I've never owned a kombi camper before any tips, advice, what to look out for, or anything else that might be usefull it would be greatly appreciated. I've got a few questions:

- what size engine is the best to look for - a bloke once told me to try to get a 2 litre as opposed to a 1.6 or 1.8.
- is there any year model(s) for kombi's that are better than the others OR ones that are better avoided?
- what price do u reckon i should be looking at for a kombi(i know it depends on the quality of the vehicle but how much is too much? I saw a kombi in good condition - inside probably needed a bit of work but the engine was rebuilt a short time ago and looked clean and new however was priced at $12,000 is that too much?)
- is it better to have a manual or an auto or is there no difference?
- what kind of running costs can i expect to be paying once i get a kombi

any help would be great - and if anyone knows of a good camper for sale that would be good too.

Cheers.

Hey Jonesy,

I have a 74 bay kombi poptop with all the camping extras (fidge, stove, sink, bed, poptop, water tank etc). Bought it a few years back and have spent time going over pretty much whole car.... advice.
Manual is better than auto (unless you have a very good 2lt to push it along), 1800 is fine with a manual gbox. I have a 1600 engine with manual gbox, runs fine but you do notice difference on highway. I usually sit on 95km/h (most guys will tell you this is a good speed for extended trips). Good tip is to install temp guage when you get one so you know whats going on back there.
Don't know about the older splitties but the bays are pretty tough, did notice the 75bays had alot of plastic bits that like to break, no big deal though.
Biggest running cost would be fuel, kombis do like to drink! (best advice is not to look at the fuel guage as kombi has aerodynamic package of a loaf of bread). Then just upkeep on that, parts are pretty easy to come across still (except older ones), just keep eye out, swap meets etc.
$12k for a kombi? mate I would want it to be absolutely perfect for that price - think you should shop around 1st - or spend the $$$ fixing up one yourself (go on preserve a classic!!).
If your not sure where to go (or what to look for) speak to a VW mechanic (think there are links on this site), may be able to recommend one for you.

Good luck, hope to see you on the road

daave:beer