Pitfalls of buying a VW camper (old school)

[trader220]

I have a friend who is not a car person, not loaded with lots of cash who wants to chase her dream of owning a VW camper. She has a pretty reasonable budget, call it $15k. I would prefer she not spend it all on the purchase, but keep some in reserve for whatever is going to come up.

I have been doing a bit of research to help her. They are not exactly complex vehicles, to say the least. I see that our old friend Mr. Rust, is ever present.

The mechanicals don't worry all too much, is there anything else in particular thats a stand out issue? These things look so basic and parts appear to be easy to acquire.

Can someone school me on what years are better or what years I should avoid? I am thinking one from the later series which appears to have started sometime in the early 70's through about 79 (?) is the one to get?

Thanks in advance

[stealthn]

Paging Kevin.....

[HardDrive]

Is she planning on keeping another car for her daily driver?

I get the charm of a old bus, but they are underpowered, crude, and I sure as hell would want not want one as my winter vehicle.

[scottmandue]

Best of luck... hope she is not planning on going anywhere in a hurry (I know I will get flamed for saying that by the VW lovers) lets be honest, the VW van is not peppy in stock form, load it with camping gear and... even less peppy.
Does you friend have nice legs? My friend only has one leg because he crashed his VW van.

Enough bad mouthing... I know we are dealing with female logic here... but my logic says for $15K you could probably get a real nice camper with a Chevy V8 that can climb mountains at 60mph and has it's own toilet.

Just sayin,

P.S. I do love VW vans, just IMHO they are better suited to beach cruising and car shows. YMMV

[Nostril Cheese]

Make sure that the steering/suspension is all up to snuff. Most of them are pretty worn by now. Models up to 1972 use the Type 1 engine out of the Bug. '72 on use the Type 4 engine (similar to the Porsche 914). 1975 models onwards have fuel injection. A lot of people tear the FI off and go to a single carb setup. Stay away from these.

[Nostril Cheese]

I have to agree with Scott. MUCH better choices out there for the money.

[craigster59]

When I got out of the Army in '81 I got a job driving big rigs. For 2 years I did the Burbank to Bakersfield run 3 times a day, 5 days a week. In those 2 years I must have seen 6-8 VW buses burning or burned on the Grapevine heading back to LA. Kind of put me off of them.

[trader220]

This is NOT a daily driver, she has an Isuzu VehiCROSS of all things as a daily driver.

I warned her that loaded down with stuff, going up hill in somewhat windy condition can be a challange.

This is all good info.... thanks

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by trader220

she has an Isuzu VehiCROSS of all things as a daily driver.

Well you did say she isn't a car person, but.....wow.

[Seahawk]

Do some browsing on The Samba: TheSamba.com :: VW Classifieds - Vehicles - Type 2/Bus - Bay Window - 1968-79

I would never try and prevent someone from buying the car of their dreams, but in your friends case I would really try and inject some reality unless she has another, modern car for Philly roads.

I love VW buses, have owned two, both a long time ago. I just wouldn't get on the DC beltway in one...their power band is atrocious, even empty.

Edit: Saw your update. The safety aspects of the old buses need to be factored in as well. Again, we all love the things but their absolute cool factor often papers over some really significant performance issues in modern traffic. I went through this went I was looking for old Toyota FJ's. Without certain mods (five speed transmission, upgraded motor, etc.) the utility for me was very limited.

[Nostril Cheese]

[pitargue]

$15k isn't going to get you much. Check out Oldbug.com ~ Vintage VW Cars For Sale as well.

[ossiblue]

I have owned VW buses of all vintages and models, from early split window (ending in '67) to bay windows (68-79), and Vanagon (80-89.) Currently, my daily driver is a '67 Deluxe. Every comment, above, is correct. Regardless, automobile purchases are nearly always emotional so if she is determined to purchase one, you/she first needs to focus on which model she prefers.

From the get-go, however, she will not be able to afford a split window camper (up to '67) with her budget and lack of skill and knowledge. That will leave the bay windows and vanagon models. She needs to be aware of all the problems mentioned by the above posts, then concentrate on the camper model that will fit her budget, lack of knowledge and skill, and true intention of use. You are absolutely correct in having her set aside money for problems with the bus--there will be problems!

If she's still game, post again as to the model she prefers, and short-comings/benefits can be discussed. Just a suggestion. There are Vanagons with Subaru conversions out there that could fulfill her needs, if she likes that body style.

[1990C4S]

They are a lot nicer to look at than to drive. A Subaru conversion makes it a much better vehicle, but if you are not a car not I do not see the attraction.

[Baz]

You can find decent VW busses for at or under $10K.

I just checked my local CL and found a few that i wouldn't hesitate to buy if I were in the market.

I think they are WONDERFUL old vehicles and hope I will own one one day in the near future when my dynamic is better suited.

Tell her to check CL....they should be fairly plentiful in many years, configurations, and conditions.

To those who don't appreciate these classics....no worries....don't buy any....that leaves more for us!

[Baz]

Here's just one for example:

Very solid late bay window bus 1700 cc engine runs very strong. You won't find another bus this solid. New paint New tires and brakes. This is a very solid bus with minor metal work done. New seats in front and rear seat z-bed. No history of damage Clean Fl title in my name.

1976 vw bus

[Nostril Cheese]

^^ all that work and they half-assed it by throwing on the worst carb possible for the Type 4. Exactly what you dont want. They couldnt figure out the (very simple) fuel injection.

[Mark Henry]

I'd try to find a 84up Vanagon westy that already has a subi (etc) conversion.

I might sell my '67 bus and get one of these.
Bay bus run OK 70mph with a fresh engine. Splits are slow.

[1990C4S]

I would want a pop-top at a minimum.

[Baz]

1977 VW Transporter Bus
this is a nice bus, even looks great, runs/drives strong
undercarriage is nice and solid, even (it also) looks great
Florida title
no (no) middle seat
nice interior
all glass transparent with no cracks
2L engine, fuel injection
does have some dirtyword electrical gremlins
sliding door has a little difficulty closing; but does close and then open
new sound system
parts and manuals
drive it home
asking $6499......possibility of negotiation, but ONLY in person

1977 VW BUS