10 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Van for Van Life (And How to Fix What You Find)

Buying a used van can feel like hitting the jackpot or like you’ve bought yourself a lemon with wheels. The trick is knowing what to look for and how to fix what’s not perfect. Here’s the real checklist you need before handing over your hard-earned cash, served up with practical solutions so you’re not left crying into your greasy roadside burger later.

1. Rust, Especially in Hidden Areas

Rust isn’t just ugly it’s your van’s worst enemy. Left unchecked, it can weaken the structure and cost a fortune to fix. Start by looking under the chassis, wheel arches, door frames, and windows. Pay close attention to hidden areas like under the floor mats or inside storage compartments. Even a small patch can grow into a big, expensive problem.

How to Fix It: If you spot minor surface rust, you can treat it with rust remover and a protective sealant. For larger areas, you’ll need professional help. If there’s structural rust (like on the chassis), walk away this van isn’t worth the headache.

Pro Tip: Take a magnet with you. If it doesn’t stick to a “repaired” section, there’s likely filler covering up rust. Dodgy sellers love this trick.

2. Mileage vs. Maintenance History

High mileage doesn’t automatically mean the van’s a dud. What matters more is how well it’s been maintained. Regular oil changes, brake servicing, and timing belt replacements all mean a lot more than the number on the odometer.

How to Fix It: Ask for the full service history. If the seller doesn’t have records, it’s a red flag. For high-mileage vans, focus on the engine and transmission’s condition. Look for evidence of recent major services like timing belt replacements, which can save you from a huge bill later.

Pro Tip: Call the mechanic listed on the service records. They can confirm the work and flag any concerns.

3. Check for Leaks

Leaking oil, coolant, or transmission fluid under the van is a bad sign. Inside, water stains on the roof, walls, or floor mean poor seals and potential mould issues.

How to Fix It: For minor fluid leaks, budget for a mechanic to replace seals or gaskets. Water damage inside? Replace seals around windows and vents, then clean and dry thoroughly to stop mould spreading. For major leaks, walk away fixing them can get pricey fast.

Pro Tip: Check for fresh oil or coolant splashes under the hood. Sellers sometimes clean up leaks before a sale, but traces of fluid near the engine can give it away.

4. Test the Engine and Transmission

Start the engine cold this shows how well it’s been maintained. It should start cleanly, idle smoothly, and handle hills or stop-start traffic without grumbling. If the transmission clunks, slips, or hesitates, it’s a big red flag.

How to Fix It: If the engine runs rough, budget for a tune-up and oil change. For transmission issues, take it to a specialist for a proper diagnosis before buying. If it needs a rebuild, you’re looking at thousands in repairs.

Pro Tip: Drive it hard during the test drive accelerate, brake, and take it up a hill. If it struggles, it’s not ready for van life.

5. Electrical System Condition

A dodgy electrical system will cause endless headaches. Test everything—lights, indicators, wipers, and any installed appliances. For older vans, expect to upgrade the wiring to handle modern accessories like solar panels and fridges.

How to Fix It: Check the battery’s age and condition. Replacing it is cheap compared to redoing the whole system. For serious issues, budget for rewiring or hire a professional to install a new electrical setup tailored to your needs.

Pro Tip: Carry a multimeter to check battery voltage and wiring continuity. It’s a handy tool you’ll need on the road anyway.

6. Tyres and Suspension

Worn tyres or saggy suspension can make driving unsafe and uncomfortable. Look for uneven tread wear (a sign of alignment issues) and check if the van sits level.

How to Fix It: Budget for new tyres if the tread is worn. Suspension issues may need new shocks or bushings, which can get pricey, so factor that into the cost before buying.

Pro Tip: Bounce each corner of the van. If it doesn’t settle quickly, the suspension might need attention.

7. Brakes and Steering

Brakes should feel firm, not spongy, and the van should stop cleanly without pulling to one side. Steering should feel responsive and smooth. Any noises like squealing brakes or grinding indicate trouble.

How to Fix It: For worn brakes, expect to replace pads and rotors. Steering issues could mean an alignment or power steering fluid top-up or a costly rack replacement.

Pro Tip: Take the van to an empty car park during your test drive and test emergency braking. It’s better to know now if the brakes are dodgy.

8. Interior Condition

If the van has a camper setup, inspect it thoroughly. Loose fixtures, mould, or bad DIY jobs can turn your dream home into a nightmare. For a blank van, check the walls, floor, and roof for structural integrity.

How to Fix It: Mould or loose fixtures can often be fixed with a bit of elbow grease and sealant, but bad layouts or flimsy builds may need a complete redo. Budget for the cost of stripping and refitting if necessary.

Pro Tip: Bring a flashlight to check dark corners for hidden damage. Sellers often clean the visible parts and leave the rest for you to discover later.

9. Ventilation and Insulation

Without proper ventilation, your van will turn into a sauna. Lack of insulation means freezing winters and boiling summers. Both are non-negotiable for van life comfort.

How to Fix It: If the van doesn’t have these features, budget to install them. Roof vents with fans are a must, and Reflectix or foam board insulation will keep temperatures manageable.

Pro Tip: Crack a window and test for airflow. If you feel like you’re suffocating, ventilation needs to be priority number one.

10. Compatibility for Your Needs

The perfect van for someone else might not work for you. Height, layout, and size all matter. If you can’t stand up or fit your gear, it’s not the right van no matter how good the deal is.

How to Fix It: Before you start shopping, make a list of non-negotiables: standing headroom, bed size, kitchen space, etc. Test the layout during the inspection. If you feel cramped or the space doesn’t flow, move on.

Pro Tip: Bring a measuring tape. Visual guesses are often way off when you’re excited about a potential buy.

Bonus Tip: Get a Professional Inspection

Even if you think the van is perfect, let a mechanic take a look. They can spot hidden issues and save you from an expensive mistake. It’s the best money you’ll spend on your new home-on-wheels.

With this checklist, you’ll know exactly what to look for and how to fix what’s not perfect. Buy smart, and you’ll hit the road ready for adventure instead of stuck in the mechanic’s waiting room.