Buying a Used Van - Why is that so difficult right now?

Why is it so difficult to buy a van right now? In this video, I explain what's happening to the second-hand van sales market at the moment. Why there are so few vans for sale and why the prices are so high.
There are a few reasons why it's difficult to find a second-hand van right now.
1. The global material shortages of Semiconductors Rubber and Metal resulted in a huge drop in new van registrations for September last year.
Sept 2020 - 52k new vans registered
Sept 2021 - 31.5k new vans registered
A drop of 39.5% so that's nearly half as many new vans available to buy.
This forces fleet owners to hold onto old vans and run them longer thus
reducing the number of used vans on the second-hand market.
2. Due to the pandemic and lockdown, the demand for home delivery has
increased massively and this has led to increased demand for retail-ready
used vans by couriers and logistic companies.
3. The recent rise in Clean Air Zones in cities across the UK. has forced the fleet managers to buy Euro 6 engine vans, even scrambling to pick up the best of what's left on the used van market.
How has this affected used van sales?
1. Trade buyers are now paying 79% (£4,516) more for a comparable used van than they were in June 2019.
2. The price of second-hand vans to the end-user is as much as 60-100% more than 2 years ago.
3. Previously average used fleet vehicles would be 60months old with 70k miles on the clock, now will be 3-4yrs old and over 100k miles and will make up as much as 70% of the used van market.
We hope to have a van soon so we can get started on this new project and hope that you find the videos to be interesting and useful to you.
Best Wishes and Happy Travels
Greg & Lou

[@jamieb158]

Quick, someone give this man a van. Look forward to seeing you convert another.

[@NomaddUK]

Hell yeah!

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thanyou for sharing that, it's certainly opened my eyes. I've been looking for a van to convert and same as you,mega high miles, major work to do, or scammers. Looks like I won't be traveling anytime soon. My question is will there ridiculous prices come back down?

[@davidpatrick1813]

Give me one ….

[@dirtworshiper2800]

Great vid. I also talked to a guy last year and he told me that Jeff bezzos of Amazon bought 25,000 Mercedes Sprinters and the same number of fords. That left his builder waiting for over a year to get his vans delivered.

[@peterbrockman161]

Another great informative video Greg. I can say the same situation that you have in the UK re vehicle sales is also an issue here in Australia. In particular the sale of second-hand dual-cab utilities has gone nuts. I'm glad I took delivery of my own van brand new in February 2020 and escaped the supply issues you speak of. Good luck with the new van and thanks for your reply to my message the other day.

[@cmeonthemove]

I also can't help thinking the surge in prices of used vans was because of a surge in self builders as a result of the UK holiday parks ripping people off when we couldn't travel abroad during the pandemic. That pricing policy for holiday parks has not been changed since.

[@ruinunes8251]

You have a valid point

[@ruinunes8251]

@Richy_Rich I’m keeping my old banger as I refuse to pay these stupid prices.

[@martincraven4202]

So excited you are doing another van Greg. The prices are ridiculous. So glad that with you help we have now finished our no gas allowed Crafter. Keep up the good work mate. You are a superstar...

[@tonym2540]

What a great service Greg provides to honest folks! Greg, as keep looking, I'd be interested in more videos like this. It's the most important part of the project (by far) pricewise, so sharing what you learn will be much appreciated as people make decisions. For example, I've been considering French vans like the Peugeot Boxer and Renault Master and would be interested in knowing how those compare with the Fiat Ducato

[@sparkygazza]

Excellent video Greg packed with info as usual cheers mate

[@vanlifewithsookhiandpaul8342]

Great to see you Greg back in the studio - Simply the best van build ‘guru’ out there 😀 x

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you both 😃 hope to see you soon at a van meet up 👍🏼

[@paulnikki1]

We're trying to get into the vanlife craze but as you say, the prices have gone crazy. We have subscribed to your channel as you give so much information on what to do and I'm looking forward to starting our journey. Thank you Greg, you're a superstar!!

[@richm2835]

A lot of people seem to be selling up and wanting to live in vans etc now, at a time when there seems to be a serious attempt to make owning a vehicle difficult . Many people are even saying it's hard to get gas bottle refills.

