LOOKING TO BUY A VAN | Starting van life in 2023 is it worth it?

[@ThecatladyVAN]

I want to know. Are you looking to start van life this year? Or are you already living in a van?

[@angelagill7735]

We was, and it was a bit crazy. I had been getting items to go into it. Finally my husband said let’s look at the Sprinter Van chassis motorhome. It made him happy to have the full stand up availability and full luxuries. Now, another year of us touring weekends in Florida, soon we will be exploring more areas.

[@pamgypsyaries8049]

I started my vanlife 🚐 2 months ago. I have a Ford e250 extended.

[@carrolhenderson1555]

I want to sell my home first

[@susieashby7250]

Got all the items...but prices have skyrocketed so plans have been put on hold for a while to save some more.

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

I do have plans for van life, hopefully within a year, could be longer. Taking my time to make all decisions. This was a great and timely video for me to watch, thanks! I do know that I don't want a typical RV - either a stealthy minivan (Toyota Sienna) or cargo van that can withstand off pavement use. Both are incredibly expensive in California, especially those with safety features, and/or better crash ratings which are typically the later models. Till then, I'm learning and watching!!

[@larryhunter8245]

They say the 3 things to do when buying a used vehicle 1) get a mechanical inspection 2) get a mechanical inspection 3) get a mechanical inspection!

[@bloochoob]

And take a magnet to stick on the lower parts, to see if they’ve used filler to hide rust.

[@thekid1597]

​@@bloochoob 😮

[@miriamrodriguez5021]

It’s like buying a property. Location, location, location!😊

[@Galen-864]

1. Yes. 2. Yes. 3. Yes.

[@susananderson9619]

Yeah? How do ya do that? Just go up to any shop and ask if they will use their time ,travel to where ever you specific car is ? Do they charge? Can they do it when right for every one involved?

[@karligonzalez5327]

Emi you are the biggest inspiration for Vanlife. I’m currently in Raleigh NC and looking to move to Charlotte NC to finish my Bachelors. I’ve looked high and low for apartments, houses for rent near and far from my school to live but rent is crazy expensive. I also have 2 cats so deposits can be very expensive for pets. I hope to get my van in July and hope to live in it for the next 2-4 years. :) Thank you for being the biggest inspiration, I really enjoy watching your videos

[@husseinrajabali2266]

Try looking at school buses to convert into a tiny home. Look at the videos on KZbin. As you'll be living in it for a long time plan according to where you can base your mobile home at.

[@doogalloonni]

Emi, just remember it's not just a van- It's your and Kitty's home. Spare no expense to remain mobile and safe. Just have it mechanically checked. You can make it a home. Best of luck...

[@stuartalexander1595]

I've lived in my van for 10 years now. Love every minute of it.

[@weswarren5987]

The Stu Mobile?

[@Balistic45]

The round elevated tank with a spout next to RR tracks, is used to fill water on old steam locomotives, when the spout is pulled down water flows into Steam Engines water reservoir.

[@6Sisu9]

Yes it's still worth it! Especially if you're single, get into a van asap! And save money on the ridiculous rent prices.

[@weswarren5987]

Rent prices/Financial terrorism

[@robinrapport8728]

That was a water tank to fill up the steam train water tank.

[@ThecatladyVAN]

Thanks for the info

[@alanfoix9911]

I got my first van in 92 $200 , my 2 van in 2000 for $500 ; 3ed van in 2005 $600. 2007 my 1978 Trans-van for $400. The one I'm working on now a 1976 Dodge rv. $500 99% rust free. I'm a mechanic, do all the work myself. I'm not much for rvs. But I was looking for a Dodge. From the 70s. So I could swap motor and transmission since I had my 78 for 16 years and rebuilt every thing. So I should be good for anther 15 years ✌️😁🙏👋

[@sherylturnerturner1352]

You don't worry about finding parts for those up in age?

[@annieoakley5075]

Emi thanks for all the good advise and encouraging thoughts. I agree with being able to walk upright in your van. I also agree with being able to get into the driver’s seat in an emergency.

[@lenorejohnson275]

Yes! My thoughts exactly!

