Test Driving a Van Before Purchase

Try Before You Buy!

Just as you wouldn’t buy a house without touring it or getting an inspection first, you also don’t want to buy a home on wheels without taking it for a test drive. Checking out a van in person allows you to feel how well the van handles, look under the hood, try out the appliances, and get a much better picture for the condition it is in.

Today we are going to explore why you should test drive a campervan before purchasing one, what to look for in both a test drive and components, questions to ask the seller, Noovo’s Try Before You Buy program, and other essential tips to help you buy the right van with confidence!

The Importance of Test Driving a Van Before Your Purchase

When venturing into the world of van ownership, we know there are a LOT of options out there– everything from your neighbor’s homemade garage project, to polished and professional custom builds. In order to find a vehicle that aligns seamlessly with your lifestyle and preferences, you have to get behind the wheel and take it for a spin. As they say, not all that glitters is gold, and sometimes photos do not convey the reality of the van’s condition. By taking it for a test drive you can see and hear firsthand how well the van operates, as well as ensure the features and appliances meet your expectations and needs.

Avoiding Regrets and Costly Mistakes

Taking your prospective van for a comprehensive test drive can be the key to avoiding regrets and costly mistakes. Customizing your campervan to perfection is an exciting prospect, but without firsthand experience, you might overlook vital factors. When people buy vans sight unseen, they often wish they had known things such as how much space was in the dining area, how comfortable the bed was, or how easy it is to monitor battery usage or water levels. Perhaps more importantly, purchasing a van is a significant financial investment, and you don’t want to waste your money! If something seems like too good of a deal, there might be a reason! People often purchase used vans and end up with a whole bunch of problems they weren’t expecting because they didn’t take the time to test drive it or ask the right questions. Test driving allows you to assess comfort, handling, and other operating essentials, giving you a much better idea of how the van feels and if it is worth your money.

Personal Experience and Budget Refinement

Test driving isn't just a practical step, it's an essential part of your integration into vanlife. Your personal experience behind the wheel will refine your understanding of what you truly need and want in a van. The more types of vans you try, the more you will know what you like and don’t like. Additionally, a test drive helps refine your budget by identifying which features are a must-have and which ones you can live without.

How to Prepare for a Campervan Test Drive

5 Things to Look for During a Test Drive

Whether or not you are purchasing a brand new campervan, there are important things to look for with a test drive. If you are purchasing a used van, be even more diligent in your testing and assessment, as personal sellers often omit flaws or damages in their descriptions.

Here are 5 aspects to consider during your test drive:

1. Driving Comfort and Visibility:

• Check the driver's seat for comfort and adjustability. Ensure you have a clear line of sight with minimal blind spots.
• Assess the overall driving experience, including steering responsiveness, braking, and noise levels while driving.
• Ensure the heat and air conditioning work, and make sure the audio features are to your liking.
  

2. Mechanical Condition:

• Listen for any unusual noises from the engine, transmission, or suspension.
• Pay attention to how smoothly the vehicle shifts gears and accelerates.
• Test the brakes to make sure they respond well and don't exhibit any issues.
  

3. Campervan Systems:

• Test all the onboard systems, such as the water pump, stove, refrigerator, heater, and air conditioner.
• Check the electrical system, including lights, outlets, and any other electrical appliances. All Noovo vans have a digital monitor to gauge battery life, water levels, etc.
• Verify that the plumbing system is leak-free and functions properly.
  

4. Space and Layout:

• Evaluate the interior space and layout to ensure it meets your needs and preferences for storage, accessibility, or remote working.
• Check the functionality of features like folding beds, storage compartments, drawers, cabinets, and seating arrangements.
• Consider the ease of use and accessibility of amenities like the kitchen and bathroom facilities.
  

5. Maintenance Records and History:

• Request and review the campervan's maintenance records to understand its repair and service history.
• Look for signs of regular maintenance and any major repairs or modifications.
• Check/confirm the mileage and overall condition of the vehicle to gauge its wear and tear.
  

Bonus Tip:

Connect with other van owners from the same company or who drive the same van and get their opinion! What do they like or not like about it? Noovo’s Ambassador Program is a great way to chat with other vanlifers to get the inside scoop! It can also be helpful to read blogs from people with similar interests to learn about their experience.

