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Hi there. I'm looking to purchase a VW  type 3 or 25 (confused already!!) campervan. It will be the first campervan I will have owned and it seems to be the choice of many for a first van. Looking at other messages it seems some are better than others when it comes to the engines. I have been told to avoid the non turbo diesel as it is vastly underpowered but not sure if the aircooled is better than the water cooled as they both seem to have their shortcomings. Are both these engines suitable to run on unleaded petrol or do I need to look for one with modified head? I have a basic knowledge of car maintenance so I'm not too bothered about working on them with help from a manual or the like. I believe the turbo diesel is the one to go for but, they seem quite thin on the ground. Not sure where to look other than e-bay!! I am looking to spend up to £6000 on the right van. What would I get for that sort of money? I seem to prefer the Autohomes conversions from what I have seen but, not sure which company produced the best quality apart from Westfalia and I really wanted to avoid a left hand drive. I would prefer a high top version as I need a 4 berth but again not sure if there are any problems with these as compared with pop top conversions.

Any advise on the above or any other matters to do with type 3's would be greatly appreciated befor I part with my hard earned cash. Many thanks.

BE SEEING YOU.

There are alot of vw sites to look at for sales. Here are a few to get started on.

I bought mine off 'preloved'.

www.dubs4sale.com

www.onlyaircooled.com

www.planetcampers.com/vwcamper.htm

www.vwcampercrazy.co.uk

www.preloved.co.uk

Can i suggest you visit http://www.club80-90.co.uk/

Since buying my first campervan this year it has been a really valuable source of information. They deal solely with Volswagon Transporters from 1980 - 1990. If you have any questions at all ask them.

My 1982 T25 cost me £1,000.00, there are still bargains to be had out there!

There are bargins out there i looked at a t25 td 1600 awhile ago new engine fitted new clutch new mot and i looked the bus over well for my brother who did not buy it!! lovely interior small amount of bodywork and i mean small! and it looked very tidy in fact i was tempted myself but it will not fit in my garage ( high top ) the price under 3grand ono that was a great buy for someone and it drove well ! the engine worth 1500 approx alone! so happy hunting and be carefull what you buy!! Paul

Don't rule out LHD, it don't really make a lot of differance when you are driving as you only really overtake on duel carraigeway or motorway.

I have a 1990 Westfalia California Hightop imported from Germany, excellent quality interior and *everything* works, we have used it in the middle of winter and woke up to snow on the ground, still lovely and cozy with its excellent heater.

The Westys are quality, just got no grill.