[@thekid1597]

Keep us posted, I'm thinking about moving in a Van, unfortunately not by choice, thank you for all the Van Life tips 🙂

[@bloochoob]

Make the best of it, be positive. Start planning your YT channel too. A new job, a new life, a free new world adventure. It’s no step down, it’s an opportunity for new plans. 👍🏼

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Practice looking for spots. Practice on the weekends. Don't buy things that you think you'll need. Plan

[@dewdropn5619]

Rust is the enemy! 😉 Stay safe Emi and Kelly...🕊

[@marciacottle2445]

In Michigan we get alot of rust. We always get are cars under coated. My 1997 van just started to get rust 2 years ago. So it was 24 years old before it started to rust. And that is extremely good for being in Michigan.

[@rainsofhealing]

Same in NY/VT/ME/CT/MA (New England states.) We get snow and salted roads, lots of rust around these parts. It’s just like the East Coast of Canada.

[@normaevett]

Yes! We have to wash our vehicles a lot in the winter

[@PrplAngl]

Oh that bench was beautiful.❤

[@zlatkozlatko100]

I live in Germany. I bought my car in December 2018 for 4500 Euros. Now the same one costs at least 5500 Euros.

[@angelagill7735]

Love seeing the hidden gems in your travels of small towns. Keep up the amazing job on touring your beautiful country.

[@pamgypsyaries8049]

I started my van life 🚐 2 Months ago. I have a 1998 Ford E250 extended

[@donnanichols6838]

Happy spring! and safe travels girls!!! Big fat hugs!!! ♥️🍃🤗🍃♥️

[@kathylenn9153]

It is critical to always Google the VIN # as it will let you know if it has a good title or salvage title, will let you know if the vehicle has been in a flood or an accident. Hopefully let you know how many owners & a service record. So good to pay the price of a detailed report. Car max may also have info mlm

[@joylockwood]

Yes I made this mistake

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

Good idea - also, car rental agencies may fix accident damage in house without reporting so may not show up at all on a car report unfortunately. My dad saved me from a bad car purchase by paying for the report (thanks dad!)

[@rainsofhealing]

Yes many call it a car fax report but there’s been so much flooding they’ve found a way to hide it and make it “clean” or unknown. Very wicked.

[@gardcorelegend]

Bring Chrome's mechanic Loren who has been working on the Ambulance to look over a van if you decide to get another one.

[@kathyhatfield9649]

I just love how honest you are about your adventure?

[@kathyhatfield9649]

Your life,

[@martindabritz8203]

so happy to see your channel growing. Love from South Africa

[@johnmitchell2281]

I have one pick out 03 Chevy Astro im a Chevy guy and a mechanic it works for me

[@angiemoses130]

That van had rust and it had bondo on it glad ya showed this

[@Alenasup]

I am looking for my 1st vehicle / van and the price is 😢 i appreciate the honesty!

[@cheflifevanlife]

Loving the drone work, Emi and least amount is saying it right. And you're right looking for a van can be stressful. Looking for my minivan was a whole stress filled thing. I wasn't very patient but that would have been helpful. 😂

[@chipspencer8040]

That big tower with the spout on it is for refilling the old steam engine trains with water in the boiler.

[@LaNette1]

Hey Emi that was a cute little town you were at and you are right rust is a big thing, but mechanical is the most important thanks for sharing. Be safe out there.🇺🇸♥️✌️🙏🙂🐾🏔️🚐

[@bonriver9420]

The spraying under a vehicle to prevent rusting is called undercoating.

[@BlacktopAngel66]

Try and buy a vehicle from Saskatchewan, Alberta or Manitoba. Alberta has better prices as well. Just make sure the vehicle is from AB and not BC, ON or PQ. Those are the worst for rusty vehicles.

[@edzee293]

Great advice for those starting out in van life! You are so correct in your assesment of being able to escape a situation that you need to get away from quickly. Having a pass thru to the driver's seat is very important! Be safe out there!

[@user-Bee3939]

Very informative and you do such a good job of explaining things! I always enjoy your videos ❤️

[@johnlinn]

Good luck if you are thinking about staying in your van in Tofino or Ucluelet. They have signs everywhere telling you not to and bylaw/police are out at night enforcing. Not van friendly.

