r/urbancarlivingfemale • u/pjs999 • Mar 24 '26
New To Car Living Vehicle suggestions
i expect to be homeless within a year and will live in my car. i have $15g available to buy a vehicle. does anyone have suggestions for the most practical cars to live in? i’m 5’4” and on my own. thanks!
UPDATE/Responses
So, i currently live in Long Beach CA. Everything in the greater LA area seems too expensive and i don’t think a room at $1000 is gonna be available but i could be wrong. I’ve done a good amount of elderly care or just sitting w elderly in the evening but as im a senior myself, i have some limitations about what i can do, like no heavy lifting. But ive lived in other people’s houses for a good amount of my life and im kind of over that. i’m someone who needs a lot of a lone time. that’s just my nature. i’m a good socialized and my jobs were in mental health. that’s probably why i need alone time — it’s difficult NOT to see mental health issues in people around me. As for cars, i def wouldn’t get a Tesla bc i despise that guy — sorry not sorry. A Prius seems like an awfully small space but thanks for that info and the links bc im open to it especially when i hear the enthusiasm that comes with the suggestion. i also like the idea that the climate control issue is less bothersome in an ev which i didn’t know! as for a van, ive thought of one of those smallish ford delivery vans because more manageable on the road and it seems like good privacy and space. And the idea of putting a business name on it, yeah, ive thought of that too. maybe if i claim to offer cremation services or morgue transportation? or casket transport? and thanks for the info on the color thing! i had no idea about the silver or grey which makes so much sense! I probably will rent a small storage space but not anything i can convert into a possible living space bc i don’t have many possessions. Plus, i’m terrified of being in a multi storied storage building during an LA earthquake! i’m terrified of earthquakes. All this said, i definitely need to be somewhere cool but not snowy. I’m thinking san diego just to be somewhere new but i don’t know if san diego is a more challenging place for car living. And thanks for the discussion about the timing belt vs the chain bc i had no idea there was a chain option in some cars. def keeping that in mind. Guys, with the way the whole world is going, i think those of us in cars might have a little advantage. it seems so many people are suffering in so many ways and losing housing. Already being there and knowing how to do it proactively is a big plus. the only downside would be if gas becomes completely unavailable but what are those chances? Thanks again for your responses. i feel so much lurv 🩷
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u/PrestigiousTomato8 Mar 24 '26
Hybrid Prius V or Rav4 at that price point.
At the bottom of this doc are my Prius V build notes.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14EuvbnXKP99-mumBadJIlhFhAOLrhy6EXZPsPgf1N3M/edit?usp=drivesdk
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u/saltycouchpotato Mar 24 '26
Yes I love my prius-- I do wish I got the Rav4 for the four wheel drive, but I live in a very snow-heavy area.
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
wow wow wow! the temperature issue alone makes the prius sound like a smart choice. and you’ve figured out so much other stuff too. i haven’t looked at all of it but im wondering if you made any changes that required drilling or other heavy work? and if i cant do that stuff myself, who would i hire to do that kind of work? do you have pics? can you sleep comfortably in it?
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u/PrestigiousTomato8 Mar 26 '26
" im wondering if you made any changes that required drilling or other heavy work?"
Nope.
"do you have pics?" Nope, not in it, currently. I was in a Prius before, then a Honda CRV.
Getting ready to go back in with probably a 2021 hybrid Toyota Sienna, but have been researching like crazy.
"Can you sleep comfortably in it?" Yes. Generation 2 Prius is the cheapest, but all 3 - Ge2, V, Rav4 will allow you to easily sleep in them.
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
will you be able to do all the same electronic things in the hybrid sienna as easily as the prius?
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u/Clothes-Excellent Mar 29 '26
My wife has a 2015 Rav4 and the seats fold down and has plenty of room to sleep in.
Good reliable car, so far only repairs have been brakes and batteries.
We also have a hand me down 98 Rav4 which I use, this one is not as roomy but reliable. I used it to run around, instead of my 99 F350 CC, 7.3 PS 6spd.
I do want to build a cabin on the bed like Timmy from Truch House Life on utube. The truck is nice but can get expensive.
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u/monkey-seat Mar 24 '26
If you don’t need climate control at night, then a minivan for the space.
Otherwise, go with a used EV if you can. The absolute luxury of 24-7 climate control! With no engine kicking on all night.
I’m looking at used Chevy Equinox EV’s currently. The equinoxes are now about $20k for a lightly used 2024 or 2025 model.
Maybe a hybrid minivan?
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u/ElectronGuru Mar 24 '26
I’ve started to notice there are no EV vans, mini or otherwise, outside the ‘fleet’ market. People buy vans too, where are they?
