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    I am looking for a used van... do you have any recommendations?

    Asked by Jeremy

    I am looking for a used van (fitted out or bare) for my daughter. Focusing on VW Transporter, Toyota HiAce, Hyundai iload or Mitsubishi Express, ranging from 2000 thru to 2012 due to budgetary constraints. Would you consider all of these suitable for camper van life in northern NSW? Are there any major issues in any of these vans and availability of parts?

    Answered by CarsGuide

    26 Apr 2022 David Morley

    Rather than concentrate on a particular brand, the best advice is to find a vehicle with a full service history and signs that it has lived an easy life. Too often, commercial vehicles like vans are bought by their first owner and used and abused. They’re nearly always purchased with a job in mind, and that job can often wreck them or at least shorten their lives.

    Sometimes, the down-time associated with proper servicing means that maintenance is skipped, other times the sheer weight of the cargo being carried puts a lot of strain on mechanical components. A van that has been used by, say, a pool chemical company might have been exposed to highly corrosive chemicals every day of its life and could be hiding lots of rust. Even a florist’s van might have every nook and cranny filled with potting mix, waiting to become damp and start the rusting process.

    Another good idea is to buy a van that has already been converted to a camper. This conversion is not an inexpensive process, so letting the previous owner spend the money is a terrific concept. Keep an eye on the classifieds for a van that has done a tour of duty with a grey nomad or van-lifer, and is now up for sale as the owner moves on to something new.

    Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

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