Hi guys, how much will a Van cost me per year all Van related bills included?

Margret1994

So How much does a second hand van cost approximately? (about the size of a big single parking space sized van)

How much does the insurance cost?

How much does the road tax cost?

Fuel?

Its my 2nd vehicle , im 41, havnt driven in over a decade, I appreciate its hard to approximate here but I only need a rough guess 

(im going to live in a van if the estate agents are too difficult) 

soolin

Margret1994 said:

So How much does a second hand van cost approximately? (about the size of a big single parking space sized van)

How much does the insurance cost?

How much does the road tax cost?

Fuel?

Its my 2nd vehicle , im 41, havnt driven in over a decade, I appreciate its hard to approximate here but I only need a rough guess 

(im going to live in a van if the estate agents are too difficult) 

I don't think that even a rough idea is possible, there are so many variables.

For instance, make , age , fuel type of van - this is something you can get a rough idea of yourself by looking at things like local dealer adverts or auto trader. Also are you buying it fitted out (remember winter is coming) or just a van with a mattress in the back. If just a mattress how will you cook or wash on a regular basis? 

Insurance is based on a number of factors, area, where van will be kept, business V personal use , mileage, age and fuel type - plus a lot more.

Road fund tax depends on van.

Fuel will depend on type and how far you drive. A rough comparison of MPGs is usually available on line to help with that.

If you are living in a van that may well affect the insurance, plus of course be careful about where you park as a number of councils now prohibit the overnight parking of vanlife type vans.

If you are on social media look up sites for Vanlife on facebook, they often have details of places you can park legitimately, and how much it costs. I follow a couple on Youtube, many are now having to pay overnight parking costs in certain areas, I've seen a lot recently pay £10 for a legit stay in a pub car park which is dependent on them buying a meal. For that they are allowed to use the toilets when pub is open. Otherwise many try stealth parking in areas that don't care- but are prepared to move on in middle of night if challenged but for showers and toilets have a gym membership with a chain that allows the use of the chain's sites in England.

paul_c123

About £3-10k for something reasonable and not falling apart.
Budget on £500-1500, more if you do hire/reward or need GIT too, assuming no NCB because its a 2nd vehicle
£345/£140 Euro 3/Euro4&5.
Invariably diesel. For a VW Transporter or Transit Custom sized one, probably achieve 40-45mpg. For larger, 30mpg or thereabouts

Living in a van is a whole another topic.

Compared to cars, secondhand vans will look MUCH worse cosmetically and probably be much higher mileage too. But they can (to an extent) take it. Just do some research on common troublesome engines and issues. Just like cars there's good and bad vans to buy.

DiamondLil

Don't be fooled again....

QrizB

I've been looking at used vans recently (everyone needs a hobby).

You can pick up a reasonable ex-fleet (OpenReach or a utility company) 10-year-old van with 100k on the clock for about £5-6k.

Something a bit like this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202509226515711

The advantage of a workshop van is that they usually come with a fitted diesel heater and other little bonuses. The disadvantage is that you need to get rid of half the racking to make space to sleep.

Insurance should be something like £600 a year but make sure you pick an insurer that's okay with you living in it.

Fuel costs will depend on a lot of things but beat in mind that you're not just buying fuel to travel, you're also looking at fuel (possibly a different fuel) for heat/light/power. In cold weather you could burn them litres of diesel a day just on heating, for example.

Don't fall for all the "van life" propaganda, living in a vehicle in bad weather can be miserable.

Here's a suggestion from someone I (kinda) know who's been there and done it: mark out an area in your kitchen, including the sink and stove, that's 4x2 metres (the floor area of a larger van). Move your bed into that space. Try living in it for a week.

sheramber

Add on MOT annually and maintenance for an old van.

Do your disabilities allow you to cope with living in a van? 

QrizB

sheramber said:

Add on MOT annually and maintenance for an old van.

I budget £1000 a year for maintenance when running older cars. I'd hope a van would be similar but there's always the risk of needing a clutch or something.

paul_c123

Or a DPF  

Margret1994

sheramber said:

Add on MOT annually and maintenance for an old van.

Do your disabilities allow you to cope with living in a van? 

I have panic paranoia OCD bouts of severe depression etc getting away from people esp rough people would be a godsend. Im not going to drive much more of a secret mobile home an upgrade from my tent and I cant share, because of mental health and abuse, so theres no other option its either get lucky with a studio flat a van or a tent can u see another option for me?

Margret1994

So Im on 9000 pounds a year is this simply not possible for me? 

paul_c123

Can you get housing benefit for a van?