I have the opportunity, should I go for it?

I'm going to be starting college soon (while living home) and as a graduation present my grandparents are going to help me purchase a vehicle. My budget is around 3,000$. Should I go for a van!? And slowly do a van build?

My long term goal is to homestead at some point, and a van could help me with that. Cause I could buy the land and just live in the van until I have the money to put a house or something else on it.

But basically I'm asking is it worth it to buy a van for 3,000 and slowly do a van build? Or should i just get a car. It would be my daily driver and I wouldn't stay in it overnight all that much. Just little weekend trips here and there until I finish college (3 years). What do you think ?

Also should I go for one of the older 80s work style vans or a newer minivan/ high mileage work van?