The Volkswagen T5 is the latest in the VW Transporter line of camper vans. If you’re in the market for VW camper vans for sale, you’d do well to consider a VW T5. In this FAQ we’ll answer some of the most common questions about the Volkswagen T5 as well as give you some tips on finding used camper vans for sale.

Q: Where are Volkswagen T5′s distributed?
A: T5′s are distributed in Germany, Turkey, Russia, France, and the UK. The United States does not receive T5′s because of the “chicken” tax which imposes an additional 25% tax on light trucks imported into the U.S.

Q: Can Volkswagen T5′s be customized from the factory?
Absolutely. There are over 100 different variations on the T5. There are some primary areas of customization (wheelbase length, roof line height, and van, bus or truck designs) that mean that if you can think of it, chances are VW can customize it for you. Some common models are: Pickup truck, 9-seater Shuttle bus, Kombi (passenger and cargo van combined) and Crew Cab Pickup.

Q: Which VW T5 Model is the Best Camper Van?
A: If you’re looking for a great camper van, the California Beach and California models are the ones to look at. The California is actually the first camper van to be designed and built by VW Special Business Unit. Here are some of the features of the VW Kombi California: ABS breaks, cruise control, air conditioning, CD player, alloy wheels, full size spare tire, storage nets, heated doors and mirrors, power windows. Additional options include: curtains, seating that converts to a bed, folding door that integrates with the sliding door, swiveling seats, and “pop-top” roof. In the California, additional features include: hydraulic roof with bed space, a kitchen with a sink, two burner gas stove, refrigerator and storage cupboards. The California also sports an awning, folding table and two chairs, satellite system, leather interior and parking sensors.

Q: What’s the Best Way to Find a  Used VW Camper Van?
A: First, determine what features you must have and which are simply nice to have. Then determine your budget. Once you have figured out what your needs are, there are three main places you can look to find great used VW’s. The first is from private party sellers who generally advertise in classifieds. The second place to look is a camper van dealer who specializes in all kinds of campers. This type of retailer can be helpful because you can quickly compare several makes and models. The third place to look for a T5 is a VW dealer.Expect to get better prices from a private party, but dealer sold vehicles will have had a safety inspection.

No matter which route you go, the T5 camper van has a host of great features packed into a good sized, highly maneuverable package.

If you’re just beginning your search for a Volkswagen T4, it’s a good idea to learn more about the types of VW camper vans for sale on the market. The more you know about the various versions of the T4, the better chances you have of finding a camper that fits your needs. In this review we’ll take a look at the camper van conversions based off of the T4 that were done by 3 companies: Westfalia, Autosleeper and Reimo.

Westfalia Volkswagen T4 Camper Vans
Your chances are greatest of finding a used VW camper van made by Westfalia. VW partnered directly with Westfalia to make the T4 series of camper vans. Westfalia many features that were popular, including:

• Sliding windows
• Rear heating for passengers
• Door pockets
• Sliding seat/bed with safety belts
• Lower profile elevating roof
• Easy-clean vehicle lining
• Steel storage units
• Swivel cab seats
• Two-burner stove with storage underneath
• Sink
• Refrigerator
• Fresh water tank
• Built-in closet

Westfalia T4′s are very popular, so plan on spending some time locating one in your area.

VW T4 Autosleeper Camper Vans
One of the fascinating things about looking for used camper vans for sale is the variety that you’ll be able to see. In the UK, a company called Autosleeper came up with their own camper van conversions built on the right-hand drive version of the T4. There were two models – a high roof version called Trident, and a elevating roof model called Trooper. In layout, they were both similar to the Westfalia conversions having the sink and kitchen area along one side and the bed and sleeping area in the rear of the vehicle.

In general, the Autosleeper models are a bit more plush offering more in the way of carpeting and finer detailing in the kitchens. Since these were made for the UK market, relatively few (if any) are found in the US.

Reimo Camper Vans
In Germany, a small company called Reimo had a good distribution network of dealers to sell their modified T4′s. They had two models, the Lucky and the Miami. Both had a sliding bed/seat and a low profile elevating roof. Interiors are generally clean and uncluttered looking with good space utilization. Since fewer Reimo’s were made than Westfalias, finding a good used one will likely take perseverance.

If you’re looking for a quality T4 be sure to look for conversions made by all 3 companies to increase your chances of finding a VW T4 that best suits you and your family.

If you’re looking for VW camper vans for sale, the Volkswagen T2 is a great model to consider. In this review we’ll give you some insight into the type of T2′s available, how to shop for a used VW camper van and a few tips and tricks for inspecting vehicles on your “maybe” list.

Types of VW T2′s
One of the things that makes Volkswagen vans so popular is the number of variations available. There were many variants of the Volkswagen T2, some of which include:

• Flatbed pickup truck
• Panel Van – no windows or rear seats, used primarily as delivery vehicles
• Bus – Essentially a passenger van
• Westfalia Camping Van – sometimes called a “Westy” and one of the more popular variants
• Ambulances, Hearses and even Fire Trucks were also available!

