The Complete Campervan Buying Checklist for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first campervan is one of the most exciting purchases you will make, but it is also one of the easiest to get wrong. Between the sticker price, the paperwork and a hundred little details to inspect, first-timers often miss the things that matter most. This checklist takes you through the whole process, step by step.

Set a realistic budget before you look

The sale price is only the start. Most owners budget another 10-20% for the essentials: insurance, vehicle tax, a habitation check, damp repairs and any kit the van needs. A campervan priced at £25,000 can easily end up costing £28,000 or more in the first year. Decide your ceiling now, and stick to it when the excitement of a viewing kicks in.

Choose the base vehicle and layout

Decide early on the base van. Volkswagen Transporters are the classic choice, while Ford Transits and Peugeot Boxers tend to offer more space per pound. Layout matters even more than the badge: think about how many beds you need, whether you want a fixed bed or a rock-and-roll bench, and whether you can live without a built-in toilet. A fixed kitchen makes cooking easier but eats into living space. Browse campervans for sale to see which layouts are common in your price range before you commit to a viewing.

Check the paperwork

Ask for the V5C logbook, MOT history and service records before you travel. Run the registration through a history check to confirm the van isn't a write-off, and compare the recorded mileage with the MOT history. Missing service stamps aren't always fatal, but they should lower the price you are willing to pay.

The walk-around inspection

Allow a full hour at the viewing and work through the van in a set order:

1. Check every panel for rust, dents and filler, and look along the roof for water staining.
2. Open all windows, lockers and cupboards, and press on walls for soft or spongy areas.
3. Look under the van for fresh oil leaks, and check the tyres for uneven wear.
4. Start the engine from cold and listen for knocks or smoke.
5. Run the water system, cooker and fridge if the seller allows it.

Damp is the single biggest risk on a used van, so learn how to spot it properly — our damp check guide shows you exactly what to look for.

Negotiate and finalise

Once you are happy, negotiate on evidence rather than feeling. A van with a worn set of tyres or an expired MOT is worth less, and it is fair to say so. When you agree on a price, pay securely and get a dated receipt with both parties' names and the VIN. Take the van off the market in writing, and book your insurance before you drive it home.