Campervan Newbie ... where do we start?!

[gerry]

We're thinking of joining the legions of campervan owners but we're new to the dub world and aren't sure where to start. I've had classic cars in the past which have given me nothing but grief, and although I still loved them to pieces I'm wary of treading that path again with hubs, 18-month-old son (another planned) and dog in tow!

We've been looking at the new Brazilian imports but not sure if we can stretch to the price. Neither of us are particularly good mechanically but we can do basic maintenance. I guess what we're looking for is something which needs no work, is pretty reliable, sleeps 2 + 2 little 'uns and is practical, up to about £15k.

We love the old campers (who doesn't?) but not sure if they're practical so open to persuasion about the newer models. Any advice for a newbie from you old hands out there? Which models should we avoid and which are sure bets?

Cheers

[leviticus18_23]

I always wanted a Bay, but after 5 years of owning a Beetle decided to get something more modern. The old ones look nicer, but they require more maintenance and work to keep them on the road. When its just the two of you, getting there is part of the adventure - but once you have children, sitting on the hard shoulder when it's snowing is absolutely no fun at all... plus you don't have the time to do all the maintenance.

You probably want a T25 or T4 Westfalia or Multivan with a pop top. High tops are good until you need to get into a multi storey car park.

have a look here:
http://www.eastfalia.com/vans.php
there are a selection of T25s and T4s...

I have a T4 panel van with a 'lite' camper interior. It's basically a big Golf to drive.

You can pick up an ex-AA van at a reasonable price and put a bed in the back and get a pop top fitted - and be within your budget.

Have a look at Club 80-90 (T25s) and the T4 Forum (T4s & T5s). Also, do a search on the internet and see if there are any local clubs with meets that you can go to - that way you can have a chat with some owners too.

While I don't advise a rush to get something, prices will start to go up in the next month or two!

[bbrich1968]

Interesting one,
With that budget you could look at one of the older types.
Look at it from the point of view of what you will use for your daily runner.
Do you want to tax and mot and insure an extra motor? Do you have dry space for your extra wheels?
I have a late bay in a really slow state of restoration, work etc not allowing me to get going with it properly. Managed to squeeze 10k together that should have been spent on the resto but purchased another van to use now.

Whilst deciding what to buy the choices presenting themselves were
1) buy a t4 to use as a daily runner and get rid of my near dead passat.
2) buy a late t3 and do the same as above.
3) go to a good reputation dealer (you'll see them all over the vw camper mags and give them specifics your wants and needs and have a look whilst there at what they can do for you)
4) blow it all on a holiday.

In the end i settled for keeping my near dead passat and purchased a nice bay import westy from north wales.
To keep it in as good nick as the day it was purchased and because i dont have the time it goes to manchester Aircooled to be looked after properly.

The wife and two boys age 6 & 8 love it to death, once the awning is up spending a week or two away is no problem and the slower drive of the bay makes for a nice relaxing time.

As long as you buy a good un youll be ok no matter what the type and youll always be able to sell a good one on. I would buy what you really like the look of and experience all of its good and bad bits but take into account the points at the start.

Yeah i know im waffling but i hope this helps.

[LT31camper]

My girlfriend and I have just bought a converted LT31 Hi-top as it is in lovely condition and was really cheap! The added size is a bonus as we have a pet Husky and she prefers room to stretch out - as do I. Its a 1982 van with a genuine 70 000 miles having been a community ambulance in its early years. It was then professionally converted. Its a 2 litre petrol so a bit sluggish and can be thirsty if driven hard but plodding along at 50 she;s fine. At just over £1000 she was a bargain and there may well be a diesel conversion ahead and longer trips thru Europe. I would like to make her look a bit more funky though?? Any suggestions??

Anyway, I would suggest you go for it but make sure condition is paramount in whatever vehicle you opt for.

ps Anyone know of any other fans of the LT????

[fljaweiu]

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