How many miles are too many miles?

[Speedytriple]

Looking for my first van, something like a Sprinter, Crafter or Iveco converted panel van.

I have a max budget of 20k (which i know isnt much in the campervan world) however all the ones ive seen that are reasonably well spec'd and kitted out nicely seem to have well over 150k on the clock.

What would you guys consider to be too many miles on a used van?

And where would be my best place to look for a van around the 20k mark? Ive checked out all the usual sources, Ebay, Auto Trader etc but everything i see just isnt quite there.

Thanks in advance.

 

[oldiesontour]

I think everything you say is right especially about price. but there will always be exceptions .And i think its price that dictates most including me to buy high milage but i am very picky what high mileage van i buy. as not all are the same.

As with all things budget plays a large part,two schools of thought,older low mileage or newer high miles , arguments for and against both.It was those things in mind that
made me look for an alternative taking into account both miles and age affect both the use of and value of a vehicle,and the conversion cost is the same.
As previously said I chose to have both low miles and years by buying a repaired cat S.
And as you say clearly not all vehicles of equal age or miles are the same.
At the end of the day we all buy what we think is the best value for the available budget and reap the rewards or suffer the consequences of our decision.In 40+ years I have so far been very very lucky or made good choices (hope th last one was right (the van) time will tell !

 

[chrometeeth]

Just back from a month on the south island of New Zealand in a hired Mercedes Sprinter long wheel base camper. 365,000 kilometres on the clock. Drove absolutely lovely and inside and outside were in very good nick as well. Very happy and a great trip too.

 

[PeterCarole29]

As with all things budget plays a large part,two schools of thought,older low mileage or newer high miles , arguments for and against both.It was those things in mind that
made me look for an alternative taking into account both miles and age affect both the use of and value of a vehicle,and the conversion cost is the same.
As previously said I chose to have both low miles and years by buying a repaired cat S.
And as you say clearly not all vehicles of equal age or miles are the same.
At the end of the day we all buy what we think is the best value for the available budget and reap the rewards or suffer the consequences of our decision.In 40+ years I have so far been very very lucky or made good choices (hope th last one was right (the van) time will tell !

I am reading this with interest, as I am considering buying a van, and then getting it converted to my design.
However, I know nothing about buying a commercial vehicle.

Why is a patient transport ambulance desirable?
Any recommendations for good websites?
I am considering 5 4m to fit in my parking space.
Sorry if I have hijacked your thread.

Karen

Patient transport are desirable to some as they already have windows normally a heater in the rear and are panelled out
All things that the generally are time consuming and costly

 

[EuroTrotters]

Our first motorhome. I bought a mercedes sprinter. Having run small fleets of sprinters, I thought it would be superb.

1st sprinter had covered 8,000 miles. It was no end of trouble. Not the bulletproof 2.7 engine. The sprintshit gearbox.

2nd sprinter, 3.0 manual. 17,000 miles. Glow plug failures, 2 egr valves. A/C condenser failed. Exhaust rotted, burned hab waste pipes. No end of trouble.

3rd Sprinter, brand new. Was okay until I had a tow bar fitted. The habitation part never suited us so we sold it. Mainly to concentrate on other plans. That would start to have issues with glow plugs , just like the 2nd.

4th motorhome Older Fiat 115,000 km. Now, 155,000 km. Super reliable. One breakdown which I put down to being stood during covid . I’ve had Two new timing belts , which is one of the downsides of these engines. But I change the oil on a regular basis and keep on top of maintenance

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[oldiesontour]

Patient transport are desirable to some as they already have windows normally a heater in the rear and are panelled out
All things that the generally are time consuming and costly

As with all things patient transport has it's for's and against's.For they come with windows, insulated,often body heating ,aux power to name a few.Against very high miles,mostly short start stop ,you have to build around what is already there.
If you know nothing about vehicles ,pick a few out and post on here...lots of people with both general and vehicle specific knowledge
to help(or maybe further confuse)

 

[Geistguy]

Looking for my first van, something like a Sprinter, Crafter or Iveco converted panel van.

I have a max budget of 20k (which i know isnt much in the campervan world) however all the ones ive seen that are reasonably well spec'd and kitted out nicely seem to have well over 150k on the clock.

What would you guys consider to be too many miles on a used van?

And where would be my best place to look for a van around the 20k mark? Ive checked out all the usual sources, Ebay, Auto Trader etc but everything i see just isnt quite there.

Thanks in advance.

