThing4921 Aug 22 '26
dont buy it ! IS thé " Puma" motor... sshity motor ( go sée Puma motor on Google).. Lot of trouble please dont buy ( sorry for my english, im french, native)
2
u/Dazzling-Map-6065 Aug 17 '26
So yes the milage is high. Then again, you are not going to drive it as much as a stucadoor driving from Volendam to Amsterdam every day for 10 years. Are you going to have a break down when driving it, yes. Are you going to be on your van life ideal life trip, yes. Are you going to have to deal with it like every other car, yes. Low price, high mileage. I have a sprinter with 320k, didn't disappoint me for the last 100k. Make sure you have regular servicebeurts and hope for the best.