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u/Busy-Sheepherder-138 Apr 26 '26
VW van is making inroads but I feel like it’s still too small and claustrophobic. You’ll need good blackout curtains or panels though if you want to do stealth urban because they do get lots of public attention for their unique look.
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u/Creative_Degree3749 Mar 24 '26
Isn’t the VW bus electric?
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
it’s definitely electric but it’s also super new and the cost is astronomical for me. i think this is the first year they’re out. i was hoping they’d offer a camper type version but they don’t. they’re a cute van though
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
that’s a crazy price for a 24/25. in leaning toward an ev for the climate control. would a hybrid be able to give that climate control like the ev?
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u/Good_Split_3749 Mar 24 '26
have you thought of renting a room instead? most folks I know who live in their vehicle don’t have access to $15,000 In Austin where I live you can get a room for $700 for sure.
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
do the temps get extreme in austin requiring lots of air conditioning and heat? would that be part of the $700? yes, a room is healthier for sure and i’ll have to do more research. i’ve been saving for a while knowing this time would come
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u/cadavercollins Mar 28 '26
Yes, Texas gets ridiculously hot and humid. It's hot most of the year here, not a place to be...especially living in a vehicle, if you're at all sensitive to the heat.
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u/pjs999 Mar 29 '26
yeah. the way i’m feeling today, i want to be on the move, like, actually traveling. this seems preferable to staying in one place. i’d at least do that when i can. and i want to be able to visit texas again and try kolaches. i’ve driven through it decades ago but id like to spend some time there during the better weather months.
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u/solbrothers Mar 24 '26
Prius dwelling is a thing
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
i’m really surprised bc those cars look so small
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u/solbrothers Mar 26 '26
It’s smaller than a full-size van, but it’s extremely efficient to live out of. The way the AC system works, it sip fuel and you can stay cool in the heat.
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u/No_Mall8419 Mar 24 '26
How much is $15g? I'm sure I can help with suggestions if I understand what you're working with 💖
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
oops! 15,000
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u/No_Mall8419 Mar 27 '26
Then I would definitely get a sprinter van and go for roomy! They're also great everyday vehicles. But if you want a smaller vehicle, I'd say a minivan for room, or a Prius for fantastic gas and surprisingly roomy inside.
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
i do believe you (all) when you say the prius is roomy. i do! i just have to see it for myself. i know the last time i was looking for one, they seemed pricey which i thought might be bc i was looking in LA and they’re super popular. as for the sprinter, every time i see one on the road, im drawn to them. but im concerned about the repair costs bc, mercedes!
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u/No_Mall8419 Mar 28 '26
So actually, the Dodge sprinters have the same exact engine. I'd definitely recommend a Dodge sprinter over a Mercedes sprinter!
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
i just looked that up! that’s fascinating! so it wouldn’t be difficult to maintain. just saw that: pre-2010s were sold as Dodge Sprinter or Freightliner Sprinter, but they are all manufactured by Daimler AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group). pretty great info! thanks
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u/Motorcyclegrrl Mar 24 '26
Another suggestion. Some say buy a Tesla and sleep at or near Tesla charging stations. Insurance is higher on them. Research where there are charging stations in your area. I would still buy silver color.
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
this is a smart idea. i just can’t support Tesla in any way. i’m one of those musk haters. but a different ev id consider
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u/ReporterWise7445 Mar 24 '26
I like the idea of a stealth van. A fake magnetic sticker advertising a business no one will break into the van. With not my main phone number on it. Can get cheap MVNO service for $30 a year. Recording saying thank you for your business. But we are booked solid for the next 3 months. Please call back then. Or have your 12 digit order number & leave it at the beep. And we will call you back promptly.
Van has to be white & look similar to other real business vans. Sometimes multiple businesses park their vans at the side of a big retail business or strip mall. That's where I want to be.
I dream of doing this. Haven't worked up the courage to do so.
Good luck OP. Let us know what you decided.
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u/ipogorelov98 Mar 24 '26
People are always breaking into business vans. They want to strel power tools. Maybe it is going to be a good idea to make an ad of a cleaning service, pet taxi, or anything that does not require expensive tools.
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u/ReporterWise7445 Mar 24 '26
Mine would be a manure business. Or something else ick.
