Buying a New vs Used Van for Van Life
Learn what to consider when buying a new vs used van for van life, tips for buying a van, and where to search for your perfect van.
Deciding whether or not to buy a new vs used van for van life is a huge decision. A new van is a blank slate and usually comes with a warranty, but buying new comes at a hefty price tag.
On the other hand, a used van can save you a ton of money and time, but it also comes with risks. Unless the van was converted by a professional with a good reputation, it’s hard to know the quality of the conversion and whether it will last for the long haul.
In this blog post, we break down the pros and cons of buying a new vs used van for van life and things you should consider before buying a used van.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Buying a New Van
Buying a new van means an empty slate. The van is your canvas, and you can literally customize it to make it exactly what you want, from the layout to the components to the colors.
Buying new is a fun and exciting process, but whether you hire someone or DIY, you have your work cut out for you. You’ll be making a lot of important decisions, and be prepared for some ups and downs as you work to build out your dream van. Before you decide on whether to buy a new or used van, or whether to hire a conversion company or DIY it, I recommend researching the best vans for van life to help you prioritize your needs for your van build.
Buying a new van and building it out also takes time. If you’re choosing a Sprinter, you might have to wait for the van to be ready from the factory, and then you have to factor in the build process. If you want to hit the road next week or even the next few months, buying a new van will make that almost impossible, especially since there are more people buying vans than ever.
Pros of Buying a New Van
- Completely customizable to fit your needs
- Starting fresh: there are no mechanical or cosmetic issues
- Typically under warranty
- Longevity: a new van should outlive a used van
Cons of Buying a New Van
- Much more expensive
- Longer timeframe to hit the road
- Typically higher insurance premiums
Save this post!
Enter your email & I'll send this post to your inbox! You'll also receive my weekly newsletter full of helpful advice for planning your adventures.
Buying a Used Van
Buying used is a great option for those of you on a tighter budget or those of you who aren’t sure how long you’ll want to do van life (or if you’ll even like it at all!).
Getting a used, already converted van will put you on the fast track to hitting the road and gives you the opportunity to try van life without all of the work. In the process, you’ll learn what you do and don’t like, and if you ever decide to trade it in for something more custom, you’ll have a very clear picture of what you want.
Pros of Buying a Used Van
- Less expensive than buying new
- Quicker turnaround to getting on the road (if it’s already converted)
- Typically cheaper insurance premiums
Cons of Buying a Used Van
- Uncertainty about the vehicle’s mechanical issues
- Uncertainy about the quality of the build or issues previous owners might have faced with their conversion
- Uncertainy about how the van is wired, if the plumbing is solid, or if the batteries are in good condition
Further, if you have any problems, it’s unlikely that the conversion or parts will be under warranty, and fixing the van may require more work and money than you expect. If the vehicle is still under warranty, that’s great. Just be sure to contact the manufacturer to make sure the warranty is transferable.
With used vans, particularly used Sprinter vans, rust is the most commonly talked about issue, but it’s not the only one to pay attention to.
Tips for Buying a Used Van
When you find a used van you’re seriously interested in – if it’s a big investment (and you lack mechanical knowledge), I highly recommend having a mechanic inspect the van before you sign the dotted line. You can also get a CARFAX report on the vehicle which will tell you of any accidents the van has been in, confirm odometer mileage, previous owners, and other information. This is a great resource for peace of mind before buying a used van.
Also, make sure you do your homework. Speak to the owner or dealership thoroughly about everything and ask all your questions. If you’ve never owned or shopped for a van before, bring someone knowledgeable with you to look at the van, and get a solid rundown of how everything is set up and works before taking the leap.
Where to Search for a Van
Searching for a van should be a fun process, and while you may be eager to dive into van life, don’t feel pressured to buy the first van you find. The more patient you are, the better you’ll understand the market. You’ll learn what a good deal looks like and things to watch out for.
Even if you’re buying a new van vs a used van, patience and shopping around could save you a few thousand dollars. Depending on what type of vehicle you are purchasing, some dealers may be willing to negotiate, although that’s almost unheard of with the 4×4 Sprinter.
If you’re looking for a Sprinter van specifically, check out this blog post on where to find a Sprinter van for sale.
Other websites to look for used camper vans are Conversion Trader and Van Life Trader.
Sign up for our free Member resources area at the top of this blog post, you’ll find a downloadable PDF with a full list of websites, forums, and Facebook groups where you can search for a van. So download that, bookmark those pages, and make checking those pages part of your daily routine.
Do you have any questions about buying a new vs used van for van life? Share your comments, questions, and experiences below.
