Valgal Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 Hi! I need to buy a primary vehicle as mine was just totaled in a parking lot. (Yep, you would not believe the extreme damage that was done.) I don't know whether to buy an economy car or try to get a vehicle that would allow me to RV/camp for extended periods, months even. Here's my dilemma. I can only have one vehicle for everyday. I cannot buy an expensive rig. The vehicle must be relatively inexpensive (hoping for under 20K, slight possibility I could go as high as 25k). Hopefully, the gas mileage will be at least medium, or better. The idea of towing makes me extremely anxious, so I am extremely reluctant to try a trailer. Unless someone has a much better idea, I am probably left with a van as a solution. I do not have the skills or knowledge to do a DIY van conversion. If the van idea doesn't pan out or I can't find another solution, I will probably have to get an economy car and nix the RV/camper angle. My questions are these: 1. What vans would you recommend? 2. Do you have any other non-van ideas that might fit the bill? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gypsydan Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 Have you thought of small A's, which you can get for around $10-15,000? Google "van dwelling" for many websites which would be useful Go to http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/ 2009 Four Winds Chateau - 25' class C 2002 Chevy Tracker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coachmac9 Posted June 27, 2016 Report Share Posted June 27, 2016 http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/ This is a good place to start your search. They have something in just about any price range and are very helpful with questions and repairs. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valgal Posted June 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Thank you, gypsydan and singwing12. I will check them out. I'm a bit afraid a class A will have expensive repairs/maintenance, but I'll check 'em out. Thank you both for taking the time to reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legendsk Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 From a financial viewpoint I would look for a small car, perhaps 10 years old with under 100,000 miles for $2,000 - $3,000. This would be comfortably under your $20,000 limit. Then when you are ready to go camping, rent an RV. You won't be building any equity in the RV, but on the other hand, major repairs aren't your problem. If you can keep the expenses down on your daily driver, and watch for good deals on the rental RV, you will be saving enough to be able to one day, buy for cash a nice used RV and by renting a few will have a better idea about which one you would want to buy. F-250 SCREW 4X4 Gas, 5th NuWa Premier 35FKTG, Full Time, Engineer Ret. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valgal Posted June 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Seems like some wise advice, Legendsk. Definitely something to consider. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk W Posted June 28, 2016 Report Share Posted June 28, 2016 Welcome to the forums! Good to have you finally join us here. Based upon your SKP number, it would seem that you must have joined the club back at least 15 years ago, so is it safe to assume that you do have RV experience? No RV type of vehicle is going to be in the high fuel mileage group. While one of the van camper type units would be closest, any class A that is in your price range is going to be no better than 8 mpg and probably less. According to "Auto Trader" these are the most fuel efficient vans on the market today. Mitsubishi Outlander. ... Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid. ... Mazda5. ... Ford Explorer 2.0-Liter. ... (tie) Audi Q7 TDI. ... (tie) Honda Odyssey. ... Kia Sorento. But the catch is that none of these are used to build a class B type of van conversion, so camping from one would be pretty primitive. Legendsk is probably right if you are putting a priority on the RV travel but it is important to realize that RV rentals are comparatively expensive and can easily run to more than $1000/week. We might be able to be somewhat more helpful if we knew just a bit more about you. A little of your background & experience could help with the RV suggestions and perhaps the sort of travel you wish to do. General information usually influences the best choices. Welcome aboard! Good travelin !...............KirkFull-time 11+ years...... Now seasonal travelers.Kirk & Pam's Great RV Adventure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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