Checkout the YouTube channel TrueBlueTravellers and their conversion of an ex Sainsburys delivery van, brilliant insulation and square inside so awkward angles. Very funny couple as well.

 

[oldiesontour]

Of your stated vehicles the Iveco is probably the most all rounder, inline engine much cheaper to have repaired generally,proper chassis so corrosion less of a worry.Drawback heavier so less payload.People that buy them buy them to work hard so difficult but not impossible to find a good one with sensible miles and a good body.

 

[EuroTrotters]

major thing to consider.

Payload.

I’ve seen many a sprinter XLWB with heavy worktops, wooden panelled ceiling, porcelain tiles, even a Belfast sink.

Sat on its rear end, probably a ton overweight before adding passengers and kit.

 

[Margaux2]

Looking for my first van, something like a Sprinter, Crafter or Iveco converted panel van.

I have a max budget of 20k (which i know isnt much in the campervan world) however all the ones ive seen that are reasonably well spec'd and kitted out nicely seem to have well over 150k on the clock.

What would you guys consider to be too many miles on a used van?

And where would be my best place to look for a van around the 20k mark? Ive checked out all the usual sources, Ebay, Auto Trader etc but everything i see just isnt quite there.

Thanks in advance.

All depends on how well and frequently it’s been thoroughly serviced and maintained!
As well as driven. How many owners etc. where it’s been stored/ parked!

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[caddy]

Looking for my first van, something like a Sprinter, Crafter or Iveco converted panel van.

I have a max budget of 20k (which i know isnt much in the campervan world) however all the ones ive seen that are reasonably well spec'd and kitted out nicely seem to have well over 150k on the clock.

What would you guys consider to be too many miles on a used van?

And where would be my best place to look for a van around the 20k mark? Ive checked out all the usual sources, Ebay, Auto Trader etc but everything i see just isnt quite there.

Thanks in advance.

Also depends whether you want petrol or diesel. Diesel engines are known to last longer than petrol engines. But the bodywork doesn’t.

 

[Speedytriple]

Back now chaps, sorry I had to wait for my subs to kick in.

I’ve actually found one I like and I’m going to see on Sat.

I think it’s an ex welfare Iveco. I like these as I guess they will have usually been owned by a utility company and as they are essentially a brew room they haven’t been dragging heavy plant about (doesn’t have a tow bar) and I would imagine should have been well serviced.

The one I have seen has done 90k so brand new.

I do like the separate chassis and I from what I’ve read quite a truck like utilitarianism.

 

[oldiesontour]

Back now chaps, sorry I had to wait for my subs to kick in.

I’ve actually found one I like and I’m going to see on Sat.

I think it’s an ex welfare Iveco. I like these as I guess they will have usually been owned by a utility company and as they are essentially a brew room they haven’t been dragging heavy plant about (doesn’t have a tow bar) and I would imagine should have been well serviced.

The one I have seen has done 90k so brand new.

I do like the separate chassis and I from what I’ve read quite a truck like utilitarianism.

I've had a few great vans (bit agricultural)
Cam belt 2 hrs max,clutch not much more,as I said bit heavier but that should not matter if you are sensible with conversion,not least less worry about corrosion And only 90k hardly run in yet.Hope it is good on the body and is what you are looking for.

 

[Blue Moon]

Back now chaps, sorry I had to wait for my subs to kick in.

I’ve actually found one I like and I’m going to see on Sat.

I think it’s an ex welfare Iveco. I like these as I guess they will have usually been owned by a utility company and as they are essentially a brew room they haven’t been dragging heavy plant about (doesn’t have a tow bar) and I would imagine should have been well serviced.

The one I have seen has done 90k so brand new.

I do like the separate chassis and I from what I’ve read quite a truck like utilitarianism.

Get some pictures of it. Let’s have a look at the interior. I get involved with welfare vans and a lot are now supplied and fitted with bonded M1 tested floors that don’t run the vehicles full length. These can be extended if additional rails are required but normally they are around 1850mm long with 4 rails on the offside only, nothing on the near side unless it’s been fitted with 5 seats in the rear. It is major surgery trying to remove one of these floors, believe me, they are not designed to be removed.
Most welfare vans are owned by hire companies, Nixon Hire, Garic etc, utility companies now tend to spot hire or even contract hire them as they are required. Most don’t do big miles but they do tend to sit around with the engine ticking over, twirly beacons & haz lights flashing for hours on end. I agree they are a good base to start with as a lot of kit required is already fitted, toilet, sinks, microwaves etc but not always in the position where they’re ideal for a Moho conversion. Most linings are composite rather than ply but don’t expect any insulation behind it on either the walls or roof panels.
Good luck wit the viewing and I hope goes well,

