VW Camper Confusion
Discussion
Trabi601 said:
Forget VWs.
Loads more kit / comfort and refinement than a VW, Renault or Ford van.
But he wants a VW camper...Loads more kit / comfort and refinement than a VW, Renault or Ford van.
I've just bought a T5, cost me 15k for a low mileage 140bhp 2011 model - luckily all the outside aesthetics were done so I'm just starting the conversion. Bill will likely be around 4k, maybe 5, the big stuff is the approved bed (if you want to take passengers), fridge (£500!) and units. Other stuff is reasonable but adds up. Great fun so far but its taking me ages just to figure out how to do stuff.
I had the thought around marques - why a VW, I wasn't particularly tied to the brand and considered other marques as they are so much cheaper. But I just found nothing looked as good as the VW, plus the sheer amount of support and options out there made it the obvious choice, and I love it so far! Its sad to say, and they are common as hell, but they are just plain cool. Anything else just looked old man and cardigan (though I'm not getting any younger!) and I know I'd be constantly looking at VWs and wishing I'd bought one.
ozzuk said:
But he wants a VW camper...
I've just bought a T5, cost me 15k for a low mileage 140bhp 2011 model - luckily all the outside aesthetics were done so I'm just starting the conversion. Bill will likely be around 4k, maybe 5, the big stuff is the approved bed (if you want to take passengers), fridge (£500!) and units. Other stuff is reasonable but adds up. Great fun so far but its taking me ages just to figure out how to do stuff.
I had the thought around marques - why a VW, I wasn't particularly tied to the brand and considered other marques as they are so much cheaper. But I just found nothing looked as good as the VW, plus the sheer amount of support and options out there made it the obvious choice, and I love it so far! Its sad to say, and they are common as hell, but they are just plain cool. Anything else just looked old man and cardigan (though I'm not getting any younger!) and I know I'd be constantly looking at VWs and wishing I'd bought one.
Precisely the point why VWs are so popular - they just look the part (and always have done)I've just bought a T5, cost me 15k for a low mileage 140bhp 2011 model - luckily all the outside aesthetics were done so I'm just starting the conversion. Bill will likely be around 4k, maybe 5, the big stuff is the approved bed (if you want to take passengers), fridge (£500!) and units. Other stuff is reasonable but adds up. Great fun so far but its taking me ages just to figure out how to do stuff.
I had the thought around marques - why a VW, I wasn't particularly tied to the brand and considered other marques as they are so much cheaper. But I just found nothing looked as good as the VW, plus the sheer amount of support and options out there made it the obvious choice, and I love it so far! Its sad to say, and they are common as hell, but they are just plain cool. Anything else just looked old man and cardigan (though I'm not getting any younger!) and I know I'd be constantly looking at VWs and wishing I'd bought one.
ozzuk said:
But he wants a VW camper...
I've just bought a T5, cost me 15k for a low mileage 140bhp 2011 model - luckily all the outside aesthetics were done so I'm just starting the conversion. Bill will likely be around 4k, maybe 5, the big stuff is the approved bed (if you want to take passengers), fridge (£500!) and units. Other stuff is reasonable but adds up. Great fun so far but its taking me ages just to figure out how to do stuff.
I had the thought around marques - why a VW, I wasn't particularly tied to the brand and considered other marques as they are so much cheaper. But I just found nothing looked as good as the VW, plus the sheer amount of support and options out there made it the obvious choice, and I love it so far! Its sad to say, and they are common as hell, but they are just plain cool. Anything else just looked old man and cardigan (though I'm not getting any younger!) and I know I'd be constantly looking at VWs and wishing I'd bought one.
I just don't 'get' the VW scene - people pay silly money for some pretty poor products. And ultimately, you're still driving a commercial vehicle. Even T5s and T6s get criticised for being agricultural compared with other vans - and they're like driving a tractor in comparison with the big Jap. 'minivans'. If there are only 2 of you and you had been looking at a SWB VW, then you really should do yourself a favour and try the Alphards and Elgrands. It's a real eye opener.I've just bought a T5, cost me 15k for a low mileage 140bhp 2011 model - luckily all the outside aesthetics were done so I'm just starting the conversion. Bill will likely be around 4k, maybe 5, the big stuff is the approved bed (if you want to take passengers), fridge (£500!) and units. Other stuff is reasonable but adds up. Great fun so far but its taking me ages just to figure out how to do stuff.
I had the thought around marques - why a VW, I wasn't particularly tied to the brand and considered other marques as they are so much cheaper. But I just found nothing looked as good as the VW, plus the sheer amount of support and options out there made it the obvious choice, and I love it so far! Its sad to say, and they are common as hell, but they are just plain cool. Anything else just looked old man and cardigan (though I'm not getting any younger!) and I know I'd be constantly looking at VWs and wishing I'd bought one.
