Van/camper to India

[rupertexists]

Hi guys, i am looking for a camper van for overland to India and then around India. I don't really know which model to get. Onyl two of us so a smaller van would be better. It seems to be a balance between the following:

1. Purchase price and carnet costs - cheaper would be better
2. Age and general reliability - especially the availablity of parts and roadside tech knowledge in India.
3. Petrol verses diesel - Fuel ecomony/cost (I assume diesel will be cheaper) verses the ability to drive the van home to London in 2011 without a £200/day fine (!!!) because the low emission charge may still come in for diesel vans.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance
Rupert

[pete123]

just an idea.
why not a vw camper? not the classic shape but the newer version, T25.
i'd go for a petrol because fuel is cheap once you get out of europe. they are easy to fix should you have to and parts are cheap.
then again, s/h prices in the uk may have gone up?
i suppose it depends on your reasons and budget. i wish i could do this trip, i'd choose a series 3 landrover lwb self converted for overland travel.
but i'm a silly romantic old fool! there are better choices like the lancruiser or later offerings from LR.
pick up a copy of first overland if you need some inspiration!
pete

[ilesmark]

I would think hard about getting anything too modern/electronic if you're going somewhere like India. They don't have the diagnostic equipment.

Also bear in mind that any camper van with a built-on body, as opposed to one with camping facilities inside the existing metal skin, will be far less resilient over bad roads.

VWs are OK, subject to the above. Also consider a Toyota Hi-Ace?

Failing that, you could always do what I did and get a 4x4 with a roof tent.

[graysworld]

I went in a 608 Merc. was very good really. I disagree about going for petrol. I would go for diesel everytime. pre 2000 2,5di transits are good and cheap (they dont have electronic injector pumps) get a low milage one if poss, they go on and on though. there is always a merc sprinter there ok too more expensive but better built,

Graeme

[rupertexists]

Thanks guys, I like the T25 idea, do you think a T4 would be too technically advanced for a roadside repair?

[RussG]

Early T4’s with the 2.4 5 cylinder engine are pretty much devoid of any electronics so could be a good choice, pretty cheap now too.

Later 1.9 and 2.5TDi’s are still pretty basic but do have electronically managed diesel pumps.

We have a T4 2.5TDi excellent build quality and reliability.

Although I have a soft spot for older VW campers IMHO they are getting too old and fragile now.

Old Merc. Maybe a 308 would be a good choice too.