Advice needed please! (1 Viewer)

Zayna85

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Nov 15, 2016
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Hello,
My husband and I are considering buying a small camper at some point in the near future. It will be our first one and we really are complete novices to the campervan world so would really like some pointers!
We are looking for something fairly small as it's just the two of us. It needs to have a sink and cooker and ideally a loo but not essential as we can just get a camping toilet if we need to, would ideally like one that is tall enough to stand up in too. We plan to use the camper quite frequently as it will be our only vehicle so will be used day to day as well as on long distance trips. We have a budget of around £5000. Will it be possible to get something in decent condition for this sort of price?
Also if anyone can give us a rough idea of running costs for a small camper such as tax, insurance, petrol etc that would be wonderful.
We quite like the look of the VW T25 but think this might be out of our budget so would consider something along those lines but cheaper!
Any advice would be much appreciated :)
 

two

Aug 4, 2011
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VW will be too expensive, but you could look at Mazda Bongo conversions. They're basic but work.
Good luck. I hope you have plenty of FUN.
 
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Riverbankannie

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A VW with a pop top would be ideal, a,though we loved our high top Autosleeper Topaz, but finding one in your budget, that might be a problem.
Don't give up though.

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Zayna85

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Have seen some mazda bongos online and quite like the look of them. Are they very expensive to insure and run? Does anyone know. We have only ever had small cars so this will be a real jump up for us.
 
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Riverbankannie

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Shouldn't be any more expensive to insure than a car of same age/value. Of course running visits will depend on any bills that possibly could come along but again no different to an older car.
I just had a quick look at Mazda Bongo online and saw what looked like a lovely one £5950 on gumtree so they can be obtained.
I don't think you would regret it.
 
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Jul 12, 2013
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You could have a look at Wellsbridge Motors near Ramsey Cambridgeshire. However I think your budget is a little low. There is always Ebay and its off-springs like Gumtree etc.
However, if you have the skills to rebuild/repair both engines and bodywork, you could pick up a decent sized van to convert.
Although you are looking at vans in the lower price bracket, do not consider anything with damp unless the skills I mentioned could overcome some difficult obstacles.

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Zayna85

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We considered converted a van but really don't have the skills required.
The only thing with the bongo... As it's an import would parts be difficult to get?
 
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two

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There is a Bongo user forum. If you're keen on a Bongo, I suggest you join up and should get much more detailed info from there.
 
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Zayna85

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Thank you, I will do. Would consider alternatives though so if anyone has any other ideas

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Jan 28, 2008
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remember the lez zone inside the m25 as your in essex it could be a problem
5k is probably a bit low budget realy if the lez is a problem check the registration number of any potential purchase
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some vw's come into it so i would assume similar sized vans can be affected its to do with unladen weight and engine type it only applies to deisels
 
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kip

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Just a thought,Have you looked at romahome,compact but could be ideal if it`s going to be your only means of transport. As riverbankannie has said you won`t regret it,Whatever you choose,good luck & happy travels.Chris & jean.

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Zayna85

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Thank you for pointing out the lez! I never would have thought of that. Will definitely look at romahomes. It may be that we can afford more than 5k, depends how well we do out of our house sale. If we can up the budget we will as want something decent
 
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Zayna85

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Ooh the romahomes are perfect!!! This is what we are going to aim for I think although we will need to up our budget. Will be worth it though!!

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irnbru

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Hi Zayna, welcome to fun. You would be best to subscribe to the forum. At £15 per year it really is good value and will allow you unlimited posts and access to all sections of the forum, add on the endless advice and banter and you will see it's money well spent:)
 
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