[@bntambridge]

Great to see you back again!😀

[@bellybutton123456]

Good luck finding that van Greg, looking forward to a new van build series.

[@corneliusencyclopedia39]

Hi Greg, I bought my van this time last year. The same spec, age and (more) miles is now 8k more from the same dealer! Unbelievable! Best of luck because it seems like the only way to get a fair price is to know someone in the trades/dealer networks.

[@eyelidman09]

Rock solid advice as usual Greg. Thanks a million as always. Stay safe.🙏🌞🌻🇬🇧☯️🙏

[@ian3779]

Thanks for that Greg, very informative as always 👍

[@ronbooth1382]

Great video mate. Love the new workshop and the disco lights. Love to Lou

[@jihakang7402]

OMG finally! I'm so happy someone explained me clearly why it is so difficult to get these days!!! Thank you Greg! I'm planing to buy a van next year or 2024, I hope so. I will always follow you up with this news and please share us more! All of your videos are increadibly informative! What a great work! Cheers!

[@GregVirgoe]

I wish you lots of luck in finding your perfect van and thank you for watching

[@arthurkettle3010]

Great info as always Greg...cheers 👍

[@jazzz60]

You should do a video on what you would change on your current van, issues you faced, things that could have been better etc. would be interesting as you've travelled and lived in it extensively now. Cheers Greg! Good luck finding a van!

[@wildginger07]

I’m looking for the same thing! Thanks so much, you have opened my eyes to the situation we are currently in and made total sense. I think I will also have to hold off until September. Thanks for the heads up! 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

I have seen a slight reduction in second hand oats but until there are more new vans on the market I don’t think it will change much before September. Best of luck with your search for a van. 👍🏼😃

[@jehjeh6368]

I just discovered your channel and I spent the day watching your videos, you had strongly motivated and influenced me for my sprinter 314 project. I can't wait to see the virtual plan of your new project! Regards.

[@GregVirgoe]

That’s great that you found the channel. There are lots of useful videos here 👍🏼😃

[@leegradwell6400]

Hi Greg. Unbelievable how prices have risen. I use Synetiq. I Buy salvage all the time. Several ducatos. Relay and boxers on atm. Keep up the great content .

[@suitsyousir79]

Thanks Greg. Interesting video. We were looking to buy a motorhome before Covid, but didnt quite have the money. Now we have the money, we are facing a similar situation buying one already made!

[@davidharrower4097]

Hi Greg. Yet again a great video. We’ve just bought a 16 plate Ford Transit L4H3 with 143k miles to convert, after repeatedly watching your videos numerous times to be able to pan it out 👍. We also nearly got scammed before one too many alarm bells when we were just about to buy a van in Bristol, and we are just outside Edinburgh. They wanted half the cost of the van, and delivery charges up front. Final alarm bell was that they would only deliver to the border, and we had to come pick up from there!! Hope you get a van soon, as I’m really interested to see how you do it and what tips I can get to build out mine.

[@davidmackintosh3291]

I’ve was looking for the right van for 2 years before miraculously I found the perfect one with incredible low mileage and perfect condition I remember watching you video when you said how much you paid for yours and thought that was a bargain but that was way before any of the world wide troubles to hit Keep up the great vids they have been incredibly helpful

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you for watching 😃

[@WanderingWheelie]

It’s absolutely ridiculous the prices of vans now. Great informative video Greg cheers

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you guys 👍🏼

[@bobdaz12]

Lots of good advice Greg. I’m new to this and armed with your advice and experience feel better equipped to start looking.

[@GregVirgoe]

It may be wise to wait a little until the market picks up again. 🤔😊

[@beaulunaedvantures]

Can’t wait for you to get a new van Greg, we’ve just got ours and are looking forward to your budget tips! 😁👍

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m hoping that come September there will be a few more on the market 👍🏼😃

[@garytraynor6963]

Great I’m looking forward to your next build 👍

[@infiniteintelligence5626]

thanks greg for doing this video. here also in Oz van prices are outrageous..! me partner and i always enjoy watching yr videos. keep up the great work.

