Buying a California

[Gandalf]

Hi,

First post on here for me but wanted some advice/info before I part with my cash.

I've seen a T25 California, 89 YOM, it looks as if it has had a respray and has 280k (kls) on the clock. It has had a new engine fitted at around 200k so around 50k miles. Its up fort sale at £8995. Is that a good price? What should I look for underside wise? Any general advice/info would be most welcome.

Cheers.

[andisnewsyncro]

Hi
Have a good read through the Wiki for lots of useful buyers' information. As for prices, it's the end of summer and they usually drop a bit this time of year... It's all dependant on condition - bodywork is everything most people say, look out for any seam rust etc. Make sure it's a genuine Westy, look at as many as you can before you part with your hard earned.

If the one you've seen is close to anyone on here, you might be able to get them to go with you to give it a more experienced once over. Don't be scared to ask questions or for advice, there's a lot more to owning one of these vans than just paying for it to start with Somebody on here might know the history of the van you're thinking of so you might want to put up a link to the advert or the dealers ? Just a thought.

Good luck in your search, if this isn't the right van for you, don't panic. You'll find one eventually

[Red Westie]

Hey if you're anywhere near Nottingham I wouldn't mind showing/talking you through what to look for....you could have a gander at mine to check out the areas you need to be aware of.
Regards
Martin

[DaveyP2004]

Hi Gandalf,
As well as the useful info on this site you could have a look at my "Westfalia Buyers Guide" at:

http://www.westfaliat3.info/html/westfa ... guide.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Should point you in the right direction.

Cheers,
Dave

[Gandalf]

Thanks for the info all - much appreciated! I'm hoping to go and have a gander on Sat - I'll let you know how I go!!

[Gandalf]

Well I've bought it now - 89 westy california. Question now tho is whats all this about the LPG underslung tank? Knowing me i'll probably blow a campsite up sometime soon! Has anyone got any links to a basic user manual?

[DaveyP2004]

Hi,
Well done on getting a Westie.
There is an older manual (from American Vanagon model) here:
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... /westy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Most of the stuff is the same.
Cheers,
Dave
( http://www.vwbusgallery.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; )

[Gandalf]

Hi,
Well done on getting a Westie.
There is an older manual (from American Vanagon model) here:
http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/VehicleSpec ... /westy.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Most of the stuff is the same.
Cheers,
Dave
( http://www.vwbusgallery.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; )

Thanks Dave - much appreciated. Hopefully the country's campsites are now safe!!