Camper Van - Bay type - recommended places to buy?
Camper Van - Bay type - recommended places to buy?
Author
Discussion

RacerMDR

Original Poster:

5,582 posts

227 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
Ok - i know nothing about these old school camper vans

A good friend of mine (with cash, but zero technical know how or interest) - wants a Bay Camper Van.

I said i'd help her not get a dog.......but I need some recommendations of where to start looking?

Anyone have any views? Recommendations etc?

Rubin215

2,084 posts

213 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
Ebay or Gumtree, Volksworld magazine.

Just be prepared to pay far more than you would ever think one is worth; prices are ridiculous these days and, with spring just round the corner, will peak in the next month.

RacerMDR

Original Poster:

5,582 posts

227 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
thanks Rubin - I was thinking more second hand dealers so that I can have a proper poke around the thing

Fast Bug

12,883 posts

178 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
Buy Volks World magazine, there's plenty of traders that advertise in there. Be prepared to pay stupid money for anything half decent and don't forget they're rubbish to drive.

Oh and do your research on any trader selling one you're interested in as there's good and bad out there. Worth signing up at volkszone.com/vzi too

JB!

5,255 posts

197 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
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t2d or "type 2 detectives" as they are known.

W00DY

16,166 posts

243 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
http://www.volkszone.com/VZi/forumdisplay.php?f=20

Lots of dealer ads down the right side as well and information in the forums about various companies.

Be very careful. A few so called dealers will blow over a van ful of filler and it'll look great. For a year, then it'll be a worthless mess. Magnets are your friend.

Fast Bug

12,883 posts

178 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
If you don't know what you're looking for, it's worth paying someone that does to look over the camper as well. If it's full of rust/filler you can easily sink £10k in to a rusty pile of crap

RacerMDR

Original Poster:

5,582 posts

227 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
thanks all - good advice.

It's not for me - so the driving ability of it won't matter smile

having said that - the lady it is for - literally knows nothing about anything to do with cars.

At least I have a clue.

I'm loving the magnet advice

Ozzie Osmond

21,189 posts

263 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
If you're tempted to find out more about the VW scene there's always a humungous "classic VW" show at Sandown Park, Surrey in March. Weekend of 26th/27th March this year.

http://www.volksworldshow.com/

Probably worth a look if you're considering an "investment". Have to say, these vehicles fall a very long way short of modern standards in every department and change hands for silly money IMO.

Fast Bug

12,883 posts

178 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
Ozzie Osmond said:
If you're tempted to find out more about the VW scene there's always a humungous "classic VW" show at Sandown Park, Surrey in March. Weekend of 26th/27th March this year.

http://www.volksworldshow.com/

Probably worth a look if you're considering an "investment". Have to say, these vehicles fall a very long way short of modern standards in every department and change hands for silly money IMO.
I disagree, I can't think of many worse things to invest in.

Maybe the OP's friend could hire one first to see if it's her bag. I think Danbury (who convert new Bay windows still) offer a rental service.

T25 Clive

23 posts

179 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
Try Volkszone for a start, if you're looking at private sales on there then make sure they have a large postcount (IMHO). If she doesn't know much about cars, then is a VW a wise choice?, or, is she willing to learn as they do breakdown alot :-).

What sort of bay does she want?, also, whats the budget?, might be worth finding a local club and taking a member along as well, last point - make sure you find a decent local mechanic.


DJFish

5,999 posts

280 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
+1 re taking a magnet.
Give the seatbelts a good yank, if the mountings pull out that could indicate a rust problem.


jeff666

2,362 posts

208 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
T25 Clive said:
Try Volkszone for a start, if you're looking at private sales on there then make sure they have a large postcount (IMHO). If she doesn't know much about cars, then is a VW a wise choice?, or, is she willing to learn as they do breakdown alot :-).

What sort of bay does she want?, also, whats the budget?, might be worth finding a local club and taking a member along as well, last point - make sure you find a decent local mechanic.
Funnily enough i had one for 6 years, never broke down once, OP they can be a money pit if you buy a dog tired heap, but that goes for any vehicle.

I agree to a point that they leave a lot to be desired for everyday use, heating, demisting, power steering etc, but they are good fun and allways a talking point,their is a good scene for the
air cooled v-dubs aswell.


SEE YA

3,522 posts

262 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
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Check out VZI vw heaven , great for advice buying selling.

jas xjr

11,309 posts

256 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
would it be worth looking futher afield? maybe australia or somewhere maybe where they do not fetch as much. i know they will be silly money everywhere just dreaming ... smile

Fast Bug

12,883 posts

178 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all
jas xjr said:
would it be worth looking futher afield? maybe australia or somewhere maybe where they do not fetch as much. i know they will be silly money everywhere just dreaming ... smile
There's a couple of companies that import from the States and Australia. Be warned though, not everywhere in the U.S is a 'dry state' and the ones that aren't still have rust!

davepoth

29,395 posts

216 months

Wednesday 2nd March 2011
quotequote all