r/VanlifeEurope

I posted here a few days ago about a van I'm considering to buy, and I keep going back and forth on my decision so I thought I'd be a bit more detailed and ask for your advice.

My budget is around 9000€ and based in the Netherlands.
I found this Peugeot Boxer (2.2 HDI) that, together with tax, will be around 8300€

It has 190.000 km on the clock and it used to be a contractor's, so it has run a lot of cold starts.
However it seems pretty well maintained, it has a booklet with its service history and it has had some kind of maintenance service (oil change, etc.) pretty regularly.

I don't know about any other previous repairs but have been thinking about getting an independent car shop to do a check. This is 200€ so doable, but still I don't want to do this for 5 different vans.

I was already quite excited and almost decided to go for it, but then a friend pointed out that 190.000 km is very high mileage and that it's not worth the expensive maintenance in the future. I mean, I know the maintenance will get more expensive, and I have accounted for expensive repairs in my budget for the next coming years. It's just not money I have right now and I have been dreaming of this life for so long, I don't want to wait another year.

I'm just afraid that for my budget, I won't find something with a lower mileage (or the ones I do find, are in rougher shape)

What do you guys think? Is 190.000 km still acceptable or just a waste of money?

I can share the ad listing and some videos I took of the engine etc if you guys want to take a look. I'm so happy this community is here! Thank you guys!

Edit: the listing https://frieslandbedrijfswagens.nl/occasions/#1599527200-5847018-peugeot-boxer-330-2-2-hdi-150pk-l2h2-trekhaak-airco-radio-cd-apk-02-2027

Hello! My boyfriend and I are planning a trip for next year, we are thinking September. Our plan is to start in Paris and stay for a couple nights in a hotel or Airbnb, then pick up a rental van through Roadsurfer or Indie Campers and drive all the way to Rome. We would stop in Colmar, Annecy, Interlaken/Grindelwald, the Dolomites, Florence, then end in Rome. About 17 days total. Any advice on this route, the rental van companies, or just overall tips? Thank you!!

How do you manage to meet people if you travel alone ?

I'm a solo van traveler. I am trans and also lesbian so i don't feel good with everyone for obvious reason.

I'm looking for alternative people, like punk, leftist and queer. I'm french and currently in France.

I really suffer from loneliness.

A woman told me I couldn't put my hammock up on a camper parking, since it's not a campsite. It was a designated 'aire de camping car' in France. I wonder when does parking turn camping? Are there official rules? I've never seen anyone complain when you put out a chair. And what about a table (you might just park to have a lunch somewhere?) Or your awning? What if I hike somewhere and use a public space like a parkingor park to put my hammock up between the trees? I genuinely want to know when I'm breaking rules and what is fine!

I've been living in my van 3 months now and haven't met many vanlifers. I like to choose isolated parkings ,tiny villages and nature so I don't meet many others. Most people I meet are on vacation or locals. I'd love to get in touch with some other vanlifers. I'm in south of France currently (Dordogne). Any tips?

Hi! I want to add windows that open on the back doors of my 2010 Ford Transit high roof. Does anyone have any recommendations or pictures you could share? 🚐

The OutEquipPro needs to be imported from the US, there's no official european seller, which is very expensive.

Is there a good alternative for it?

I find many chinese ACs on amazon, but none of them are really reviewed.

Any ideas?

Thanks