Hi all just looking for some advice on picking a van.. this will be my first van and I really just want some opinions so I can get a starting point.
what is your favorite van?
Regards,Benjamin. :)
Greetings & Welcome!
I'm in the USA, so I'm not going to be much help for van brands, but perhaps I can help with a little general information.
The first thing to consider is whether you want or need to be able to stand up inside your van. Both high tops & low tops have their advantages and disadvantages.
I strongly suggest passenger window vans for the view, the ventilation, and the already finished interior. These things will save you thousands of dollars right up front. With opening windows, you can save $250 each on two roof vents as well. Putting holes in your roof is never a good idea if you can avoid it. Windows that pop out at the bottom are the best, because they are rain resistant. Rain is much more likely to get in other window types.
If the interior is nice to start with, then we can just remove the rear seats, then move the new interior in, rather than actually building it in. This method also saves a lot of both time and money, and allows you to change your floorplan later if desired. Space is precious, so if the stove, sinks, ice chest, etc. can be used both inside or outside without duplication, then that's a win. The same is true for your toilet and shower. I can even move my sofa/bed outdoors if I want to.
Floor plans mean everything, and many people experiment with several before they decide what's best for them. This is another advantage of making stuff modular and movable. For some people, swiveling front seats are satisfactory for lounging, for others, comfy seating in the rear is better. I have a swivel rocker recliner right inside my side doors. If you want non bed seating behind the cab, envision room for it too.
When you're looking at potential vans, get in the back, and envision it with everything inside, and determine if it will all fit as hoped for. 4 feet is usually big enough for a kitchen, and 2 foot by 3 foot is big enough for a toilet/shower combo. Most of us want a permanent bed, that doesn't need to be transitioned between daytime and nightime use. Having to fold a bed up or down every day, get's old in a hurry. After the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and possible rear seating, everything else can fit in whatever room is left over.
Older vans, especially passenger vans, can sometimes be found in excellent shape, but at bargain prices. Passenger vans aren't usually subjected to the typical abuse that cargo vans are either. Private party vehicles have almost always had better care and maintenance than commercial or fleet vehicles. Never trust maintenance or repair records on commercial or fleet vehicles, they are frequently phoney just to make a vehicle look better than it is for sale purposes.
Hope this helps, Good Luck, & keep us posted.