Help a newbie view a van maybe?

[Si]

Hi there.

After a few years daydreaming, the time seems right to get a van for my nomadic lifestyle.

I'm London-based, and my ideal van would be a hi-top turbo diesel (I think!). It seems there are some decent vans kicking about for around the 3k mark?

Anyway, I know some of the guys on the forum very kindly offer to view likely looking vans? Anyone up for it, or alternatively can suggest good vendors or even dealers in the London area? I could travel if need be.

BTW, how do you define 'bad' rust versus 'superficial-and-to-be-expected-on-a-van-of-its-age' rust?

Also, anything I should particularly look out for if I think I may end up living a month or two in it during the winter?

Many thanks,
Si

[R0B]

welcome to the club..have a read of this..https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Mi ... yers_guide

[Si]

Thanks, I did take a look at that. Still quite daunting though and a lot to remember, especially if you're not technical... :0

Plus, you're not going to find a perfect one are you, so how does a newbie decide what's reasonable and what's not?? Is it the minefield it looks to be?

Just seen some decent-looking stuff on vwcampercrazy.co.uk J-reg Holdsworth for 4.5k, though petrol not diesel. That looks like a lot of (new-ish) van for your money.

Cheers,
Si

[ringo]

Its no good taking me. If its shiney i buy it

Good luck!

Ringo

[1664]

Also, anything I should particularly look out for if I think I may end up living a month or two in it during the winter?

Heating would probably be good

[ermie571]

Its no good taking me. If its shiney i buy it

Good luck!

Ringo

nor me

I just buy it.

Not allowed to look at any more
x

[maxstu]

Hi top diesel for sale in Blackheath.

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=38111

They do tend to hold their prices well. But still looks pretty good and I believe Graeme has spent lot of money on this one.

[Mick & Tracey]

Hi Si

I would offer to help you but I'm based in North West so too far away I'm afraid. My opinion (others may differ):

Price of T25's generally reflects conversion and condition.

Top conversions in top condition hit £10k - likely to be late westfalias (LHD as they're imports) or really good mint UK conversions (e.g. Devon, Holdsworth)

There's quite a lot of mid range vans around the £4k - £7k mark. Prices start to fall if non-standard / DIY conversion (not a problem if you like it), corrosion and mechanical issues.

Campers for up to £3k are likely to be a bit tired though there are some bargains. You could however probably get a very nice panel van and convert it yourself at this kind of money.

Aircooled engines (i.e older and less powerful) can often be good buys as they are less sought after and hence cheaper. You could always gas it if economy is an issue. Non-turbo diesels are very slow but very robust. Turbos tend to get replaced on the turbo models. 2.1 petrols are liked by many - more power, though I find a 1.9 perfectly ok. 4 or 5 speed also affects desirability a little - personal preference I'd say.

Mechanical condition is reasonably straight forward - check the WIKI buyers guide. High milers (150,000 plus) are likely to need work if they haven't already had it. There are quite a few low milers around, particularly UK campers which were used as occassional holiday vehicles. German campers often have big miles. Panel vans often also have big miles but you could pick one up with a repacement engine. Depends what kind of mileage you're loking at doing.

Corrosion is potentially quite an issue if you get the wrong van. You should be able to get a T25 with good underside (i.e undersealed from new, no major issues). Engine bay should be fairly rust free. Personally I avoid buying any van that's got lots of corrosion on the mechanical components - salty environments - though of course these could be replaced but can get expensive.

Bodywork can be a problem. T25's are notorious for seam rust - i.e rust coming up inbetween the body panel seams (rear and front quater panels). It was a weak spot in their manufacture. Hard to really get rid of and most have to it a greater or less extent. Mostly a cosmetic issue unless it really takes hold and starts to hole through.

Also look out for corrosion around window seals - these will only get worse unless you take out windows and sort it. A bit of a pain and expensive if someone does it for you. Best to avoid.

I've also seen some with holes around the sliding door. Once again, there are lots of vans around so avoid if you're not happy doing body work.

[08Kev]

I'm in North East London, if you view anything up here I'd be happy to come alone with you.

Don't be fooled by a shiny van, machanics & structure are more inportant, dealers are notorious for giving a quick spray over to make it look nice.

[kevtherev]

how do you define 'bad' rust

structural as opposed to cosmetic

IRRC that these vans are better after '86 as the bodies were galvanized and seam sealed.

caravelles were done as routine

[Si]

Thanks for the info guys. It's interesting to hear the mix of opinions. Some just say go turbo diesel only and don't bother wasting your time with anything else, others say... etc.

My mate's being the voice of reason and trying to talk me out of it. He quite rightly points out that I'm not in the least mechanical and don't have an irregular income. He says they're gas-guzzling rusted money pits and I'd be doing stuff to it all the time. Or rather I'd be paying someone who knows what they're doing to do it... It certainly seems most people on here are mechanical and spend a lot of time fiddling with theirs?

He reckons I should just buy a cheap estate I can sling a mattress in the back of. I have to admit that on paper he's right. There's just something about the freedom of the road and that VW design though...

[1664]

He reckons I should just buy a cheap estate I can sling a mattress in the back of.

Now where's the fun in that??
Besides, if you ARE going to break down a camper is a very handy vehicle in which to do it - cooker, sink, bed & heating (if fitted).

Admittedly these vehicles are getting on a bit but the advantage of that is that there's no computers to crash or complicted system management stuff to annoy you. You aren't flying courtesy of electronics, there's physical connections between you and the engine etc which makes fixing stuff easier.

[Si]

LOL Very true. Wait by the roadside in style.

I blame early doses of Petrocelli for making the notion of living in a van so attractive. Max and Paddy only topped it up...

[Joker Kev]

London's a big place where are you? I bought my van from www.middlesexmotorcaravans.co.uk which is in Stanmore / Edgware, right on the NW London border I know but he's a knowledgeable bloke and always has a high turnover of stock.


Kev

[Si]

Thanks JK. I had a look at the website. I'm in Tooting (yawn). Nice T3 a couple of streets away belonging to some surf bunnies.

He's got a point though, I don't seem to have any spare time already, without spending a few hours a week with my head in a manual.

I just want all the fun without any of the hassle. Story of my life! LOL