How I Found The Perfect Van (AWD, EcoBoost, Extended, High Roof) 😍😍😍

After reading a number of comments about the current difficulties in finding a van in-stock on a dealer lots, I figured I’d give a detailed explanation of the steps I went through to find Betty, my dream cargo van, in March of 2021.
My first step was figuring out the absolute highest loan I could get pre-qualified for so I knew what my absolute max budget was.
Once I established my maximum budget, I narrowed in on what “must-have” features I could afford, and what features I’d have to give up in order to stay within my budget.
With that list of features, I then searched nearly a dozen of the biggest cities on the west coast of the US. As soon as I found a dealer who’s website claimed to have a Van with my “must have” items in-stock, I’d reach out to that dealer directly to verify if they did in fact have the vehicle in-stock, and available to purchase.
More often than not, the vehicle had already been sold, or was custom ordered and hadn’t even been delivered to the dealership yet.
After finding a few options that were in-stock, I discussed logistics with the dealerships as all of the dealerships were at least a few hours, if not farther away from where I lived. Some were more than willing to either pick me up at the airport, or possibly even deliver the van directly to me.
The last piece of advice I’d give is simply to stick with it. It’s a lot of work, and requires tenacity, but the payoff is well worth it.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Welcome
00:44 - The First Step
03:47 - Websites Lie
04:53 - Be prepared to Travel
06:47 - Negotiate Outside of Price
07:42 - Transfer Between Lots
09:35 - Summary
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My Camera Gear 🎥: kit.co/ErikDPhoto/my-video-ge...
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[@bobstransitvan3053]

I ordered my Transit and waited nine months for it to be built. I wanted to order it so I could get exactly what I wanted - factory swivel seats, windows, color, etc. Luckily, there is a dealership close to my house that specializes in Transits.

[@ErikJohnson2020]

If the order times had been 1-2 months I probably would have custom ordered my van as well.

[@bjbhehir]

Everything I put in my van back in 2020 has doubled in price!! Espar heater, Isotherm fridge, 8020 hardware, A/C unit, insulation, maxair fan everything!!

[@bjbhehir]

That's funny I live in Reno and found my 2020 AWD Transit in San Diego. They covered the Uber ride from the airport to the dealership. I negotiated the price over the phone. This was at the beginning of Covid and dealers weren't selling anything. I flew down on South West and the plane and airports were empty!!

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

I purchased my transit from a couple states away and did a fly and drive.

[@ErikJohnson2020]

Did you tell the dealership you were flying in, or did you keep that info to yourself for negotiating?

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

@@ErikJohnson2020 it never came up until after the deal was done.

[@wendydee1884]

Whoa!! Your experience is staggering different than how it is now because of chip shortages. I appreciate your story but right now you chances are nearly zero to find one and PLEASE don’t lead ppl to think they can not negotiate. I started watching TH-cam videos to try to educate myself on buying a new vehicle because I’ve never done so. Thankfully I found YAA and the have deal school 2.0. I learned what I can negotiate and what was unrealistic. I’m confident the build price I got was fair and I did save quite a lot of money. When my van arrives and I go into the finance office I’m also ready to deal.

[@ErikJohnson2020]

Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@Greenwitch_Garden]

Does the GVWR not factor into personal vehicle registration vs commercial?? I guess I have to watch the other video…

[@sunflowerseeds8007]

Erik, were there certain options you were wanting in the van for your build? 2nd Alternator, 2nd Battery, Beefier suspension, AWD, Leather seats, media center, Rotating seats, doubled wheels in back, etc. I get the High Roof, full extended?

[@ErikJohnson2020]

So my approach was to prioritize the "must-have" items that I couldn't go back and add-on afterwards, like the extended body, high roof, or single rear wheel. Most everything else you can change or upgrade afterwards should you decide it's required.
And as for the dual vs super single rear wheel, single wheel is the better option if you plan on going off pavement, as you risk getting rocks wedged between the two wheels and then rocketing out later on the freeway.

[@thepucitian]

I saw all videos about converting vans. Is there any one who guide about the plan he made before doing any thing

[@juancorona9988]

is your van a dually?

[@joeblow1942]

A way to save thousands is to buy it in a state with no sales tax. If you have or can get residency in a state with no sales tax then many dealers outside of that state will work with you to not have to pay sales tax.

[@AZRockRunner]

Given the high interest rate and slowed down economy, i predict the supply will outstrip demand in '23. The whole vanlife will be a distant memory for some as American are returning to work in person.

[@fattie2550]

Sadly thats not happening yet. These vans are 55K now and no discounts yet.

[@Christinejs]

@@fattie2550what price were they originally

[@fattie2550]

@@Christinejs you could prob get one 35-38K after negotiating

[@user-jt8xw6fd1v]

This is the one I want - An AWD L5H3 Ecoboost Dually. Can I borrow a $100K? 😛