The Volkswagen Vanagon was one of the most popular VW’s to hit the American market. Even though they were discontinued in 1993 the VW Vanagon remains one of the most popular camper vans. In this review we’ll take a look at the standard and optional features found on a Vanagon as well as the features found on the Westfalia versions. If you’re in the market for a used camper van, the VW Vanagon is a solid choice.

T3 VW Camper Features

• Rear mounted engine
• Very large disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear
• Air cooled from 1979 – 1982
• Water cooled from 1983 onwards

Optional features included:

• Power door locks
• Power steering
• Air conditioning (It’s worth mentioning that the  a/c available in the T3′s prior to 1986 was of the “hanging” variety which means that the portion of the a/c inside the vehicle hung from the ceiling. These systems frequently cracked and even fell down.)
• Heated mirrors
• Vanity mirrors with lights
• Lit glove compartment
• Diesel engines

Westfalia Camper Van Features
In addition to the T3 features listed above, the Westfalia conversions also sported the following:

• Pop-top
• Integrated kitchen including a propane stove, sink and refrigerator
• Sleeping area and bedding

Tips for Buying a Used VW Vanagon
The T3 is a big step up from the original VW Bus. The updated interior and upgraded features make for a more relaxing and enjoyable ride. Since T3′s are so popular, finding one in good condition can be a challenge. Here are a few tips for finding a great Vanagon:

• Look in a wide variety of places for listings. Check online sites such as Craigslist as well as VW specialty sites. Also contact camper van dealers as some take used VW Vanagon’s in on trade.
• Decide how much work you’re willing to do in advance. If you’re willing to put in time and effort on refurbishment, you’re likely to find more Vanagon’s that will suit you. That said, there’s nothing wrong with knowing your limitations and waiting for a Vanagon in good condition to come along.
• Have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle. A mechanic evaluation will help you determine how much work will need to be done. You can use this information to negotiate with the seller or just for your own reference.
• Investigate ongoing costs such as insurance and maintenance before you purchase. Call several VW shops and see what typical repairs run on T3′s. Also find out from your insurance agent what you can expect to pay for insurance.

VW Vanagon’s, particularly the Westfalia models are wonderful camper vans. With a bit of perseverance you may be fortunate enough to find one that fits the bill for you and your family.

The VW Transporter series, sometimes referred to as the “T” series started with the T1 and has spanned over 60 years of continuous production. In this guide we’ll give you a brief description of the T1 through T5 and highlight some of the differences between each model. All of the Transporter series are considered light commercial vehicles and can be classified as vans, buses, camper vans and light pickup trucks.

• VW T1 -The T1′s are the VW buses that have become an American icon. Produced from 1950-1967, the T1′s are also often referred to as “splitties”  or split screens since the windshield is split into two parts.
• VW T2 – The T2, manufactured from 1967 – 1979 was essentially a T1 with a few cosmetic upgrades. T2′s are sometimes referred to as “bays” since they had bay-like windows. There are still T2′s being manufactured in Brazil under the name Kombi Total Flex and are available as flex fuel vehicles.
• VW T3 -The T3 is sometimes referred to as a Type 2, or a Vanagon in the US. Manufactured from 1979 – 1992, this was the last model to offer an air cooled engine as VW switched to a water cooled engine in 1984. Camper van versions of the T3 were mainly produced by Westfalia and are often referred to as a “Westy”.
• VW T4 – The T4 was the first VW to officially have the title of “T”. The other models were named as part of the T series after the introduction of the T4. With the T4, made from 1990 – 2003, VW moved to a front-mounted engine, front wheel drive and continued with a water cooled engine.
• VW T5 – The T5 is the current Transporter series. The T series received a major overhaul with the T5 in 2009. The T5 now offers options such as a dual clutch transmission, diesel engines and a 7-speed direct shift gearbox. The T5 is sold in North America but only in Mexico.

A number of the T series were available as a VW Transporter truck. However, the “chicken tax”, implemented by President Johnson in 1964 imposed a steep 25% tariff on all imported light trucks. In response, VW (along with a number of other light truck manufacturers) stopped selling the T series transporter trucks in the United States. The “chicken tax” remains in effect today, which is the reason the T5 is not sold in the United States or Canada.

The Transporter series has enjoyed a huge run of popularity. Many VW fans are hopeful that the T series will return to the American market where demand for VW transporters remains strong.

As time goes by, it’s becoming more and more difficult to find VW split screen camper vans for sale – particularly those in good condition. In this guide we’ll give you some tips on finding quality VW camper vans as well as some pros and cons of buying vs. renting.

Looking Locally
Generally speaking, it’s safer to buy a VW camper locally. As you shop around, here are a few things you should be looking for:

• Which features are most important to you? Will you consider vans that don’t have your specific feature set if they’re within your price range? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you determine which VW split screens you should be looking at.
• Are you looking only at VW split screen camper vans for sale or are you also considering other models?
• What’s the general condition of the camper?
• Will the seller allow an independent mechanic to inspect it?
• How much work are you willing to do to refurbish your camper? Since most split screens are late models you should be prepared to put in some work.

