Van Life 101: How to Choose a Van to Live In

A common question is "Which van should I buy?" Of course, there is no one answer to that question, but in this video, I try to lay out in a simple fashion the factors that should influence your decision. Factors like how easy the van will be to work on, how much can you afford, how the van was maintained, and the reputation of the engine. Hopefully, after watching this video you will have a direction to how you can buy the most reliable van you can afford.

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Thanks for watching!

[Yungknown]

Regardless of why cars changed, your knowledge and advice is priceless. Thank you!

[darrenolson]

I'm using the new word. Dramastically. Thanks, Bro.

[junegraham]

Thank you Bob, this Canadian Nurse relies on your knowledge everyday. I watch all the minivan videos I can get in i a day when I am done working. I want to hit the road and retire after I finish my duty to Canada in this covid-19 world, at 66 still lucky in health to be working long hours. Always a fan of minivans as I am an avid camper through the years. Driving a little economical car right now as saving for that retirement purchase and living in a house. Can't wait to leave the bricks and mortar to see the natural world.

[datahoundu]

Wow, Bob! You are a genuine, walking and talking van-o-pedia! Thanks for that great advice!!

[DeliberateNRandom]

Two problems I see that weren't explained:
1) Older vehicles may no longer have parts available. Stick to popular ones. I bought an Explorer for $190 for parts. I put a bunch onto the one I planned to keep. Only problem is, the other one needed too much work. But after swapping the stereo, wheels, tires, hood, spare tire mount, several other parts, I still sold it for $250 with a bad transmission. I only got $600 for the other, and I had $1, 700 initial cost and almost another $1, 000 in parts and labor. So if you aren't a good mechanic, make sure you take it to one. Don't buy on the weekend! Which brings me to my next point.
2) Make sure you get recommendations on a good, reliable mechanic! One that's thorough! If he's doesn't spot something, maybe you'll bring it to him for repairs. I've had issues here with them not finding anything or misdiagnosing an issue.

I bought my '98 E-150 with 144k from work for $500. I made sure I maintained everything the past year. Our other truck we just got came from the same city, and it doesn't look like they've kept up on any repairs. I had grease and brake dust all over me after washing it. That fixed some issues and brought up new ones, and it has less miles. Being thorough is important!

I had a guy trying to sell me a camper an hour and a half away. He was pushing the sale hard. I kept looking. It had floor rot by the toilet and issues around the vent fan. I backed out. He said if I lost weight, it wouldn't be a problem. Watch those true colors come shining through.

Not everyone is your friend. Be thorough and don't let someone strong hand you into buying something you'll regret. I've had that happen too often.

[UBBERTANKER]

as a mechanic chevy express 03 and up and for econoline 97 and up are pretty much bulletproof and I have seen tons of comercial units in the 500-600k mile range with minimal repairs with regular maintinece. I would not go with the new style sprinter and transit vans as they are just not that proven yet

[Mikeykaysuper]

I have had my 2008 GMC van with the 4.8 liter engine now 2 1/2 years and have been very happy with it .I was a equipment mechanic for 30 years and this van has been fairly easy to work on even some small emission related repairs no problem . Getting parts for these vehicles is also very easy and the prices are good because there are so many of these vehicles .

[Salim_shahidy]

I only want a old school van so me and the boys could hang out in it and go everywhere we can go

[icanhearyoucanyouhearme]

I think I've watched this video 20 times in the last two years

[AlexRodriguez-gwxt]

Never had a problem with my triton v8 just got to make sure your motor wasn't built on a Friday! Lol

[alenehochstetter]

I know this is an old video but probably still rings true. This is the very best and simple explanation of engines for anyone who knows nothing. I’m a girl who knows nothing about engines. When my mechanic talks to me it’s like a different language and I glaze over . But YOU just explained in a very simple way enough for me to understand some basic knowledge of engines. Thank you so much!

[scottslotterbeck]

Inherited my Dad's '86 F150. Still driving it. Zero problems!

[jackiem]

Thank you for this!!! I'm in research phase. I hope to be getting my first van and beginning the build out in April 😁

[Lmachine]

Your channel is my new favorite! You are so knowledgable and great at communicating through video. I love learning the things that you share, keep em' coming!

[tristanstravels]

Great info. I am selling my home and getting a van. This is knowledge I will use. Thank you

[yootoobactnameyoo]

Best to buy fleet vehicles. That goes for personal and commercial vehicles. Fleet vehicles are regularly maintained. Can't guarantee that for non fleet vehicles. Also, fleet vehicles usually sell at a discount since the whole fleet tends to get swapped at the same time or in large chunks, unlike individual trade ins.

[congerscott]

When the time comes im getting the newest van i can afford, i have no desire to work on a vehicle other than wind shield washer fluid refill or changing a tire 👍.

[Lou.B]

GREAT STUFF, BOB! I was taking notes the whole way! Thanks for your priceless help to us newbies!

[OperationSixty]

It's important to note that Ford vans no longer have the spark plug issue after 2008!

[tripperdonnie]

I agree the straight 6 Ford is an incredibly reliable and torquey engine. As others have noted, the Dodge 318 is one of the most reliable engines made. I had 69 class A motor home with a 318, it got 12 mpg and took me everywhere, the engine was ultra reliable except for vapor lock occasionally.