Subject: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:07 am
I am looking to purchase a Brazilian Kombi T2 Campervan.
Having owned a 1970's T2 20 years ago and have always regretted selling it, its now time to get another Bus.
Things have changed and need some advice on which version of the T2 to purchase and thought that current owners could give me some advice.
Braizilian Vs German - Are the younger Brazilian worth the cost compared to older restored German?
Watercooled Vs Aircooled - Which one is more reliable, powerful and has plenty of spare parts?
Engine Size - 1400 or 1600?
Conversion - Many Danbury versions available but are there any others worth a look?
New or 2nd Hand - Is it worth paying >£30K on a brand new or 2nd hand?
Where to Buy - Any advice of the best places to purchase - Private Vs dealer?
Mileage - Are low mileage vans really worth buying or is 40K miles ok?
Issues - I know the design might be old but have the issues been resolved. Are there any issues with the Brazilian vans?
I really would like some advice as its a big investment and I would like some guidance.
Steve
dizzylizard
Cabin : Exec 018 Location : Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts and Bristol Posts : 2241 Join date : 2011-09-20
Subject: Re: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:25 am
Hi and welcome Sparkysteve.
Good to see you are looking at all the options, but your first decision has been the right one, ..............joining this forum, everyone will be keen to help.
Lots of questions, but I'm sure you will get the right answers. Happy hunting.
Subject: Re: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:27 am
Hi & Welcome Lots to consider - have a look at the links below We bought the best we could on the budget we had available. We also went private Hope this helps a little Roo b Roo
________________________________________________________________________________ Proud winners of Spike's Trophy 2017
Scooby - Born To Run
Tallulah
Cabin : Flight 011 Location : South Somerset, UK Posts : 5101 Join date : 2011-06-05
Subject: Re: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Wed Feb 27, 2013 10:10 am
We opted for a new Brazilian with water cooled engine because we wanted the additional reliability (and warranty) you get when buying something from new, as well as it being more fuel efficient and being able to run on biofuel (which has since disappeared from UK forecourts).
The 1.4l engine is perfectly capable of moving your bus up to and above the speed you would generally want to drive it, it is as least as powerful as the 1.6l air cooled in the earlier Brazilian buses, and many owners say more so
The engine is straight out of a VW Fox so spare parts are available from VW main dealers and several other places, the running gear is all more or less the same (or at least very similar) to one or other of the former German bays with parts available from VW specialists.
I won't lie to you, these buses do have their issues and quirks, but (IMO) reliability is certainly not one of them, and they 'probably' have less issues than the older German models by virtue of them simply being newer.
Where are you based? Maybe you could visit a local Brazi Bay owner or even hire one for a few days to have a play before making your own investment.
How about attending one of the VW shows to take a look?
There will be a small group of us at Dub Aid in a little over 2 weeks and similar sized gathering in the car park of the Volksworld show at Sandown Park the week after (as its the car park you don't even need to buy a show ticket to visit us!). Look out for a Brazilian flag and come to say hello, we're a friendly bunch!
Subject: Re: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Wed Feb 27, 2013 11:27 am
Hi Steve The links below may also be helpful when considering what options you need on a Brazi Bay. You can of course always customise your Kombi after you have bought one! Like we did a little with Scooby Hope this helps Roo b Roo
Subject: Re: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Wed Feb 27, 2013 2:28 pm
Very good advice from Scooby and Tallulah ..
I'm a novice we plumped for a new brazi from Danbury and like Scooby went for best our budget would allow...
The advice and the guys and gals on here are priceless and we'll be in the Car Park at Volksworld so as Talluluh suggests why not pop along...
Good luck.
________________________________________________________________________________ Steve, Jo TigerLily and Carra the Child lovin' Golden Cocker
TimV Admin
Cabin : Flight 001 Location : Brighton, East Sussex U.K. Posts : 14341 Join date : 2009-09-27
Subject: Re: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Wed Feb 27, 2013 3:38 pm
I think your budget should be the deciding factor. Choose how much you realistically can afford and then buy the best BraziBay available at that price. Whatever you end up doing, your Kombi will become a new member of your family.
________________________________________________________________________________ Max SportsKombi - The Bay Racer @brazilianvwbay
Subject: Re: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Fri Mar 08, 2013 3:42 pm
Good news - the fun has only just begun! Scooby welcomes aboard a fellow Air Cooled Kombi Next we shall want to see some pics Then you will need to come along to some shows Plenty to look at on here - but doo try to come to the Kombi Sleepover Well done Steve Roo b Roo
________________________________________________________________________________ Proud winners of Spike's Trophy 2017
Scooby - Born To Run
TimV Admin
Cabin : Flight 001 Location : Brighton, East Sussex U.K. Posts : 14341 Join date : 2009-09-27
Subject: Re: Which one to Buy - Advice needed Fri Mar 08, 2013 3:50 pm
2004 .... Lola @ Snailtrail by any chance?
________________________________________________________________________________ Max SportsKombi - The Bay Racer @brazilianvwbay