Some advice in buying a VW Camper\Combi

[pritesh01]

Hi Guys,

Would appreciate any advice anyone could give to help me buying one. Have been in love with them forever!
I've seen a few available for sale, and that the split windowed ones are really expensive. I kinda like the bay window more anyway.

Is there anything specific that I should look out for when going to view them? Am I realistic in expecting to spend about 50-70k for one?

I want one for trips with the family, not the camper type, would rather have the 7 or 8 people seated in it.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[acpaterson]

Hi, welcome to the forum. Can i suggest you drop an intro post into the new members post..
http://www.aircooledvwsa.co.za/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=220

As for your question. Here's an answer. How long is a piece of string?
This information is not set in stone I'm afraid. What one person see's as a bargain, another will see as a rip off.. Only YOU can decide what is worth buying and what isn't. Expect to buy a Van and IMMEDIATELY spend thousands more on it, depending on what you want to do, or end up with. There are a few good starter busses on Gumtree right now, (links also posted on the forum by Fig frequently.) Maybe find a mate who has one on the road, have a look at it, find out what they did to their busses, what they bought them for, and so on, and get a better idea of what or where you're intending to go.

Keep in mind if you have 200 K, you should find an already rebuilt Van, and possibly you don't have to do a thing. If you spend 40 K, expect to spend another 60 to 80 K to get it into good, reliable, usable condition.

Good luck, and keep us updated if you do go down the bus route. Once you bond with a bus, it becomes a member of the family, and can be very rewarding, and a great adventure.

Alan

[acpaterson]

PS. There's a GREAT Devon Bus currently on the market. spend another 40 to 50 K and you'll have a great camper van.

[fig]

Your budget is in the right ballpark for a decent baywindow bus. As Alan says, no matter how clean the bus you buy, you will still need to spend more money. The youngest baywindow buses are now 35 years old. These were inexpensive working vehicles, most of which were neglected and abused. It takes time and money to undo the effects of years of abusive drivers and ignorant mechanics.

Search the forums for buying advice; I'm sure I've answered similar questions multiple times. Otherwise, the approach to buying an old VW bus is much the same as buying any old car. The only other advice I'll offer now is take you time. Don't be in a hurry. And don't buy the first bus you see unless it is obviously a top notch example. Make an effort to see and drive as many buses as you can; that way you'll get a feel for what makes a bus good or bad and which configurations work best for your needs.

Good luck with your hunt.