Reliable long distance tourer?

[Gary217]

Hi. It's sometime since I was on here. Nearly bought a T25 a year ago but on the test drive it didn't do well; temp light flashed and wipers stuck. It put us off because we now have the time to take long jaunts round Europe and thought if it couldn't do a 8 mile test drive perhaps we shouldn't try 000's of miles abroad. So we bought a t5 and did about 6k in it around Europe this year and loved it.

Trouble is.... I really really love T25s. They're my favourite vw and I keep hankering after one. Without wishing to sound 'rich' (cos we're not!) I'm thinking I could sell the T5 for mid teens £ and that would free up a lot of dosh to lavish on getting T25 sorted.

I wouldnt want to spend the full amount but if I had say, £12k to spend on the project do you think I could get a T25 that's reliable and cruises well enough to enjoy European touring without worry of breaking down. (I know modern T5s can breakdown but they are newer and understandably more reliable than a 25yr+ old vehicl).

Would be grateful for thoughts, what to address, engine options (economy and good cruising speed are considerations), gearing/overdrive, running gear etc. Also anyone done this/piccies? And any good garages/suppliers in the South?

Thanks, Gary

[kevtherev]

There's no such van as the one you're after, in my opinion.
The possibility of a breakdown percentage increases with neglect.
it matters not what age, mileage, or money paid for it.
It's history, previous owners and the neglect they pass down is what destroys dreams, like your own body if you abuse it when young you pay later in life .. and getting to know you van will take time, leaving it to a mechanic will make it take longer as you're not in tune with it.

I bought mine had it for 5 years and changed the engine from a 1.9 DG to a 2.1 DJ converted to LPG and junked the injection system..... three weeks later I toured Europe and clocked up 3500 miles..without a drama.
I new I would have no major dramas because I am diligent with service, checking the running gear and fault repair... So I knew where I was with it.

There are some things that fail catastrophically without warning or the ability to see it coming. like diesel pulley bolts, rod bolts, spigot shafts... Those things have to be taken on the chin. Again no amount of money can stop that.

So stop faffing and worrying about it, look at the buyers guide here and get one.

Above ALL else is bodywork, the rest is nuts and bolts

[Gary217]

Thanks for your response.

Actually, as soon as I sent my post I thought I should have mentioned bodywork. Again the one we got closest to buying (and we were close) had been re-sprayed but I noticed just tiny pinpricks (only about 2 or 3) of rust - so again I wondered what the respray was covering and that was part of the walk-away decision.

I buy into what you're saying, and perhaps taking time and finding one that has been looked after is the biggest single factor in getting a good, relatively reliable vehicle. I'll probably search through the technical forums to see what engine/gearbox combos seem the best for touring - again it would be nice to buy with that already in the vehicle, but if the van's right elsewhere then the mechanicals are something that can be done I guess.

Also, as you say need to be meticulous with servicing - and I am with the T5 because when we're away it needs to be every bit as reliable as when it was new, and if you cast an eye over the T5 (T4/T5) forum you'll see those vans are not without problems from small to very big and catastrophic. fortunately I've had no problems but we have an excellent VW Specialist garage near us and they do good advisories as well as servicing, so can nip things in the bud. I guess if I apply the same principles to the T25 then I should be in with a good shot....and they're probably a bit cheaper on parts too...and no computer to say 'no'.

I didn't mean to sound like I'm faffing, but as I say, i'll have to do some research - we were a bit naive last time - on the correct specs and we tended to look at the fittings more than the van, so this time we're just looking for thoughts/advice to build upon.

Thanks

[kevtherev]

Best petrol engine is the 2.1 DJ with a four speed box with a lower ratio on fourth dropping the rpm down a few hundred when at higher speed (retro fitted).converted to dual fuel LPG/petrol giving power, economy and long range.

Best diesel is the AAZ 1.9 (not Standard, retro fitted) again power, economy .. etc

take a look in alternative engines for AAZ conversions and suitable boxes

best roof is a high top for storage user friendlyness and stealth camping.. or a pop top for looks and roomier upstairs when popped... they get hot aswell

best lay out needs a three way fridge, two burner and grill, water tanks, waste tanks (for European touring)..

[billy739]

i have done 40000 miles in my van without a breakdown

hightop autohomes KAMPER !

italy , spain ,france , scotland ,belgium ,monaco

4 people and towing half a van as atrailor , fully loaded

gets around 30-32 mph if i stay around 60mph.

will do 80mph no probs

recon peugeot 2.1td and recon AAP 5 speed gearbox (the one they all want)


just proving it can be done , and consider it will be in the forsale section at somepoint in the next few months for £6000ish gives you an idea whats about!

whatever van you buy add to the buget a recon engine/box if you are going to keep and tour long distance - at least £2000 on the purchase price.

[Plasticman]

cant add much to that given above ,
the first thing you need to discover is , petrol or diesel and why
hitop or pop top and why
how many in it ,ie 2 or +_ leg irons
then you can help tie the search down
whereabouts are you based
mm

[terryvanman]

All of the above is fair comment,,like you I have a T5 I bought it new in 2006 and have traveled all over the continent, have not spent a penny on it except tyres and a service every 18 months [long-life] after the 3 year warranty run out, I took out extended warranty at £1000 a year,, now I just get in and go....knowing no matter where I am the warranty covers me Europe wide. It also acts as an AA/RAC coverage so I save on that.

Don't get me wrong, I loved my old T3 syncro and the 2 wheeled drive California I had before, but I spent a hell of a lot more than £1000 a year keeping them going, especially as I had to take it to a garage to get things done, If you are good with your hands and know a bit about maintenance then go for it. but remember when you get on a high speed European road in a T3...you will realise just how old and out of date a T3 is trying to get up a looooong hill. Or when the day comes when you walk out to get into your T3 and you spot the first sign of rust,,,,not a lot just a little bit, but that little bit will end up being a complete respray that will need doing again in 3 years time because you opted for the £2000 job when you should have gone for the £5000 job that will last [with luck] for 5 years Oh and don't forget to make sure you have a good repatriation package, if you break down in europe. as some will not return you if the value of your van is less than the cost of returning your van back to the UK.

All just my opinion,, good luck with you decision