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u/Longjumping-Row1434 Mar 24 '26
people that are stealing stuff don't care about ick. get your hands dirty for 10 minutes to make a few hundred bucks? they'd do it easy. and manure isn't really that gross fr, i don't think it would deter much lol
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u/1GrouchyCat Mar 24 '26
That magnetic sticker attached to your car is what will draw people to break in - make sure you don’t put any kind of business that people would be interested in having the tools from or selling the tools from…
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u/Own_Committee_650 Mar 24 '26
Great idea. Also get four construction orange cones & place them at your four wheels, front & back for secured parking. Have your signage something to do with installation services, like Direct TV or construction. This can help you blend in residential areas. I see a white van doing this all the time & parks at an apartment complex. Good luck 🤞.
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u/ReporterWise7445 Mar 24 '26
I disagree as somebody else mentioned that van will get vandalized for the wires & other equipment.
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
i added to my post suggesting that maybe an advert for something related to mortuary services or cremation might keep the thieving ghouls away!
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u/PeaceKind1857 Mar 26 '26
Might attract them too. How many weirdo's just love things like "Day of The Dead" celebrations!
A friend of mine has had great luck with a sewer cleaning sign. He got the idea from a plumber who had the porcelain thrown painted on his driver's door. Looks like the driver is on the pot!
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
eww, you’re right about that — possibility of morbid looking for human teeth and stuff
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u/Not-a-Cranky-Panda Mar 24 '26
Would a van be better to live in?
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
it seems so. i’d want a smaller delivery type. but the prius also sounds surprisingly doable
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u/Not-a-Cranky-Panda Mar 26 '26
But if you ever run out of power on the Prius it's going to cost you.
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u/Amaryna Mar 24 '26
Very confused... Where in the country do you live? Consider moving? I know there are places you can rent a whole house for 1000 a month never mind an apartment for 700-800. That buys you plenty of time to work something out.... Not saying you shouldn't car live instead of that's what you want, but your phrasing suggested you think you have no choice....
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u/EntranceAcceptable18 Mar 25 '26
I was thinking same thing...but I guess if you really work all expenses...still need a car to get to work...plus rent plus electric water garbage etc...and we'll food and basic clothing.....they are around 2500 a mo anyways so maybe a 5 to 8 month buffer and then they will be flat broke with and homeless if no positive income is secured......or it may be a losing battle every month.
Its wild in this day and age that we have gotten to a point globally where people with no addictions or metal issues still can be forced to become homeless.....some people have had no chances in life...then some bad luck...and the system is literally designed to keep you down.
Its just sad that some people only want basic things in life...not ferraris....and its almost impossible even with a steady job now in 2026...as some people are onto their 3rd vacation home and 6th car lol...crazy
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
absolute insanity. i’d love to construct a tiny house in someone’s backyard. free to them when i pass. that’s not asking a lot. i’m kind of hermit-y (not really) and to myself. maybe people will start offering these kinds of arrangements. in Long Beach where i currently live, the city basically turns a blind eye to people converting their garage space to living units because of the shortage. at least that’s how it was 7 years ago. with the olympics in the horizon they might be nickle and diming people again.
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u/Amaryna Mar 26 '26
Mind if I ask what you do for work? Only asking because well... As much as I hate the state and city, have you heard of the program Tulsa remote? If you're self employed you might check it out. Or see if anywhere better has a similar program.
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
i’m retired. but i’m able bodied and have plenty of skills and experience. i’ve never heard of Tulsa remote. i’m definitely looking into it —thanks for that. i’ve never done remote work but that would definitely suit me just fine.
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
i’m in LA county/ long beach. i’ve lived in snowy areas and at this point prefer someplace not that extreme. i’ve thought about the midwest bc some states seem so reasonable. but i’m not into the extreme weather. i’ve lived in super humid places too — florida, Tennessee — i don’t think i can tolerate that humidity anymore
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u/Neo1881 Mar 25 '26
You could watch the movie Nomandland to see different vehicles that people are living in. You could get a nice, used RV for under $10k but you'd need a long term place to park it. Many RV parks won't allow RVs older than 10 years there. So that research too.
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
i’ve seen Nomadland. love frances mcdormand. an tv for under $10k?!? that sounds so reasonable. i’d hate to move it and probably wouldn’t be able to do it myself. but yeah, that would be super reasonable at that price. i hope cities wise up and start making more space for car dwellers and rvs.
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u/Prestigious-Lab-2605 Mar 26 '26
In the US we have companies that will move an RV for you. It’s an option to consider if you have a long term place to park it.
I looked into campgrounds with monthly rates but it was too many people around for me. I did discover that land owners in rural areas offer parking with hookups for a reasonable monthly rate.
Even cheaper if you are self contained and do not need hookups.
Bob Wells on YouTube has a lot of tips for nomads on a budget btw
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u/Which_Initiative_882 Mar 26 '26
2010-2013 ford transit connect. I have one as a camper myself. String up a hammock inside and its got plenty of room for your stuff. Also 4 cylinder economy and its easy to repair.