[@GregVirgoe]

That’s very kind of you both. Thank you for your support 😃

[@jackkelly9285]

Good info as ever well presented

[@quirkydrift]

Excellent Video Greg Thank you, and very well explained. Now 57 I was looking upgrade and invest in a more forever van. But the prices/mileage are just mad. So I decided to buy new, or nearly new through Vanways. Nearly new vans turned out to be more expensive than new! So i put a deposit down on a brand new Peugeot Boxer with an estimated lead time of six months. This gave me time to look around and think about where best to use my money. I've now decided to buy a motorhome! But i love self build vans and its amazing community so i'm hoping i can find another project later in the year. Looking forward to seeing you at camp quirky Greg Best wishes Nigel

[@richardgiblin3993]

Last year I planned out the design for my 1st camper build and planned to buy the van by this month. However as your video explains perfectly its so hard to find a decent van at good price at moment so I be holding off till next year now. Just hope my current car holds out long enough until I get a van converted lol

[@TheAndyferg]

Excellent analysis, very helpful as I'm looking to buy as you are. You are right about new vehicle shortage, lockdown deliveries and ULEZ as three reasons , I think an important fourth is staycations, more UK holidays with foreign flights are unavailable. Lots of clean vans are advertised as "ideal for conversion" , even the L1H1 models which I wouldn't want as there's no standing room. Big profits made , for sure : what annoys me are the dozens of vans being sold after a few months "because our needs have changed" when it looks as though they are turning a profit. You are very generous to not be negative about that. Keep up the good work

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes there are clearly a lot of conversions being done and some making a business out of it. I really wanted to focus on why there is a shortage available to be converted. Thank you for a great comment 👍🏼😃

[@paulmills1605]

Out of 20 vehicles I had on my market place saved lists. 8 of them were scammers, knockers, theiving scum bags. Some tips from me 1. Always ask for a video of inner and outside This is good for genuine sellers, who if they want to sell they will have available, no videos, they don't have the van! . 2. Don't entertain those selling for a mate, a mate who's left the country, Ill or what ever. Walk! 3.always meet the seller at the registered address. Never meet half way, in asda or anywhere remote. You will be robbed. 4. Don't be a victim. Don't entertain cash only deals. Put it this way, it's a cash deal, and I will meet you half way to save you time. Or I will be emptying the van at a lock up. You attend with the 5k on you, the lock up is a remote garage, no cctv. They may have set a trap and are ready to nick the 5k off you with force if you object. This has happened, car sales mainly. 5. Take a friend with you, better still 2 friends to watch your back, a mechanic. Only if you are intending to take that day. If you are viewing a legit van and seller, view the van, if you like, then consider AA and ask seller to provide HPI clear. 6. If its got fiance, the seller does not own it. If you buy and they don't clear the finance then you are liable for payments. Don't buy, unless you are willing to negotiate direct with the finance company. Eg, 10k sale, 5k owed to finance company. You agree to pay the 5k to fiance and 5k to seller. Its complicated I'd walk. Life is too short for bother 7. If a seller just wants cash in this day and age, it's should ring alarm bells. 8. Also Greg I've a lovely 2019, 4 berth you can have, drive away price. 52k 7k on the clock. Serviced, 12 month mot, habitation checked. Cycle rack and black dometic awning. Lovely. Cash only, I will meet you under the viaduct😆 Final tip, not everyone is a scum bag. Some are and tips will help you not be a victim. I've 35yts as a cop. I don't know everything, but seen alot, alot I can't forget!

[@Lookup2Wakeup]

Your number 6. If you "buy" a vehicle with finance, you don't have legal title & it stills belongs to the finance company. They will recover the vehicle & you are left out of pocket.