Questions to Ask the Seller

If you don’t ask the question, you won’t know the answer! It is important to inquire about the van's maintenance history, any previous issues, and the condition of any custom components in the campervan. This ensures that your purchase decision is not only based on the test drive but also on the van's overall condition and upkeep.

When buying a campervan, it's important to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision.

Here are some questions you should ask the seller:

1. Vehicle History:

• Can you provide the vehicle's maintenance and service records?
• Has the campervan been involved in any accidents? If so, what repairs were made? (Always good to crosscheck with CarFax!)
• Are there any outstanding recalls on the vehicle?
• What type of driving has the vehicle primarily been used for (e.g., city commuting, long road trips)?
• Has it been used for off-road or heavy-duty purposes?
  

2. Mechanical Condition:

• How often has the campervan been serviced, and when was the last service?
• Are there any known mechanical issues or concerns with the engine, transmission, or other critical components?
• Has the vehicle undergone any recent inspections or repairs?
• Are there any known cosmetic issues or damage to the interior or exterior?
  

3. Campervan Systems:

• Can you demonstrate how the various campervan systems work, such as water, electricity, heating, and appliances?
• Are there any known issues with the kitchen, bathroom, or other onboard amenities?
• How is the condition of the tires, and when were they last replaced?
• Have there been any modifications or customizations made to the campervan?
• Are there any aftermarket accessories or features that come with the sale?
  

4. Warranty and Return Policy:

• Does the campervan come with any remaining manufacturer's warranty or an extended warranty?
• What is the seller's policy on returns, guarantees, or repairs if issues arise shortly after the purchase?
  

5. Reason for Selling and Title:

• Why are you selling the campervan?
• Has the vehicle been reliable during your ownership?
• Is the title clear, and can you provide a copy for review?
• Is the registration up-to-date, and are there any outstanding fees or issues with the title?
  

Asking these questions, in addition to a test drive, will help you assess the condition of the campervan, understand its history and quality of components, and make a more informed decision before making a purchase.

If you are purchasing a brand new van, not all of these questions apply, but still ask about the quality of the appliances and electronics, other buyers’ experiences, and do your research on any specific features like heating and cooling elements, solar panels, etc.

Noovo's Try Before You Buy Program

Noovo's Try Before You Buy program offers the unique opportunity to test drive a Noovo van before purchasing, allowing you to explore various models and features, ensuring that the campervan you choose is the perfect fit for you! This program allows you to take a van out for 48 hours, and then if you choose to purchase the van, the rental cost is subtracted from your total. You can even try a few different models to see which features you like best.

Benefits of Test Driving a Noovo Van Before You Buy

Participating in Noovo's Try Before You Buy program gives you the chance to experience life in a campervan for a small trip. You get to feel how well it handles, how easy it is to drive, park, and sleep in, and which features are essential for your comfort and safety. The extended test period allows you to evaluate the van thoroughly, making certain it meets your needs for life on the road! Other benefits include speaking with the van builders directly, touring the Noovo facility in Las Vegas, and getting to see the ins and outs of everything that goes into building the highest-quality vans on the market.

Ready to take a Noovo van out for a test drive? Contact us today and you’ll be on the road in no time!

Finalizing Your Van Purchase Decision

Evaluating Your Test Drive Experience

After a test drive, it's essential to fully evaluate your experience. Consider each of the campervan features you've explored, the comfort levels, and how well the van aligns with your expectations and needs. Identify which features are non-negotiable, those that are preferred but not essential, and which ones you don’t want. Knowing what type of driving and in which type of climate or road conditions is also important! Reflect on your overall experience with the test drive and compare it to other models you tried. Overall, being able to make a wholistic assessment in addition to your budget and preferences will ensure that you make an informed purchase decision.

Making an Informed Purchase

Armed with insights gained from the test drive, your vanlife preparation, and an understanding of the van maintenance essentials, you're now poised to make an informed purchase. Whether you choose Noovo or another provider, the key is that your decision is based on a thorough test drive and a holistic approach to van ownership. By knowing what to look for on your test drive and asking the seller the questions outlined in this blog, you will make a much more informed decision on which campervan is right for you! Here’s to a fulfilling and satisfying journey into the world of van ownership!

Ready to customize your dream van? Try the Noovo campervan configurator!