What about buying before you are really ready?

Guspuppy · Mar 30, 2013

I've been thinking a lot about this lately and can't decide if I want to live in a van or not. But I've been looking at vehicles on autotrader and CL, and have found some that are cheap enough and seem in good shape. I can't afford to trade in my car because I have a service business in which I drive many miles daily and gas is already expensive enough. And I just took my first vacation (road trip, the motel situation was dire and extreme and I HATED not being able to sleep in my vehicle!!) in three years so I won't be having another one any time soon unless I sell my house and quit my business. (which is entirely possible, its been VERY slow and getting worse lately). So my question is, should I snap up a likely looking van and just keep it around until I decide? If I can't do trips in it I would not be using it much right now, how much problems would that cause down the road? I do have a garage I can keep it in but it is detached from my house and not heated or insulated so it does get condensation. Tools in my tool box have rusted being out there unused. On the one hand, I'd have lots and lots of time to build it how I like and do test runs camping a couple hours north or whatever on free weekends. (Also, get my dog used to it. He did not do well on our road trip and had to be drugged. Can't have that if we are going to be living in a vehicle!) On the other hand, will it rust apart or get mechanically unsound sitting in my detached garage only used a couple times a year?? Thanks! Oh and here's one I kind of like, what do you think? http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...eCodes=VANS&listingId=338168178&Log=0

Zil · Mar 30, 2013

Run it ever day, check the batteries regular. Expect the tires to deteriorate by time. But you do need time to do a build out.  Nice looking van. My preference is for heavier, 250 or 350.

Seraphim · Mar 30, 2013

Disconnect the battery during storage and put a fuel preservative in the tank to keep the gas from gelling. I keep several old cars in the garage.

Ballenxj · Mar 30, 2013

Hi Guspuppy, I would get a van (this one looks real nice) and start setting it up the way you like it, then use it for weekend get aways. You can start using it more as you go. You will then see how well you like it by slowly getting used to it. Just my two cents. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">
-Bruce

my_vantasy · Mar 30, 2013

I agree with Bruce. Like you said too, your dog will need some time to get used to it. Short trips, weekends, and even just sitting in the van with the engine running might help with his stress or motion sickness. Good luck!

coultergeist · Mar 30, 2013

It is much easier to set it up before you need it than while you are trying to use it.  Believe me, the more you use it you will realize what you need and really want.  Do the minimal things to it for a little while.  Use it on short trips and fine tune what you really want and need and then build it out the way it will work best for you.  But try not to lock it down in stone, as you will still want to change or modify things as you go.  Like my son said, you will never really be finished with it.  It's your home only in a smaller mobile package.  We always want to make our home better.

idn88 · Apr 1, 2013

Buying well ahead gives you lots of time to get it set up the way you want, and get all the little things fixed ahead of time at a much lower cost or doing them yourself as apposed to trying to get things done in a rush.

idn88 · Apr 1, 2013

Buying well ahead gives you lots of time to get it set up the way you want, and get all the little things fixed ahead of time at a much lower cost or doing them yourself as apposed to trying to get things done in a rush.

wagoneer · Apr 1, 2013

In response to "when I'm ready" we all ask this question. Having always been a "just go do it" guy the opposite question becomes more a question.

peacetara · Apr 2, 2013

Well, I met a guy at the RTR that was 6' something, and lived out of a Honda Fit. (yes those tiny cars).  He made it work for him, so I'm sure you could sleep in your car if needed. I never saw how he had it setup, but I'm sure others here will be smart enough to share that information if you need. It seems (to me), if you don't have an immediate/short term use for the van regularly, you would be better off putting the money towards debt, investments, etc.  Vehicles only go down in value. With Love, Tara

James AKA Lynx · Apr 7, 2013

3 options - 1) rent a van for the weekend and put something down on the floor to sleep on. 2) figure out an easy way to take out the seats on your car and make beds in it and sleep in it. 3) Get a good tent. and buy a cheep van. You may want to look at a cargo van. I have one. Nobody gives me a second thought going anywhere and traffic is much easier. James AKA Lynx