[@frederick6008]

Emi, i'm in my van in Florida from Maine. Next, off to Texas .

[@kayrigetta9462]

I finally got moved into my mini van

[@grayeagleswolves]

Hi Emi You are absolutely Right to do the Under belly checks for rust and leak issues and then in side too I would absolutely Take the Van or Rv or Truck camper for a Drive to test it out and then make sure that You can stand in the area

[@sharicewantspeace]

All coastal towns and cities in the states have coast cancer, we can totally relate 😊

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

I keep an eye open for a van, but they are high. Paid off my home base, so saving money. Maybe a 6x12 cargo trailer. I like small schoolies. Perhaps a box truck. But... prolly lucky to have what I have now :)

[@weswarren5987]

Simple size vans are soooo nice for parking driving fitting in on streets

[@frederick6008]

'least worst' is proper 👍

[@angelapietras1235]

Cool music for the town visit .

[@GDixon-ch3yl]

Life... Once something is creative the remainder of it's existence is maintenance. 😊

[@Dan-hb5iy]

Hey Emi,the only way you can have rust free van is if you buy brand new or a used van that never seen salt on the roads. then you would have to undercoat, seal it up so you never will have that problem. No matter how well you wash the under belly of your van in the winter it seems like there are places that will be missed and rust will start to form. Thank you for the great video happy and safe travels

[@jamesgodfrey1322]

Think out side of the Box it cost around £1000 pounds to ship and Van from UK to USA it out side the box, But it worth thinking about so look out side of your area be very hands on is always best research is king you must check the the history of the Van check it history now with van reviews it know fact that good review can be faked therefore always read the bad reviews they will give you a better idea of what the dealer is like

[@peacefeline1107]

I’m wondering how it works with Kelly in the van in the hot summer months? Love your videos ❤

[@normaevett]

Lots of you tube videos on this subject.

[@karenmays8889]

Great video. Safe travels.

[@leestimson12]

Have you considered repairing the body with new body panels. you have your interior set up the way it works for you and with the high top already installed. Some targeted new panels might work for you. It will still be pricey but it will stretch the life of your van.

[@sarahdowling2478]

I loved this it was so good and you look really well to

[@pippadot679]

Emi, love your advice and stories

[@carlose6010]

Today, the weather is not as bad.

[@carlose6010]

That's one way to put it. Imo.

[@simple-277]

I was going to suggest you getting a new Van with a bit more space but don’t want to be nosey or intrusive. ❤

[@ShirleyWiggerman]

I really enjoyed this video. I happen to love the look of small towns now that I'm older. The information you shared for purchasing a van was helpful as well.

[@tammyinman1699]

Love to you and Miss Kelly 💕🌷💕🌷🌷

[@robynfedalen1777]

I guess van life is a never ending series of little repairs/maintenance. I think you’re doing great. ❤️✌🏻🐱

[@andrewrichey7374]

Main thing cat lady is crawl underneath whatever van you buy or looking at and see how it looks underneath specially where the body mounts are see if there’s any oil leaks, Look at the motor if it’s caked with oil. Then you know it’s been heaven a problem. Well we’ll catch you on the next one have a great evening

[@lilliancolon7521]

having*

[@mikestoddart2583]

fluid film is the best you can get it into rockers and everywhere

[@stephengibson2869]

You have a nice hi-top van. It works great for you. KUDOS FOR YOU 👍🌄🏞. Take care and be safe.

[@stephengibson2869]

I have a truck with a canopy and I have it built out with a bed in the back. Storage totes under the bed full of supplies. The house I am living in will be sold and I will be house less soon, but my truck will be my home. I've been preparing for this for awhile and I am praying and looking forward to the mobility and freedom.

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

Yes, steam trains needed water to make the steam.

[@alchemybyangela]

Omg! I had the exact same experience with my sweet Jack Russell terrier, who was 11 at the time. A friend of my then husband was supposed to be caring for her while I was out of town and he actually took her to the SPCA. I was absolutely heartbroken and so angry when I found out. I had to call around to find her. I'd come home and gone to get her from him and that's when he told me. It was an emotional reunion when I got her back, to say the least. I'm sure he abused her by her drastically changed withdrawn, scared personality. I truly can't believe anyone can be so cruel. She's since passed, RIP my sweet Zoe girl.