[@paulmills1605]

@@Lookup2Wakeup there is a legal clause, which is buyer ignorance or unknown. Its a specific word or phrase. I'd rather walk with a finance outstanding. I'd not even bother with negotiating a split deal with the finance company for the outstanding. Life is too short for bother. My list of personal security is not limited to what I've said, but I don't want to over take the conversation. I've an experienced view on the new crime bill and wild camping issues also. Happy to offer it up to anyone

[@philcorp1213]

Admiration big time to you Greg for always giving 100%. Always curious thou. What do u do for a living. Or rather what have u done in the past makes u so knowledgable. U may not want to share this info. There will be many vanners out there thinking the same. . Thanku. Thanku. Very much for all your videos in the past. I dont know how you stay so focused. 😎 phil. Long time vanner. 45 yrs

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m a mechanical services design engineer by trade. Took early retirement to travel. Been living in the van for 4 yrs now 🚐😃

[@jimf4748]

It's not just vans. I've an Auto-sleeper MH on a Peugeot Boxer and I've been offered £8000 more than I paid for it in 2019. Also got an electric car which is worth more than I paid for it 2 years ago - the world's gone mad. Good luck with your project.

[@jamiecleeves7921]

fab advice thank for all the hard work it means alot gregg

[@GregVirgoe]

My pleasure!

[@ScoobieDee]

Really interesting Greg , thanks . Missed you at south builders as I had a migraine but will say hi at Quirky . Best Darren and Scoobs

[@brianmcclure8012]

Great content Greg, thanks for sharing!!!

[@GregVirgoe]

Glad you liked it Brian 👍🏼

[@Dawnie-chick]

Love your video’s your so helpful, thank you.

[@easabhal]

Thanks Greg, more great advice for van folk. Rab

[@asaandthemarchharepart267]

That was a brilliant vlog Greg. Very difficult to obtain a van for a reasonable price for a while now. Hopefully people will listen to your advice here. I needed a engine rebuild on my little transit and did it, cuz price would be ridiculous to buy a van and then the extra cost of all the installation and everything else. Good look with looking for another van, like you said probably worth waiting for the next new reg to come out. All the best bud 👍

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much for a great comment 👍🏼😃

[@fjspicer1]

@Greg Virgo Hi Greg glad to see you back doing another conversion. I have been a subscriber to your channel right from the beginning of your very first build. I don't know why but YT have never notified me of this video the only way I found out you were planning a new budget build was when I came across your other video of you and the Mrs picking up the MWB Ducato. I checked and I was still Subscribed and all notifications on. I am currently looking for a van like yours to convert myself so will be following your build with interest

[@GregVirgoe]

KZbin does some strange things at time and often has not sent out notifications. But I’m glad you found it and there will be regular weekly updates from now on 👍🏼😃

[@dutchglobetrotter6464]

Great video Greg, thanks!

[@ukman9797]

Hi Greg, Cant wait to see the new build but I feel your pain looking for a van. I really did drop lucky last year in getting my Citroen Relay. This is my third build, but I wish you luck in getting the parts you need for your build, it seems to be getting better now, but a lot of my items were out of stock or still are. The manucturers are looking after the main motorhome companies and not us mere mortals out there, You will also notice a sharp increase in the cost of the parts, its shocking to be honest. A 30quid tap is now 60. And a awning I want has been on back order since last september. The quality of Morland Plywood has dropped considerably and are stocking limited colours, had to change my choice 3 times. But on a more positive note, your channel has been a great help even though I'm a seasoned converter, we dont know it all and some of your tips have been a great help. good luck mate.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much. I hope it will turn up later in the year.

[@mange2]

Great info Greg, im sure the market will settle eventually. Although my search for a budget wife is now in its 41st year 😳😳. 😁

[@theageingexplorer9488]

Nice to see you again and happy hunting.

[@kennypaterson9980]

Some of the blame rest’s with you Greg 😜there’s a load of half finished camper conversions up and down the country thanks to your great channel 🤣🤣 Can’t get decent donor vans for love nor money.. Keep the videos coming 👍

[@TrefyJot]

Thanks Greg. You're a complete star. Will be passing on these thoughts and tips to a fb group i belong to. ♥️

[@GregVirgoe]

Please do send me a link or tag me in your post 👍🏼😃

[@eddvanlife7396]

Frustrating time for people who want to build. Hope you get a Van soon Greg. Thanx for sharing.

