gerry
Newbie
Posts:2
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| 10-02-2008 9:28 AM |
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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 can't 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 |
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host
Mega-Ultra
Posts:2668
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| 10-02-2008 1:11 PM |
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Hi and welcome to Class Campers
Yes, reliability is always an issue and to own and run a VW camper is not always easy. You are right in suggesting that perhaps you should go for a different van than a VW Camper. After all these vans are very old and take a certain type of person to run and keep one on the road. Should you go for a VW camper you have to be committed and take the rough with the smooth.
I am not saying that you will not find a reliable VW bus because I had a VW Palomino for 6 years and it never, ever let me down. However, if you are looking for a reliable, cost efficient drive I would say look else where. Having said that if you do brake down in a VW camper you will be amazed how much help you will get from passers by.
I broke down once in my Devon and within 30 mins there was two VW campers there helping me replace my clutch cable.
One piece of advice through, do not buy one of the Brazilian imports; they are a cheap copy of a VW. A friend of mine had to have is resprayed after only two years.
So personally, if you require reliable motoring I would go for a second-hand moden VW Camper such as the T5 California.
Hope that helps |
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www.classcampers.com |
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Stephy
Serious User
Posts:85
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| 11-02-2008 4:37 AM |
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Errrrmmmm
At 30 grand I think that the California would be a little out of Gerrys budget.
Stephy |
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Westair
Seasoned
Posts:45
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| 11-02-2008 5:47 PM |
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A good bay can be reliable- people still drive them around Australia and most owners in Australia treat them like normal cars.
They are simple and a well serviced VW will do the job
........and they increase in value
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Kombis Keep you Younger
http://www.kombikonncection.com
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tango
Posts:19
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| 12-02-2008 4:19 AM |
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Yes i totally agree!
How dare you Admin, please try to make people relaise that the older buses are great and as long as they are well maintained they will be fine.
Tango
Must get myself an avatar |
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gerry
Newbie
Posts:2
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| 12-02-2008 5:22 AM |
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Thank you people, this is giving some some good ideas. What a great forum!
In the past I've owned a 1966 Volvo Amazon, Rover P5 & a Morris Minor and I loved them all to pieces (which is generally how they ended up). Having said earlier they gave me nothing but grief, I wasn't the best at maintaining them (the impatience of youth) and despite that they went pretty well ... reading your replies reminds of why I owned them in the first place and that it's worth the love & care you put into them.
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Westair
Seasoned
Posts:45
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| 12-02-2008 7:25 PM |
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While your previous cars were all interesting you only have to Google or Yahoo
VW or VW bus and you get literally millions of pages.
This is why worldwide there is huge support and many forums as well as many sources of new and good used parts.
Definitely go for a Type 2 or even a T3/25
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Kombis Keep you Younger
http://www.kombikonncection.com
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host
Mega-Ultra
Posts:2668
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| 13-02-2008 4:29 AM |
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Yes take back what i said, If you can aford one then get a California, but to be honest we love type 2's in all there varients. Thats why I built this forum.
I think I was just trying to be too honest. I love types 2's and I think if you maintain them, they will give you years off great motoring.
Perhaps as Westair suggested you could go for the more modern type 25/3
Cheers
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www.classcampers.com |
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