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30 Apr 2009
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Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: london
Posts: 4
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Van/camper to India
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
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30 Apr 2009
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Registered Users
HUBB regular
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: vietnam
Posts: 47
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Vw
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
Last edited by pete123; 30 Apr 2009 at 10:09.
Reason: dreaming
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30 Apr 2009
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
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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.
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30 Apr 2009
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Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: christchurch uk
Posts: 299
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merc
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
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1 May 2009
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Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: london
Posts: 4
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Thanks guys, I like the T25 idea, do you think a T4 would be too technically advanced for a roadside repair?
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1 May 2009
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Registered Users
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 194
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T4?
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.
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