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- Engine: Check the engine for oil and coolant leaks. Check fluid levels, engine cleanliness, and listen for abnormal noises when starting and accelerating. Vibrations or rattles may indicate potential problems.

- Transmission: Test the transmission by shifting gears, whether manual or automatic. Gear changes should be smooth and seamless. For automatic gearboxes, check that shifts are made without delay or jerking.

- Suspension: Press the corners of the vehicle to check the condition of the shock absorbers. If the car bounces several times, the shock absorbers may be worn. During the road test, look out for rattling or knocking noises, which may indicate suspension problems.

- Paintwork and bodywork: lookfor differences in hue or traces of paint that could indicate repairs following an accident. Also check the alignment of doors, hood and trunk, and the condition of rubber seals.

- Rust: Inspect the underbody, rocker panels, wheel arches and chassis for rust, especially on older cars. Rust can weaken the vehicle's structure.

- Windows and mirrors: check that all windows and mirrors are in good condition, with no cracks or scratches. Make sure power windows are working properly.

- Instrument panel and warning lights: when starting up, check that all warning lights (airbag, engine, ABS, etc.) come on briefly and then go out. If a warning light stays on, this may indicate a problem.

- Seats and upholstery: check the condition of the seats, their comfort, and the wear of the fabric or leather. Test manual or electric seat adjustments to see if they work properly.

- Air conditioning and heating: test the air conditioning and heating system to make sure it's working properly. Window defrosting should be effective, and air conditioning should cool quickly.

- Audio and navigation systems: switch on the radio, CD player and other multimedia systems to check their operation. If the vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, make sure it's up to date and operational.

- Tires: check tire wear by checking tread depth and looking for signs of irregular wear, which could indicate suspension or alignment problems. Also check that all four tires are of the same make and model.

- Brakes: test the brakes to make sure they respond well, without vibration or squealing noises. Check the thickness of the brake pads and the condition of the discs. Ineffective braking may indicate worn brake pads or warped discs.

- Maintenance booklet: consult the maintenance booklet to check that the car has been regularly serviced. Regular servicing, such as oil and filter changes, and periodic overhauls, are signs of a well-maintained vehicle.

- Technical inspection: check that the technical inspection is up to date and examine the report to identify any anomalies or necessary repairs. A recent roadworthiness test is a good indicator.

- Previous ownership and vehicle history: if possible, obtain a vehicle history report to check the number of previous owners, whether it has been involved in any accidents, and whether it has any major repairs.

- Driving: do a road test to assess the vehicle's handling, ride comfort and overall performance. Pay attention to the steering (must be precise and responsive), braking (must be smooth and efficient), and suspension (must absorb shocks evenly).

- Noise and vibration: listen carefully for driving noises such as squeaking or vibration, which may indicate mechanical or structural problems. Test the vehicle at different speeds and on different types of road.

Normally, with all these points of verification, your purchase should go very smoothly. The next question is where to find the best deals on used vans? The answer below! 😁

In 2024, finding the ideal used van or camper van is easier thanks to a variety of accessible options. Here are the best places to find the best deals:

1️⃣ Specialized online platforms:

- Check out sites like Le Bon Coin and La Centrale, where you can filter ads according to your precise criteria (model, year, mileage, etc.). ⭐️ Our favorites to find ads for a bare-bones vehicle to which you can add a removable van fitting kit 😉
- Explore Wevan-market, Ypocamp.fr or Roots Evasion, sites dedicated to vans and fitted vans, which offer a varied selection with detailed descriptions.

2️⃣ Car dealerships:

Visit dealerships that offer used vehicles, often with additional warranties and a full service history. Some dealers specializing in recreational vehicles also offer quality used converted vans.

3️⃣ Recreational vehicle fairs:

Take part in events such as the Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs, where numerous offers are available, and where you can compare vehicles directly. These fairs are also an opportunity to talk to professionals and get personalized advice. Come and meet us 👉 list of shows where Tchao Tchao is present !

4️⃣ Vanlife networks:

Join groups on social networks (especially Facebook) or forums dedicated to vanlife, where private individuals often sell their converted vans. These communities often share offers before they are published elsewhere, offering unique opportunities.