My sister wants to buy a Westfaila Vanagon camper (she wants a perfect one, so this would likely involve getting a $10-$15k+ loan to pay for it). It seems like most of the ones for sale have had lots of work done to them (new engine, transmission, etc) not too long ago, so I have to wonder why people are selling them. Out grandparents had 2 of them when they were new (first an aircooled one, then a replacement which i believe was an 87), but has anyone here had one more recently? How is parts availabilty, how do things hold up now that they are getting close to 30 years old,and am I the only one that thinks borrowing $15k to buy a 1986 VW isn't a good idea?
I realize the money situation in Europe is waay different from the U.S. but for an interesting comparo of your situation, go to
www.DanburyMotorcaravans.com
Their latest ad tells you they will build a NEW (not sure how they define that) Type II Campervan...for what is the equivalent of nearly $38,000.00. They will build you a Eurovan campermobile for the equivalent of about $51,000.00.
Suddenly, $15,000 doesn't seem so silly, does it?
Would I pay $15,000 for a Type II or III? Well, if I did, it would have to be done with a Subaru conversion and I'd have to have a real need to own one....and I don't. So yes, buying one of these seems OTT to me. But that's me.
Nothing constructive to add here, except that I took the family for a euro vacation this year and rented a new T5 "California" campervan with the 2.5 liter diesel.... I am in love. The thing was beautiful inside, cruised at over 100 mph, and got 33 mpg on the highway.
Been scouting the US for T3's as well, and find that they aren't any kind of cheap. BTW the T5 goes for something equivalent of $75k USD over there. I'd almost say it was totally worth it.
jrw1621
SuperDork
11/6/11 1:25 p.m.
How easy is it to find a lending institution that will lend $15k on a 25 year old vehicle?
my guess is that you are looking at rates in the mid to high teens for what will be basically and unsecured loan.
Is a home equity loan an option for you? (is it an option for anyone any more?)
Travis_K wrote:
I the only one that thinks borrowing $15k to buy a 1986 VW isn't a good idea?
No you aren't. I suppose I'm a bit conservative but I still hold that borrowing money for ANY vehicle in not a good idea.
the vans are were VW really messed up. The Bus, Vanagon, and eurovan are in high demand simply because there is nothing else in their class that gives you so much.
The new minivan that VW sells is a pale supstitute to what they used to sell.
a401cj wrote:
Teh E36 M3 wrote:
Nothing constructive to add here, except that I took the family for a euro vacation this year and rented a new T5 "California" campervan with the 2.5 liter diesel.... I am in love. The thing was beautiful inside, cruised at over 100 mph, and got 33 mpg on the highway.
Been scouting the US for T3's as well, and find that they aren't any kind of cheap. BTW the T5 goes for something equivalent of $75k USD over there. I'd almost say it was totally worth it.
prolly a manual to boot 
Sure was. What a kickass van.
There's a '93 in Annapolis, MD for $5k right now on CL.
Don't make me keep looking at these.
