TheSamba.com :: View topic - Need information - loaded question

Tue Jul 26, 2005 9:23 pm

Ok, this is a loaded question. For realibility, power, and kind of the known best years..... I am looking for a westy or camper (Not sure of the proper lingo). My buddy owns a 78 and loves it. He tells me to stay away for the early mid eighties and that a 91 might be a good choice seeing how they have more power and luxuries... AIR Conditioner for one.

Anyone care to comment?

Dave

Tue Jul 26, 2005 10:13 pm

There is another thread up here running on the same basic question.
I like my 86, it is a great car.

Opinions may vary, Good luck, as you may ignite a HOly War!

Wed Jul 27, 2005 3:55 am

how much of a budget do you have. 1991 would be the best year by default, and of course the most expensive. Remember when they are camping they are all the same.

Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:37 pm

My budget is 15K tops. Ideally 10K. Thanks you guys for the comments. So is the early to mid 80's truly ones to stay away from? Do the later 80's have a good reputation?

Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:47 pm

early 80s (thru 83) - aircooled and slow, fun though
mid-83 to 85 - first version watercooled. more hp than aircooled, but also more complex due to cooling system, etc. known to leak, hence the nickname waterleakers. fun though.
86-91 - watercooled v2. more hp than the prior watercooled, same leak issue as above. fun though.

with that budget you should be able to get a nice later 80s/90 camper. the reliability of all models really comes down to how well did the prior owner treat the vehicle. also, best case scenario it's a 14 year old vehicle, so keep in mind things can, will and do break/fail.

Wed Jul 27, 2005 7:58 pm

There were no bad years, it all depends on the amount of driving comfort you can afford. I have an 81 aircooled Westfalia that I got a little more than a year ago. I'm about at the 10K mark about now. I'm guessing because I really don't want to add up all the receipts. It is the only car we own and I would not hesitate drive it accross the country. In my opinion the old aircooled and diesel Campers are the best for "back country camping", just because of the ground clearance, and simplicity.
I bought an old aircooled one because I was going to be working on it, the parts are cheaper. and the way I wanted it to be (run and drive like new) ment I had to change a lot less stuff. I also figured vw had been making aircooled motors for 45 years they had to get it right by now.

Wed Jul 27, 2005 9:41 pm

I also figured vw had been making aircooled motors for 45 years they had to get it right by now.[/quote]

They ironed out everything but the dropped valve seats unfortunately. I like my aircooled because it was hella cheap considering it has almost the exact same interior as a $15k 91, albeit with a groovy faux wood linoleum. I also like the nostalgia of the aircooled and the humbling feeling of driving over the pass doing 25mph.

Wed Jul 27, 2005 10:17 pm

I love my 87 so far. With 15k I'd get into one for 10K and get the 2.5L engine from GoWestys or put the 1.9L turbo diesel in it with the rest of the money. Of course I'd run the snot out of the current engine first. I would also be sure it was a syncro.

Thu Jul 28, 2005 2:58 am

Buckly wrote: I love my 87 so far. With 15k I'd get into one for 10K and get the 2.5L engine from GoWestys or put the 1.9L turbo diesel in it with the rest of the money. Of course I'd run the snot out of the current engine first. I would also be sure it was a syncro.

As some people have stated, the camping parts are pretty much the same for '80- '91, everyone has there opinion, good or bad, you need to research a little & decide what works for you.
With the $$ you have, I'd go with a '86-'91, find a nice body/interior w/ a failing engine, drop a "Tico" engine in, and your good to go.

Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:09 am

AIRCOOLED BABY! I'll admit I do get a little jealous of the waterleakers passing me going up the hills sometimes. The reason I like the aircooled's is that they are so simple and easy to work on. I'm learning how to work on cars for my first time, and so far, I've been able to do just about anything on this van- it's great. Not to mention how cheap the parts are. But in the end- you really can't go wrong with any year of westy.

Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:29 am

You want air-conditioning? Then, 1986-91 is your best choice. And make sure it works when you buy it.

If it "just needs a charge," walk away. Ten-to-one, they're BS'ing you. And it may take another grand to get it fixed.

Thu Jul 28, 2005 11:54 am

You have a lot more to spend than I did. However, having said that, I have a 1981 Vanagon and it does have air and an auxilary heater. The heater works awesome, which is important because I live in Illinois. The air needs some help, which is going slowly.
I wanted to post though to let you know that you can get an early 80s with air (of course that means it goes even slower) and to suggest if you live anywhere that gets cold you should consider an aux. heater.
Last, as I did not see this anywhere else, I bought mine on ebay. I was able to see it before I bought it because I drove the 250 miles away to do so. You have much more money to spend and I have seen some VERY nice buses for that price range.
Good Luck.

Thu Jul 28, 2005 3:43 pm

89 to 91 have that european balck trim and bumper look. This would be the more "modern look" if thats what you want. I put as set of 16" mercedes wheels on my 89, tinted the windows, and now look like a brand new car. I preffer the AT as well. Actuall MORE reliable than the standard as long as you watch out for the tranny oil cooler.

Thu Jul 28, 2005 8:44 pm

you people rule..... I am beginning to think for the power and luxuries that I am looking for.... hey I 've had many a 60's bus and double cabs but being middle aged and out in a hot mountainous area that late 80's early 90's is sounding pretty enticing. Once again, all this information is welcome and greatly appreciated.

Fri Jul 29, 2005 8:43 am

I LOVE my 81 Aircooled Camper.... I've had her on the For Sale list but re-thinking it, I LOVE THIS VAN... I think I'll keep her, unless there is an eccentric rich person that wants to give me a load of dough. Until then, I think I'll make a few upgrades to the guages, redo the under coating to keep nasty rust away...
She is a little slow to get going, but drives great and get a ton a of smiles and peace signs...

celestialpower wrote: I live in Illinois.
Where in IL you at? I live in the Souther IL just outside St Louis...

Fri Jul 29, 2005 10:41 am

Hey FrankieD,

Don't sell that van!!! I promise that you will regret it later! Trust me, I know, and now that I have another on (80 westy), I am keeping her til I die, then I will probably be buried in her! LOL!!