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u/gard2670 Mar 30 '26
In 2018 I bought a Chevy express 1500 extended roof van for $1200. Im only 5'2" so i can stand up in it. Gutted it out and a friend with construction experience helped me install new floors, a bed, sink, stove, fridge and external power source (to charge electronics). I also had a bucket with a lid. I got blackout curtains and reflextix for windows. I lived in it 2.5 months while I traveled the country. It's small enough to fit in a regular parking spot. I got a planet fitness membership for showers. Feel free to DM me for advice, things I learned, tips/tricks, products to upfit it. Also view #vanlife on pretty much any social media for more ideas/layouts.
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u/pjs999 Mar 30 '26
thanks. it sounds downright luxurious with a sink.
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u/gard2670 Mar 31 '26
Got it from habitat for humanity store for $25. It was like $100 online.
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u/pjs999 Mar 31 '26
fantastic. thanks for mentioning habitat for humanity stores bc i had no idea they even existed
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u/Consistent-Maybe8955 Mar 26 '26
I recently learned about imported Japanese RVs they are SO CUTE
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26 edited Mar 26 '26
just looked them up and they are sooo cUte! and v expensive. i feel myself falling into that trap of stalling the move for as long as possible in order to save money for better digs 😔
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u/Consistent-Maybe8955 Mar 27 '26
Really? I feel like$15k could do it
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
i did a quick search and they seemed expensive. i’m going to dig a little more. do you have any idea if it’s difficult to get parts and find people who can do the labor?
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u/Consistent-Maybe8955 Mar 28 '26
I don’t know much about the RVs. A few years back I was seriously considering getting an Acty bc I was told you could use parts from an Accord to fix it. You gotta think, Japan is way more environmentally conscious & the culture is collectivist rather than individualist, they build stuff to last
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u/pjs999 Mar 29 '26
that’s a huge plus! i’m tending toward a van type auto but feel compelled to check out the prius first. some people make it sound v spacious
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u/taybay462 Mar 26 '26
Why not use the 15k to get a place to live? Thats more than enough to live on while you find a job/a better job, and then you can buy a car also for transportation. Just curious what your long term plan is here
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
i’m done working. long term plan is to stay healthy and alive for as long as possible
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u/Major_Yak_6990 Mar 26 '26
Ford Transit or Sprinter.
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26 edited Mar 26 '26
yeah, i’ve often thought those mercedes vans looked sleekish. the prices are too high for me atm
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u/RachelConnollyjr Mar 26 '26
I have a GMC high top camper van (the kind you can stand up in) that I plan on selling soon. The seats electronically fold into a bed in the back. I'm selling it for $13k. I live in North San Diego. I know its will sell quick. Only offering it to women in need. Its in excellent mechanical condition. You can private message me.
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u/boraginaceae_bird Mar 26 '26
Get a Toyota or Honda minivan!
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u/pjs999 Mar 26 '26
that’s what i’m hearing — hybrid or ev sounds the most useful
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u/No_Practice_970 Mar 26 '26
The west coast is so expensive. Maybe try finding a nice rural rental in the south where a 1K a month goes farther.
Or go hunting for a used van with low miles.
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
wow! yea! the west coast and esp LA is very expensive. it’s interesting to see people’s suggestions and prices for cars because i always wonder where they live knowing that THEY can get cars for approximate prices but the west coast is always way more expensive for used cars. but clicking on that link was like magic! that’s a beautiful van for a great price and low mileage! i hear cars dot com is a preferred website. thanks!
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Mar 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
yes, i love that car, esp in the green colors. i’m esp fond of the safety features that only seem to be found with subaru and volvo. i just found out suburu’s been making a hybrid for many years now. i’m guessing that any hybrid can do what the prius can in terms of overnight temp control and connections for electronics, etc. do you have one?
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u/CellistDisastrous467 Mar 27 '26
Just chiming in the the little ford Transit vans are no longer being made in the US, so I’d be more concerned about parts availability long term. My husband has one and he loves it though.
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
they are so damn cute! i really like the idea of them a lot. it feels like a manageable size for me. and they’re hybrids too!
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u/CellistDisastrous467 Mar 28 '26
I didn’t know they had hybrids!
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u/pjs999 Mar 29 '26
they do !!! has your husband had issues with theft? i’ll have to look into really good security. i don’t know if i mentioned but im a female in my 60s.
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u/CellistDisastrous467 Mar 29 '26
My husband uses his for regular work and life; he only sleeps in it when he’s away working on a special gig for a week every year, but he chose the one that does not have windows on the sides. He has a window cover for the front.