[@lucsmith2092]

((Hugs)) my neighbour had to go to hospital for 6 weeks and instead of speaking to our community (plenty of us would have looked after her (dog)) the daughter sent dear sweet doggy to a shelter and she was re-homed 😭😭 so when neighbour returned home she was heartbroken and immediately adopted a new dog. So wrong to send someone else’s pet to a shelter!

[@alchemybyangela]

@Luc Smith oh that's awful. Yes, it's absolutely wrong in every way. I just can't imagine how someone could do such a thing. Even if they're not pet owners. Much love and many blessings to you and to all! 🙏🥰🙏

[@liammcweeney1674]

Great video emi

[@1JypsyJan]

Both you and Chrome are talking about rust issues, but neither of you have mentioned anything about oil undercoating??? Do they not do that out west? Here in Ontario it's a really big thing to do minimum of once a year (fall) and even again in the spring. Saves a ton of headache with rust issues.

[@BrianMichaluk]

your allowed to do wax or rubber undercoating in BC but not oil

[@1JypsyJan]

@@BrianMichaluk awww that explains it. Thank you Brian.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

​@@BrianMichaluk Same in Denmark. But getting rust treatments are normal every year. Is it the same in your area?

[@lorifranklin1905]

That is a water tank for the old steam engine trains.

[@dianaleal5183]

I know how it is to get another vehicle. The rust is a problem I heard that from a mechanic on KZbin over here in Colorado we don’t use salt for winter weather. It’s a hassle to look but I just live in a house I am getting up there in age. I think I could handle it if I were on a vacation for a getaway. You are so positive with your van life. Love your kitty she sweet. Hope you have good time and wish you the best finding a van they are so expensive. See you next time stay safe.😊💖😻

[@raveninavaniam9438]

Oh wow! .... I missed out, by TWO days, on buying a Ford Econoline .....aaahhhh !! 😟 It was what I was looking for ......so, I'm still stuck with my little Caravan LOL

[@Jerseylance1]

Thank you Amy❤️

[@expectamiracle.406]

Hello Emi!!

[@flowrider5082]

That little tower contained water for steam train engines back in the day.

[@christineayre796]

In the northern states of the US get lots of rust issues.

[@rainsofhealing]

We sure do

[@goddess7713]

Very Happy you found love, Please give kitty a hug for me✨

[@rosecushman8470]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THE LITTLE BELL RINGING THING ON THERE. I FORGET TO HIT THE LIKE BUTTON BECAUSE I'M ENJOYING YOUR VIDEOS SO MUCH. I HAVE TO GO BACK AND RE-WATCH IT TO HIT THE LIKE BUTTON THANK YOU

[@LisetteWijtmans]

I think the thing at 2:05 is for water and is from the time there were steam locomotives. So they could fill them up.

[@martaparsons5633]

Good for you. You will be a good investigator. You have a knowledge that is valuable. Take your time❤

[@debruneau01]

Still in my bus, though I have been parked on the family farm for the winter, enjoying shore power & having family around going through health issues. Now on disability I am so glad I got out of debt living in my bus while still working the last 5 years!

[@angelamurphy3331]

Thanks Emy 😺😺🍀🍀💚💚😺😺

[@poges]

Nope. I don't live in a van or plan to. We have a pleasureway van but only use it in the summer months. I like my house and home. Good luck to everyone living in vans. I can't imagine people live in mini vans and SUVs. Way too small to me. Emi, you are so smart to get a high top put in. You have a comfy unit.

[@kathywallis3130]

We love you too Miss Kelly.

[@livinginthenow]

As time goes by, I am more and more grateful for the awesome deal I got on my van. I had just paid off my car when I went shopping for the van, and managed to do a direct swap for my suv. No money changed hands and I had no payment on my beautiful new (to me) van. The only out of pocket costs I had were the registration and the license plates. Epic deal!!

