Hi all BR's
My Brother-in-law is wanting to spend about £2.5K on a VW camper.
He hasn't got a clue about campers/cars/engines etc, and i've tried convincing him this would be a bad idea - i suspect he won't have any cash available for major maintainance.
He's having non of it, so any suggestions as to the most reliable/cheepest to maintain models, and any general advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
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Rot...rot...rot.
I've just been through a similar exercise looking for a Beetle (It's in discussion called Classic VW Beetle). The main thing to look for is rot. It's easy to buy a clean looking VW to find that it's held together by nothing more than a couple of bolts (extreme situation of course).
£2500 will buy a later model camper with an MOT, but it would probably be tatty. But again, as long as it's not rotting in front of your eyes, it should be ok.
The engines appear to be pretty much bullet proof, but again check out my thread for details.
Cheers.
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A few (perhaps more than I care to admit) years ago, Sunday morning around the Aldwych in London was the place to go. By Australia House IIRC, all the Ozzies and Kiwis were selling off after overlanding it here in them.
Don't know if it still happens though.
Personally I'd want to go for something a little more comfortable, but maybe out of his price range.
www.reposales.com/gvlot.htm
:o)
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Terry
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thanks for the comments guys, i'll pass them on.
Terry, the motor homes look very luxurious and gas guzzling! He could buy his first small house around here for those prices! Last year in the US i saw a lot of huge winnebagos(sp?) - most of them were towing equally huge SUV's! In the UK a campervan and a bike rack seem more the norm!
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It looks to me as if Aussies and Kiwis now sell their camper vans outside Caledonian Market in Market Road, London N7
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Hi Phil
£2500 would get a late 'bay window' though it would need bodywork repairs. As the youngest of these vehicles is now 25 years old. Look out for bodged or tarted up vans. The large panels means crappy repairs show up like a sore thumb.
The rot spots are front wheel arches especially under the seats and where the seat belt mounts are. Rear arches and quarter panels and engine compartment panels.
All these are repairable but dont underestimate the time, effort or cost of repairing them properly.
Mechanical and body panel availiability is good but quality and prices vary so shop around and contact the many owners clubs and buy the various magazines. They are a good source of helpful advice and expertise.
Running costs. Expect low to mid twenties miles per gallon
Spanner
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Go for the newest model you can find.
Preferably one that needs simple maintenance.
Your B. in-law can get bits from Euro or GSF carparts cheaply and I bet you know someone who can fit them.
Good choice
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