Anyone considering turning a van into a mobile haven is likely fuelled by a mix of wanderlust and practicality. The trend of converting used vans into custom campers continues to accelerate, and for 2025, a few standout models have continued to earn loyal fans among both full-time vanlifers and casual adventurers. Whether you picture yourself parked up on a windswept Scottish beach or stealth camping on a city street, the right van can be your ticket to freedom—or frustration.
Bold aspirations deserve solid foundations, so let’s look through the key factors, favourite models, and practical steps you’ll need to transform a solid used van into a home on wheels.
What Makes a Van Ideal for Conversion?
Before hunting for classifieds or scrolling through dealership listings, clear priorities make all the difference. Not all vans are created equal, especially when it comes to gutting and fitting them for living or travelling. Here’s what buyers look for:
Interior Space and Shape: Ample headroom, width and length can dictate layout and comfort. Squarer profiles (like the Promaster) make design easier compared to rounded ones.
Reliability and Running Costs: Diesel or petrol? Widely available parts and reasonable maintenance keep you on the road.
Affordability: Budget for not just the van, but repairs, upgrades, and registration.
Aftermarket Support: Some brands have huge communities and commercial upfitters, easing your build with ready-made parts.
Driving Experience: Whether tackling mountain passes or urban errands, handling and visibility should suit you.
With these criteria defined, five van models dominate the conversion world for good reason.
Analysing the Top Used Vans for 2025
No two conversion dreams look the same. Here’s a breakdown of the leading candidates on British roads and beyond, with their pros, cons, and likely price points for well-kept used models this year.
Model
Strengths
Common Weaknesses
Typical Used Price (2025)
Fiat Ducato/Peugeot Boxer/Citroën Relay
Spacious, boxy, widespread Euro model, efficient diesels
Can be prone to electrical quirks
£10,000 – £28,000
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Excellent reliability, luxury option, AWD available
Let’s spotlight the models most frequently chosen by successful vanlifers and conversion experts.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Sensation
Year after year, Sprinters draw those seeking a blend of dependability and status. Their diesel engines often run fit and strong well north of 200,000 miles, and RWD or AWD options attract winter adventurers and off-grid campers. The interior feels larger than the numbers suggest, and while a used example can cost more than rivals, resale value and global repair support offset this.
Veteran upfitters like Two Wandering Soles and 2Pines Upfitters routinely pick Sprinters for “flagship” builds, and with good reason:
Option for high roof, extra-long wheelbase (up to 7m)
Legendary reliability when well maintained
Modern driving technology on post-2018 models
Rising number of ready panels and kits for DIY or pro conversions
Some caveats for UK buyers include occasionally eye-watering parts prices, and the need to check service histories closely, especially on high-mileage ex-fleet units.
Ford Transit: Jack of All Trades
Few vehicles wear as many hats as the Ford Transit. From builder’s van to holiday home, it’s endlessly adaptable. Recent generations, particularly those post-2017, feature improved sound insulation, better engines, and sharper technology. Most UK garages are familiar with the Transit too, making maintenance much less stressful.
Reasons for its ongoing popularity include:
Widely available used stock all over the UK
Lower upfront cost than Mercedes and Volkswagen options
A true “blank canvas” interior, with few odd corners to work around
Good fuel economy from EcoBlue diesels
The main issue comes with older vans, where rust can creep into door sills, rear arches, and undercarriage. Inspection is essential, but a well-kept Transit is a robust base for nearly any style of conversion.
Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Relay: Europe’s Boxy Pride
These vans, the backbone of many commercial fleets, share the same core design and are produced by Stellantis in Italy. Their squared-off cargo areas are prized among converters, as are the low running costs of the 2.2L and 2.3L diesels.
Many UK and continental builders offer kits and fitting guides for these models, so taking one from tradesman’s tool hauler to stylish camper can be more straightforward than with bespoke-shaped rivals.
You’ll find them in a huge variety of lengths and roof heights, and if you’re lucky, decommissioned delivery or patient transport vans can save thousands versus buying something already marketed as a camper.
Highlights include:
Best-in-class internal width (can fit a sideways double bed)
Generally reliable with accessible mechanics
Aftermarket parts are easy to source and sensibly priced
Potential buyers should always have the electrical systems and rear suspension checked, as hard commercial use can highlight weak points.
Volkswagen Transporter & Crafter
Icons of the van life world, VW’s range appeals to both purists and new converts. The smaller Transporter, especially the T5 and T6 models, brings a cult following and sophisticated ride, ideal for solo or couples.
If space is a priority, newer Crafters bridge the gap, rivaling Sprinters in load volume while retaining that VW charm. Expect to pay a premium for anything with the badge, but their community and resale strength hold up.
Key notes:
Transporter thrives on compact layouts: fold-out beds, pop-tops, and creative storage abound
Crafter offers more “Sprinter pastiche” with German precision engineering
Early Crafters (pre-2017) can have niggling emissions and electronics issues; later models smoothed these out
Whichever VW model fits your vision, anticipate a warm welcome from existing camper clubs and plenty of inspiration online.
Quick Comparison: Driving Feel and Layout Options
A van can look huge inside but feel unwieldy on UK roads, especially through towns or winding coastal routes. Shorter wheelbase versions offer easier parking and agility, while extended versions reward with palatial living space.
Here’s a quick summary:
Model
Drive Type
Urban Handling
Max Standing Height
Most Common Conversion Use
Sprinter
RWD/AWD
Medium
200+ cm
Full-time lofted living, off-grid
Transit
FWD/RWD/AWD
High
190-205 cm
Versatile projects, families
Ducato/Relay
FWD
High
190-215 cm
Bed sideways, modular builds
Transporter
FWD/AWD
Very High
140-150 cm (not past pop-top)
Compact/intermediate campers
Crafter
FWD/RWD/AWD
Medium
196-218 cm
Large multi-zone conversions
Top Tips for Sourcing a Used Van
No matter which badge tops your shortlist, spotting a van that’s ready to become a dream home takes a blend of optimism and scrutiny:
Always check for rust, especially under window seals and beneath the chassis
Request full service history and look for advisories on recent MOTs
If possible, purchase from a leasing company or upfitter who maintained it well, avoiding ex-rental vans with hard use
Bring along moisture meters or magnets—cheap but invaluable when assessing hidden issues
The importance of a test drive cannot be overstated. Listen for odd suspension creaks, uneven braking, or electrical warning lights, all of which could balloon costs later on.
Final Checklist Before the Build
While it’s tempting to grab the nearest van and start screwing plywood to the bulkhead, a structured approach pays dividends. Before committing to a project vehicle, make sure you:
Research insurance implications. Some models carry higher premiums once converted.
Consider where you’ll park or store a high-roof van between adventures.
Confirm availability (and cost) of parts for your chosen model, especially if it’s less common in the UK.
Reach out to vanlife communities such as Two Wandering Soles or 2Pines Upfitters for guidance, build inspiration, or even pre-loved kits and components.
A thoughtfully-chosen van doesn’t just save money and frustration—it lays the foundation for thousands of memorable miles. The thrill of custom crafting your living space and awakening to new vistas is only enhanced when you know your chosen vehicle can handle whatever the next chapter brings.
Ready to open a new door? The perfect used van is out there waiting, just a test drive away.
J
About Jamie Harris
Jamie Harris is a commercial vehicle analyst and van specialist, known for his clear and practical advice to fleet buyers and small businesses across the UK. Over the past 12 years, Jamie has reviewed hundreds of vans—including every version of the Vauxhall Movano—focusing on real-world usability, dimensions, and payloads.