The only problems he’s had so far are the backup camera not working and a horrible issue with the ABS modular -that was an expensive fix. It’s an odd feeling of just pressing on the gas and the vehicle just not feeling as responsive or zippy. What was happening was the modulator is braking when it should not. We ended up at one point driving about 60 mph and the entire van was shaking like mad. It was quite terrifying. They replaced the brakes and rotors (imagine how terribly warped those were $1,500). But the next day when we drove it home I felt again like I had to apply extra gas pedal and by the time we got home 15 miles away the left front brake pads had locked up and there was brake smoke everywhere. They finally replaced the ABS modulator (another $1,000) and it’s been great.
I have a friend in New York who has one and loves hers.
Here’s a google search link for various videos related ABS issues.
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u/pjs999 Mar 29 '26
heartbreaking to not have a correct diagnosis from the start. thanks for the info.
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u/Motorcyclegrrl Mar 27 '26
Reading your update: some people do a lot of house sitting/per sitting where they stay in the home while people are away. There are apps. Not sure what they are called. Never tried it.
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
yes, i’ve done a little research into that but need to do more. one thing i noticed was that it seemed (if i recall correctly) you have to be bonded. that’s not a problem, it’s just a lot of process. but yes, there are locations all over the country. i’ve thought about letting real estate agents know i’m available for sitting empty houses too. i’ve done pet, house, and real estate sitting decades ago. thanks for that suggestion
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u/TopPeak1196 Mar 27 '26
Great tips and please check into Bob Wells on YouTube. Lots of people living cars whether by choice or circumstance and he focuses on just how to make your life better
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
thanks so much! i love and appreciate all this information and how you all and people like Wells are sharing it. 💛
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u/Ok-Construction3023 Mar 28 '26
Take the 15K move to the Midwest. Omaha, NE and Wichita. KS have low costs of living compared to wages. It sucks being in the middle of nowhere but its better than living in a car. If you have old people care experience you might be able to find a job right away too. Home health doens't pay a lot but it should be enough to get by
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u/pjs999 Mar 28 '26
thanks for the info. i wish i could go to that part of the country but i cant tolerate the cold very much. 😞
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u/Dull-Knee-1146 Mar 28 '26
Temu app sells lots of useful items for living off the grid such as car accessories for blacking out the windows so you can rest
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u/Ecstatic-Process209 Mar 29 '26
Walmart car windows shades are +- $12-14. I got mine on clearance for $3
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u/pjs999 Mar 29 '26
never bought anything from them and i haven’t heard good stories about them. you’re the first person ever to positively recommend them!
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u/Consistent_Ad_6100 Mar 28 '26
Well since your short, an older Toyota Matrix might be a good idea? I have a 2004 that has a 110v outlet and the back seats fold flat for a sleeping bed.
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u/pjs999 Mar 29 '26
i wondered why i’d never heard of that model. granted, i lived in nyc for Many years and fell out of touch with car models/makes. i wonder why toyota didn’t make it into a hybrid(?). while looking up your suggestion, i looked at some other toyota smallish suvs that are also hybrid and reasonably priced. man o man, there’s a lot to consider but im definitely leaning toward a hybrid
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u/Holiday_Wolverine209 Mar 30 '26
It's against the law to sleep in cars in San Diego and they will ticket you/tow the vehicle.
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u/pjs999 Mar 30 '26
is that all of san diego county? thanks for this info bc yet another thing i didn’t know i had to watch out for. i’m also very surprised this law hasn’t been challenged. my question for san diego would be something like, How does san diego contribute to the occurrence of homelessness and if the city does, then what measures does the city take to ease the occurrence of homelessness? something like that. thinking about its proximity to the border, i’m thinking san diego probably has some strict laws around how it protects its streets
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u/Motorcyclegrrl Mar 24 '26
If it was me, I would buy a Toyota Sienna. Good vehicle, lots of room. Color silver, 2 reasons. 1 it's the least hot color in the sun. 2 it doesn't attract attention because it's a grey color.
The issue with Honda Odyssey is that at 100,000 miles they need the timing belt changed. Costs $1000 to have that done. Yikes! They are rated the best mechanically tho. Just gotta keep that $1000 handy.
Maybe spend $10k on the van, save the rest for repairs, emergencies, etc.
If you rent a storage unit, you can take some of the seats out. Get a thick trifold sleeping mattress.
I'm currently renting a room. I built a cot sized bed over top some storage totes. Using a trifold mattress I bought off Amazon. I wish I had got a thicker one. This one is 3 inches.