Club 80-90 Forums

I have purchased the mother in law a Aaaaahhhhhh hummmmmm T4 High Top Bilbo conversion. It's a 94 and generally in lovely condition but needs a small bit of welding behind the bumper and a couple of spots of rust to treat and then it will be perfect.

The motor is a 5 cyl diesel n/a with 95k on the clock. Full history etc.

I looked at loads of T25's as this is what she wanted but for the money £5.5k there was really very little for sale that was worth having. Actually just rubbish really.

But still back to my point or rather question - these any good? Anyone know anything about them?

so did you get a T4 for 5.5k? Only asking as my mum might be after a camper at some point..

Yes I did. I must say it was a bit of a bargain.

There are several different power options on that engine the powerful one being 102 bhp, but this is rare to see in campervan due to it costing 1800 more than the lower 88bhp(iirc) version. The T4 is a bit easier to live with if you dont want to get your hands dirty. most garages will know how to fix, and the AA used them as they were so reliable, so a good buy.
They do wollow around the place, creaking at the joints, but are much less of a handfull on sidewindy motorways. Fuel consumption seems to be anywhere from 27mpg to 40 mpg depending who you ask. My dads has covered 95,000 miles, and has suffered one prop shaft bearing, and a turbo valve thingy, and has a life time fuel consumption of 28.5mpg. I managed to get 17mpg from it towing a 1500kg caravan from Lincoln to Exeter. Flat out all the way, just able to keep to speed limits.

I feel they lack character, but that isnt necesarily a bad thing.

Sounds like a good buy to me.

Thanks Syncrosimon. This one is a non turbo version so will be less than 88bhp I expect, 70 ish at a guess so pretty slow but that's not a problem as the mother in law does not drive at speed anyway.

I agree with you whole heartedly that the T4 are lacking in character, yet as you say this is no bad thing. She is not going to want to be involved in the VW thing. She just wants a camper van to use and enjoy without hassle.

We have a T4 Trident 98 Reg on a 2.4 non turbo diesel. Yes, it's slow, yes, it wallows a bit but it's brill and I'm sure she'll love it. As you say, most garages know how to fix them and parts aren't that expensive. We get round about 35-38 mpg but we do drive gently.

Hope she enjoys it - get her to some meets!

In case of confuddlement the engine is at the front

Flibbertigibbet wrote:In case of confuddlement the engine is at the front

That explains the 5 reverse gears then.

5 cylinder on a 94 plate will be the 2.4d with a whopping 70 odd horses. it will last for ever, easily 500,00miles!

on an interesting side topic, as simon says the 2.5TDi 102, is extreemly rare on a camper, got one here going cheap if you are interested???