VW Camper Confusion

[C.A.R.]

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.

I've already helped him avoid one potential disaster as he was looking to buy a nice 2.5tdi T4 - but he wasn't even aware that he wouldn't be able to take it home as he lives in North London and it falls foul of the LEZ restrictions.

So, where do we go from here? He has a really decent budget, over 10k, which he has saved. There's so many options though; do you go for a van (cheaper purchase) and convert yourself like some of the wonderful projects on here and other sites? Or do you avoid potential pitfalls and buy a converted camper but put down more money in the first instance?
Petrol or diesel?

As petrol head among my peers they always turn to me for car advice, but I really don't know much about camper vans!

I think a project would be great, as it's something I can help him out with, but buying the base van seems like a minefield too. Naturally I'm reading all the FAQs and buying guides I can find, but some advice from pistonheads is usually fruitful no matter the subject!

I've looked at the pistonheads classifieds, lots of them appear from sellers of commercial vehicles stating that they will only sell b2b, surely that's not right? And the description basically mitigates them from the usual warranties you get buying from a dealer, again this can't be right? But I've never bought a "commercial vehicle" before...

So, what will the camper van be used for? Well, as much traveling as possible but also trips with the lads, so some rear seating is a must. He also doesn't want anything too much like a "family camper" so not too much cheap veneer and fluffy cushions, he needs it to be at least a little bit cool both internally and externally.

Any advice, good websites, places to look at for potential classifieds etc would be much appreciated.

[C.A.R.]

I think the total "absolute max" is closer to 12k, but with a view that spending less means money aside to put anything right.

I hear what you're saying, I think the LEZ-compliance is a real problem being as he lives within the zone. The petrol models seem few and far between and the information I've gathered about MPG isn't painting a good picture!

Appreciate your feedback RE budget. I think it's a desire to own something that can do a few spontaneous trips in, but also has a kind of hip appeal to it. A working cooker and sink are not a must, but a seating area / table and rock-n-roll bed are of interest. Transporting more than 2 people is also desirable for trips away with the lads, so a suitable seat which has been crash tested seems to be what is needed (from the research I've done so far!).

Ultimately I think he really needs to get out there and physically explore a few. Perhaps get him to a show? I don't think a specialist dealership will appreciate a tyre-kicker with such a vague idea of what he wants?

If anyone can give me any pointers I'd be grateful. He's based in North-East London and travels back and forth to Hertfordshire.

[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!

[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!