Van recommendations for Coachbuilt camper

Hi,

I am currently looking for coachbuilt camper to suit a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 teens) within a €15 -€20k budget and am wondering on what make of van I should be looking for in terms of reliability and maintenance overhead. I know this can be a subjective topic and it will mostly depend on how well the van has been maintained regardless of make/model but any thoughts/recommendations would be most welcome.

Regards,
Mick

You sort off answered your own question mick, but when I started looking for a camper the one I bought was probably the last one I would look for, but we were on a tight budget and wanted to get on the road to do a bit of travelling about,,when you get inside and like it you’ll probably find the base vehicle becomes a little less important, good luck looking about (don’t know y I quoted that response shuda just answered) mmm lockdown

Thanks for all the responses folks, much appreciated. Will definitely take my time and try check out as much as possible in advance. The current travel restrictions make that tricky and I assume that once it opens up again demand will soar rapidly as people try and get out on the road ...it'll be a sellers market no doubt! Has anyone found that there has been a spike in prices since last year due to the demand brought about by covid and foreign travel restrictions?

A good starting place to think about first is the layout that suits best and work from there to help narrow your choice down. Even the best van will annoy you after a while if the layout is not suitable.

Thanks again for all the advice folks. We almost have our desired layout nailed bit are a small bit torn between whether to go for 2 bunks or a u-lounge at the back. Another one I know that is completely subjective but based on your own experiences would you have any thoughts on this? We're veering slightly more towards the u-lounge for the additional living space it will give us... with 2 teenagers that might by badly needed ...but bunks would definitely be easier in relation to not having to make up beds every night..

Bunks aren’t a bad design either. Flip one up and instant garage space. Do not rush it when time permits there is no substitute for physically going to see each layout.

Hi Mick,
While the layout of your van is important because it must work for you and your family , it is also important to look into the mechanical side. Traditional if a van does not get much use in any one year it may not have got its annual service every year. Some people know the importance of an oil + filter change at least every 12 months rather than looking at putting up the mileage that the next service may have been schedule for because it could take a few years . Vans that are parked up for long periods of time between uses without proper care and maintenance can shorten the lifespan of the engine especially when the vehicle is older.
Try get as much service history for any potential van, if there is lots of paperwork and receipts then it will show that it was looked after by it’s previous owners and it will give you more confidence in buying a van that it wasn’t neglected. There are also other things like habitation, gas etc that need checking annually. Your budget is going to allow you to look at old vans so ensure there is a good paper trail and that it’s current or latest history is as up to date as possible. As previously suggested Google the model and check it’s reliability. I would like to see all services have been done within the last few weeks by a reputable authorised dealer that has experience with Motorhome/campervan. Up to date checks will expose all problems so if a van does not have a current check done tell the seller you need it done before you hand over your money. If they hesitate they may be hiding something.

I am sure that if you ask the good people on Motorhomecraic advice before you seal a deal, the advice you will get will help you reduce the risk of buying trouble. I like you are new to this site but the advice I have been given so far is solid from members that have huge experience. I am delighted to be a member because of this.

Good hunting Mick.