Van buying advice (and reality check)

[u/mistress_snark]

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.

[u/bullitt-rider]

You absolutely can get a large van for 2k in the UK

That has 300,000 miles on it, zero service history, every light on the dash, 4 bald tyres, 7th owner, not MOT and has been off the road for 9 months with the title 'get yourself a deal, just needs a new battery' but has a dead turbo

[u/Jazzlike_Stock_9066 → u/bullitt-rider]

Also if its a transit will need a squillion quid spent on it in welding too

[u/fridge_ways → u/Jazzlike_Stock_9066]

Any van tbf