Advice on a possible van please

[Firkin]

Hi Funsters

I wonder if those brainier than me might have a look at this van I'm interested in. Any advice, opinions, questions to ask the seller much appreciado!!

It's a Peugeot Boxer, 2016 Euro 6, 2.2, 160K miles. Ex 7 seater patient transport ambo - serviced 6 monthly with a FSH. Current owner is the 2nd (1st was ambo service) and he's had it for a year to convert and sell. Ambo service have uprated it to 4005kg. It's not been weighed since conversion. He's sent me a recent receipt of a new EGR valve and the DPF clean as it was blocked. Kind of puts me off a bit as I've had a DPF on a car go and I think it ruined the whole engine - but also wonder if someone had fiddled the computer to not recognise the DPF as it failed catastrophically on M25 with no warning lights.

I've had a little video tour and I really like what he's done with it. No EHU though, but has large solar panel. I don't know much about electrics, but a quick google seemed to suggest he's got a juicy enough set up to power the fridge and lights. No shower but could possibly add one if I want to in the future. Small water containers under the kitchen, so I'd want to eventually put a larger water tank in the garage area and maybe a grey water tank under it. I could maybe add the EHU if I felt I needed it.

It has aircon in the rear as well as cab. I assume this is on the original ambo circuit - so I wonder if it has a timer relay thingy that switches it off after 2 hours. Don't know.

He's on holiday at the mo, but I'm hoping to go up there on Sat to have a look. I will pay Carexamer to do the premium pre-purchase inspection. Unsure whether I go see it in the morning and then get the mechanic to look over it that day and maybe drive it home if all goes well, to save 2 trips from Brighton to Birmingham. Or maybe I should get the mechanic to look friday and then go up Saturday if there's no major issues. Its already at the total top of my max budget.

Looking forward to your wise replies, and your not so wise ones

Cheers

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16738102...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

 

[oldiesontour]

Personally I agree with you I prefer a pvc ( no logical reason perhaps I used to drive coaches around Europe) The problem is factory built are very overpriced and DIY conversions well done are hard to find and every self builder seems to think their van is worth way more than they will eventually get for it...many will ultimately sell for as little as half the original asking price..this sometimes shows wit the occasional one that sells by eBay auction.As for layout we have a transverse bed and a separate garage area apx the back 600mm of the van.. designed with ebikes, deckchairs etc in mind..we have now sold the ebikes and bought a 125 scooter to carry on the tow bar rack I made,so next I am going to remove the garage partition and rebuild the rear half of the van all in order to have longitudinal bed 2 singles or a double.

 

[Ernesto]

Are those straight back seats ever comfy for sitting in?

They're fine for sitting in to eat at the table....slightly less for adults to travel long distances in for sure.

But at the end of the day, this type of van is really aimed at two people, so you spend almost all the time lounging in the swiveled front seats and the bench becomes a great place to put your feet up.

Longitudinal beds are better for sure, but probably does mean going to the 6.3m chassis to get that - but you do tend to get a 3,500 kg payload then as well.
It's very personal and each to their own - but for me the only decision was between a 5.4m van and a 6.3m one. A 5.4m one is meaningfully a different size and does mean better access and easier parking in some circumstances. Not sure the moving between 6m and 6.3m makes any real difference in the real world - maybe save a few quid on a ferry, but in the grand scheme of things, thats small

 

[Shango]

I'm not mechanically mined, I'm not a carpenter etc etc but if I was buying it, I'd rather see it with out the sellers ''stuff'' in it like bedding, kettle etc unless they are included. I'd rather see the mattress and how clean it is and if it's a decent one, no point paying the asking price and ending up having to replace the mattress before taking it away for your first outing.
While photo's can be deceiving, there's no mistaking the workmanship is not great and not worth the asking price. Sorry but no, I'd skip it and continue on your search for your wagon, it's out there...it's just not that one...sorry.

