I can't make my mind up.

[SaddleTank]

Good afternoon everyone.
I'm looking at two camper vans,i haven't a clue about prices and if any of them are worth the asking price.Ones a buy it now,ones on bidding.Would you be so kind as to take a look at them,i like the diesel Ford smiley.its a bit scruffy,needs some tlc.

ford transit leisure drive 4 berth camper van | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for ford transit leisure drive 4 berth camper van at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

And this VW T4,looks clean and tidy,but its petrol.I put a bid in but i expect to get outbid at some point,not a clue what sort of price it'll bring. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/127017235401

 

[ricc]

Having owned several transit panel vans I wouldn't touch that one with a barge pole ....I'd expect it to fail the MOT on rust issues sooner rather than later.

I know nothing about VW vans , put wouldn't touch petrol....I'd be surprised if it did anywhere near 20 mpg.

 

[trevskoda]

I would be carfull with the ford as they rot like mad, nither of the 2 have solar to charge the batteries, and are old hat gas fridges, which at that age are sure to give trouble.
I paid less than half there price for my bus and then spent the same to convert, it was only ten years old at the time.
If the trany is rust free and the banana engine thin ok but get a garage to look over it, esp underneath.

 

[barryd]

VW looks the best bet to me but it depends what it goes for as its an auction.

 

[Pauljenny]

Check how many previous owners and Mot history.

There's a lot of crap old vans out there.
Many, bought by dreamers during covid.
They were abused and misused, by ignorant numpties, and back on the auction block, many times.

You might get lucky and get what you've paid for.
Good luck, Chummy.

 

[REC]

VW doesn't say how long MOT is.....good idea to check gov website to find out advisories and some history.

 

[barryd]

MOT on the VW is July.

Full history here

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/results?registration=j239mrn&checkRecalls=true

 

[Bear]

Sorrta similar to you Saddle Tank as out looking again.

Agree re the transit went and looked at one local, good on pictures etc, lifted bonnet and the classic or one of places finger went straight through...so that was a no.

Talked to a mate who does conversions and renovations as the VW I may go see is 2.4d with 104 k on the clock not a problem and certainly not as prone like the transit.

Shame as the ole banana engine is a good un

 

[SaddleTank]

Thanks people.
Ive cancelled the viewing of the Transit,the VW has no major issues and the mot history has only minor issues.I'll keep an eye on the VW,the inside is the type of layout i'm looking for.I don't want to have to get out of the cab to get in the back,or vice versa.

 

[barryd]

Thanks people.
Ive cancelled the viewing of the Transit,the VW has no major issues and the mot history has only minor issues.I'll keep an eye on the VW,the inside is the type of layout i'm looking for.I don't want to have to get out of the cab to get in the back,or vice versa.

See if you can negotiate a 12 month test with it as July is not that far off. If I was selling I would make sure a years test or nearly a year was on it. He maybe can't be arsed but it could be that he knows its going to fail on something major.

 

[molly 2]

It would be a constant battle to keep on top of rust repairs on the Ford
The vw has less rust problems but check if the vw has a gear drive camshaft .if so could be bonus

 

[Boris7]

That Transit is as rotter as an out of date pear Sir, buy that and you'll also need some serious workshop time as well as at least 3 doors pretty soon. The banana tops were good, but service history? if it aint been looked after regularly (and believe me it hasn't is your default position here) its going to bit you good and hard.

Personally don't like the VW, but if thats where your budget is then that VW is the better choice imho.

 

[mark61]

I think I'd be looking to see what kind of commercial you can get for similar money, especially if doing trips abroad.

Fit a bed in the back, maybe a window, get some camping stuff, sorted. Add to it as you can.

 

[Boris7]

I think I'd be looking to see what kind of commercial you can get for similar money, especially if doing trips abroad.

Fit a bed in the back, maybe a window, get some camping stuff, sorted. Add to it as you can.

Dependant on your circumstances that may well be your best advise. Think that's what I'd do with the budget your looking at.

 

[wildebus]

That VW won't be bought for close to £3500 I am 99% sure about that.

 

[Moonraker 2]

The T4 looks very similar to mine. I loved it at first sight.
However: I moved from a tent and use my van like one. Very simple, no frills, less to go wrong. I like the small space, ideal for one but it's personal choice. I only use my fridge as a cupboard.
Mine is a deisel, don't know about petrol and does very good mpg. My mileage is way more than that.
Only problem with a hightop is you can't get in many car parks, ( height barriers) good point is that it's only as big as a car so fits in the same space.
Seems a good price to me if it's in good condition.
Yes, it's great being able to get from bed to driving seat in a moment without going outside.
Surely there's not much to go wrong with a simple engine and no posh electrics. I just hope the bodywork is OK. However if you can find a simple ( friendly) mechanic you can get most things done reasonably.

 

[SaddleTank]

That Transit is as rotter as an out of date pear Sir, buy that and you'll also need some serious workshop time as well as at least 3 doors pretty soon. The banana tops were good, but service history? if it aint been looked after regularly (and believe me it hasn't is your default position here) its going to bit you good and hard.

Personally don't like the VW, but if thats where your budget is then that VW is the better choice imho.

I'm not buying the transit,ten years ago and i could do anything that needed doing.I was a welder/panel beater/paint sprayer,i had all the tools even an engine crane.Not now,poor physical health.

 

[SaddleTank]

The T4 looks very similar to mine. I loved it at first sight.
However: I moved from a tent and use my van like one. Very simple, no frills, less to go wrong. I like the small space, ideal for one but it's personal choice. I only use my fridge as a cupboard.
Mine is a deisel, don't know about petrol and does very good mpg. My mileage is way more than that.
Only problem with a hightop is you can't get in many car parks, ( height barriers) good point is that it's only as big as a car so fits in the same space.
Seems a good price to me if it's in good condition.
Yes, it's great being able to get from bed to driving seat in a moment without going outside.
Surely there's not much to go wrong with a simple engine and no posh electrics. I just hope the bodywork is OK. However if you can find a simple ( friendly) mechanic you can get most things done reasonably.

I can still do my own service,breaks pads,oil change,spark plugs,etc.The only things i cant do is any welding or anything that means getting under it,the problem is i still think i can but my body says i cant.

 

[SaddleTank]

That VW won't be bought for close to £3500 I am 99% sure about that.

Do you mean it'll go for a lot more.

 

[SaddleTank]

The T4 looks very similar to mine. I loved it at first sight.
However: I moved from a tent and use my van like one. Very simple, no frills, less to go wrong. I like the small space, ideal for one but it's personal choice. I only use my fridge as a cupboard.
Mine is a deisel, don't know about petrol and does very good mpg. My mileage is way more than that.
Only problem with a hightop is you can't get in many car parks, ( height barriers) good point is that it's only as big as a car so fits in the same space.
Seems a good price to me if it's in good condition.
Yes, it's great being able to get from bed to driving seat in a moment without going outside.
Surely there's not much to go wrong with a simple engine and no posh electrics. I just hope the bodywork is OK. However if you can find a simple ( friendly) mechanic you can get most things done reasonably.

That's what i want,simplicity and be able to get in it without getting out of it.