VW newbies looking for a van....advice please!

[jones47]

Hi all,

This is our first post so be gentle!

We are currently looking for a van and have been for some time but get lost with all the info out there. So here are a few questions:

1) Engines......between 1.6TD, 1.9 watercooled or a 2.1injection petrol which would you advise on for longevity and fuel economy? I would be used for the occassional commute to work but weekends away with probably one longer trip a year.

2) Prices re: converting petrol to lpg? We are struggling to find any definite prices out there and wondered if it is worth doing.

3) Conversions- are all Westys zinc dipped re: body? After Westys what would you recommend as the next type for quality?

Any other advice to help us avoid any pitfalls would be greatfully received.

Thanks.

[gti mad man]

Firstly hello and welcome!

1) engines the diesel is good on economy if slighlty under powered
i have the 1.9 petrol and thats just fien for ploddign about none are goign to be amazing economy as your lugging best part of 2.5 tons about

2) most proper conversions are just fine as logn as with any classic they have been looked after and the less rust the better

i belive steve at gasure does lpg conversiosn mayeb worth a call for a quote?

[R0B]

http://www.gasure.co.uk/

[ricicles]

i have a 1.9 petrol, its a bit heavy on fuel but the fuel is a bit cheaper than deisel, i prefer petrol. as to conversions there is a thread on here about westy,s so lots of opinions there, mine is a danbury but not much of the original conversion is there anymore. i ran my van for nearly four years without doing anymore than routine servicing and tyre changes, i fitted lpg. in the last two years i have changed the engine, carbs ,exhaust, wheels, suspension, gearbox mounts,linkages and box, suspension(twice)seats, rebuilt the interior, fitted heating, now fitting underbody water tank. but i bet it would still be running if i had done nothing other than servicing it.
so buy one and enjoy.

[kevtherev]

3) Conversions- After Westys what would you recommend as the next type for quality?

Any other advice to help us avoid any pitfalls would be greatfully received.

Thanks.

Holdsworth Villa three
Autosleeper
westfaliure
Autohomes

in no order of merit.

Avoid too much rust... it's an expensive pain in the butt stopping it
the rest is nuts and bolts and can be fixed, replaced or customised.

there all knockin' on a bit now so get your DIY head on or face big bills at the garage, with spotty little oiks blundering around your pride and joy wondering where the engine is...
We're here to help so your not alone with this pile of tin you may purchase

[Red Westie]

Much debate about diesel versa's petrol....much debate about Westy versa's others.
Standard engines: 2.1 petrol is best to drive (saving special South African 2.5's and Ouetinger's) bit thirsty in the low 20's. Gasure conversion was £850 something plus vat last time I looked...which nearly doubles the effective mpg (price of LPG to petrol) lots of reported issues with leaky coolant on wasserboxers.
1.6TD is a straight favourate because of the low 30's economy..they are more robust but can still cost ££££££'s
Westy are the best original conversion...a little sparse interior maybe but good resale value, of course that means a higher price in the first instance.
Many other good conversions (English ones are a bit chinsey) I like Holdsworth with the hard side popup.
When all said and done.....CONDITION IS GOD! and that has to come before model or even engine type.
Martin

[jones47]

Thanks all for your replies. We are one step nearer to going to see a couple. Just such a big decision but need to get in there and to stop arseing about or will be summer 2010 at this rate!!!!!

[pocolow]

If you want to save some money do what I did and buya solid bus (windows and seats) and then covert it your self . Then you end up with a camper built just for you. I will be fitting my high top next week and start on the kitchen units (ikea)...Bus £950...conversion £1200 over 6 months