Common mistakes to avoid when buying a van
While the van conversion craze is still in full swing in 2025, many are embarking on the adventure with the desire for everything to run smoothly. But beware: buying a van, as exciting as it may be, is full of pitfalls to avoid so your dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare on the side of the road. Faced with used prices hovering around €30,000, it would be a shame to miss out on details that, at first glance, seem insignificant but can end up costing dearly in the long run. These seemingly simple vehicles often hide complexities that are best kept under control. Planning ahead doesn’t mean camping in a remote corner without blankets, but simply focusing your expert eye on the right place at the right time. Today, we explore the most common mistakes to avoid when buying a van conversion, from selection to inspection, including administrative procedures. You don’t need to be an experienced mechanic or DIY enthusiast to avoid being ripped off; you just need to follow a few basic principles and remain vigilant. From the bodywork to the electrical system, including the intricacies of the onboard equipment, every detail counts. Not to mention the role of the seller, whether you’re a professional or an individual, who can also tip the scales in favor of a good or bad surprise.
Choosing the right van size: avoiding impulsive and ill-suited choices
Before even discussing engine, comfort, or design, the crucial point is to ask yourself the right question: what type of van or campervan really meets your needs? This often overlooked step is nevertheless the cornerstone of a successful purchase. In the heat of the moment, it’s often tempting to succumb to the charm of a compact van from Volkswagen, Renault, Fiat, or Ford, without giving any thought to its actual use. This reflex, which could be described as “mechanical love at first sight,” is the source of many disappointments.
The market offers an impressive diversity: from the compact van to the fully equipped utility vehicle, including the spacious van similar to a campervan. Each format has its advantages and limitations:
- 🚐 The compact van: Ideal for those who want to combine maneuverability and discretion. Perfect in urban environments or for getaways as a couple or small group.
- 🚚 The intermediate campervan: Offers an attractive compromise for increased comfort without sacrificing too much parking space. 🏕️
- The campervan on a van chassis: More spacious, sometimes with all the amenities of home, but more difficult to park and generally more fuel-hungry. Each manufacturer relies on its expertise: Fiat Ducato, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, and Opel Movano, to name a few, offer different bases. Some brands like Nissan and Dacia focus on value for money and simplicity, but don’t always offer the volume and high-end finishes. The choice should be based on:
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- Budget: Don’t underestimate additional costs (insurance, maintenance, additional fittings). 📅
- Frequency and duration of use: A simple weekend or long trips? 🎯
- User profile: Solo, couple, large family, or friends. 🛣️ The type of roads used:
- city, countryside, mountain, off-road. ⚖️ Driver’s license required:
- Some models weigh over 3.5 tons and require a specific license. Avoiding a major blunder means getting off to a good start by choosing a vehicle that meets your real needs, without being blinded by flashy gadgets or the latest trends. Van/Campervan Type Advantages 🚀
Disadvantages ⚠️
| Example of a leading brand | Compact van | Easy to drive, discreet, economical | Less space and equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom | Intermediate campervan | Good compromise between space and comfort | Sometimes cumbersome in the city |
| Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper | Campervan on a van chassis | Maximum comfort, comprehensive equipment | High fuel consumption, heavy |
| Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Opel Movano | This careful consideration then avoids many unpleasant surprises during the purchase and in daily use. | Inspect the mechanics and structure: prevent the nightmare of breakdowns and rust | Buying a campervan isn’t just about the exterior appearance and the list of equipment. The mechanics and the strength of the bodywork are often the first things that can go wrong. Skipping this step risks expensive repairs and potential accidents. Several key points require extreme attention. |
Review the vehicle’s mechanics 🚗
Before mortgaging your future, test the engine’s robustness and transmission quality. Models based on well-known utility vehicles like the Renault Master, Nissan NV, or Dacia Dokker can be reliable, but each model has its own story to tell.
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Maintenance history:
Be sure to request the service booklet, including all servicing, oil changes, belt changes, and major repairs. A van with a clear history is a guarantee of reliability.
- 🔊 Test drive: Listen to the engine, look for any squeals or suspicious noises when shifting gears, and brake to feel the response of the discs and pads.
- 🛢️ Leaks: Oils and fluids:
- Don’t ignore puddles or marks under the vehicle. ⚙️
On-board electronics:
Check all dashboard warning lights, controls, and equipment management such as the air conditioning or engine heater. - For mechanical issues, opt for reliable brands like Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, or Peugeot, which have a strong presence in the van market. Ford, Citroën, and Opel also offer fairly robust models, but a detailed inspection is still essential. Monitor for corrosion and rust spots 🛑 The underbody, door seals, and wheel arches are areas where rust is most likely to occur. Don’t confuse a “weathered” appearance with serious corrosion. These vehicles often sit outside, and the ambient humidity, combined with climate change, is merciless on the bodywork.
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Detailed visual inspection:
Look for signs of oxidation, cracked paint, and swelling under the bodywork.
- 🛠️ Screwdriver test: Gently drill into suspect areas; a soft surface already indicates serious internal corrosion.
