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ADVICE: Camper- Buy or Convert?
jamesbond - December 30th, 2014 at 10:05 PM

ADVICE: Camper- Buy or Convert?
Whats the best option? Should I buy an existing factory/converted camper or do we get better value to buy a transporter/van and pay to convert it? We can spend to about 15-20K. While we love the idea of the old T2 shape (like we traveled through Europe in 25 years ago) But they seem way too expensive ATM, so happy to consider T3 and T4. I guess these models also offer more practical floor plan and extra space (please confirm). We are a family of two adults and 10 YO daughter. We want to do trips between weekends and week long trips and we also want to all sleep within the van. So what should we consider? is a T3 or t4 Better? to buy existing camper or pay to convert? Any advice or suggestions or experience really appreciated. THANK YOU Pls comment

h - December 31st, 2014 at 05:00 AM

Hi!
If your not too mech minded n enjoy creature comforts get a T4 diesel n convert that for camping
They are reasonably priced from the get go and are fairly reliable
Older bus models need work n upkeep compared to newer ones
T4s have a flat cargo area n LWB has room a plenty
I had a T4 for many years n now my daily drive is a T5, I've had plenty if T2s but yes getting up in price as are T3s
enjoy your search :)
my 2c

Bizarre - December 31st, 2014 at 06:39 AM

Be careful if buying interstate. Especially T2's.
Most pop tops are "modified vehicles" and registration issues may arise when re registering.

If you can find a Westfalia camper they were original VW.

T3 is my pick

jamesbond - December 31st, 2014 at 08:46 AM

Any idea what a conversion might cost? can you also get pop top with small cot upstairs? I like the idea of a diesel also. Just seems a lot of work and expensive to convert to full featured camper.

Governor - December 31st, 2014 at 08:53 AM

Look for a T4 or T5 diesel already converted

karmann141 - December 31st, 2014 at 08:53 AM

Have a chat to Frontline Campers - $ depends on what you want. They do an excellent fitout and much cheaper than Trakka.
http://www.frontlinecamper.com.au/campervans/vw-transporter/ 

jamesbond - January 22nd, 2015 at 07:53 PM

Thanks folks, So looking like doing a convert, might be the way to go. Not many good T3 or 4 campers around that I can find. So I suppose try to find a tidy van/transporter and get it converted. Any other camper conversion place recommendations? Maybe the camping and 4x4 expo in Sydney might discover some?