 

[tinkertaylor]

There may be some truth in standing vans not being so good,but on a high mileage van it's not just the engine that has done the work,hinges,seats,bushes,locks, suspension,steering,the steering wheel,gear knob etc etc.Also how many times has it been bumped filled and part painted in 300k.
I would very much doubt that a 300k van gives the same ride as a 10k van, just some of the reasons high mileage vans are cheaper than average mileage vans which are cheaper than low mileage vans at any age

The body work has to be good but the rest is fairly easy and cheap to replace (on a PVC) Brakes, Suspension are cheap as chips from GSF and Euro and a few other places. I have replaced a starter motor and brake caliper on mine for under £200. Changed the gearbox oil as well, £50. Even if the engine/gearbox went belly up you can pick a decent short engine up for a reasonable amount.

Seen a few YouTubers who replace everything on an engine that's blown/overheated. I think they have been over sold it by garages that are trying it on, ridiculous. One did it on 2 engines that were fitted within 12 months to the same van, would have loved to pick up the 1st engine with all the new parts and less than 12 months old!

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[Luna the Magic Van]

Looking for my first van, something like a Sprinter, Crafter or Iveco converted panel van.

I have a max budget of 20k (which i know isnt much in the campervan world) however all the ones ive seen that are reasonably well spec'd and kitted out nicely seem to have well over 150k on the clock.

What would you guys consider to be too many miles on a used van?

And where would be my best place to look for a van around the 20k mark? Ive checked out all the usual sources, Ebay, Auto Trader etc but everything i see just isnt quite there.

Thanks in advance.

Have you tried Quirky campers? That’s where we found our converted Crafter, there’s lots of lovely vans to look at!

 

[oldiesontour]

The body work has to be good but the rest is fairly easy and cheap to replace (on a PVC) Brakes, Suspension are cheap as chips from GSF and Euro and a few other places. I have replaced a starter motor and brake caliper on mine for under £200. Changed the gearbox oil as well, £50. Even if the engine/gearbox went belly up you can pick a decent short engine up for a reasonable amount.

Seen a few YouTubers who replace everything on an engine that's blown/overheated. I think they have been over sold it by garages that are trying it on, ridiculous. One did it on 2 engines that were fitted within 12 months to the same van, would have loved to pick up the 1st engine with all the new parts and less than 12 months old!

All the above may be true for you and I but the OP is not likely to be doing engine ( or any other) transplants herself !!

 

[tinkertaylor]

Maybe but hopefully she knows a good mechanic who's fair and honest.

Anyone who owns any vehicle should make it their number one priority to find and build a decent relationship up with one, it's vital. If you don't and just use random garages you will get screwed to the ground, unless you are very lucky..

 

[Speedytriple]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

All the above may be true for you and I but the OP is not likely to be doing engine ( or any other) transplants herself !!

First thing is I’m a he not a she Not sure what gave you the impression I’m a ladyist!

This is the one I’m going to look at:

Here.

Apparently it has been fully stripped out and properly insulated.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers.

 

[tinkertaylor]

Rust on the rear hinges looks a concern, states it has an uprated towing capacity......what has it been towing, a boat? Check the floor under the rear doors to see if there's anymore rust which could be the case if it been used to launch a boat in the sea are these bodies galvanised, looking at that rust I would guess not.

Electrical fit out looks......cheap, solar controller isnt a good one, im guessing the inverter is of similar vain. What's holding those batteries and the inverter to the floor, doesn't look much tbh?

LPG, check the pipes are fixed and copper.....and move that kitchen roll above the hob, looks like an accident waiting to happen.

Lot of carpet used as well..... give the cupboards a decent shake to see how well they are fixed. Go for a drive over some speed bumps and see how she rattles and change up and down the gears going through each and every gear to test the synchromesh, check brakes and steering. Foot down on clutch and test for rattles noises/ask them not to start it, make sure the engines cold, then start it and check for smoke.

