And don't forget the long cue of cars in the rear view mirror
My van also started life as a stock kombi. We had it a whole two weeks before we brought a meccano type kombi bed for the back and two huge black plastic storage boxes which we filled with all the gubbins for a camping trip. Then it was off around Europe for a month. No messing! It was a trial by fire for the vanlife. The first four days were like hell on earth. Constant heavy rain. Everything felt damp. Dog had the shits..... but then, just as we very almost packed it all in, the sun made a visit, we dried everything out. All was right with the world and we haven't looked back since! Took two years nearly to fully convert to a 4 berth off grid camper, but we love it.I love the old split screen buses and seriously thought about buying one but went for a modern T5 Kombi instead.
Whilst it does not have the iconic status, for me it was the better family vehicle.
It is used everyday as a 5 seater car, as a van at weekends (just filled the van with fire wood for scout camp this weekend) and then holidays its a proper camper van with bed seats and pop up roof. Its got a 2.4 Turbo engine so even fully loaded you dont notice it and can always keep up with the other traffic.
It also amazes me how much interest my modern van gets and I am for ever been asked for advice about buying one (twice this week).
It seems there are a lot of people that want to be part of the VW camper scene but also want more practicality.
If I could justify it I would have a classic VW bus. But if it meant getting rid of my modern van I dont think I would. (I love it too much)
Chalkflint
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/163752892@N05/48177511051/in/dateposted-public/
My van is my daily driver as well. Still good on fuel. We have had a few issues with sensors but all have been dwelt with by VW under warranty.We're getting a van as soon as we find one. Not being a sucker for a badge, finding a vw is too small across the cab for me and our budget would limit us to a pi$$ poor old banger of a vw we're getting a vivaro/trafic/transit custom.
In our view their boxy shape means more space and lower premium cost will allow us to partially convert it too. Other issue is until converted it's our only vehicle so we need the three seats in the front. On the vw I cannot fit in it without having to lean inwards. I'm 6'5" tall and since we share driving I'll. Have to fit in the outer passenger seat. Can't do that with vw vans.
However with more converters making vans up out of non-vw base vans it's easier to get a good quality conversion. So a 2016 vivaro, side/rear windows, pop top lid, lined and insulated for £15k is a possibility. Possibly even a crash tested tub m1 double seat / bed too. The rest isn't important right away.
It's an exciting time starting this journey to van life. Just still worried if it's a good idea sinking so much into a van and driving it as our only vehicle too. Car will go to pay for more conversion costs after initial work.
https://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/...l-vehicles/vans/all/uk/vw+t5+van+sales+no+vatDon't know where your find the vw vans for £8-10k unless that's without vat occluded or it's old / high mileage.
We've been looking and vw vans seem at 9k + vat for a 15 plate, 100 or so BHP and 100k mileage or hit go up to 13k +vat for a lower mileage van same age and lower mileage.
Looking at vauxhall vivaro you can get say a 50k mileage, 15 to 16 plate with high spec sportive, even biturbo for about 8k + vat. That's a new shape too. IIRC vw t6 came in avout 15/16 plate and you'll not get one of them for 8k!
IMHO it's a no brainer for us, even ignoring the fact I don't fit in the passenger seat. The vw t5s are a better drive though if you get the 140bhp version. Handles better across the power range just nicer 140bhp.