[@vanscran1672]

I came across that scam where they ask you to pay up front, then they will deliver later. When I investigated, it turned out that they didn't have a base or premises. You have to be really careful at the moment, with private sales, make sure it matches the address, easy to do on line. Great vid old boy anyway. 😁👍

[@wapaa26]

ooooo a family of mine almost got scammed themselves found out the email wasn’t legit the seller also wanted them to give them the money first and said they’d “ship” the vehicle to them

[@katcankan7129]

Most informative Greg, thank you....Hello Lou 😊

[@ciccorilla]

12 month wait for a new Crafter here in Australia

[@kristinegreig6160]

Thank you for this. Some thi gs I knew, some things I didn't. But because I have a van, I have friends talk to me about how difficult it is trying to get a van. So as iv been a "vanner" for nearly 6 years and kinda have heard all the advice and scams I keep my eye out for vans for my friends. Well my eyes have been opened! Jeez, the prices! Everything you said, and more in terms of scams. Happening too in "vintage campers/caravans" too ie puck. There is one that iv seen, a "too good to be true" price and everyone wants to see inside the vehicle. It's pictures through the windows only despite being asked loads of times for proper interior shots. Bare information, and answers the same to each question, like an automated response. Really hope no one has bought it and been done, as lots of folk flagging it up in the comments.

[@skinnylegsbarefootshoes]

Just bought our Mercedes Sprinter which has the same mileage as driving to the moon - then orbiting it a few times at 256k miles. Looked for a couple of years and drove a few before settling on it as it looks and drives better than any others we saw. Found some previous accident damage too 😮 but not too bad fingers crossed 🤞it’s a minefield atm

[@stevepjackson]

Great Vlog Greg... Keep up the good work buddy

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much 👍🏼😃

[@PiotrsZlachta]

Greg, we have the same problem in Poland. In May 2020 I bought a VW Crafter like your Sprinter. Vintage 09-2016 2-liter engine for 12,000 euro. today I could sell it for 14,000 euros. The world has gone crazy. But I'm not selling it. Thanks to your videos, I made a campervan. And I know it was a great investment.

[@FrankReinecke42]

And so it is. Exactly the same situation here in Germany. Even new vehicles are hard to come by, and if they are, then only in the equipment variants that a dealer has in stock. And bargaining down was yesterday anyway. So the only thing left to do is to be patient or very, very lucky. I wish you that luck so that the new van conversion can finally get underway!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you very much 🙏🏼😊

[@nigelwatts3091]

Thanks for sharing this information

[@nigelwatts3091]

Have you built any vans with triple bunk beds and a double with shower or would you have a rough idea how I'd go about it? We are a family of 5. We are short 5'5 the tallest. Many thanks

[@gupndors]

Your spot on Greg, I bought my vw crafter during first lock down and I had delivery drivers actually knocking my door and asking to buy it for 5k more than I paid and this was just 8 weeks after we got it. We were lucky, bought just at the turn of the prices, phew.

[@GregVirgoe]

Well done 👍🏼

[@joline2730]

Well, this was an extremely interesting blurb, since I am looking for a new van also : a Short Wheel Base, medium height. My present one is a Transit but open to anything with right mileage etc, like you. All the reasons you gave are valid ones, although I have noticed an increase in price but not to the extent you mention. An ordinary buyer is never going to get trade price - that's the nature of the business since they (sellers) are in it to make some profit, so you have to expect to pay more than trade. What you do is negotiate at point of sale but always be prepared to walk away, that is key. There are some vehicles out there with a low mileage, but that increases the price. As regards scammers I think the answer is to buy at recognized dealerships - however, that again bumps up the price - it's a no win, if you want it you have to pay !! 😏 Anyway, a very interestibg video and I enjoyed watching. Still catchibg up on some of your other vids - ✔💯👍

[@mumihp]

I really hope the prices become stable in a few years. I want to buy a van to make it a short holiday van so it doesn't need to have High specs. The van is for short city or holiday breaks. But the prices are ridiculous now so hopefully in a few years, the market will be flooded again with 2nd hand vans.