Write a check list and go through it. Good luck

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[oldiesontour]

As above electrics look cheap Chinese and not well installed,diesel pipe and filter on garage floor and diesel tank inside van ,again poor design and install(what can't we see?)
Stand inside with side door shut, can you see any day light around door seals look for untidy/poorly finished works a guide to what you can't see,overall looks like a basic design and conversion done on a tight budget,without much attention to pre planning . However I've seen worse,and if the overall design and fittings suitable for your needs,(no water tank,cold water only? No shower,wc arrangements what else do you want ,,not want ???) Wait converted for own use ,have they used it ? Or for profit ?
Evidence of cam belt and any service history,check v5 for insurance write off.
I haven't looked at van prices but from what I can see it is not cheap by any means for the quality of the conversion and an 8yr old van.
Have a close look at all the panels for pin holes,uneven surfaces and spray mist on adjacent rubbers/trims

 

[oldiesontour]

Just looked eBay 2015,85kmiles £9k ,as a rough guide the van you are looking at £10k max,is the. conversion worth £10k ???? To you
(It's probably cost 2 max 3 in materials)

 

[Blue Moon]

Thanks for all the replies guys.



First thing is I’m a he not a she Not sure what gave you the impression I’m a ladyist!

This is the one I’m going to look at:

Here.

Apparently it has been fully stripped out and properly insulated.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers.

It does look like an ex-welfare van, it’s still got its haz lights on grille and rear corners. It could well have had company decals applied by the 1st owner. Look at certain angles to see if they can still be seen. It does look like it’s been well machine polished, very shiny for a 8 year old van or If it’s had a re-paint, a cheap job has been done if the hinges haven’t been done or side trims removed. Look closely for overspray. Take a step ladder with you and check the roof. Where have the roof twirly lights gone? Have the holes been covered and sealed properly plus it’ll give you a chance to see the solar & roof vent installs. Those batteries need covers over them, I wouldn’t be happy with open terminals like those in a garage space. As has been said before, take it for a drive from cold, remove all the “nices” from the shelves first, they won’t get round the first corner. Good luck, I hope all goes well for you

 

[Speedytriple]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I did a Carvertical check a couple of days ago and as far as the actual van goes it all looks pukka.

But I get what you are saying with regards to the fit out.

Thanks.

 

[oldiesontour]

All that check tells you that isn't on the motorway site is it's not on finance and no insurance claims,it doesn't tell you it has not had multiple knocks and dings each not worth claiming for and now all been filled and over painted.or that it hasn't got a second hand engine in it( probably not but)

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[dazandandrea]

As you say it's what you want, there is a couple on YouTube who bought an ambulance and spent three weeks doing it up but keeping all the cupboards and stuff as it came , last time I heard of them they were in Venice in it.
And I think that came in at less than ten grand.

Ben and Emily with the boat. Great couple.

 

[Speedytriple]

Well thats true but it does tell me that it hasn't failed any MOT's with any serious issues like corrosion. I'm an ex-mechanic so can deal with any mechanical issues (within reason) and that the mileage seems genuine.

Obviously its all a matter of standing in front of it and having a good look and getting a gut feeling off the owner.

Thanks

 

[Dazzola]

I don't think it's bad for the price, yes it has issues, that diesel pipe needs to go through the floor and under the van, I have an internal tank like that, no problems with smells, just don't drip any while filling it!
The rusty hinges on the back door are pretty normal, it's coming from the joints, clean up and use a dry lube on them, stops dust etc creating a grinding paste.
Surprised there's no inside toilet with a van that big, or is it hidden?
Batteries don't look like they match either?
All fixable if you have the time and inclination.

 

[Speedytriple]

Assuming the van is bob on, how much do you do you think it would cost to get a decent inverter and sort out the budget electric install?

Thanks

 

[Speedytriple]

I don't think it's bad for the price, yes it has issues, that diesel pipe needs to go through the floor and under the van, I have an internal tank like that, no problems with smells, just don't drip any while filling it!
The rusty hinges on the back door are pretty normal, it's coming from the joints, clean up and use a dry lube on them, stops dust etc creating a grinding paste.
Surprised there's no inside toilet with a van that big, or is it hidden?
Batteries don't look like they match either?
All fixable if you have the time and inclination.

It has a Thetford hidden under the sofa. however not very private if you have other camping guests over for a glass of wine... Dont mind me..

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[chaser]

Well thats true but it does tell me that it hasn't failed any MOT's with any serious issues like corrosion. I'm an ex-mechanic so can deal with any mechanical issues (within reason) and that the mileage seems genuine.

Obviously its all a matter of standing in front of it and having a good look and getting a gut feeling off the owner.

Thanks

Have you had a look at this guys vans, where we had ours from can vouch for him.

Pardon our interruption...