 

[Shango]

If it was mine and I was selling it, I'd never mark it sold (or ''ended'') until it actually is sold and I'm counting the money. The seller has marked it ''ended'' and you say he's away at the moment...to me that's a red flag, maybe he has messed up on the DIY and needs it gone ASAP and he's hoping who ever buys it don't know no better. I applaud you for doing your homework first before parting with your hard earned money. And remember...unless it's a garage, you'll have no come back, no guarantee with the motor end of things etc

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[MisterB]

I did see that one, but seemed a bit cramped. Are those straight back seats ever comfy for sitting in? I will check it out though, maybe as a stop gap. I am thinking more and more about a longitudinal bed so no clambering over each other in the night but then the van will have to be that much longer. I've got the 'buy your 3rd van 1st' advice in my head .... which might mean it's a very long time before i can get chugging!

Buying your third van first is rarely achieved, BUT if you choose your first and second carefully and don't try to get everything you think you need until you know what you do need, then you're in with a chance of it not being an expensive route.

So you need a fully working and dry motorhome so you can sell on when you think it's time to move on. The opportunity to add a couple of improvements will help you get your money back but also importantly help you to understand and practice the dark arts of upgrading ....


Don't overspend and compare the market before you buy !!

 

[Firkin]

Buying your third van first is rarely achieved, BUT if you choose your first and second carefully and don't try to get everything you think you need until you know what you do need, then you're in with a chance of it not being an expensive route.

So you need a fully working and dry motorhome so you can sell on when you think it's time to move on. The opportunity to add a couple of improvements will help you get your money back but also importantly help you to understand and practice the dark arts of upgrading ....


Don't overspend and compare the market before you buy !!

Ah i look forward to learning the dark arts of upgrading whether modding or buying a new to me upgraded model!

I messaged Adria Twin chap earlier but he'd already sold it and forgot to remove it.

So I'll keep looking

 

[MisterB]

Ah i look forward to learning the dark arts of upgrading whether modding or buying a new to me upgraded model!

I messaged Adria Twin chap earlier but he'd already sold it and forgot to remove it.

So I'll keep looking

Have you checked out Uber Leisure in Epping? They are trade sellers and buyers, a bit like we buy any car.com.

We have had two top quality motorhomes from there previously BUT you need to be prepared to spend a few hours climbing over, under and round every inch of anything you fancy and test all appliances, carry out damp testing etc. They sell some decent and well priced motorhomes but you need to put the legwork in to make sure it's worth buying, much the same as you would do anyway, wherever or whoever you buy from .... so what's the difference? If you can spot a difference that is!

I think I am trying to make the point that it's YOU that needs to put the work in, in determining whether any potential purchase from anyone or anywhere is a good investment, don't be embarrassed about spending time checking something out, it's a lot of money, YOUR money, so don't part with it unless you're completely happy that what you're buying IS what you're buying!!

 

[stevewagner]

Here’s a decent starter van

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[Firkin]

Have you checked out Uber Leisure in Epping? They are trade sellers and buyers, a bit like we buy any car.com.

We have had two top quality motorhomes from there previously BUT you need to be prepared to spend a few hours climbing over, under and round every inch of anything you fancy and test all appliances, carry out damp testing etc. They sell some decent and well priced motorhomes but you need to put the legwork in to make sure it's worth buying, much the same as you would do anyway, wherever or whoever you buy from .... so what's the difference? If you can spot a difference that is!

I think I am trying to make the point that it's YOU that needs to put the work in, in determining whether any potential purchase from anyone or anywhere is a good investment, don't be embarrassed about spending time checking something out, it's a lot of money, YOUR money, so don't part with it unless you're completely happy that what you're buying IS what you're buying!!

Great thanks, I'll check them out. I've had cheap and old caravans for years that always need something fixing so I'm well versed in getting all the services working. Although things have defo modernised than what I'm used to!

Will take my damp meter and multi meter, although the latter slightly confounds me in it's right and proper use! I'll pay carexamer to do a premium inspection as other than the basic is there grey sludge in oil filler cap, or any knocks, bangs or smoke, mechanics is not in my skill set. £300 well spent on a pre purchase inspection in my mind!