[@LukesVanLife]

Great vid buddy. As we chatted about at South central, I'm also still struglling to find a van. I'm also gonna sit tight for a bit and focus doing bits on my van for a while. Hope you and lou are well. See you at the next meet 😁👍

[@GregVirgoe]

You going to the midlands one 😊 we will be there 👍🏼

[@logothaironsides2942]

One van we wanted to see, we arranged an inspection for it through the AA, the inspection blokie turned up at the van seller's house and the seller wouldn't drive it to a carpark for him to check it, he expected him to do it alongside the traffic, so no inspection could be done .We told the seller, who then gave us 'his mechanic's number' so we rang him and asked what his opinion of the van was (though if we bought, we were going to withhold the inspection cost as we had to still pay it). The mechanic told us it wasn't worth the asking price LOL, he gave us a lot of good advice about what we should be looking for when buying , so we walked away having lost the inspection cost but having gained a bit more buyers savvy which we then used to buy a cheaper van.

[@dragos.bejanaru]

Hello Greg! Firstly I wanna thank you for these AMAZING educational videos you are providing, truly helpful! I am not 100% sure if you have already a video on this matter - I am planning to build a van too but I don’t know where to start. Could you do a quick video of... sort of a follow-up guide? Ex. step 1. choose a vehicle, 2. Layout, 3. All the sheets (budget, electrical usage...) Also what do you think about Iveco Daily? I can’t wait to see the VR video that’s sick!!! Thank you again :)

[@SheyEdlingtonDouglas]

Thank you. Top end as always.

[@GregVirgoe]

You’re welcome 😊

[@CORRIGEEN71]

Well I had to bite the bullet and bought a Peugeot boxer with 299k miles on it 25 k miles later it’s the best van I ever owned , these modern engines can if theg are serviced well mine had no device history but the owner came across a very honest guy also important when buying , I have a 7.5 m 2012 fiat ducato low floor Luton which I bought for an project but now may have to sell , great channel !

[@gonefilming2020]

That - unfortunately - is the situation in all of Europe. And all of your warnings are warranted. 🙏 We've done a very similar YT video and detailed write-up on our site with all pictures and details of the viewings last year accompanying our search here in Germany (the video is subbed and blog translated). We managed to find a 2014 VW Crafter - pure luck really... The wall of your new studio looks awesome! Oh, and BTW, in this video the construct gives you wings - are you really BATMAN? 🤣 Stay safe. 🚐☁🍀

[@GregVirgoe]

I’m glad you noticed that. I thought it looked a bit like the bat logo 😂👍🏼

[@Scud_and_thesTig]

Great analysis 👍💙❤️

[@glynatmore1817]

Our friend & mentor greg Thank you Greg from all your loyal friends. Kind regards Glyn

[@GregVirgoe]

That is very kind of you, thank you for your continued support :D

[@alangood8190]

Interesting and insightful.

[@NorthernersonTour]

Hi Greg, Mark here. I work in the fleet industry, just recently we’ve have notifications from leading LCV Manufacturers that they have closed the order books for new orders for the foreseeable as they’ve already probably got more orders banked than what they can manufacture. That means in the next few months there will be some very disappointed people who have ordered new vans and manufactures can’t fulfil the orders!

[@bigcasey4143]

I had my brand-new 22 plate Peugeot Boxer L4H2 panel van a few weeks ago... it took 12 months to be delivered. I paid my deposit before the prices shot up, so I kept the original price. Ironically, my brand new van was actually cheaper to buy than a decent second hand van at current silly prices... It is now being converted into a camper van by a professional van builder. I was unable to buy a decent second-hand one to convert in 2020/2021, as was my original intention, so I bought brand new instead. Good luck with your project.

[@vincezielinski2784]

Hi Greg . Just checked Car Gurus for Transits 350 L3 H3 rear wheel drive ( same as mine , great vehicle ) . 26 available below 81k miles . Reasonable prices . Good luck Vince

[@sonsofthetribe]

I bought my 2006 transit 4 years ago for £2100 and turned it into a camper. I was told by my transit mechanic that the van alone without the taking in to account the conversion is now worth the same money! Crazy times.