[@michaelhaunting7873]

Hello I have a question I have been watching your channel for couple years do you have the video of before and after when you put the high-top on! Yeah I've been looking for similar van is not cheap here in San Diego California

[@jonclassical2024]

Great vlog Emi....so I pay $1,800. a month in Raleigh, NC for a modest 2 bedroom apartment.....so I could pay $43,000. for a built out van and be whole less travel expenses in two years.....seriously thinking about it!!! My serious problem is finding a kitty like Kelly!!!! (PS, please tell Chrome to stop whining about the rust on his floor.....his van is an old girl who has given way beyond what FoMoCo built her for...and he has $500K shop/tools and experience to fix her!) Lol

[@RecordKrate]

Raleigh NC here…it’s kitten season and there will be so many kitties need rescuing….safe haven In Raleigh is great and I also work with other cat rescue groups.

[@jonclassical2024]

@@RecordKrate Thanks...I feed the many feral cats in my complex with fresh water, tuna and dry kibble....its hard to find anyone who will help me with crates to capture them to spay and neuter and release. I will check out Safe Haven!

[@weswarren5987]

@@jonclassical2024 let one just come to you, bud. You’ll know the one

[@selahrising]

Good morning from Chemainus 🌞

[@GiantMeteor2024]

Realistically, for price point and solid van body/mechanical, its actually worth it to just buy new or one year old with active manu warranty. The used beat up stuff is sooo overpriced that it is worth biting the bullet for late model.

[@jwebbw]

Yeah, today is the least of the worst days, that's it !! And wow is right, that 'hands' bench is a piece of art !! Oh, and that water tower would be to fill the old steam train locomotives back in the day. And your cat has adapted to vanlife better than most people would. You can find a good van for around 6k, early 2000's in the US, in good shape....take care and travel on !!

[@ya472]

Morning Emi from Qualicum.

[@doris1826]

In New England USA we have so much rust that you can hardly make a trade-in. The culprit? Road salt! Ick!!

[@estellerussell352]

Love you showing us small towns etc and the talk on buying a van. In the 70's 3 other complete strangers and myself bought an old comma in England 50 pounds each, and travelled the continent for nearly 4months I kept a diary only three of us drove, the other navigated and at night we planned out our next day. We had a tent too, wonderful memories, 3aussie girls and one new Zealand boy. Later after we sold the van I hitched in England Scotland and Ireland with a Canadian girl we had a great time for three months.

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Thanks for the great information. Glad things are looking up for you since your split😊. I’m just a van camper with my dog but luv watching you and Kelly. Chrome and Cruz too

[@bethfinch1141]

Thank you for this video!!! I got my van last month and you are inspiring!

[@dwh7651]

June 1 is my start date. It's taken a year....purging, planning. I can't wait. I hope to be as happy as you Emi.

[@alohatvn]

In agreement 🤝 that you should always get an independent mechanical inspection. Great 👍 advice.

[@gabsy6443]

I love the hands sculpture 😀

[@eddysilva678]

Good advice thank you,

[@kbee1735]

Hi Cat Lady! It was fun to join you on your rainy day in Port! The tower and huge spout at the train station is for water for the steam engine many years ago. Parksville has one by its station built in 1905! Now it’s a pottery shop.

[@laurelgillespie5612]

Thanks!

[@ThecatladyVAN]

Thank you Laurel

[@don-parker]

Hi Emily, I live in Port Alberni, I am a long time follower of you and Chrome. I am building a E350 box van into an RV. We could meet for coffee and show you my build. DM me if you have time for coffee.

[@margarethutchens5463]

I always enjoy your videos. It looks like you hit the jack pot with that car lot. I look every time I go tin errands.

[@turquoisewitch.wild-owl]

It totally depends on where you live. I live in New England, and, YES, we have rust!

[@caninemomanomads2566]

Hey Emily, I had to move into my 2016 jeep suv out of necessity, still maake payments. 3 yrs now and totally love it. It's the cost of a van now that worries me. I sure would love a bigger space tho .

[@martaparsons5633]

Beautiful art. Interesting places to see.❤

[@suesmith8326]

Emi your drone shots were beautiful. You make such artistic videos ty

[@margarethutchens5463]

I need a differnt car anyway so I am looking at a minivan to start. I can do a no build build while l look for one I can stand up in. I have already decided look for thst first then insulate.

[@sheilabartlett6044]

Yes the price of vehicles is ridiculous. Sweet Kelly, she is so curious and adorable!❤