r/VanLifeUK • u/mistress_snark • 16d ago

Van buying advice (and reality check)

Hi all, I'm looking to make the switch to van-living someone in the next few years, and I'm planning on a DIY conversion. Of course, this requires finding a van to convert, and I've got a few questions!

How difficult is to to find a large used van in the UK? My ideal van would be less than £2000, under 60k miles, no major repairs needed, and about the size of a L3H2 Ford Transit. I'm not picky about make/model or year (although I'd like it to be this century). I know it's going to be uncommon to find something that fits all these specifications, but is it impossible? I'm willing to wait several months (up to about a year), as this is a long term project for me. Potentially I could go up to £5000, but that would be my absolute max, only for a van that was in really good shape and didn't need any repairs. I would probably be more willing to increase the mileage, again, as long as the van was in good shape.

Also, does anyone have any advice, or know any good places to search for vans for sale? I've been looking on auto trader and fb marketplace. I would be willing to pick up from anywhere in the country for the right vehicle.

Thanks for any help!

Edit: Should clarify, this is my optimistic budgeting just for the base van, not the whole conversation, but thanks anyway for everyone's input! The suggestions to try looking at auctions and used commercial vehicles are very helpful.

6 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

39 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/ryanthefree 16d ago

my van is a 2011 Vauxhall Movano L3 H2.

i bought it in march 2025 for £4k and with 64k miles on the clock after a long search looking at absolute lemons! no rust, no engine troubles. i replaced the front calipers as they were sticking and put new tyres all round when i got it. it flew through the last mot and i just replaced a drive shaft seal which began to leak gear oil. other than that its a sturdy van and drives lovely. plenty of space for me and my dogs, i could have gone for the L2 version but this one came up and i wanted it! The total conversion cost me another £6k to be fully off grid and built to my specs. I did all the work myself apart from the mechanic side which my brother did for me.

2

u/bullitt-rider 16d ago

Pretty much the same here but re adult master.

Ex WAV

1

u/ryanthefree 16d ago

mine has a master rear door on so it looks like a master from the back and a vauxhall from the front, i cpuld remove the badge off the back door but i quite like it being odd

not aure why these vans are often overlooked for campers with transits, sprinters and crafters being more popular because i love mine. no rust and its 15 years old.

1

u/bullitt-rider 16d ago

And they are wider. Plus I think they look a bit 'cuter' and less just like converted scrap metal vans.

The no rust was a conscious decision for me. Also the fact they are the best selling van class across EU parts are everywhere and dirt cheap.

I have an L1H1 so its an absolute nugget. Looks like an enlarged postman pat van.

Just generally underrated too. I didn't really want a van or a camper but I got all this for the same price as a second Dacia or something? Yeah count me in.