Buying a Used Van vs. New for Van Life: Pros and Cons



You’ve set your budget and are ready to start looking for the perfect van to begin your shiny new #VanLife in. Like buying a home, finding the perfect van for a conversion can be an overwhelming job. With all the options, it's key to find the right van that fits your needs and lifestyle.

We hope you read our “Guide for Choosing a Van,” (LINK) and have an idea of what model you’re looking for.

How Your Budget Shapes the Choice Between New and Used Vans

In an ideal world, all people can afford a brand-new van. The upsides are clear, with the basic 3 year, 36,000-mile warranty (or better!) that they come with (Edmunds). You pick your colors, your sizes, your custom van accessories and setups that will make it ~perfect~ for your new way of living.

While having a custom van built to your likes has its clear perks, some things that people don’t always think about with a brand-new van include their resale value. Yes, you will be paying more upfront, but we’ve seen some pretty great sales on used vans with value loss numbers below the norm for regular cars and vans (Kelley Blue Book).

Based on your needs and way of living, it may really be more cost-effective to buy a new(er) van and flip it. That’s extra true if you know the #VanLife will only last a year or two. Or maybe #VanLife is the only life and gosh darn it you want a rig that’s going to last you for the long haul.

Or maybe the idea of two previous owners living and farting in your new house gives you the heebie jeebies. We don’t know your life, but it’s a thing to think about.

Pros of Buying a New Van for Van Life

There is one major and clear upside to buying used. If you know someone selling a van and can vouch for how well it works, as well as hand over service records, by all means, you found yourself a deal. A solid service record is worth its weight in gold when you’re buying a used van.

Look for records of steady oil changes, transmission work, brake jobs, and any major repairs. Vans that have lived most of their life on the highway, in mild weather, and in the hands of one or two caring owners are often safer bets. That’s extra true next to something that’s been used as a work truck, delivery van, or short-trip city hauler.

When you’re walking around the van, pay close eye to uneven tire wear, mismatched paint, rust around door sills and the bottom, and any signs of leaks below. These little clues can tell you more about how the van was treated than a seller ever will.

When you’re buying a used van, it’s also smart to think about how easy it will be to maintain and repair down the road. Common platforms like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster each have their quirks, but they also have strong parts networks. You’ll also find plenty of shop techs who know them well (Consumer Reports). An older, cheaper van might look like a bargain, but if it’s an oddball model with few parts in stock, you could end up waiting weeks for a simple repair. All the while, your rolling home sits in a shop.

Before you hand over cash, call a local shop or dealer. Ask about common issues for that year and model, what big repair jobs often cost, and how long parts take to get. Factor that into your budget just like you would your build costs. A $10,000 van that needs a $6,000 transmission in six months isn’t really a $10,000 van.

One more thing people don’t always think about when buying a used van is how the current shape will affect your conversion. If you’re planning a full gut and custom build, a few small flaws don’t matter much. But frame rust, water damage in the roof, or a bent frame from an old crash can turn your dream build into a constant battle.

Before you start sketching layouts, have a trusted shop do a check before you buy and, if you can, find a body shop that can look for frame damage. Ask clearly about roof strength (for fans and solar), wiring system health (if you’ll be tying into factory wiring), and any signs of leaks around windows and doors.

Spending a couple hundred bucks on checks before buying a used van can save you thousands once you start cutting holes and bolting cupboards to the walls.

Money is one more angle where new and used can play out in different ways. New vans often come with maker deals, lower loan rates, and at times longer warranties you can roll into the loan. That can make a more expensive van feel affordable month-to-month, especially if you’re planning to live in it full-time and offset housing costs.

Used vans, on the other hand, might require a higher loan rate or a private loan, and some lenders won’t touch a car over a certain age or mileage. If you’re paying cash for a used van, that’s great, but keep in mind that draining your savings on the purchase leaves less cushion for the build and sure-thing repairs.

Run the numbers both ways: what does it cost you per month to own and maintain a new van versus buying a used van and setting aside a repair fund? At times the “cheaper” option isn’t really cheaper once you factor in how often it breaks and how long it’s down.

Resale value is where newer vans can quietly shine. A well-built, well-kept camper on a fairly new chassis tends to hold its value, especially in a market where more people are chasing van life. If you know you’re only signing on for a year or two on the road, buying new or nearly new and then selling can make sense.

You’ll take a hit on value loss, but you’ll likely recoup a good chunk of your build cost if the layout is thoughtful and the work is solid. With an older used van, you might get in for less money, but you’re also more open to big repairs right when you’re trying to sell. A blown engine or failing transmission on a 15-year-old van can wipe out most of what you hoped to get back.

Thinking about your exit plan before you buy—new or used—helps you choose a van that fits not just your way of living, but your long-term money picture.

At the end of the day, getting a used car is not a bad thing. But not spending enough money on what is the base of your home could maybe cut the life of the van. You might reach a point where you would’ve been better off money-wise buying new. The right answer depends on your comfort with risk, your wrench comfort level, and how you plan to use the van.

Weekend warrior who can afford a few days in the shop now and then? Buying a used van with some miles on it might be perfect. Full-time traveler who needs to be able to chase seasons and work from the road without breaks? It might be worth stretching for a newer rig with a warranty.

Either way, go into the process with clear eyes, a real-world budget, and a drive to walk away from a “deal” that doesn’t feel right. There will always be one more van.

If you have the budget, we strongly suggest going new for other reasons, mainly long life. You spend all this time and effort setting up your new van, just to have the engine die or major wrench issues that weren’t clear during the check.

Sure, a few dings or scratches are fine. Maybe the seats are losing their foam, but to have a worn-out van because its sitting outside for the past three years is not a the best reason.

Hidden Costs and Risks When Buying a Used Van

There is one major and obvious upside to buying used. If you know someone selling a van and can vouch for how well it works, as well as hand over service reports, by all means, you found yourself a deal. Getting a used car is not a bad thing, but not spending enough money on what is the base of your home could maybe cut the life of the van. You might even reach the point where you would’ve been better off money-wise buying new.

Getting a used van is better than no van at all. Stay tuned for our next post, “The Complete Checklist for Buying Used Vans,” to make sure you have your bases set when going this route. Let us know about your own van-buying story in the comments below.

When Buying a Used Van Makes More Financial Sense

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying a used van or a new van better for van life?

It depends on your budget, how long you plan to travel, and how handy you are with maintenance. New vans cost more upfront but come with warranties and predictable reliability, while used vans can save money if they have strong service records and have been well cared for.

What should I look for when buying a used van for van life?

Focus on service records that show regular oil changes, transmission work, brake jobs, and any major repairs. When you inspect the van, check for uneven tire wear, mismatched paint, rust around door sills and the bottom, and any signs of leaks underneath.

How does my budget affect choosing between a new and used van?

A bigger budget makes it easier to buy new, enjoy a warranty, and customize the van exactly how you want. With a tighter budget, a well-maintained used van can be more cost-effective, especially if you find one with a solid history and minimal hidden issues.

Is buying a used van cheaper in the long run than buying new?

A used van usually costs less upfront, but surprise repairs can add up if it wasn’t maintained well. Newer vans may hold their value better than typical cars and vans, so in some cases buying new (or nearly new) and selling later can be more cost-effective than it looks on paper.

Which van models are easier to maintain and repair for van life?

Common platforms like the Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, and Ram ProMaster tend to have better parts availability and more mechanics who know how to work on them. An older or uncommon van might be cheaper to buy, but you could end up waiting weeks for parts or repairs.