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Wanted to Buy - Kombi Camper
Karl - March 20th, 2006 at 05:54 PM

I am a new member who needs advice and help so I can make an informed decsion about buying a Kombi Camper. I know I want to buy one - question is which one and how much? I like Jamie Oliver's if that is an indicator.

I want a fully restored one, mechanically A1, pop top, all the extras. I am a realist, not a purist, so tastefull and effective modernisations are fine, provided they are in keeping, if that makes sense. I am good for a very authentic renovation as well. I suppose I want a really schmic Kombi with the work all done, and I need to find out what the market is calling schmic (cf what I have in my head) and what I should expect to pay. Info on options, what to look out for, avoid etc would be much appreciated, and where else I can look too.

Thanks in advance, pretty cool looking site too btw.

Volkswagenboy - March 26th, 2006 at 12:09 PM

Geez, your looking big dollars there (Jamies Bus is a Splitty) and they go for a fair bit in perfect nick from what I've heard.
-Staggers.

soft notch - March 26th, 2006 at 03:12 PM

Unless your planning to live in it, don't do it. Go for a nice tidy bay window job instead with a two litre donk. A splitty like Jamie Oliver's will set you back 20k. They look smick but leak like a sieve and finding one without rust is practically impossible. Or you could get a nice Type 3 squareback for under 4 grand and just put the back seat down!

Volkswagenboy - March 26th, 2006 at 05:11 PM

HAHA!!
-Staggers.

ltonk - March 27th, 2006 at 07:43 AM

Quote:

A splitty like Jamie Oliver's will set you back 20k



I'll take 10 at that price.

A fully restored split camper will set you back up to $60000.

As the guys have said you might be better off to go for a "Bay Window" (1968 - 1979 these are still in the classic kombi shape but not with the split windows). Even for this for a fully restored camper you can pay $8-20K.

If you are going to spend that sort of money you might be best to look for an excellent condition original van.
There was one on eBay a couple of weeks ago for $11000 that looked pritty good and one on http://www.dsk.com.au  that is very original hitop camper with an original 17000Miles for $20000.

Sometimes you are better off to find something for a little less say $5-7K and if it needs anything get it done yourself.

It all really comes down to what you can afford and how much time you want to spend both looking for the right van and if necessary how much time you want to spend cleaning it up.

Good luck and I hope that is of some help.

Luke

Karl - March 27th, 2006 at 09:39 AM

Thanks guys. I have swapped a couple emails with the kombi shop. Know anything about them??

cruising 69 - April 7th, 2006 at 01:46 PM

I have a 1969 Kombi which I have Restored and turned into a Camper. Not a pop top though.
It has a double bed in the back with a tent that attaches to the side. $9500.

Contact 0418 966 541.