Smaller campervans

scaldybelt

Hi,

On the hunt for a second 'car' (to replace a pickup which is about to sell). It would need to be auto, high seating position (for herself), and I'm torn between an old Toyota Hilux Surf (SUV - ok, I hear you all groaning) or a minivan size camper. We had a Surf before and it was a fantastic second car for the money so I know what I'd be getting there.

I'd like a VW transporter camper but the price is a bit much, so I came across the Mazda Bongo. Whilst the name leaves little to be desired, I wondered what others thought about this type of motor (2.5d, usually 4wd) which would be used for pootling around town and then for the odd weekend camping around the country and trips to the continent. Most have a pop up roof and seats that fold down to a double bed, and have some space for a small kitchenette. The 2.5d engine would be great for towing a small trailer/boat on extended trips especially when coupled with 4wd.

They seem to be very cheap to pick up as grey imports in the UK (£3k-7k) - I can understand some of the reasons!

peasant

I've never driven one, but I've seen a few around. I'd say they tick most of your boxes and other than the stupid name I haven't heard anything bad about them.

Whether you can get a converted one recognised as a fully fledged "motorcaravan" (thus saving on tax) is a different question and may depend on the VRO inspector of the day. Pop-up roofs can be a bone of contention when it comes to the "internal height of 6 foot" thingy that is needed for a motorcaravan.

Other than that it could make a very nice multi purpose vehicle and Mazdas are generally known for reliability.

There are a few on carzone as well, btw ...one of them fully converted, as far as I remember.

dollydishmop

Just wanted to offer a word or two on the VW camper.

A good option could be the T25 (aka T3) model. They are not hugely expensive (yet) but the biggest thing in their favour is that, providing you look after it, they are starting now to 'appreciate' in value. Which could be a big bonus over the Bongo.

And like the Bongo, they are a good size for pottering around town. Mine is my daily driver!

peasant

In "camping mode" the VW would have another big advantage over the Bongo. There is no middle tunnel between the front seats, so you can get in and out the back easily from inside plus you could fit swivel seats, which maximise usable space greatly.

scaldybelt

Thanks for the useful comments. While I would prefer the VW, I'm unlikely to get one for my €12k budget......

Good point about the gap in the front seats though.

peasant

scaldybelt wrote:

While I would prefer the VW, I'm unlikely to get one for my €12k budget......

Well ... there would be these:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=613453
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=463750
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=340430
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=317852
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=501902




EDIT:

ooops ...just re-read your original question ...none of the above is automatic.
A VW auto camper will be a pretty rare find

dollydishmop

peasant wrote:

Well ... there would be these:

A VW auto camper will be a pretty rare find

Oh but they are out there!

I'd go so far as saying that *all* the VW T25 campers (1980-1992) will come in under your €12k budget...and although autos are rarer they are out there and they are in this country.

Try these places for advice

www.type2ireland.org

And this place for vans (he's importing vw campers all the time, so can look all over Europe for you)
www.krazykombis.com

Do you know....you'd even get a pretty good, fully restored VW bay window camper (the older style 1968-1979) for your budget...and those can come in auto flavour too!

RoundyMooney

dollydishmop wrote:

A good option could be the T25 (aka T3) model.

I have my eye out for one of those as well. They are getting rare now though, in commercial form or otherwise.

peasant

Still a good few around in the "fatherland"

see HERE
and HERE