VW Camper Confusion

[Nigel Worc's]

LeighW said:

Yes, yes, we got that the first time, they're all ste, every last one of 'em. I'm guessing you don't like your Caddy then?

You're guessing correct, I had a Rover 75 once, that was jolly unreliable but my Caddy just takes the biscuit, I bought into the VW image, I can only warn others, I could've had Frog for half the price and they couldn't possibly have failed more often .

[Oi U]

For what it is worth, I might be tempted to start with a s/h VW minibus. This will have windows and seating which could be easily removed to accommodate a bed. Just looked on AutoTrader and there are a couple of petrol motors under £10k which could be worth a look. If you are not bothered about kitchen facilities, then lots of boxes could get easily ticked.

[Mr2Mike]

C.A.R. said:

My friend has a lifelong ambition to own a VW camper van of some description. A terrible affliction, but I want to help him in any way I can.

Some kind of therapy might be the best way to help?

[C.A.R.]

Thanks for all the comments folks.

He's going to look at a van, 1.9tdi 104ps version, advertised for £5k. Thing is, it has 160k miles - seems mad to me.

By the time windows and interior are added, full camper conversion at significant cost, it's still a high mileage van which is 13 years old already.

I think he'd be better looking for a project which has at least been started, but it's up to him!

[Zetec-S]

C.A.R. said:

He's going to look at a van, 1.9tdi 104ps version, advertised for £5k. Thing is, it has 160k miles - seems mad to me.

160k miles - it's only just been run in

But in all seriousness, if looked after those engines are good for 250k +

[C.A.R.]

OK so a week later and the van is getting collected. My friend says he's having almighty trouble with insurance and the potential uplift if he wishes to add side windows - £3k a year (from £840, which already seems expensive)

Could this be linked to the van still being registered as a commercial vehicle? My understanding is that he can't re-register it until it's been converted.

Why oh why did he not buy a half-finished project!?

Can anyone recommend a specialist insurer? My friend is 28, has some NCB etc. All I can think is that he's getting shafted by insurance by not doing enough research!

[Kneetrembler]

Trabi601 said:

Forget VWs. You can get a Renault Master / Vauxhall Vivaro for a lot less and they're a very good base for a conversion.

Although, I'll just recommend what I have.







Toyota Alphard (or the similar Nissan Elgrand) - you can buy a fresh Japanese import with around 60k miles on it, install LPG, convert to a camper and have change from £12k.

(The Toyota has a 3.0 V6 and the Nissan a 3.6 V6)

Loads more kit / comfort and refinement than a VW, Renault or Ford van.

But can you get a full size double bed in them, or a 3/4 rock & roll bed

[sjg]

You can get a "side" conversion, as commonly used on VWs: http://www.japautosbongos.co.uk/alphardconversion....

That rear conversion is a neat idea on Alphards though as it retains the middle row seats, which slide back and forth and rotate around. Plus you get a decent width bed.

[LeighW]

C.A.R. said:

OK so a week later and the van is getting collected. My friend says he's having almighty trouble with insurance and the potential uplift if he wishes to add side windows - £3k a year (from £840, which already seems expensive)

Could this be linked to the van still being registered as a commercial vehicle? My understanding is that he can't re-register it until it's been converted.

Why oh why did he not buy a half-finished project!?

Can anyone recommend a specialist insurer? My friend is 28, has some NCB etc. All I can think is that he's getting shafted by insurance by not doing enough research!

He needs a specialist insurer. I insure mine with Brentacre who have been excellent so far, you just tell them you are converting it and update them on the mods (no extra costs or admin fees) as you go. I pay just over £300 for mine.

[mike9009]

I get my insurance through justkampers which seemed very reasonable at £121 for the year.

Just for all the VW lovers on here, a picture of my air-cooled T25 on holiday in Dorset this spring bank holiday.