[@stephenfoley5292]

Hi Greg Have you thought about the movano/renault/nissan nv400 all built in the same renault factory . Mine is the xlwb high top rwd H4 H3 and huge inside even after insulating the roof and floor I can still stand up straight and the don't suffer from the metal worm as much as some makes do.... Scams everywhere so well done to you for highlighting the problem keep up the good work. 👍

[@gordon0918]

The problem with high mileage vehicles is that the engine is often good for well over 100K plus but all the auxiliaries aren’t, and that can really add up over time. I’m also a member of “Ban the KZbin Jackery Power-Bank Sales Plug” club. Best wishes and good luck with your search.

[@Absfor30]

I just noticed your Wintergarten TShirt! Kudos to you for supporting Martin!

[@GregVirgoe]

I like to support the channels that I follow 👍🏼😃

[@Absfor30]

@@GregVirgoe well I have to say I am loving going back through your content after discovering you the other day. I bought a transit van a month or so ago and have spent my spare time learning to weld so I can patch up the cheese grater rear floor and wheel arches. I'm now at the stage where I can start with insulation and subfloor, I put in the roof fan/vent a couple of days ago with no leaks yet. Just waiting on the dc to dc mppt to arrive and I can try to figure out how to fit unistrut to my mk 6 roof with zero threaded inserts available... 🤔 Loving your budget build series so far!

[@gregwoolliscroft6255]

Fascinating information....frustrating that we might be paying doulble for our van though....

[@lanodramallama]

Greg, long-time follower here, your videos were invaluable during my own build last year. I just wondered whether you had looked at vehicle auctions. I bought a car last week at a trade & finance vehicle auction (open to public) and saw a few vans going for a bit less than I expected, certainly much better value than the examples you've given here. VAT occasionally payable (not always) and there's an auctioneer's fee but it still works out. After all, this is where a lot of the forecourts buy their own vehicles. The auction I attended was Wilson's in Newport, South Wales, but I'm willing to bet there's something closer to home for you. I would seriously consider it.

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes I have a couple of friends looking at auctions but van prices are also 80% more than normal.

[@sparkyhobo3844]

Slightly cheaper and maybe more choice at this time......... however......... remember......... its strictly sold as seen from an auction, absolutely no come back / recourse at all with either the seller or auction house. You need to be V knowledgeable / experienced.

[@markteager]

I have been looking all over essex For 18 months and price and condition of vans Is silly So decided to keep saving up And re look end of year

[@GregVirgoe]

Probably a good idea 👍🏼😃

[@skippy9659]

I’d wait a year

[@diycampervanman1633]

Yer i noticed this, you explained why in perfect detail so looks like I’m not gunna scrap my little transit connect work van now but spend a few quid on it to sort a few probs, then tart it up. Recon will take a few years for this to settle down completely.

[@GregVirgoe]

You could still make good money on it

[@feralfreebirds]

its shocking how much the price has shot up - i have my 2002 transit needs sills, wheel archs + more welding, but im def going to re-furbish it as cudnt afford a van like this now !! good luck

[@philwilliams23]

Car traders are the new estate agents! That said if I was a trader I'd probably be doing the same, in all honesty. Hi Greg, I wouldn't be deterred by high milage sprinters provided it has full service history. Probably would stay clear of other vehicles with high mileage though (probably some exceptions). We all know sprinters are capable of 500k miles. I had to make a compromise on my sprinter which I bought in Aug'21 it's got 250k on it and needs bits of bodywork tidying up but was one owner full merc history. It scared me to death seeing cheap stuff on marketplace that just looked to good to be true. Good luck pal.

[@karennovak1168]

Good information. Seeing the same issues in the states.

