You’ve decided you want a campervan, that’s great……..but…. after some online research, you’re now overwhelmed with all the choices, options and terminology!

Lets simplify things here, after all this is supposed to be a fun adventure.

Buying your first campervan is exciting — but it’s also one of the bigger purchases you’ll make, and the market can feel overwhelming. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, in plain English, with no jargon.

1. Work Out Your Budget (Including the Bits People Forget)

Most buyers focus on the purchase price, but the total cost of owning a campervan includes:

  • Insurance — campervans are a specialist vehicle. Budget £500–£1,500/year depending on age, value, and how you use it.
  • Road tax — most modern VW Transporters fall in the £300–£380/year bracket.
  • Servicing — VW Transporters should be serviced annually or every 10,000 miles. Budget around £250–£400/year at an independent specialist.
  • Habitation check — an annual check of the living area (gas, electrics, water). Around £100–£150.
  • Storage — if you can’t keep it at home, storage can add £800–£2,000/year.

As a rough rule: add 10–15% of the purchase price to your annual running cost estimate.

2. Decide What You Actually Need It For

Ask yourself:

  • How many people? A couple on weekends needs a different van to a family of four doing two-week trips.
  • How often will you use it? If it’s 10 weekends a year, a simpler van makes more sense than one loaded with features you’ll rarely use.
  • Wild camping or campsites? Wild camping requires solar, a larger leisure battery, and a good water system. Hook-up camping is far less demanding.
  • Do you need to use it daily? If the campervan is also your everyday vehicle, seating layout and practicality become critical.

3. Choose the Right Base Vehicle

The VW Transporter is the most popular choice for a reason — it drives like a car, holds its value well, and there’s a huge network of specialists. But it’s not the only option:

  • VW T6 / T6.1 — the sweet spot for most buyers. Proven engine, great reliability record, strong resale value. Available from around £30,000 for a quality used example.
  • VW T7 — the newest generation (2024 onwards). Built on a Ford Transit platform. More mixed reviews so far — some buyers love it, others prefer the T6.1.
  • Volkswagen California — a factory-built campervan from VW. Excellent quality, but pricier than an aftermarket conversion and with less flexibility on layout.
  • Ford Transit / Custom conversions — larger living space, lower entry price. Less desirable resale market in the UK.

4. New Conversion vs Used — What’s the Difference?

New conversions are built to order on a new or nearly-new base vehicle. You get the exact spec you want, full warranty, and peace of mind — but you’ll pay a premium.

Used campervans offer significantly better value. A well-cared-for T6.1 conversion from a reputable dealer at 20,000–30,000 miles will have lost its sharpest depreciation and still have years of reliable use ahead.

Key things to check on a used campervan:

  • Full service history on the base vehicle
  • Gas safety certificate (should be renewed annually)
  • Leisure battery condition and age
  • Any damp or water ingress in the living area
  • Correct payload — the conversion should not push the vehicle over its gross vehicle weight

5. Buy From a Dealer, Not a Private Seller

Private sales can look tempting on price, but they come with significant risks — no consumer protections, no comeback if something goes wrong, and no finance options.

A reputable FCA-regulated dealer offers:

  • Consumer Rights Act protections
  • Finance options (subject to status)
  • Part exchange on your current vehicle
  • Transparency on history, mileage, and condition

Always check that a dealer is registered with the FCA before you buy with finance — you can verify at fca.org.uk/register.

Ready to Start Looking? Browse our current stock of campervans for sale in Surrey, or give us a call on 01483 323 901. We’re happy to talk through what you need before you commit to anything — no pressure, just honest advice.