The time has finally come. After months of scouring every possible second hand car selling website. Visiting a number of garages. Missing out on some fantastic deals and waving off perfect vans that had underlying mechanical issues, we’ve done it. We’ve secured our Van.
There are definitely pros and cons to the Van we have bought but that was going to be an issue to anything we picked up and in the second hand game you have to roll those dice sometimes and cross your fingers, praying everything works out. This is no exception but we feel like we’ve made the right choice for all our wants and needs. It also makes my mother feel better too which we’ll get into now.
The van in question is Mercedes Sprinter. The classic, instagrams favourite, the golden child of Van Conversions. Well in recent times anyway. Nothing will ever top the classic VW campers, and one day I wold still kill to get one of the golden oldies for myself. But yes, we went for the Sprinter. Long wheel base, obviously for that extra space, but not all the way up to the EXT edition. We found this little gem at a garage in Bridgend. The salesman is a very calm and down to earth guy who does not put any pressure on you what so ever. He lets you crack on and do what you need to do without pestering you like a wasp. I guess in the salesman world that would be seen as not good enough but I can’t imagine I’m the only person who wants to just be given the space to judge and look for myself? I’ll come to you sir if I have any questions. This was at Rhys Huish Commercials and we would recommend them to anyone local looking for a second hand van. The condition of the vans are in tip top condition. They offer a warranty on all van purchases and do not let a single one leave the shop until an MOT is completed, advisories taken care of and that the vehicle has undergone a full service. So we felt relatively safe with out purchase.
Our Van itself. As on old DPD delivery van it was in near perfect condition. The cab was clean and had barely any marks or scratches. The dashboard features a reversing camera, fully digital radio, and plenty of leg room. The chairs were comfy and looked in good condition minus the drivers seat that some of the stitching had come loose, but that was neither here nor there as I have plans replace the seats. The back of the vans was as you’d expect from a used van. Bumps and scrapes where heavy and annoying parcels have once sat and moved around. That being said, it was nowhere near as bad as I had seen in other vans and honestly with a big dust and clean you would honestly class it as unused. The exterior was in great condition. There was no evidence of rust, no major scrapes and only minor bumps and dents that are easily fixed. It was missing a side reflector and the wing mirror was broken but the garage assured us that these were on order and would be replaced before leaving the grounds.
After some more painful money spending on tax and insurance. I was ready for this giant beast to arrive. Friday 8th of July. I sat at the window like a kid trying to catch a glimpse of Santa on Christmas Eve, waiting for the large white package to turn that corner onto the street. Like a flash of lightning it appeared. I’d have rolled out the red carpet if I could. Being my first big adult purchase this was a big deal for me. Something that was fully 100% mine. (when I say I, it is Ashley talking, just in case you missed the first blog.) Everything felt like it was going in slow motion. Signing the documents, paying the cash, handing over the keys. It all went on way too long but then suddenly I was stood there, keys in hand, mouth a gape, actually petrified of doing anything. I was scared to even unlock the damn thing let alone drive it.
I jumped into the front seat. Eager to fire this thing up but also terrified. Click. Hmm… let me try that again. Click. Nothing. Holy shit no way! It doesn’t work?! I started to panic. Called the guy and he swiftly came back and came to the same conclusion. Start-up motor was not connected. My god, why now? So many weekend plans just went tumbling down. What now?!
The Van got taken away and I had all fingers crossed for it to he back with me as soon as possible. It better be back on the Saturday or I will be very upset. My whole weekend was planned on this van and now it was gone. Hopefully it won’t be a big job and everything is okay. Here is praying. My baby was gone for now, but hopefully, back stronger! #passthepod
Vanlife - Welsh Wanderers 