VW vs Vaxuhall vs Transit vs anything else....

[Condi]

Having moved to Scotland recently its become apparent that a small camper would be a great way to see the country and a good way to get away during the weekend. However, is the VW (T5) really that much better than a similar age Transit or Vivaro as long as the conversion is similar? It looks like a VW is probably about £3-5k more for a similar age machine.

[Jonboy_t]

T5’s will hold their value longer and have the ‘im a campervan’ look, so are definitely (unjustifiably, IMO) more pricey to start with. If you’re looking for space, go with a Tranny (oo err..) as the interior is bigger and you can be more DIY with them due to the size if you ever want to upgrade inside, but if you are looking for something which you can resell after 5 or so years, the T5’s will see more of your money back easier.

If you want the sensible option, you need a T2

[Spuffington]

As above really. The VW tax, although annoying when you buy, will certainly ensure that you get that back when you sell it.

Transits are definitely the more practical space-wise, but they do a look a little...........well, utility sometimes, And dare I say a little when you're parked up wilding.

[bearman68]

In our experience working on commercial vehicles
The VW's are "cooler" and people have a disproportional amount of love for them. Unjustified, as their reliability is not great
The Transits are pretty good, reasonably reliable, efficient and decent to drive.
The Vauxhall / Renault are the best to drive, comfortable and most car like. In general more reliable than the VW, and cheapest.

My money would go on a Renault, because I like how they drive, with a strong possibility of a Transit, and absolutely no chance on a VW.

[djsmith74]

Left field choice, but what about a Toyota Alphard? The V6 engine is lifted from the Lexus, and if you're concerned about fuel economy, they do a hybrid version (see link below). Probably more reliable than a VW.

http://www.campers-scotland.com/conversions/hybrid...

[mellowman]

I went from a T5 (and T4s before that) to a Renault Trafic, and am very happy with the switch.

The design of the T5 is a big part of the appeal, but the premium is a massive one. I also found them to cost a lot to maintain properly once they're out of warranty. But, there's a big community on the web and parts/fixes/customising are plentiful. Every time I consider a T5 I just can't bring myself to pay the VW tax now. A lot of the 'German marque' specialists like to add on their premium too.

I would agree that the Renault drives better, but the clincher for me is its galvanised bodywork and total lack of rust. Parts (new or salvage) are quite cheap too, being shared with other Renault models. I have a Trafic minibus and use it for people carrying and DIY stuff, as well as motorbike transport, with the rear seats out.

The clincher for me was when I was pondering getting a camper van again but getting disheartened at the prices - then I discovered camping pods.

https://campal.co.uk

http://ququq.info/english/

http://www.sterlingauto.co.uk/glampingpod.htm

Best of both worlds and is separate from the vehicle, so maximum flexibility. Having once hired a new VW California I was frustrated at the compromises of a two-thirds width bed and lack of space for a chemical loo. I eventually plumped for the CAMPAL pod, and they are able to customise the design. The full-width bed even converts to a sofa with a table.

Edited by mellowman on Sunday 10th June 18:29

[troika]

I’d just pay the VW tax if you can. Pay on the way in but get it back on the way out. It will be far easier to sell on as well.

[mikeiow]

I'm also perusing possibilities....although have never driven any of them!

Quite fancy a Mercedes Vito, partly as I would hope the Merc name might mean decent quality, but mostly because I can call it "Vanny de Vito"
Would prefer a car-like driving experience (with cruise, and if possible adaptive cruise.....I know, that may be pushing it!).

One problem (perhaps with all of these!) is knowing the engine to go for. Ideally want decent MPG, but with some pulling power.....

Would like some flexibility, so the idea of a removable 'pod' of some sort also appeals.

djsmith74 said:

Left field choice, but what about a Toyota Alphard? The V6 engine is lifted from the Lexus, and if you're concerned about fuel economy, they do a hybrid version (see link below). Probably more reliable than a VW.

http://www.campers-scotland.com/conversions/hybrid...

Certainly an interesting unit....although the prices look a tad steep for 10+ year old motors!!

Welcome any views....

[djsmith74]

mikeiow said:

Certainly an interesting unit....although the prices look a tad steep for 10+ year old motors!!

Welcome any views....

I don't own one, but it's on our shortlist for campervan options. Yes, it's a 10 year old motor, but that's only to meet import legislations, and it's a Japanese-built Toyota/Lexus with build quality to match. It may not be your conventional camper"van", but as it's based on an MPV it does have advantages, i.e. air-con front to back, full insulation from the factory, etc. Have a read of these reviews in another well-known Alphard converter (who offer 3 year warranty for BOTH the conversion and vehicle itself - and this is on a 10 year old vehicle)....

http://wellhouseleisure.com/alphard/?page_id=159

If you heart is set on a "van" then, as mentioned above, I'd go for the Renault/Vauxhall offerings, as they offer far more value for money.

[Trevor555]

Condi said:

Having moved to Scotland recently its become apparent that a small camper would be a great way to see the country and a good way to get away during the weekend. However, is the VW (T5) really that much better than a similar age Transit or Vivaro as long as the conversion is similar? It looks like a VW is probably about £3-5k more for a similar age machine.

I wouldn't say the VW is hugely better, but it'll sell a lot easier when the time comes.

The Renaults are very pot luck reliability wise, they can be very troublesome. Lovely to drive though.

The VW's could be better also, plenty of breakdowns due to EGR valves going. White smoke = coolant leaking into the exhaust.

Don't go the Vito route, seen too much corrosion on those. Not sure if the newer ones are better now, anyone?

The VW camper scene has a massive following, for this alone your van will hold on to the most value as a percentage you paid.

Not sure about the Alphard, open to education on those. Can your local Toyota dealer get the parts for them?

[Toaster]

Having had a T5 and now T6 all I can say its money worth spent, thats not to say people who chose others won't have happy holidays but the VW's do drive remarkably well and as others have said hold on to some of thier value I sold my T5 and it was sold to the person who first viewed it.....

[TryingHard]

I’m in the T5 camp as well being part way through a conversion on one.

Yes they cost more to buy but as others have said hold their money well.

Also it’s such a popular route, advice is plentiful and if DIYing like me you can buy so much off the shelf for them it makes a conversion easier.

[focusxr5]

I've just finished doing a Vivaro conversion. Having had regular access to a T5 Transporter I think the Vivaro is a nicer drive. I bought the Vivaro as a non runner for very cheap. a new ECU and 2 injectors later and it's running like a dream. spent some time then putting new suspension on and replacing everything rubber before converting the back to full camper van. Already covered 2500 miles in it in 2 months just touring about. Do I wish I'd bought a VW? Absolutely not. Again, I think the Vivaro drives better, the bodywork is very tidy and I really like the look of it. I don't really get the whole VW snobbery thing.