gday volkswagon fanatics! am a newby here so dont rough me up too much or steal my lunch money cos i'm savin for me own dream dub......am sure u've recieved this question several (hundred) times but lets have another crack! ADVICE REQUIRED!!! ~ my vw knowledge is pretty basic (read 'absolutley minimal' and i've been wandering around this sight for a few days readin up. always had an interest in the mighty volkswagons and i've reached a point when i want my own kombi van.... i want to hit the coasts and tour australia with my girl in it before i head overseas... just wondering what type and what engine should i be on the lookout for in your personal opinions and why?? pics would be great too if possible. my requirements are- under 5k and be reliable and simple!! it will only sport some roof racks for the board and a simple bed, not really a camper... throw some suggestions guys and girls!!
ps. my best mate is an engine reconditioner. would it be cheaper for me to buy a good kombi with buggered engine?? thanks!!

Hi, and welcome to the forum. I'll try tp address some of your questions here, but there are other people on the forum who can give you better answers.

Since your budget is fairly tight and you want reliability (who doesn't?) you should, in my view, dismiss both the later wtater-cooled buses (too expensive still for a good one) and also the early "splirt-window" kombis (these deserve a bigger budget to own and maintain, plus parts can be hard to find). This leaves the '68 to '79 "Bay-window" buses.

The "Bays" are relatively plentiful, spares are widely available and, when properly fettled, can be quite reliable. The earlier examples of these, especially the 1968 to 1972 models, have drum brakes and an engine essentially the same as the Beetle, a 1600 cc boxer.

The '72 to '79 models have (1700- rarely) 1800 or 2000 engines, with the latest models being fuel injected, and disk brakes. These engines are heavier-duty than the 1600, being more suitable for round-oz travel, but are substantially more expensive to recondition.

If your mate has some experience in VW
motors, looking for one which needs some attention may be a good plan.

To see a summary of the Kombis which are available at this site, visit:
http://www.aussiekombicampers.com/ 
There, under the heading Kombi News, you'll find all that are currently for sale here.

Good luck!

Not the best greeting, and I apologise for that, but most of us prefer the spelling Volkswagen.. With an 'E'.

Enjoy, and hope you find the info you are after.

G'day Air Fooled. Not sure if your in Victoria, but I may have what you are after.It's a 74 Microbus, Orange in colour thats in relatively good condition. Interior is execellent, externally OK. Motor seems to run very well. I know the VW mechanic that has serviced it, and I plan to see him tomorrow to get the full rundown. Will post pics and propably post a 4 sale on here tomorrow.