Buying a campervan is super exciting, but it also brings on a sense of anxiety… What if I spend all that money and buy a dud? A few years ago, I was in this exact position – viewing, test driving, and researching vans online for hours on end. Eventually, I was lucky enough to find my ideal camper, but I certainly had to try a few ‘lemons’ beforehand. To help your search, I’ve compiled 5 key questions to guide your search that will save you a HEAP of time and energy!

1. What is the main purpose of your camper?

How do you intend to use your camper? Want to live in it full-time? Consider prioritising comfort and mechanic reliability (or consider getting a cheaper van and adding DIY furnishings). Want a van to take road-tripping twice a year? In that case, you can probably enjoy a more flexible budget.

Key campervan questions:

• How often will I use my camper, and for how long?
• How much space will I need? i.e. How many people will be staying in the camper, and will I need to store all of my possessions?
• Am I bringing pets?
• Will I be freedom camping or primarily staying at campgrounds?
• Outside of the holidays, will my campervan also function as my main form of transport e.g. to/from work?

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2. What is your budget and search area?

Buying a campervan second-hand is the norm in New Zealand. Ideally you want to have a flexible budget. In NZ, most standard, furnished, 1-2 person campervans start at $8,000. Newer/nicer vans can go for $10-15K+. Usually, you get what you pay for. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Good deals can be found and be cared to make quick decisions- the good ones tend to sell like hotcakes!

Where to search?

Consider visiting larger cities for viewings, as they tend to have more campers on offer. Also, think about where you will park your van when it’s not being used. Would you rather have a smaller, albeit less comfortable camper that can squeeze into a greater variety of parking spaces, or are you happy with a palatial ‘apartment on wheels’?

Key campervan questions:

• What is my budget?
• Fully-furnished vs basic?
• Brand new or second-hand?
• Are campers in high supply where I live? (If not, it’s a good idea to look on trademe/online marketplaces for campers in the closest, largest city).
• Where is a safe and secure place I will park the van on a day-to-day basis?
• Size of the van: high top or not? Normal or long wheelbase?
• Automatic or manual transmission?

3. What is the history and mechanical state of the van?

Generally speaking, the older the van, the cheaper it will be… upfront. But over time it might cost you in mechanic bills. Also, vans made after 2000 require a warrant of fitness (WoF) every 6 months rather than 12 months. Additionally, consider whether you’d prefer a petrol or diesel vehicle. Diesel is cheaper at the pump and in the long run, but you need to pay Road User Charges.

Older vans aren’t necessarily in poorer condition if they have been well maintained. It is important to know the history of the van and how it was used by former owners. Beware of campers that have switched hands between backpackers for the sole purpose of being thrashed up and down the country! If you have an eye on a promising van, check if the (expensive) cambelt needs replacing soon- approximately every 5 years.

Key questions:

• Are mechanical issues?
• Petrol vs diesel?
• What is the odometer reading?
• What mechanical procedures is the campervan likely to need in the next 2 years (e.g. tire replacement, cambelt, brake pads)?
• Has it been serviced regularly?
• Current WoF & rego?
• What is the ownership history? e.g. Backpackers, a company, sporadic road-trippers?
• Would the owners have given it much TLC?
• How will I keep the van secure? Does it have an alarm, should I invest in a steering lock?

4. Features and certificates?

If you are planning to freedom camp, a self-contained certificate is essential! So, would you prefer to buy a van that has a pre-existing certificate, or are you happy to get it certified yourself (and potentially spend money getting it up to scratch)?

Also, motorhomes connected to a 230-volt supply system need a Warrant of Electrical Fitness. Similarly, a certificate of Fitness (CoF) instead of a WoF is needed for motorhomes weighing over 3.5 tonnes.

Also, consider the interior layout of the camper. Envisage what life would be like: where you will store your things, make breakfast if it rains, play guitar, read a book etc.? Can you enter/exit via the boot, or only through a side door? Is the kitchen area at the back, meaning you need to open the boot to let cooking-steam escape, or is it by the front seats?

Key questions:

• What certificates does the camper have or require?
• Does the camper actually meet the requirements of its certificate(s)?
• Would the interior layout suit my lifestyle?
• How many exit points are there (if you need to make a dash in an emergency)?
• Can I change the interior layout easily?
• Does it have lots of 12v power sockets or solar power?

5. Can you make this van your home?

This comes down to comfort and aesthetics. If you only spend a few nights in your van every summer, these may not be top priorities. But for longer stays, a bit of comfort is appreciated to get you through the rainy days.

Key questions:

• What furnishings does the van come with? e.g. curtains, a good stereo, cupboards, shelves, kitchen?
• Is the bed comfortable? What about the seating arrangements?
• Do I mind if my van looks conspicuous (e.g. painted lime green with spirals & hearts), or would I like one that doesn’t draw public attention?
• Are there attachments in the interior for lights, décor and hangings?
• Are there hard surfaces to stick photos/pictures?

Pro tips for buying your ideal campervan

• Where should I look for a second-hand van?
  I tried Trade Me, the Backpacker Job Board and Facebook Marketplace. These were all great tools to contact sellers and arrange viewings.
• Before buying a camper, get an unbiased pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic or the NZ Automotive Association (AA)

• Don’t be fooled: a van is not necessarily self-contained if it only has is a sticker slapped on the bumper. The owners should also provide you with a small card (usually displayed on the windscreen) and a 1-2 page report/certificate signed by an inspector.
• Checking mechanical history: get an online report from Motorweb NZ (motorweb.co.nz). The report provides you with interesting info like registration history, odometer readings, the number of prior owners, fuel economy, weight, engine capacity, WoF status and much more.

Interested in vanlife? You’d better read these…

• Freedom Camping NZ: expectations vs reality
• 5 things to love about vanlife
• Picton to Invercargill: a quick travel guide

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