- ⛔ Request an expert report: If the vehicle is expensive, call a professional for a complete diagnosis. Essential Mechanical Checks 🔧
- Positive Signs 👍 Warning Signs 🚨 Complete Service History
| Regular and Documented Service | Absent or Incomplete Service Log | Engine & Transmission Test |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth and Quiet Response | Abnormal Noises, Difficulty Shifting | Engine and Other Fluid Leak Check |
| No Traces of Oil or Fluid Under the Vehicle | Visible Stains, Burning Odors | Bodywork and Underbody Condition |
| Intact Paint, No Puddles or Bubbles | Rust, peeling paint | Nothing replaces a keen eye for these elements, especially on a used van. By putting your cards on the table, these are all problems you can avoid in the future. |
| Check the equipment and layout: from comfort to safety | Once the mechanics have been thoroughly examined, don’t underestimate the importance of checking the onboard equipment. The true luxury of a campervan is that it offers a small, rolling home, equipped for nomadic living. In 2025, these vehicles are competing in sophistication, from integrated heating to showers and full kitchens. | Essential equipment checklist 🔎 |
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Showers and toilets:
general condition and operation.
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- Heating system: check the radiators and boiler (check ignition). ❄️
- Cab air conditioning: for those who don’t want to sweat in their rolling “palace.” 🍳 Kitchen area:
- stovetop, refrigerator, sink, storage. 🛏️ Bed and sleeping accommodations:
- comfort and deployment mechanisms. ⚡ Electrical installation:
- 12V/220V outlet, auxiliary battery, solar panels (if applicable). Inspecting these elements avoids unpleasant surprises at the first bivouac, especially if the vehicle has been converted by a more or less experienced individual. “Handmade” conversions are attractive but can be a source of hassle if the quality is poor. It is strongly recommended to:
- 💡 Test each piece of equipment individually: leave nothing to chance.
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Request invoices or documents relating to new or replaced equipment.
- 🔌 Check compliance with electrical and safety standards. The pitfalls of “handmade” equipment and the importance of VASP certification
- Whether your campervan or converted van was cobbled together in a country garage or by a self-taught enthusiast, it’s important to be realistic. Lack of VASP (Specific Motor Vehicle for the Transport of People) certification can be costly, both in terms of safety and insurance in the event of an accident. Some vehicles may never be officially inspected, which poses a problem in the event of an incident or resale. For this reason, choosing a vehicle that has been converted by a professional converter, such as those often working with Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, or Volkswagen, guarantees a certain level of quality and safety. This also allows you to have a complete file in case of an expert appraisal or appeal. Equipment
- Points of Attention Consequences of a Defect
Electrical System
Updated Standards, No Dangerous DIY
Risks of Fire or Equipment Failure
| Sanitary Equipment | Watertightness, Proper Operation | Leaks, Material Damage, Discomfort |
|---|---|---|
| Heating | Ignition Test and Operating Time | Discomfort in Cold Environments, Potential Failure |
| VASP Installation | Official Certificate | Complicated Resale, Insurance Invalidation |
| https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEXOdJNyLy0 | Neglecting Administrative Procedures: A Costly and Stressful Mistake | Beyond the enthusiasm and technical aspects, the administrative side isn’t just about changing ownership on paper. This is often the part where future buyers of campervans get stuck, despite recent improvements to simplify procedures in 2025. Poor administrative management can lead to a long series of legal and financial complications. Key steps not to be missed 📋 |
| Here’s a clear and effective checklist of essential tasks: | 📝 | Check the conformity of documents: |
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Obtain VASP approval:
Essential for legally driving a campervan.
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- Calculate and pay the appropriate taxes: TVS (VAT) and insurance adapted to this type of vehicle. ⚖️
- Consider local regulations: authorized parking spaces, low-emission zones (LEZs) that are sometimes restrictive. 📅
- Complete registration procedures within the allotted time: to avoid penalties. Ignoring any of these points exposes you to fines, administrative frustration, and, in the worst case, insurance denial, which could ruin your wonderful adventure. Administrative Procedure
- Consequences of Error or Omission Average Processing Time ⏳ Updated MOT
- Prohibition on Sale or Use 1 day to 1 week depending on the region Obtaining the VASP certificate
Insurance invalidation, difficulty driving
| 1 to 3 months depending on the file | Registration (change of ownership) | Fines, no insurance possible |
|---|---|---|
| 24 hours to 2 weeks | Carefully selecting a professional or knowledgeable seller often avoids these disappointments. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaSUIBmOljg |
| Dare to rent before buying and compare to avoid impulse buying | So here’s a tip that isn’t really one: before signing the check (which isn’t always small for a van), it’s better to test the passion on the ground. Renting a campervan is more than ever a viable option, allowing you to take the time to familiarize yourself with the specifics of this travel method before committing to a purchase. | Many first-timers fall in love with a van that’s ill-suited to their needs, or underestimate the daily costs involved. By opting for a rental option, you’ll discover everyday tricks, technical limitations, and, above all, you’ll get used to driving a vehicle that can sometimes be larger than a regular car. |
| 🎯 | Try several brands: | Volkswagen, Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, Mercedes-Benz, or Ford, to evaluate driving and comfort. |
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from weekends to weeks, or even longer if possible.
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Compare real-world costs:
- fuel consumption, maintenance, insurance, potential for upgrades. 👀 Observe any annoying details:
- noise, handling, cramped storage, or unnecessary extra equipment. 🧐 Read the owner’s manual:
- understand the subtleties of the onboard equipment. Ultimately, this test phase allows you to align your favorite with reality, and drastically limits post-purchase disappointments. Van Brand Ease of Driving 🚦
- Interior Comfort 🛋️ Estimated Fuel Consumption ⛽ Weekly Rental Budget 💶
- Volkswagen Transporter Very Good Optimal for Small Spaces
8-10 L/100 km
| €600 | Renault Trafic | Good | Decent Comfort | 7-9 L/100 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €500 | Peugeot Boxer | Average | Spacious | 9-11 L/100 km |
| €550 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | Smooth | Luxury and Spacious | 10-13 L/100 km |
| €700 | ||||
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