I've been looking at vans for ages, thinking of a day van for a bit of touring in UK and Europe. Prices are at an all time high, so it's a very bad time to buy one, particularly the transporter, as the prices are even more inflated. However depreciation is very low on them so in some ways, it is a safe bet. But you're not buying reliability any more than any other make, the premium is simply for the "scene" and the badge which is very strong. From what I've read and heard, any of the other fans will do the job equally well or better, and for significantly less outlay. The Renault traffic / nv300 outsells the VW in Europe I believe and is a very good van.

Good idea Nellyjack.

whats your view of the Mazda Bongo ?

I don’t quite get camper vans . They seem like a lot of money for not many facilities. A motor home makes more sense, but usually a lot more outlay . My neighbour has a Bongo , well equipped with electric everything and Mazda general reliability. His is the petrol version , not much to go wrong , but horrendous on fuel .

For long journeys and on-site use, motorhomes are clearly better than campers - but in rural and scenic parts of the country, campers can go where motorhomes are simply too big.