Inspecting Used Camper Vans for Sale
If you’re seriously considering purchasing a used TW T2, it’s important that you do a careful inspection. Many of these vehicles are 60 years old and will likely require a good deal of renovation.When you go out to view particular vehicles, be sure to inspect the following areas:

• Body: Here you want to be looking for signs of rust as well as body damage. Look for cracks in the roof. Also be sure to look at window and door casings. Vehicles that have not been restored are actually easier to inspect. Some unscrupulous sellers have been known to give a rusty VW a quick coat of paint to hide rust problems. If the paint is new, you may want to have a professional inspect it.
• Interior: Look for signs of mold and/or mildew. Check all electronic components – windshield wipers, radio, etc. If you’re looking at a camper van variant see which items are in good working order and which will need replacement.
• Mechanical: If you’re experienced with vehicles you may do this yourself but it’s likely best to have a VW mechanic look it over.

Including Repairs in Your Budget
As part of your camper van budget, consider setting aside money for mechanical inspections and also a budget for repairs after the purchase. For example, if you have $10,000 budgeted for the purchase, you may want to reserve $500 for 5 vehicle inspections and $2500 for must-have repairs. That would leave only $7000 for the actual purchase. Another way of budgeting for repairs is to set aside a specified every month, like you would a car payment. Determine which repairs are most essential and have those completed first. It can also be beneficial to look for a VW T2 expert who can help you complete all the repairs – that way you have one mechanic working on it who can develop a good working knowledge of your particular vehicle.

The VW T2 is a great choice. If you budget wisely you can end up with a terrific camper in great condition, just in time for the camping season.

The Volkswagen T1 is the ultimate classic camper van. If you’re looking for used camper vans for sale that have a lot of character and history – the VW T1 should be at the top of your list of vehicles to investigate. That said, there are some things you should be aware of before you decide on a used VW camper van. In this guide we’ll give you some pointers to finding a T1 and a few pitfalls to avoid. After all, you want to enjoy your classic camper, not spend all summer working on refurbishing it.

What’s Your Goal?
One of the first things you should decide is whether or not buying makes more sense for you then renting. There are actually quite a few places that rent T1′s for family holidays. One of the benefits of renting is that you don’t have ongoing maintenance, you don’t have to pay for insurance and you don’t have to worry about storage. On the flip side, when you rent you can’t customize your camper to your particular tastes. Also, spur of the moment trips are more challenging because you will need to make reservations ahead of time. Before you begin your search for VW camper vans for sale, you should consider whether renting would meet your needs. If you’re not sure, try renting a T1 for your next family outing and see how it goes. Worst case you’ll get an extended test drive and you can determine the things you love, and the things you don’t like, about the T1.

Condition, Condition, Condition
Volkswagen T1′s are indeed classic – they were first manufactured in 1950. That means that in some cases you’re looking at a vehicle that is over 60 years old. Any time you look at a vehicle of that age, you’ll want to spend a good deal of time investigating the overall condition. Don’t expect to find a T1 out there that doesn’t need any work. What you do want to do is make a list of the work that would need to be done and make sure that the costs fall in line with your budget. When you go out to look at a T1 bring a tarp with you so you can comfortably lie on the ground. Also bring a notepad, a pen, a flashlight and a camera. If you have a friend who’s experienced with VW’s bring them along too. The most important thing is to know what you’re buying. Ask the owner if they have all maintenance records and if possible, have the camper inspected.

VW T1′s are amazing camper vans that are full of character. Spend some time determining whether a purchase or a rental will work best for you and if you do choose to buy, do your homework to avoid endless repairs later.

The Volkswagen T3 continues to be a perennial favorite, and for good reason. Their unique design and great feature set make them ideal for individuals and families looking for a great used VW camper van.  Since T3′s are likely to be 15-25 years old, we’ve put together a set of tips to help you find the best quality VW camper vans for sale.

What to Inspect
The key to getting a quality used VW T3 is to take your time and do a complete inspection. Also temper the results of the inspection with your knowledge of the supply in your area. If you see several T3′s for sale every month then you probably can afford to be picky. However, if you’ve been looking for months and have only seen a few, you will need to decide how long you’re willing to wait or revise your standards. That said, here’s what to look for on a T3:

• Body – Inspect for damage, worn areas and particularly rust. Check the undercarriage and wheel arches and don’t be afraid to climb under the van to look.
• High Top – Check for evidence of leaks or cracks.
• Interior – Verify that all interior features are functional or if not make a note of them. Look for evidence of mold and rust.
• Mechanical – It’s best to have the vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic. It is worth noting that body damage will likely cost more to repair than mechanical issues.

Where to Find Used Camper Vans for Sale
There are a few places you can check for used VW’s:

• Private, local sellers – This is likely to be your best bet for finding a good quality T3 for a reasonable price. Individuals will have the most knowledge about their T3 and will be most likely to have maintenance records available. Also, when you buy from a private party you don’t have to worry about dealer markup. On the downside, all sales will be final and you won’t have the luxury of having dealer assisted financing (though most T3′s likely won’t qualify for financing anyway).
• Local dealers – Some RV and Camper van dealers also sell used vehicles. Buying from a dealer has some benefits – namely the vehicle has probably been inspected and is at least safe to drive. The downside is that you’ll probably pay more and you may run into salespeople who want to persuade you to buy whatever new camper van they have on the lot.
• Online Auctions and Classifieds – While some people have had great luck buying VW T3′s online, you need to be wary about buying any vehicle long-distance. If possible, schedule time to drive to see the vehicle in person before you buy. Or, be prepared for the vehicle you get to be different from what you saw in photos. One option is to have an independent mechanic be your advocate and arrange with the seller for an inspection.