Hi there. I'm looking to purchase a VW type 3 or 25 (confused already!!) campervan. It will be the first campervan I will have owned and it seems to be the choice of many for a first van. Looking at other messages it seems some are better than others when it comes to the engines. I have been told to avoid the non turbo diesel as it is vastly underpowered but not sure if the aircooled is better than the water cooled as they both seem to have their shortcomings. Are both these engines suitable to run on unleaded petrol or do I need to look for one with modified head? I have a basic knowledge of car maintenance so I'm not too bothered about working on them with help from a manual or the like. I believe the turbo diesel is the one to go for but, they seem quite thin on the ground. Not sure where to look other than e-bay!! I am looking to spend up to £6000 on the right van. What would I get for that sort of money? I seem to prefer the Autohomes conversions from what I have seen but, not sure which company produced the best quality apart from Westfalia and I really wanted to avoid a left hand drive. I would prefer a high top version as I need a 4 berth but again not sure if there are any problems with these as compared with pop top conversions.
Any advise on the above or any other matters to do with type 3's would be greatly appreciated befor I part with my hard earned cash. Many thanks.
Don't believe what you hear about non-turbo VW diesel engines. I've got a 1600cc in mine and it's got plenty of power...Climbs the steepest of hills on the motorway without dropping a gear , in fact it accelerates up most of them. Cruises at 60mph and returns 45mpg.
Thanks for that Safeway56. Used to have a 1984 1600 diesel Golf which went ok. I wonder if it was the same engine as in your van. I will have a look at some non turbo vans as they seem to be the most economical.
You have to remember the newest T25 is 16 yrs old--theres a lot of junk out there--any van you buy is really just an ongoin project--a quality uk conversion like Autosleepers is often priced at £6k--but that dont mean engine/gearbox aint on its last legs--a petrol one that has done low mileage may have rotten cylinder head bolts--a diesel could have a cracked head--gearboxes can break syncro rings --aircooled will be at least 23yrs old--but havin said that a T25 running well is a joy to own--T25 is the name in the UK--T3 is the continental name---
My family have had VWs from 1963, and had type 1, 2 and 3 camper vans.
The T3 had the best conversions - even to today. Roomier body overall compared to T1 and T2, and bigger interiors as you dont lose the engine bay space like you do on T4 and T5.
Autosleepers did a very nice conversion, but my favourite of the time was Holdsworth. We had a Devon - which was poorly made, and a Diamond, which was great. Ive seen a lot of Bilbos and Reimo advertised too. They have a slightly different interior based on continental styling. If you like the Wesfalia you might find the finish good. Personally I like the clean lines and understatement of the Holsworth.
Despite the above from the diesel fans Id still go for the 2.0 litre petrol water cooled, 4 speed gearbox.
But as the man says, even the newest are 16 years old! With any vehicles 16 years old or more, there is a lot that might not be working on a regular basis. How much would a 16 year old car fetch? A lot less than £6,000... so I guess it shows that there must be something good about the T3 to still command those prices.
Geoff
------------- Veni Vidi Velcro.... I came, I saw, I stuck around!
Since buying my first campervan this year it has been a really valuable source of information. They deal solely with Volswagon Transporters from 1980 - 1990. If you have any questions at all ask them.
My 1982 T25 cost me £1,000.00, there are still bargains to be had out there!
There are bargins out there i looked at a t25 td 1600 awhile ago new engine fitted new clutch new mot and i looked the bus over well for my brother who did not buy it!! lovely interior small amount of bodywork and i mean small! and it looked very tidy in fact i was tempted myself but it will not fit in my garage ( high top ) the price under 3grand ono that was a great buy for someone and it drove well ! the engine worth 1500 approx alone! so happy hunting and be carefull what you buy!! Paul
Cheers for that vduber72. Just checked out your gallery, nice van mate!! I'm in no rush to buy a t25 so will take my time and look very carefully. Looked at a few to date, not too impressed so far. Missed a belter for 6000k, 59000 miles, full vdub history etc. He who snoozes, losers!!!!
Don't rule out LHD, it don't really make a lot of differance when you are driving as you only really overtake on duel carraigeway or motorway.
I have a 1990 Westfalia California Hightop imported from Germany, excellent quality interior and *everything* works, we have used it in the middle of winter and woke up to snow on the ground, still lovely and cozy with its excellent heater.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: VW TYPE 3 (25)