Trabi601 said:
I just don't 'get' the VW scene - people pay silly money for some pretty poor products. And ultimately, you're still driving a commercial vehicle. Even T5s and T6s get criticised for being agricultural compared with other vans - and they're like driving a tractor in comparison with the big Jap. 'minivans'. If there are only 2 of you and you had been looking at a SWB VW, then you really should do yourself a favour and try the Alphards and Elgrands. It's a real eye opener.
Exactly, as you say, ....you don't 'get' the VW scene.The VW has always had more 'character' - the iconic vehicle for surfers, tourists, young families, old families, anybody wanting to do their own bit of personal modification etc etc. You won't get any of that with the makes you're suggesting.
Trabi601 said:
I just don't 'get' the VW scene - people pay silly money for some pretty poor products. And ultimately, you're still driving a commercial vehicle. Even T5s and T6s get criticised for being agricultural compared with other vans - and they're like driving a tractor in comparison with the big Jap. 'minivans'. If there are only 2 of you and you had been looking at a SWB VW, then you really should do yourself a favour and try the Alphards and Elgrands. It's a real eye opener.
T5s aren't remotely agricultural to drive, very car like in fact. Whether you 'get the scene' or not (and I'm not saying I do either), there's no denying that due to their popularity you can get absolutely anything and everything off the shelf to convert them. That is why I bought one, and over three years later I have no regrets. As a bonus, it's still worth pretty much what it cost me to buy and build. Try doing the same with a Vivaro, Transit or other less popular make. The VW 'scene tax' may cost you when you buy, but it also helps when you come to sell on.Trabi601 said:
I just don't 'get' the VW scene - people pay silly money for some pretty poor products. And ultimately, you're still driving a commercial vehicle. Even T5s and T6s get criticised for being agricultural compared with other vans - and they're like driving a tractor in comparison with the big Jap. 'minivans'. If there are only 2 of you and you had been looking at a SWB VW, then you really should do yourself a favour and try the Alphards and Elgrands. It's a real eye opener.
The thing is I don't see an Alphard or Elgrand as any better value for money. A quick look online suggests £10k will get you one about 15 years / 60k miles. For that price you can get a Transporter half the age, probably a few more miles but as they're good for 200k+ it's no big deal.The Alphard/Elgrand may be a little more 'PH' with a V6 petrol, but in reality they're just going to be slow and thirsty. Yes, the looks are different/quirky but most people don't want a 'soccer-mom' style MPV.
The VW is so popular because of the history - they've been around in various forms for decades and so have a cult following. Their popularity also means plenty of different options to convert and plenty of guides on how to do it. And a decent conversion with proper insulation goes a long way towards improving refinement.
The scene is also a big part of it for many people. They don't just want a camper to go away for the odd weekend, they also want to go to various shows or meets, like any like minded group of enthusiasts.
LeighW said:
Trabi601 said:
I just don't 'get' the VW scene - people pay silly money for some pretty poor products. And ultimately, you're still driving a commercial vehicle. Even T5s and T6s get criticised for being agricultural compared with other vans - and they're like driving a tractor in comparison with the big Jap. 'minivans'. If there are only 2 of you and you had been looking at a SWB VW, then you really should do yourself a favour and try the Alphards and Elgrands. It's a real eye opener.
T5s aren't remotely agricultural to drive, very car like in fact.Antony Moxey said:
LeighW said:
Trabi601 said:
I just don't 'get' the VW scene - people pay silly money for some pretty poor products. And ultimately, you're still driving a commercial vehicle. Even T5s and T6s get criticised for being agricultural compared with other vans - and they're like driving a tractor in comparison with the big Jap. 'minivans'. If there are only 2 of you and you had been looking at a SWB VW, then you really should do yourself a favour and try the Alphards and Elgrands. It's a real eye opener.
T5s aren't remotely agricultural to drive, very car like in fact.I think Leigh's point refers to levels of refinement, rather than handling. No one expects a van or people carrier to be the best option for hooning round back roads, but then no-one buys them for that purpose. A decent T5 camper conversion properly insulated does have car-like levels of refinement.
Zetec-S said:
I think Leigh's point refers to levels of refinement, rather than handling. No one expects a van or people carrier to be the best option for hooning round back roads, but then no-one buys them for that purpose. A decent T5 camper conversion properly insulated does have car-like levels of refinement.
Yes, that's exactly what I meant. I think some people just like to be contrary for the sake of it. When I was a kid, my dad had a Bedford CF. That drove like a van.Zetec-S said:
The thing is I don't see an Alphard or Elgrand as any better value for money. A quick look online suggests £10k will get you one about 15 years / 60k miles. For that price you can get a Transporter half the age, probably a few more miles but as they're good for 200k+ it's no big deal.
The Alphard/Elgrand may be a little more 'PH' with a V6 petrol, but in reality they're just going to be slow and thirsty. Yes, the looks are different/quirky but most people don't want a 'soccer-mom' style MPV.
