My suggestion, grey import (specialists sell these in some number) conversions based on the previous shape Toyota Hiace, might be called Granvia but there are probably several others and i'm not up to date with the models.

Edit, Alphard., Hiace Wagon.

Option of 2.5 or 3.0 litre turbo Diesel (or 3.4 V6 petrol, a very tough engine ripe for LPG conversion), these are Hilux/Landcruiser engines and the base vehicle is more or less a 2WD Hilux, very reliable, very simple (cambelt 1 hour change first time DIY on the Hilux/LC, might be more awkward on the van), and they will last a long time compared to the typical eurovan...the new Proace is a rebadged Citroen Dispatch, and whilst it seems a decent vehicle the jury is out on whether it lasts like the old model.

You might get 40mpg on a steady long run on the 3.0 litre but i'd more suggest 35mpg on a run, same engine in Landcruiser can just about manage 30 on a run but that's dragging a lot of extra transmission round.

Vans usually suffer with rust, not being designed for long life, but those Toyotas buck the trend and last years.

You might a UK vehicle thats suits, but i'd be inclined to get the same vehicle ex Japan where it won't have seen any salt in its lifetime and as you work on converting it for your plans, rustproofing it properly can be done along the way as you are starting with a clean sheet.

You might find some interesting ideas on www.tradecarview.com/used_car/toyota/all/

Ford Transit usually a decent bet, but rust is a serious issue with them and finding one that's not seen salt would be almost impossible.

Edited by gordonbennet on 11/08/2019 at 14:48

Most reliable van would almost certainly be the Toyota Hiace (based on the Hilux pickup). But the youngest of them is going to be around 2009/2010, and owners are (understandably) loathed to part with them, so there are never that many for sale!. They came in short and long wheelbase versions, the lwb having an extra 50cm or so between front and rear wheels which could be useful. Bear in mind they are also quite narrow, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your criteria (obviously with the usual camper/day van layout of side units + rock 'n' roll bed, this will limit the width of the bed!), but they are about 1.8m wide (excluding mirrors). They are however, a fairly popular base, so plenty of stuff available (including pop up roofs).

There is also the option of going for a Japanese import MPV, though as more or less all of them are petrol auto's, you would struggle to get near 40mpg (LPG conversion?). Plenty of varieties of MPV available, including the Toyota's based on the Hiace which will most likely have either a 2.7 4 cyl or 3.4 V6. Other options are, Honda Stepwagon/Elysion, Toyota Noah/Voxy/Estima/Alphard/Vellfire, Nissan Elgrand/Serena, Mitsubishi Delica.

Other actual vans?, like you say, very difficult to find good info, but i think avoiding those with 'known' problems is a good start. Thing is, vans can and do lead very hard lives, often at the hands of drivers who don't actually own them and hence have absolutely no mechanical sympathy whatsoever!. So the main problem would be sifting through the junk to find something owned, driven and looked after with a bit of care.

Most vans have the potential to be reliable if serviced properly and regularly and driven well, and the best chance of achieving that is to get something as young as possible, with reasonably low miles, and good service record. Your budget is pretty high, but bear in mind the majority of vans are + VAT, so that gives you just over £9000 to play with.

How about a Mazda Bongo? This one is a 8 seater and has 3 rows of seats. Rear windows already fitted and interior already trimmed. It's a 2006.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201908101005143

The following one has already been converted into a camper. Personally wouldn't go for this one as it has failed previous MOT's for corrosion in various places. It's very old as it's a 1995. You can however see how the conversion has been done. Looks as if the leisure battery is under the rear seat.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201907290551515

1st one is Petrol automatic, so probably has no chance in getting 40 MPG. You have to watch with these, as a lot of them have the registered date in the advert as the imported date and not the date of 1st registration in their original country. However the year seems to be correct on the registration plate.

These may well be too old for you, but just thought I'd post them up as a possibility.

Problem with vans in this country is most of them get hammered stupid. Even the leased public sector ones get treated badly and miss services. I wouldn't buy a used one. The Bongos are generally used as private vehicles, so usually will have had an easier life.