I have decided to become a van dweller and I have been camping in my 2010 Toyota Corolla S. I really want to get a reliable van to take cross country from Tennessee to the West Coast but I have found difficulty finding one in my budget ($5,000) I want to trade in my Toyota. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can go about finding a van. I want a reliable vehicle since I’ll be a woman on the road.
Ashley, Welcome to the forum. Finding a reliable vehicle in your budget range will be a challenge. You will be looking at older vehicles with high miles, so reliability will be an issue. That said; your best sources for an affordable reliable van are your local school systems. They are usually well maintained, and come with service records. Make a few calls to find out what’s available in your area.
I would NOT consider a fleet/delivery vehicle, as any in your price range will be junk.
Good Luck in your search!
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School districts are something I have been looking into for the reasons Svan listed.
Other suggestions I received were Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Some sellers are open to trades. I’m finding that I have to expand my search to look across multiple states. I don’t know what to look for in a used car so my uncle suggested asking if I can take the vehicle in for a pre-purchase inspection if a mechanic can’t go with me.
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