Dust, dirt, grime, and unidentifiable crusty stuff is to be expected on and in any second-hand rig. Get a decent household cleaner and some scouring pads and go to town on it. Rus thought is the worst thing to find on your van and needs treating immediately, otherwise it will spread and become an even larger problem. A mini or spot welder will help with melding plates and minor repairs but if a professional is required to tidy up a rust problem, pay one. Especially on the chassis, which is the basis for your whole home, the foundation of your house on wheels. Rust doesn’t have to be a deal breaker on a used vehicle, depending on the location and amount, but if you see any rust, treat it immediately.

The colour of a vehicle should not be a dealbreaker. Any unsightly spots, streaks or pock marks on the exterior panels can be painted over, the same applies to covering up old signage from the vans previous life. Painting a van is a lengthy process with a couple of steps so read up on procedure before you break out the brushes. Hours of painting, drying, and sanding and multiple coats of paint are required to create a smooth, hard-wearing finish. If you are preparing to paint your vehicle, get ready for the associated fumes and be sure to ventilate the area. Consider asking friends for help, especially when it comes to the roof. It is a tiresome job, but the reward is worth it and your home on wheels will look fresh and almost brand new!

This tip is not or everyone, but Bill from The Backwards Van told us about examining the condition of the 1992 Promaster he’d just purchased for less than 2 months rent. “Its has dings, it has dents, it has a couple of exterior problems all right. But unless the defect affects the structure of the van in any way, it’s not a priority right now. My money is better spent improving the interior, the part I live in. Besides a little character, the minor damage might make a good security device, maybe it will work as a deterrent for future thieves. And besides, who isn’t a little dinged up by life by the time they hit 25?!” Indeed, driving an older, less flashy, and unnoticeable van might be a valuable tool for a city stealthier.

It stands to reason you’ll take a mechanic along to view and test drive your rig before you part with any cash but if you don’t know a mechanic, or have trouble finding or paying one, ask the AA! No, not your sponsor, but depending on where you live, the roadside Automobile Association or similar company may offer a service in which an inspection is conducted on your behalf. Failing that, have a thorough list of questions for the seller, but don’t be put off by minor damage. Vans are designed to be driven, and a lot of the exteriors ‘fugliness’ can be either buffed out, painted over, or returned to its former glory via a little panel beating.