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Registered: August 24th, 2005
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posted on August 24th, 2005 at 08:44 PM
advice needed
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.
pi22api22a
A.k.a.: Dave
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posted on August 24th, 2005 at 09:18 PM
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.