[@GregVirgoe]

That is a shame 🥴

[@horstszibulski19]

I've seen that here in Germany also, bought my Transit connect over 4 years ago for 3.6k€, now the same van in lower condition is asked 4.5k€ for... In your "small" market with the RHD's it will be more difficult, I bet. Did you looked for a abandoned project from guys that turned away from building their own van? Maybe you could get a solid base that way... ;-) Thx for the vid, nice new studio, really! :-D

[@ant300c3]

Hi Greg. Have you thought of an exambulance. I ve jyy it st bought a fiat ducato ambulance at an auction . A 2012 4.2 tonne 3 litre engine with 180 bhp for £4800 plus fees. It was a bit of a gamble 😕 but I think it has payed off. I am halfway through the build and couldn’t be happier. Thanks for the informative vid. Good luck with your search 😁

[@Jaakkojaakko20]

Hello Greg! Greetings from Finland. You videos are best van conversation video's in youtube 👍🏻 I have similar Sprinter now, 2008 model. It is allmost ready after little extra mods what i have done for this season. I have been thinking for next project to 35 seater little bus. But i don't have made any decisions yet.

[@GregVirgoe]

I think minibuses are a good option as windows, headliner, often heating and lighting you can reuse ♻️😃

[@riderramblings]

Have you thought about a left hand drive vehicle for the conversion? They tend to be cheaper in the UK, though somewhat more difficult to check the provenance.

[@mrlintonious]

Nice Wintergatan MMX T-shirt. Hope you come across a Van soon. Really looking forward to another build.

[@GregVirgoe]

I like to support my favourite channels. Been following Martin for years 😊

[@fredfly001]

Brillant info, Gary' Practical Workshop

[@mrhbarker]

Cheers Greg very interesting 👍

[@ianfurqueron5850]

It's a similar situation in the US. A lot of vans for sale, but the prices are really high. Personally, I'm looking for a Transit 350, high roof, long wheelbase. But all I see are vans in the $40K USD range with over 100K miles. I already have a van - a 1992 E350 extended, high roof, conversion van with about 200K miles, but after doing some initial measurements, it isn't really suitable for the type of build I want to do (camping trips for mtn biking). However, since I own the van already, I will probably end up building it out while I wait for prices to (hopefully) drop down to more reasonable levels.

[@mitchclarkshapes5373]

Interesting video mate, currently looking for one to convert also, it’s definitely slim pickings

[@GregVirgoe]

Yep it’s a very difficult situation.

[@NomaddUK]

I will be selling my van soon but it is not what you are looking for. Mine is a 2008 Renault Trafic LWB that I have 90% converted. I now know that I need a high roof as I am 6 feet tall and cannot move around it very easily. So I am also looking for a similar van to what you are in search of. Good luck my man.!

[@christech1]

I can recommend the Peugeot Boxer, I got it for my Sauna Conversion and it turned out great. This van is really reliable and is exactly the same as Citroen/Fiat/Iveco And RAM, but I think that is only sold in the US. The engines are reliable and since they are all the same there is a ton of spare parts on the market as well. Good Luck with your conversion mate...

[@GregVirgoe]

Yes that shape of van is what I would prefer 👍🏼😃

[@Sarah-ok1wp]

I spent a year looking for something suitable at a sensible price. I went shopping abroad instead and am now importing a vehicle from Dubai and hope to convert it for half what the same build would cost in Europe

[@mike24mb]

Manchester clean air zone is on hold at the moment its just cost 85000 for major to cover all the new clean air signs up where fighting it Thanks greg for all your sharing over the years i built a 2013 citroen relay L2H3 in 2020 converted into a camper just like your merc design with moorland board and truma heater etc LOVE IT now after purchacing another 2013 H2L3 citroen relay with 110 000 miles on clock last year 2021 i got it for a good price but had body work damage and needed mechanical work but found out that bodywork on vans is really expensive because of the big area but i sorted the mechanical stuff my self i just saying be very careful when you buy a van with bodywork damage its very expensive if you have to pay somebody else to do it citroen relay ...................peugeot boxer.............. and fiat ducato are all the same van from i dont no the year have a great day Mike

[@An.Individual]

Looking forward to the 3D model video. I have always wanted to create a 3D model myself.

[@thestu7066]

4wd's in Australia are same & out of control, 2nd hands are MORE than new prices because nobody wants to wait 6-12months for a new one. Also, our workforce are not holidaying O/S so apparently everyones 'cashed up'. Great vid thanks for covering this topic