With UK staycations continuing to rise in popularity, now is a great time to buy a used campervan. Whether you're planning spontaneous weekend breaks or a cross-country European adventure, campervans offer the perfect mix of comfort, convenience and freedom.
At heycar, we've got a wide range of quality used campervans for sale to suit all budgets and lifestyles. From compact campers like the Volkswagen Caddy California to luxuriouys models like the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo, you'll find something to suit your needs.
Looking for something more affordable or unique? DIY campervan conversions have surged in popularity in recent years. Scroll down to learn more about converting your own van, or check out our expert guide to the best campervans you can buy in 2025.
Absolutely. Medium-sized panel vans and kombi vans are ideal for campervan conversions. They’re easy to drive, fuel-efficient, and spacious enough to create a comfortable living space. Whether you're doing it yourself or hiring a professional, a converted camper can be a great way to get more for your money.
While most used vans are diesel-powered, newer models are also available with petrol, plug-in hybrid or even fully electric powertrains – offering more choice if you’re looking to reduce emissions and running costs.
The Volkswagen Transporter, in its various forms and generations, remains the number one choice for conversions into a camper. It’s a favourite for countless people and with a whole host of companies offering parts and accessories specifically for the Transporter family, it's easy to see why.
However, there are some excellent choices away from the Volkswagen route. Other popular choices include the Ford Transit and the Mercedes Sprinter (which is available with four-wheel drive for off-grid exploring), as well as the Fiat Ducato, the Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay, and the Renault Master.
As with so much in life, the cost of converting a van into a camper depends on your ambitions. A simple setup with a bed platform and storage could cost as little as £500, while a fully equipped conversion with a kitchen, insulation, electrics and plumbing could cost anything from £2500 to north of £15,000.
Your final cost will depend on factors like materials, professional labour, and any luxury extras – want to add solar panels, pop-tops or heating systems? Be prepared to shell out extra. As with so many custom projects, the sky is the limit.
Yes, converting a van is generally more cost-effective than buying a ready-built campervan. It also gives you complete personalisation to suit your specific needs, whether you're after a minimalist weekend getaway van or a full-time live-in vehicle.
Keep in mind, however, that time, effort and know-how are needed, especially if you're doing the work yourself.
As well as the van itself, you’ll need to think about factors like insurance, tax and maintenance costs.
Campervan insurance can differ from standard vehicle insurance – you’ve got the added value of internal fixtures and fittings, and the use of a camper is usually quite different to that of a standard commercial vehicle. Your insurer will need to know about any modifications.
There could also be different tax rates or MOT testing requirements, depending on the classification of your campervan.
When it comes to maintenance, regular checks and servicing will be crucial for the longevity of your campervan, not to mention safety. And if you're adding equipment in to your camper, you'll need to check up on weight and load limits for your vehicle to ensure it's both safe and legal.
When you look to buy a used campervan, conduct the most thorough inspection you can. You could even consider a professional evaluation – while it’s an up-front cost, it can pay dividends by highlighting any issues that could be more expensive down the line. You want your campervan to bring you happiness and adventure, not unexpected bills and headaches.
It’s worth checking online for answers to any specific questions you might have. The campervan community is a broad and knowledgeable one, and the chances are high that whatever problem you’re facing, whatever problem you have, someone somewhere has been through it all before.
If you're not sure if a used campervan is quite right for you, we've got 1000s of used vans for sale to suit all budgets and needs.
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