caravancruise.ie – HIGHLY SPECIFIED USED VANS ARE RISING IN VALUE AS THEY BECOME A TARGET FOR CONVERSION INTO CAMPER VANS

HIGHLY SPECIFIED USED VANS ARE RISING IN VALUE AS THEY BECOME A TARGET FOR CONVERSION INTO CAMPER VANS

Aug 02, 2013 News 0

Companies investing in high spec vans are seeing a positive return at sale time
Air conditioning, electric windows, metallic paint and tailgates are all boosting residual values
The VW Transporter is still the favourite base vehicle for conversion into a camper van

The camper van revolution is growing at such a rate that motorists who do not need a van for their work and who aren’t VAT registered are buying used vans to convert into motor homes.

Online remarketing specialist Autorola is experiencing a huge increase in demand for high specification vans with air conditioning, metallic paint, reversing sensors and a rear tailgate as they are a prime candidate for conversion into a camper van.

By far the most popular van is the VW Transporter which makes the ideal home on wheels and which has loads of ‘street cred’.

“The camper van is making a welcome return and many of our trade buyers are purchasing vans specifically to sell to consumers as a base vehicle for conversion into a camper van,” explained Neil Frost, Autorola’s head of operations.

“Demand for high spec Transporter vans continues to rise, as do prices, despite the eventual owner not being able to recover the VAT on the van’s purchase.

“As a fleet operator it makes the investment in options such as electric windows, metallic paint and air conditioning worth it as they are pushing up values when it reaches the used market,” he added.

Typical prices – A VW TransporterT30 LWB with a high level of specification on a 12-plate is making between £14,000 to £15,000 at trade. Post conversion the vehicles will sell at retail for over £30,000.