Expert advice needed

Hi everyone,

I recently discovered these magnificent Brazilian VWs and decided that I really want one, but they are generally out of my price range. There is one listed on eBay that looks like an excellent deal (copy and paste: ebay.eu/2l7FzDw). (Sorry about doing links like this - I'm new to the board and it won't let me post links yet!)

It needs a bit of interior work before it's ready to hit the road, but in otherwise seems to be in excellent condition. My problem is that I've made 3 arrangements with the seller to make the trip over to see it, only for him to cancel the morning of the date each time. While this would tend to make me suspicious, a bit of internet sleuthing suggests that the seller is an honest broker - and I suspect some of you know him. I've figured out his name, but will leave that out of respect for his privacy. But it looks like he's got a lot of experience with classic and Brazilian bays and runs a caravan campground.

I really want to snag this before it's gone, but buying something like this without seeing it seems like a really bad idea. Anyone have any advice for someone trying to get one of these, but that's not going to be able to spend much more than what this one is selling for?

Many thanks in advance, and hope to see you on the road soon enough! Apologies for not posting links -it won't let me do it since I'm new to the site.

Hi bonobohead
Just click on the link below which may be useful
All the best in your search
Roo b Roo


Buyers Guide

If you aren't able to spend much more than this one is being sold for, how do you propose getting it IVA registered?  I suggest you look into the costs involved with that and compare that with buying an Aircooled BraziBay, already fully registered and converted but with high miles and maybe needing some bodywork. Examples are out there.

2006 Airbus

Thanks to you both for the reply. I'm partial to both LHD vehicles and the Aquabays (my understanding is that they tend to be more fuel efficient and a bit quieter - but please correct me if I'm wrong). What I have seen about IVA costs suggested it was about £450, but perhaps I am missing something. All in all, it looked to me like the full price of this particular LHD Aquabay (ebay.eu/2l7FzDw) plus the IVA, getting the poptop installed (it's included but not installed) and adding a bed and a hob would be cheaper than the 2006 RHD Airbus plus its needed bodywork. Does it sound like I'm off on that?

I understand no one would suggest I buy one without taking a look at it in person first - so I guess I'm asking if this one looks like a good deal for someone willing to put about £3000 more into it? Thanks again!

Where are you getting your figure for the IVA?

TimV wrote:

Where are you getting your figure for the IVA?

here: bit.ly/1P8ULr0

As I'm new to the UK and haven't had to deal with this before, I don't know if this is not what I need to be looking at, or if it is perhaps just one of several fees that would have to pay to get it registered.

Fine. But what about the necessary modifications to the Kombi that you need to do to fulfill the requirements of the IVA test?

You got me there! Do you have a (very) rough idea of how much that runs?

TimV wrote:

Fine.  But what about the necessary modifications to the Kombi that you need to do to fulfill the requirements of the IVA test?

It's already got a rear fog light and maybe side indicators (hard to tell from the photos), it is LHD so the original venting should all be in place meaning it shouldn't need a front heated screen, what else would it need to get the IVA?

Speedo conversion
RHD Headlamps
E marked tyres
Potentially all new brakes - remember the vast majority of BraziBays here in the U.K. were tested when brand new so everything was working at 100% effectiveness.

Does the fact that it recently passed its MOT suggest any of this might already be in order, or are there different standards?

bonobohead wrote:

Does the fact that it recently passed its MOT suggest any of this might already be in order, or are there different standards?

Totally different standards and entirely down to the inspector scrutinizing the vehicle at the time.

bonobohead wrote:

My problem is that I've made 3 arrangements with the seller to make the trip over to see it, only for him to cancel the morning of the date each time.

To cancel once maybe but three times! He's obviously not too bothered about selling it.
If I was you I'd keep looking - there's a Kombi out there for you somewhere. There are plenty of members on the forum that can point you in the right direction.

Good luck

Thanks, everyone! All of this has been really helpful. I suppose I should just be a bit more patient.

bonobohead wrote:

Thanks, everyone! All of this has been really helpful. I suppose I should just be a bit more patient.

Not sure where in the country you are, bonobohead, but if you're around at the weekend and able to get down to Goodwood, you'd be able to pick the brains of 20 Brazibay owners and also have a look at what sorts of things are important for you.

P.

That's great. I'm in Canterbury, so not TOO far. Can you let me know where I'd find you all? Saturday and Sunday?

Saturday only - Goodwood Motor Circuit. We're there between 1130 - 2.30. Parked in the Old Contro Tower car park.

Not sure if I am missing something. (couldn't use the link in the original post, so did a search and presume it is this one from the description http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-BRAZILIAN-KOMBI-CAMPERVAN-2009-/232238735817?hash=item361281e1c9:g:DPYAAOSw9GhYk1cr )

What I don't understand is how it can have an MOT without being registered (i.e it has already had an IVA.) Presumably, the garage would need those details to issue a certificate. (especially as it is now electronically linked to DVLA)

If it has had an MOT, that would suggest that the basics,.... lights, brakes, emissions suspension etc were up to standard, and although not as vigorous as an IVA inspection, it was compatible with UK legislation.

Confusing  

As Tim and the others say, others are available.

dizzylizard wrote:

Not sure if I am missing something. (couldn't use the link in the original post, so did a search and presume it is this one from the description http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-BRAZILIAN-KOMBI-CAMPERVAN-2009-/232238735817?hash=item361281e1c9:g:DPYAAOSw9GhYk1cr )

What I don't understand is how it can have an MOT without being registered (i.e it has already had an IVA.) Presumably, the garage would need those details to issue a certificate. (especially as it is now electronically linked to DVLA)

If it has had an MOT, that would suggest that the basics,.... lights, brakes, emissions suspension etc were up to standard, and although not as vigorous as an IVA inspection, it was compatible with UK legislation.

Confusing  

As Tim and the others say, others are available.

Dizzy when I had my '63 Bug, it came from Sweden. It was still on it's Swedish plates and registration when I took ownership. Back then in 1996 to get a vehicle registered in the UK you HAD to get it MOT'd as part of the pre-registration process. So it was awarded a MOT certificate but on its Swedish registration. I then presented that certificate along with a load of other buff (and a cheque!) to get it registered at the VRO in Wimbledon. No problem. It was allocated a 1963 registration.

But it's a different story now as you suggest. The MOT system is all now computer linked to the DVLA and it may be the case that the chassis number is the reference for the purpose of gaining a MOT certificate. However, the MOT test is all about the condition of the vehicle on the day of the test and NOT about the physical construction and attributes of the vehicle. That is what the IVA looks at.

Yes, see what you mean Tim, I had the same problem registering my Sylva Striker, ended up with a Q plate. I had hoped to retain the old number off my Escort. (Some inspectors used to allow it, I was unlucky).

It was just the 'chicken and egg' thing I couldn't get my head around.