Stealth Van Dweller: Avoiding Breakdowns

Reading the quantity of blogs and on line journals, a few short comings become glaringly evident. Many new Van Dwellers are jumping off the deep end without sufficient understanding of what they're getting into. Being limited by shallow pockets (lack of money), they are buying the first Van that looks like it will do the job for them. Most often these vans are dating back 20 years or more with unknown mechanical histories, and in dire need of maintenance and repair.

A successful Stealth Van Dweller will rapidly figure out that you can easily pour as much money into repairing an antiquated van as you would have spent buying a late model van in good condition, or paying rent on a comfortable apartment. When your shopping for your van the most important thing you can do is to buy the best quality vehicle you can possible afford.

Buying your traveling abode needs to be looked at as a long term investment. New would be nice, but a late model used can be almost as reliable. As with all vehicles even cargo vans depreciate as soon as they drive off the lot. By concentrating on units that are 3-4 years old, and with mileage well under 100,000 miles, you at least have a fair chance of avoiding the more costly repairs. You'll also save about half the cost of a new van.

Engine or transmission replacements cost thousands of dollars. That level of repair may sideline your plans permanently. If you're buying your van from a dealer, depending on your level of mechanical ability, you should seriously consider buying an after market warranty to protect your financial well being. At the very least you should be able to handle medium level repairs, either by paying someone else to do them, or by having the knowledge and experience to do them yourself.