[James Malloch]

I’m looking to get a van sometime in the coming months and, depending on how things go, the chances are I won’t be able to go and view them.

Is there anything in particular to look out for when buying? I’d be looking at a L3H2 Ducato/Relay/Boxer - probably < 5 years old with 40-50k miles.

I’m tempted to spend a bit more and go for something from a bigger dealer (e.g. Evans Halshaw) as when I got my current berlingo they spent a decent amount of time/money sorting any issues out after purchase. They seemed to have a price and once you’ve paid they do full vehicle checks etc and fix any niggles before you take it away.

I’m a bit clueless either way so not sure having a test drive of most vehicles would give me any insight into it unless something was obviously wrong...

If anyone knows of any sales due to the ongoing lockdown, I’d be interested to hear about them as well.

Thanks 😊

Edit - I’ve not really considered higher mileage vans, but it would be good to hear if they are worth considering too. It would be for a van trip where we would likely sell after one year so not as interested in the long-term needs personally.

[tomtom]

Been a couple of news articles about scams on buying vans (esp campers) during lockdown. Some are really quite sophisticated (mock auction site websites with phoney live chat for the money transfer etc..).

Sure it’s fine for most but watch out.

[teestub]

That sounds like the right age and potentially mileage for ex lease vehicles so big dealers could be a decent bet.

[Fatboyslimfast2]

Don't do it.....
Ive bought numerous vans over the years and the range of quality of vans in the same age and mileage group is astonishing!
Ive converted 3 now and my current one took me about 3 months to find, I was after a Relay and in the end gave up as the quality was so bad. I saw one that on the outside was fine, around 35k miles engine was good but the cab looked like irt had been sandblasted. Couldn't see that in any of the photos before I went to see it.
Similarly staining on the sides from signwriting, corrosion under the ply linings, dents and dings to the roof, possible damage to steering racks/crash repair stuff etc etc etc None of this would be possible without seeing it first.
High mileage is standard for the vw crowd BUT it depends who has used it before, I used to drive other peoples vans for work and I wasn't kind to them!!

[SA Chris]

Been a couple of news articles about scams on buying vans (esp campers) during lockdown. Some are really quite sophisticated (mock auction site websites with phoney live chat for the money transfer etc..).

Sure it’s fine for most but watch out.

Heard this too. I'd be ultra cautious.

[spidermonkey09]

Just to balance things out I bought my van online without seeing it and went to Glasgow on the train to get it. It's been fine since.

Seeing a vehicle would make no difference to me as I don't know what I'm looking at so can't make a judgement. Fatboy points I'm sure are valid but basically I wouldn't know how to spot any of them so reason I might as well take a punt.

[Adam Lincoln]

Id ask in here when you do find one and get someone to maybe cast their eyes over it, people all round the uk on here.

Incidentally my mate designed the 3.0l engine version on those vans, and he reckons its bombproof. They are rare but look for that version.

I am downsizing my big sprinter camper for a ducato variant at the moment.