It's the pricing bit that gets me. They all seem expensive other than the odd good deal but by the time I can get a mechanic there (they need 48 hours notice) the van has often sold to someone either more cavalier than me or someone more mechanical than me.

Of course in the back of my mind is what will happen to the van market with the orange one's carnage. Financiers predict recession. Will EU get cheaper components from China meaning costs will go down - although with the covid crash camper/MH prices soared. Oh to have a crystal ball!

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[EuroTrotters]

Only looking on my phone but with all that timber in there I'd say it's going to have naff all payload if not already overweight.

that was going to be my response

 

[Firkin]

Here’s a decent starter van

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Thanks, there's been a few of these on the market. I had a similar layout in a T25 high top years ago and sold it on quickly. Didn't work for me. Want more space and bed at the back, preferably fixed. Thanks though

 

[Firkin]

that was going to be my response

Even uprated to 4005kg? (I'm not getting it, just interested so i can have idea for other conversions)

 

[Lenny HB]

Even uprated to 4005kg? (I'm not getting it, just interested so i can have idea for other conversions)

Without putting it on a weighbridge you won't know.

 

[MisterB]

Even uprated to 4005kg? (I'm not getting it, just interested so i can have idea for other conversions)

what is your budget and what are your must haves, if you add them to this thread, someone might spot a suitable option for you? There are a couple of nice coachbuilts on sale via Uberleisure on ebay ...

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[felixSA]

Hi Funsters

I wonder if those brainier than me might have a look at this van I'm interested in. Any advice, opinions, questions to ask the seller much appreciado!!

It's a Peugeot Boxer, 2016 Euro 6, 2.2, 160K miles. Ex 7 seater patient transport ambo - serviced 6 monthly with a FSH. Current owner is the 2nd (1st was ambo service) and he's had it for a year to convert and sell. Ambo service have uprated it to 4005kg. It's not been weighed since conversion. He's sent me a recent receipt of a new EGR valve and the DPF clean as it was blocked. Kind of puts me off a bit as I've had a DPF on a car go and I think it ruined the whole engine - but also wonder if someone had fiddled the computer to not recognise the DPF as it failed catastrophically on M25 with no warning lights.

I've had a little video tour and I really like what he's done with it. No EHU though, but has large solar panel. I don't know much about electrics, but a quick google seemed to suggest he's got a juicy enough set up to power the fridge and lights. No shower but could possibly add one if I want to in the future. Small water containers under the kitchen, so I'd want to eventually put a larger water tank in the garage area and maybe a grey water tank under it. I could maybe add the EHU if I felt I needed it.

It has aircon in the rear as well as cab. I assume this is on the original ambo circuit - so I wonder if it has a timer relay thingy that switches it off after 2 hours. Don't know.

He's on holiday at the mo, but I'm hoping to go up there on Sat to have a look. I will pay Carexamer to do the premium pre-purchase inspection. Unsure whether I go see it in the morning and then get the mechanic to look over it that day and maybe drive it home if all goes well, to save 2 trips from Brighton to Birmingham. Or maybe I should get the mechanic to look friday and then go up Saturday if there's no major issues. Its already at the total top of my max budget.

Looking forward to your wise replies, and your not so wise ones

Cheers

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/16738102...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

An old ambulance would have been driven hard. I’d avoid it

 

[Silver-Fox]

Take a look at this one as a comparison, factory built VW base Calypso 1997 with only 80k miles asking £12k

I appreciate yours is far newer with a Euro 6 engine, but I think given your budget you need an older but better vehicle.
(Unless you live in a ULEZ area, or an area likely to become ULEZ soon, in which case don't look at anything older than 2014!)

We hired one like that in N Z for around 9 weeks.

Never missed a beat and had 240k klm on it.

I took it on some rough old unoaved roads as well.

Good spot I’d say

 

[boaterkeith]

It’s been relisted at £16000. The advert says it has a 2000w inverter and 2 x 130Ah batteries. Don’t use the inverter if you might want lights on later! Woodwork is shocking, layout doesn’t make best use of the space. Shame he spent money on graphics rather than a better fit out. £16000 badly spent in my view!