Is this T25 a good buy?

[afrogonabike]

Hi,

Im quite excited about the idea of owning a vw camper but am entering an unknown world. Could someone tell if they think this van is a good deal and what to look out for? Sorry if this is the wrong place to post! Its 1988 t25 1.9 engine water cooled petrol

http://motorhomes.autotrader.co.uk/used ... /8000/9999

I've also taken some other pics which hopefully can be seen here:

http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/3656960602


There's some rusted exhaust parts (the main exhaust is new). It generally sounds well, started quick, the gears felt ok. Interior a bit shabby in places but could easily be improved and is largely clean. Everything works as it should.

Big thanks in advance!

Tim

[tforturton]

Might be, might not. Go and take a look. Take someone knowledgable with you, or pay someone to give it a once-over. Look at more vehicles. Read the Wiki.
There's a post along these lines almost every day. Read some of the earlier threads and get a feel of what you need to be looking at. Don't buy a vehicle unarmed (ie. with knowledge).

[afrogonabike]

Already been for a look today, unfortunately not with a knowledgeable person. There's a few close up pics on the second link. Particularly there's some rusty parts on the exhaust, mainly though it seems in great condition. i did read a fair amount before I went but no way I could remember it all. The guy is totally genuine and I believe him when he says hes cared for it.

[Dad]

It's top dollar, it needs to be top condition, when was it re sprayed? And why?

[Ant-t]

Yes that's pretty expensive, I'd definitely get a second opinion as you might need extra funds to sort something out post purchase...

[afrogonabike]

it was resprayed in the last 3 years because he wanted it to be orange - it was white. hes gone to some lengths to get all the authentic stickers and so on. he previously won an award for another camper restoration he had so hes probably done a good job. i couldnt see any evidence of rust on the body work.

[Smosh]

It might be worth asking for a copy of any pictures taking during the restoration and prior to it. That can give you an idea of the condition before hand. The bodywork can be one of the most costly things to sort.

Is this the first you have looked at? Have you seen any others in this price range for a comparison?

Welcome to the forum though!

Have a look in the wiki too, it can be found at the top right of the page; but here's a link
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/Ma ... e_Owner.3F

[ghost123uk]

Hi Tim and welcome to the forum

Personally I reckon, after looking at all the pics fairly carefully, I think it looks pretty straight. The only pic that might show an issue is that of the Hi-Top to roof join. That area is well known for "issues". Check under the front mats to see if the floor is clean and dry.

Paint done 3 years ago is good because if the was any serious rust underneath, it would have come back by now. Perhaps check to see if it's been touched up anywhere. Don't worry about that exhaust, it looks like most of them do and anyway it could be sorted in the future if / when the time arises.

Tis a bit dear perhaps, though without seeing it in the flesh it's hard to say, but vehicle sales are usually subject to negotiation of course

[afrogonabike]

I've offered him 7.5k which he accepted. I'm diving right into the deep end of van ownership and looking forward to swimming (hopefully). Thanks for the comments and for looking.

[ghost123uk]

Does that mean it's yours now?

[afrogonabike]

We've agreed a price, haven't actually paid for it yet. Its a risk I know but sometimes one has to take the plunge.

[a1winchester]

These things aren't just vehicles. If you just wanted a 25+ year old vehicle, then you could be more frugal in buying a morris minor or a triumph herald or something.
The camper vans give you so much more - even an excuse to join in on Club 80-90 to share your joys and woes!
Plus the camping experience, which, for me, is what it's all about.
You are investing your hard earned dosh in holidays, weekend breaks, day trips, etc., and provided you make good use of the thing, it will be worth every penny.
Enjoy!

[afrogonabike]

That's summed up nicely why I decided to take the risk!

[Ant-t]

Well done, from the above it sounds good but the proof will be further down the line... enjoy your new van

[D16LJM]

I've offered him 7.5k which he accepted. I'm diving right into the deep end of van ownership and looking forward to swimming (hopefully). Thanks for the comments and for looking.

Now that is quite funny as any rust under the window screen rubber and you would literally be swimming, I found that out recently, one thing I found when looking for a van is paying top dollar does not guarantee a great van, it does look nice in the pictures though.

Pete