Greetings all, After a lot of umming and ahhing I have decided that it about time to fulfil my dream and purchase a vw camper. After loitering around various websites and forums based on T2 and T25 campers, I have made up my mind a really want to venture in to T2 bay window ownership. So, I just wanted to introduce myself, as I hope sometime in the near future I will be able to update this post with 'Proud Owner'. I believe I have a modest budget for a solid example (don't tell the wife, but I am looking around the £15k mark). My brief shopping list consists of LHD or RHD Structurally solid (I don't want to start my ownership journey with a trip to the welders) Sleeps 2 Adults and 2 Toddlers (3 year old twins) Am I being realistic with my budget? The camper will be used daily to get me to the train station (6 mile round trip) and for weekends and holidays around the UK. I am based in the southwest (Bath), so my first show will be VanWest @ bream sands. I will keep you all posted on my progress. Thanks Phil
Welcome to TLB! I would have thought your budget is perfectly reasonable. I also have twins - who were 6 when we first camped in ours - and they love it. We have a Devon double top which gives them plenty of room to sleep in the roof! Good luck with your search!
Thanks for the welcome! If anyone does happen to find a bus that matches my criteria, please let me know.
Hi Phil and welcome! I have used a Bus as a daily over the years and it always puts a smile on your face prior to a days work! With your budget you are going to get a fine Bus! Cheers B
You should get a great van for that money. Personally I'd chop around 15% off for contingency and find the very best you can for the remaining budget.
Thanks for all your kind comments. Herein lies the issue, what should i expect for my budget, how can I easily separate the good from the no so good? Should I be expecting a bus with no rust underneath or on the bodywork? Or should I at least expect a little rust as the budget will not buy me a show bus. I would be lying if I said I wasn't the least bit worried buying a 40 year old classic.
You've started well by asking these sorts of questions before you spend your money An offer like the one from @Baysearcher could save you a lot of hassle. There are many cautionary tales on here, and also a massive amount of knowledge so make use of it
Hey Baysearcher, that is a very kind offer, I will pm you when I find some that I like the look of. Will you be at Vanwest?
Welcome. I was in the same position as you this time last year, bought a westfalia berlin with some help from the chaps on the forum. Two small-ish kids here also, 5 and 7 yrs old. The late/rear hinged roof westy works great for us, two sleep downstairs, and two up in the roof, no need for an awning. You're spot on with your budget i think.
@Fil6 fellow member @el has his eye on a microbus so has put his westy on ebay recently. maybe give him a shout? Not seen the westy in the metal but it looks great from what has been posted on here, low miles original bus etc. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151647450829?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT .. and: http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/my-new-westy.46446/
I wont be there mate; not a big fan of the shows. Mine will be back from the bodyshop in the next few weeks; more than welcome to come and look at mine and I can give you some pointers.
Howdy! good luck with the search. the one in the ebay link appears to be upside down - it may be an ozzie import!