thehellend
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- Joined
- Mar 6, 2017
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Howdy! Let me preface this by saying I've read lots of things, but I think I'm overwhelming myself.
Here's the deal; I live in a nice apartment with a husband and two cats. We're pretty rooted here, he has a specialist skill and a good job, and the cats HATE going in vehicles of any kind (and they're my first love). But I have a strong desire to travel, and I have a job that can be done remotely, so that's where I am at.
I want a 'camper van' - note that I'm from the UK (now living in Knoxville TN), where we have all these cool vehicles that have beds and closets and all kinds of fun things, and last about two weeks before they rust and collapse in on themselves. I've been looking for a more durable version of these UK camper vans, but it doesn't look like the US has them - closest thing to what I want would probably be a conversion van - lots of space, a bed, some entertainment (I actually hate those TVs in vans and would not mind getting one without). I want to avoid VWs. I don't need dedicated cooking or washing areas in there. I'm a wet wipe and camping stove kinda girl.
My budget is ideally $3000, although I've been cleared for up to $5000. Worth mentioning that this is how much I'd like to spend TOTAL, including initial inspection and maintenance, and buying some cool things to make it cosy on the inside.
So within my budget, what are my options? What is a good van for someone who rates MPG highly? What is a sign of a van that still has a lot to give? So far I've figured that it should have all maintenance records along with a history of good upkeep, no rust beyond a little surface rust, if high miles (over 150k?) budget to rebuild the tranny, and get an inspection when buying. On that note, how do I go about getting a mechanic to inspect something I like? What if it's too far to go to 'my guy' with it - how do I find a decent shop to take it to?
I've literally never bought my own car before, and I'm trying not to freak out about adulting correctly.
Sorry for the rambling. Running on several cups of tea.
Here's the deal; I live in a nice apartment with a husband and two cats. We're pretty rooted here, he has a specialist skill and a good job, and the cats HATE going in vehicles of any kind (and they're my first love). But I have a strong desire to travel, and I have a job that can be done remotely, so that's where I am at.
I want a 'camper van' - note that I'm from the UK (now living in Knoxville TN), where we have all these cool vehicles that have beds and closets and all kinds of fun things, and last about two weeks before they rust and collapse in on themselves. I've been looking for a more durable version of these UK camper vans, but it doesn't look like the US has them - closest thing to what I want would probably be a conversion van - lots of space, a bed, some entertainment (I actually hate those TVs in vans and would not mind getting one without). I want to avoid VWs. I don't need dedicated cooking or washing areas in there. I'm a wet wipe and camping stove kinda girl.
My budget is ideally $3000, although I've been cleared for up to $5000. Worth mentioning that this is how much I'd like to spend TOTAL, including initial inspection and maintenance, and buying some cool things to make it cosy on the inside.
So within my budget, what are my options? What is a good van for someone who rates MPG highly? What is a sign of a van that still has a lot to give? So far I've figured that it should have all maintenance records along with a history of good upkeep, no rust beyond a little surface rust, if high miles (over 150k?) budget to rebuild the tranny, and get an inspection when buying. On that note, how do I go about getting a mechanic to inspect something I like? What if it's too far to go to 'my guy' with it - how do I find a decent shop to take it to?
I've literally never bought my own car before, and I'm trying not to freak out about adulting correctly.
Sorry for the rambling. Running on several cups of tea.