Shopping Online
If you’re comfortable with purchasing a vehicle that you can’t test drive first (or that will take some effort to test drive), then shopping online is your best bet for good selection. Try eBay or online classifieds to find a good VW type 2 camper vans sale. There are a few things to keep in mind when you shop online:

• Pictures can be deceiving. The best way to determine condition is to either travel to the location and inspect the vehicle yourself. Another method is to ask for additional photos before making a decision. Videos can also be more helpful – if the seller is eager to sell they may be willing to take a short video.
• Have an inspection. Arrange with the seller to have an independent mechanic do an inspection. Schedule time to talk with the mechanic directly and have them act as your advocate.
• What’s the return policy? Any time you buy online it’s important to know what your options are if you’re not satisfied once you see the VW camper in person.

VW Split Screen Camper Vans for Hire
If you’re only beginning to consider purchasing a split screen, it can be a great idea to rent one first. Finding a VW split screen camper for hire will give you the opportunity of trying one out on an extended trip to see if it’s really the ideal camper for you. Most VW camper van rentals can be equipped by the leasing company so they are very convenient. Also, renting means you only pay for the days you use and you don’t have the ongoing expense of insurance or repairs.

Although named California, the popular VW camper is actually not currently sold in California or any part of the US. When the Westfalia company was purchased by Daimler/Chrysler in 2001, VW decided to build their own VW camper based on their previously successful vehicles.

VW T5 California Features

• Pop top roof with sleeping area available in the California Beach model
• Folding table designed with the sliding door can be used outdoors with a pair of folding chairs
• Front seats swivel 180 degrees so a family can take a break and dine or relax to gether
• A popular “good night package” includes curtains and the seats are designed to be folded into a bed for 2 people
• Optional awning
• Kitchen with a sink and gas cooktop, refrigerator and lots of integrated storage cabinets
• On-board water tanks

Buying a VW California
On average, a new VW California runs £40,000. This may sound like a lot for a van, but what other van allows you to sleep four, cook your own meals and still maneuver in tight city traffic? If you live in Europe you’re in luck. However, if you are located in the US you won’t be able to get your hands on a VW California any time soon. It’s not even currently possible to purchase a VW California and pay for importing – they’re simply not designed to meet US regulations.

Pros and Cons of the VW California
Pros: A newer, sleeker version of the classic VW bus, the California can take you where you want to go in comfort and style. It gets relatively good fuel economy and has a lot of standard and optional features to really customize your experience.

Cons: While it’s had a makeover, the California lacks some of the charm of the more simple VW bus. Also, the huge price tag will mean that fewer people can afford to buy the California for weekend getaways. There’s also the issue of the California not being available in the US which is a major drawback for VW fans in America.

VW California Maintenance
If you run into issues and need VW parts California models are relatively easy to find in the UK. Several merchants are even offering VW California parts on eBay and other auction sites. Depending on the type of repair however it may be in your best interest to have a dealer make the fix. Also, check your warranty. Parts are often covered depending on the nature of the problem.

The VW Bus is the epitome of classic camper vans. Small enough to be very maneuverable, the camper conversions were extremely popular with surfers, camping enthusiasts and families on the go. Since VW no longer produces a bus or van, finding the right VW conversion takes a bit of time and effort to locate. In this article we’ll take a look at a few of the varieties you may find as well as a few things to consider as you shop around.

Varieties of VW’s
VW produced a huge variety of the VW bus. Even with in particular catagories there were lots of customization options possible. It’s very likely that when you shop for a VW bus you won’t see two that are identical. Here are a few of the varieties of the VW bus that you may encounter as you shop.

• Volkswagen Bus Vanagon – Also known as the Type 2 (T3), the Vanagon was produced between 1979 until 1992. Westfalia camper versions of the T3 included a pop-up roof, refrigerator, stove and sink. Some Vanagons were 4-wheel drive and are referred to as “syncros”. They were made in limited quantities from 1985 to 1992 and are now difficult to find.

• VW Bus Westfalia – Westfalia is actually the name of a company in Germany that was endorsed by VW as the official camping van conversion company. They performed conversions for VW as well as other automakers. It’s important to note that Westfalia is a separate company from VW. Some people also refer to all VW buses as Westfalia’s since the companies are so tightly linked, but keep in mind that VW actually produced several models.

Buying a VW Bus
Before you buy it might be a good idea to consider renting a VW bus for a trip or two. Find out which variety of VW bus you prefer and also which features are most important to you. If you do decide to buy, do some research on the availability of parts. Since most VW bus models are extremely popular and they’re no longer in production, finding parts for some models is becoming increasingly difficult.

New VW Bus Coming Soon?
In January 2001 a VW Bus Concept van was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show that had everyone talking. Then rumor had it that the new VW Microbus would be released in 2008. However, so far the newly designed VW bus has yet to make an appearance. If VW does introduce a new VW bus, expect it to look like an updated version of the original bus but with updated conveniences. Keep your fingers crossed and keep an eye out for upcoming announcements from VW.