The Volkswagen Transporter (more commonly known as a Volkswagen Camper or VW camper) is perhaps one of the most iconic classic vehicles of all time. In 1968, the traditional transporter was given a much-needed new design and relaunched in the spirit of the seventies when there was more demand for vehicles that you could put a temporary roof over your head too. Bright colors and modernized design catered to the needs and tastes of a young, liberated market. But this wasn’t all that changed! The second generation vehicle also had functional improvements. While large (and relatively difficult to maneuver as a consequence), the driving experience was massively improved with the large Bay window – which improved visibility – and increased suspension.
Versions from 1978 onwards were fueled by a 1970cc engine, and if you manage to find one produced in Brazil later down the line, you will be treated with increased power. If you’re considering buying one of these vehicles, however, there’s a lot to consider. While the VW T2 has many flaws, they come hand in hand with various pros too. While your purchase will ultimately be swayed by personal preference, we’re here to help you with a few different facts to help you make the most informed decision possible!
Maintenance
Now, when you buy a new vehicle, you can expect to have a good few years of use out of it before you need to start worrying about problems with how it runs and undertaking multiple repair jobs. When it comes to classic cars, you’re going to have a whole lot more maintenance to carry out from the start. More often than not, you’re going to have to transport your vehicle from its current location to wherever you may be because chances are that it’s not going to be able to drive the distance. The majority of classic cars start out in a bad way and getting them roadworthy is likely to be your job. It has always been the case that a classic car will not merely be a means of transportation for you. Instead, it’s likely to become a project and a hobby. Something that you have to put real work into before it drives well and looks good. Whether you’re competent in engineering and repairs or have to pay a professional such as a man and van in Balham to do the initial work, you’re going to have to pour time and money into this vehicle. The Volkswagen T2 is no exception to this trend. In fact, you’re likely to have to invest a little more and lavish the vehicle with a little more tender loving care. Why? Well, this vehicle has a large body and is particularly prone to rust. This means that many have become damaged beyond repair and what’s advertised as a fine vehicle may turn out to be a complete rust bucket. This is why it’s absolutely essential to view the vehicle yourself before purchasing. Check the entire vehicle for rust: front panels, interior… everywhere. Small patches can be patched up, but complete rusting should just be avoided. Once you’ve landed yourself a decent vehicle and have done the work required to make it acceptable for use on the road, you can expect ongoing maintenance. This vintage vehicle isn’t the same as a modern one: you can’t service and assume everything will be fine until the next checkup. It’s highly likely that you’ll have to replace parts regularly and these parts won’t necessarily be widely available. In short, bear in mind when opting for this camper that you will have an ongoing project and a relatively large amount of work on your hands.
Cost
As we have just highlighted the sheer amount of work that this vehicle will need to function properly, it’s not all too surprising that such a vehicle is going to cost you a fair amount of money. As parts aren’t always readily available and you will often require specialist mechanics to work on the camper, prices soar even higher. Some people become easily mistaken when they see extremely low initial purchase costs on listed VW T2s. But most of the time, if the initial outlay for the vehicle itself is cheap, there’s a good reason behind it. Chances are it’s in really bad shape and perhaps even beyond saving. A fully working and refurbished version of this vehicle will see prices rocket into the tens of thousands. The one benefit money-wise that you can get with this vehicle is that you don’t have to pay road tax: its age ensures that it is exempt.
The Image
So, let’s get onto some of the pros. The main benefit of owning this kind of vehicle is the image that it provides you with. If you’re considering purchasing the VW T2, chances are that it’s your cup of tea aesthetically. It’s iconic. It’s the kind of vehicle that will make people turn their heads as they pass. This is timeless, and consequently, you also gain the advantage of being able to sell the vehicle easily and with no loss of value should you change your mind down the line!
Campervans need a specific type of insurance and if you have modified the van by yourself or even built your own campervan, insurance is available. But you must declare it as a self build or that you have made modifications to your classic VW campervan. The average cost of caravan insurance can range from GBP250 to over GBP1000 for a high end luxury RV. This is according to a rough the guide to campervan insurance by specialist outdoor website Compare Static Caravan Insurance
Great for Festivals and Camping
Another benefit of the VW camper is that it’s perfect for outdoorsy types who want portable accommodation. This bus is a temporary home that will follow you wherever you want to go. You’ll be envied by anyone in a tent each time you pull up to a music festival or camping site, as it provides an entirely more comfortable place to rest your head.
As you can see, the Volkswagen T2 camper is an iconic and extremely functional vehicle. If you are to purchase one, it could easily become your prize possession: just speak to any T2 owner and you’ll see exactly how attached you can get to the vehicle itself. However, it comes hand in hand with a lot of responsibility and will take up a lot of your time and effort. If this is something you’re willing to provide it with, then it could be the investment of a lifetime!
