1. Ford Transit Custom (2018-Present)
Price: £16,000-£25,000 (used) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it's the best:
- Excellent payload (950kg)
- Great fuel economy (35mpg)
- Wide parts availability
- Easy to park
- Massive aftermarket support
Drawbacks:
- Not as refined as VW
- Rust in wheel arches
- Interior plastics feel cheap
Best for: First-time van lifers, budget conversions
2. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (2018-Present)
Price: £19,000-£32,000 (used) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it's amazing:
- Massive interior space
- Great payload (1,200kg)
- High driving position
- Excellent resale value
- Competitive on motorways
Drawbacks:
- Hard to park in narrow UK lanes
- Expensive repairs
- Complex electrics
Best for: Families, long-term conversions
3. VW Transporter T6.1 (2020-Present)
Price: £22,000-£35,000 (used) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it's great:
- Best interior quality
- Most desirable resale
- Comfortable to drive
- Excellent heating system
- Looks great
Drawbacks:
- Most expensive to buy
- Limited payload (750kg)
- Higher fuel consumption
Best for: Style-conscious van lifers, weekend warriors
4. Renault Master (2020-Present)
Price: £15,000-£24,000 (used) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why it's underrated:
- Best value for money
- Huge interior
- Good payload
- Often overlooked
Drawbacks:
- Less resale value
- Not as refined
- Interior design dated
Best for: Budget-focused builders
5. Nissan NV400 (2014-Present)
Price: £12,000-£20,000 (used) Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why consider it:
- Cheapest option
- Part of CMF-VD platform with Renault
- Good reliability record
- Low running costs
Drawbacks:
- Dated interior
- Harsh ride
- Lower residual values
Best for: Budget retrofits, practical users
Campervan Comparison Table
| Van | Payload | Fuel | Purchase Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Transit | 950kg | 35mpg | £16k-£25k | First-time |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 1,200kg | 30mpg | £19k-£32k | Families |
| VW Transporter | 750kg | 32mpg | £22k-£35k | Style |
| Renault Master | 1,100kg | 33mpg | £15k-£24k | Budget |
| Nissan NV400 | 1,000kg | 30mpg | £12k-£20k | Practical |
What to Check When Buying
Essential Checks
- Rust in floor pan (common on older vans)
- Engine compression test
- Gearbox smoothness
- Electrics (windows, locks, lights)
- Exhaust and DPF condition
- Suspension and steering play
- Body panels for straightness
- Windscreen for chips
Hidden Costs
- MOT: £40-£60/year
- Vehicle tax: £190/year
- Insurance: £600-£1,200/year
- Breakdown cover: £120/year
- Conversion: £1,000-£5,000
Top 10 Must-Have Conversions
- Insulation — XPS or Armaflex
- Diesel heater — Webasto or Eberspächer
- Solar panel — 200W minimum
- Leisure battery — 100Ah LiFePO4
- Marine ply flooring — 10mm
- Water system — 20L tank + tap
- Kitchen unit — waterproof
- LED lighting — 12V
- Ventilation — Vornado or DIY fan
- Secure storage — lockable box
Financing Options
| Method | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash | £0 interest | No monthly payments | Full cost upfront |
| PCP | ~£250/month | Low monthly cost | You don't own it |
| HP | ~£350/month | You own it after | Full cost + interest |
| Bank loan | ~£300/month | Flexible | Needs good credit |