The VW is so popular because of the history - they've been around in various forms for decades and so have a cult following. Their popularity also means plenty of different options to convert and plenty of guides on how to do it. And a decent conversion with proper insulation goes a long way towards improving refinement.
The scene is also a big part of it for many people. They don't just want a camper to go away for the odd weekend, they also want to go to various shows or meets, like any like minded group of enthusiasts.
Well, they're thirsty, I'll give you that, but that's why you have LPG on one. Cost equivalency with diesel. But slow they are not - I ran out of road at 125mph in Germany a couple of weeks ago - it was still pulling.The Alphard/Elgrand may be a little more 'PH' with a V6 petrol, but in reality they're just going to be slow and thirsty. Yes, the looks are different/quirky but most people don't want a 'soccer-mom' style MPV.
The VW is so popular because of the history - they've been around in various forms for decades and so have a cult following. Their popularity also means plenty of different options to convert and plenty of guides on how to do it. And a decent conversion with proper insulation goes a long way towards improving refinement.
The scene is also a big part of it for many people. They don't just want a camper to go away for the odd weekend, they also want to go to various shows or meets, like any like minded group of enthusiasts.
Your prices are off - 15 years old would cost you £6k-£7k as an MPV - then add a conversion. Including purchase, LPG and camper fit, ours was about £11k.
However... it wasn't just that it had 58k miles on it, but because it came direct to us from Japan, it was totally, utterly rust and corrosion free. I had a look underneath on arrival and before undersealing. It was like something that had barely been driven out the showroom door. Plus they're all really well equipped - usually at least one power sliding door, plus power tailgate, Climate control with separate front and rear zones, electric curtains, front and rear cameras, lane departure warning etc.
The VW 'scene' does little for me - everyone trying to be 'individual', but all driving the same thing!
Our van created lots of interest on the ferry and in the camp-sites - people can't believe how well the space is used or just how opulent the cabin is - remember, these things are essentially a Lexus in all but name and new ones are north of £60k - with the equivalent of what we have now coming in at £80k.
Trabi601 said:
Your prices are off - 15 years old would cost you £6k-£7k as an MPV - then add a conversion. Including purchase, LPG and camper fit, ours was about £11k.
Yep, fair point, being imports it wasn't always obvious what age they were, but looking properly I can see they are a fair bit cheaper than I first thought.Trabi601 said:
The VW 'scene' does little for me - everyone trying to be 'individual', but all driving the same thing!
I understand your point, but it's the same with any scene. The great thing about VW's is there are so many off the shelf options you're unlikely to find any 2 exactly the same.Trabi601 said:
Our van created lots of interest on the ferry and in the camp-sites - people can't believe how well the space is used or just how opulent the cabin is
They are different, so I'm sure will get a bit more attention. The trouble is I come back to the 'soccer mom' styling, which I think would put most people off actually buying, so would choose a VW instead. (But saying that, personally I don't mind the styling).I'm considering a camper conversion at some point, it will almost certainly be a VW, but you make some good points so will look into other options. How's head room in yours?
Zetec-S said:
They are different, so I'm sure will get a bit more attention. The trouble is I come back to the 'soccer mom' styling, which I think would put most people off actually buying, so would choose a VW instead. (But saying that, personally I don't mind the styling).
I'm considering a camper conversion at some point, it will almost certainly be a VW, but you make some good points so will look into other options. How's head room in yours?
Not fantastic, but you can fit a pop-top if you need it.I'm considering a camper conversion at some point, it will almost certainly be a VW, but you make some good points so will look into other options. How's head room in yours?
To be honest, we don't stand in it - most cooking is done from outside, under the tailgate - and we have a slide-on tailgate awning, too, which gives us full height standing space if we need it.
Rarely eat inside, either.
Zetec-S said:
What a strange comment. I'm sure most people would say people carriers are car like, because... they are cars.
Yes, they might be cars according to the brochures but Galaxies, Sharans and Alhambras and the like aren't really cars are they, they're vans with windows, and when someone says a van drives like a car, well it doesn't, you're not going to tell me an Alhambra drives anything like, say, a Leon.However, having said all that, refinement wise vans nowadays are very car-like with all the dash toys, but even then you're sat up a lot higher than in a car.
I don't understand the arguments here, it is my experience that VWs are s
te, and personally I wouldn't want one as a camper (I may consider a coachbuilt like the one I posted, but even then I'd prefer a Transit based one).
But I have to concede that there is definitely a "scene", and done correctly he is very unlikely to lose much money, if any.
te, and personally I wouldn't want one as a camper (I may consider a coachbuilt like the one I posted, but even then I'd prefer a Transit based one).But I have to concede that there is definitely a "scene", and done correctly he is very unlikely to lose much money, if any.
Nigel Worc's said:
In my experience VWs are overrated overpriced unreliable pieces of ste
teNigel Worc's said:
I don't understand the arguments here, it is my experience that VWs are ste
Yes, yes, we got that the first time, they're all stete, every last one of 'em. I'm guessing you don't like your Caddy then? 
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