Have you been dreaming of family adventures in a van, and suddenly stumbled upon a tempting deal? Are you wondering if now is the right time for buying a van and if it truly aligns with what you want?
We’ve recently pondered over these very questions and would love to share our insights in this checklist of 4 questions.
1. Do you want to spend that much money on buying a van?
Unfortunately, vans—even older ones—aren’t cheap. The price depends on factors like how you’ll use it and how many people it’ll carry, especially for families.
When we thought about buying a van, we considered what experiences and adventures it could offer compared to other ways we could spend that money. We talked about if we were ready to use that money for places to stay and trips, or if we wanted the freedom of unplanned weekends in nature.
2. Have you chosen the right type of van?
We spent considerable time exploring different van options for sale. We discovered that pictures alone aren’t sufficient to make a decision. You need to see the vans in person, step inside, and envision yourself in them. Consider your intended use and whether the chosen van suits your needs. For instance, if you plan to transport sports equipment like us, a non-camperized van with ample space and flexibility might be ideal.
Also, consider the number of travelers. We came across beautiful vans with only two passenger seats, which wouldn’t accommodate a baby seat.
Furthermore, It’s essential to decide whether you’ll use the van as your primary vehicle or solely for weekend getaways. Since we use ours daily, we ruled out longer options to ensure easy parking in our area.
3. Do you really need that much space?
Our decision to buy a van stemmed from the need for space to carry our sports equipment (MTB, wing foil gear) and accommodate our growing family.
While our Touran offered some space with a roof box and bike rack, it wasn’t sufficient for activities like windsurfing. As our little one grows, he’ll likely want his own gear, and who knows, our family might expand. This consideration also influences the type of van you choose.
4. Have you tried a van night out?
The best way to determine if it’s time to buy a van is by experiencing van life firsthand.
Tribe Daddy previously owned an old T4 van, and our first holiday in it in Tuscany confirmed our love for van life. When we became parents, we wondered if our little one would share our enthusiasm.
So, we transformed our Touran into a “TouVan” for a night. We improvised with an inflatable mattress on the back seat and a small mattress for the baby on the front seats. We used sheets as curtains, creating a cozy but not luxurious sleeping space. Despite the simplicity, we relished the freedom it offered. We enjoyed wingfoiling until late, drove around without a plan, and woke up to breathtaking views of Lake Garda.
If your answers to these questions are YES, don’t hesitate— now’s the time for you to buy a van and embark on your van life journey.
