T25 Purchase. What to go for? Question from a Newbie

Post by **davesm** » 01 Aug 2006, 10:08

Hi all,

I am sure this topic has been done to death so apologies if I am going over old ground. My partner and I are looking to buy a T25 with a budget of ideally £3k to £3.5k but possibly stretching to £4k.

We are unsure of what to opt for. A high top or a pop up top in terms of the storage (my partner doesn't travel light!)? A professional conversion or a DIY one? An air cooled 4 speed or try and stretch ourselves and try and acquire a watercooled 5 speed. The aim is to use it in the UK up to the autumn months but it is main use will be for next summer for touring Europe for a few weeks.

My main concern is that it is mechanically sounds as we are no mechanics but I am hearing horror stories regarding rust. Is buying one that has an element of rust a risk?

We are going round in circles at the moment so any advice would be appreciated and if anyone has a van that they are selling that would fit the bill please let me know!

Thanks.

Post by **irishkeet** » 01 Aug 2006, 11:02

sorry ment to post not send a pm

Post by **andyj** » 01 Aug 2006, 11:12

sounds like you guys have got the same plans/ideas as me and my gf!

we're on the look out for a T25 camper to, but on a lower budget of £2k max

I've seen a few hightops around that I fancy, and some nice converted panel vans..... all depends if you don't mind bending over when you get in it !!!

Post by **davesm** » 01 Aug 2006, 11:26

I know -we just can't make our mind up over a pop-up top or high-top or buyer an older van with a few extras like heating or a newer van without the extras. Driving me crazy!

Post by **Mocki** » 01 Aug 2006, 13:48

IMO go for the best body you can, and if it is a watercooler then all the better, just be aware the deisels are awfully slow.........

If storage is a problem, then it has to be said the HItop is the way to go, if you need more room when actually stopped still, some pop tops offer more room when the roof is up than a hitop, but you have to move it all elsewhere before moving......

age is no an issue, because very often newr vans are in a worse condition than older ones......

Post by **davesm** » 01 Aug 2006, 14:16

Am I likely to have any issues concerning overheating with an air cooled van on a hot day in summer and stuck in slow moving traffic? Having had a look around I'm struggling to find a water cooled van that has a decent body!

Post by **Mocki** » 01 Aug 2006, 14:32

yeah, your likely to, as you are with a water cooled.....

like i said, go for the best body, BUT remember the Aircooled are not as powerfull as the WBX but are simpler to maintain......

Post by **irishkeet** » 02 Aug 2006, 06:36

you can get an oil temp gauge fitted for your Aircooled for less than £100 which will allow you to keep an eye on the temp
i drove my Aircooled around Wales, 900 miles in a week with this heat and no probs

Post by **steve8090** » 02 Aug 2006, 07:44

Don't be put off from an air cooled,the 2.0 ltr is a fantastic motor and bullit proof, I've now had mine 12years, she is 25 years old this month, its done 1/4 million miles and I've rebuilt the motor once.

The 1.9 watercooled engine is a good motor but it will not stand constant hammering and tends to pop its heads, the 2.1 watercooled is a stronger motor and at an acceptable power level for a camper at 112bhp be careful of the continental variants they are not as powerful.

And do not dismiss the diesel option, they are economical but very under powered.

MPG on petrol (manual gearboxes, automatics you can knock 4-5mpg off)

The 2.0ltr air cooled will give you anywhere from 16-22 mpg
The 1.9 water cooled should return an average of 25 mpg
The 2.1 water cooled should return an average of 23 mpg
Diesels should be up in the 30's

Many will tell you they do better than this but the above is an good average figure.

Stay away from the 1.6 air cooled it is as slow as a slug try to verify the mileage on all the vehicles you look at, if they are "in the scene" then they will have plenty of history with the van, take someone knowledgeable with you when looking at it, print off the buyers guide from the brickyard and read it carefully and as previously said, try to get the best bodywork, the engines do not cost a fortune to replace.

If you go for a petrol powered motor and want better mpg and are environmentally concious then talk to me about LPg conversions.

Hope this helps.

Post by **davesm** » 02 Aug 2006, 10:02

Thank you all for your advice - it is much appreciated! The hunt continues!

Post by **ermie571** » 02 Aug 2006, 10:41

just a thought on roof.....

When you are driving around, take a look at car park height restrictions - I cannot get my pop-top in many of the local car-parks, coz of the blessed barriers. Height also an issue on the ferry if going to Europe.

There, another hassle for the melting pot....

I've found that I travel to my storage space....if it don't fit, it don't go!!!

Sorry kids...van's full

Not really
Emma

Website · Post by **dbroada** » 02 Aug 2006, 10:57

ermie571 wrote:Height also an issue on the ferry if going to Europe.

Not on Norfolk Line.

ermie571 wrote:Sorry kids...van's full

ah, that's why you don't use them.

Post by **HarryMann** » 02 Aug 2006, 10:59

she is 25 years old this month,

Congratulations Steve on 12 years ownership and the van on its 25th birthday

Post by **Horza** » 02 Aug 2006, 11:23

If it were me I would probably get a post 87 diesel hightop.

As VW are wont to the vans improved over the production run and after 87 they had better rust resistance and a shed load of little improvements that help with robustness and reliability.

Diesel is good, diesel is yur friend. Nice simple engines that even numpties can understand and work on, garages don't look at you funny either even if they have never met an old VW before. They are cheap to run and mine has no less power than the aircooleds. You can even use veg oil to run it if you can work out the supply chain. If it all goes wrong the non standard alternatives you can fit with your diesel bits are legion.

Hightops are huge. They eat up all the duvets, clothes, cheese, beer, BBQs, Coats, Umbrellas, Tents, Lights, kites, etc. you really need to take. Most of the time when I go camping my van is neat and tidy and you wouldn't know I was going anywhere. You can stand up to make a brew at every stop as well and the insulated variety are warmenr in winter and cooler in summer than any of the other options!!!

So, if I were to do it over, I'd buy a van the same as mine again; without a doubt!

Post by **SplendiferousII** » 02 Aug 2006, 12:00

I have a diesel Hi top. Engine wise, its slow but very economical. I get passed all the time by other Type 25's as I cruise along at 50 to 60 mph. But I'm returning over 50mpg so its not all bad. If you show my van a hill way off in the distance it will slow to 40 just in fear. Get to the hill and well its anyones guess. If it's a very very steep hill I'm down to first - especially when I'm towing (Dirt Bikes x 2) - But I've always got to the top! These first gear hills are luckily few and far between. On most motorways I'll never drop below 35. But it will scamper along at 70 on the flat and hold it on slight inclines sometimes - seems to vary, perhaps the van has'nt noticed or something. So to sum up - I'm more than happy to take a little longer to get there as I get a great return in mpg. And its slowness only really bugs me on a long journey which is what 6 times a year or so. I use it every day so - The mpg is more important to me.
The Hitop is a god send - everythings is in the van ready to go, Awning, toilet tent, TV etc. Just need to throw in the duvet.