campevans - age and k's

You will only have the typical problems that an older vehicle suffers from. Wear and tear. Have it checked out by a mechanic before you buy. That way you know what is likely to wear out in the near future.

Budget to have these things checked and done before you leave for your trip.

Unless you are going off the beaten track, you will have no big problems. Travelling 'around Australia' means that you are living out there. Just like at home, you can have break downs and mechanical problems. Join up with your Automobile Assn and get full roadside cover. They will come anywhere to help you out and more than likely give you accomodation and a hire car to tide you over until the van is ready for the road again.

Just find the van you like. Pay the right price and enjoy the adventure!

Ours is a '92 model with 475,000 km on the clock. Has had regular servicing and new head at 420K. Diesel automatic 2.8. Bit slow to accelerate but who's in a hurry.

We get away when we can and love it. We carry two folding bikes and porta-pottie with ensuite tent. Perfect for two or small family as it has 5 seat belts. We also have a canvas awning so we can sit in the shade etc. but sometimes don't use it on quick stops.
It was an ex rental in about '96 and has done the big trip around OZ about 10 times with no major problems. We have all the receipts from the previous owners. Lucky us!!
All the best with your search. Most will be units being sold by foreign back packers trying to sell before returning home, but have a good inspection before committing your hard earned.

I have an 82 air cooled VW kombi Camper. Very simple motor to work on by any bush mechanic and amazing support Australia wide by Kombi enthusiasts. VW are wider than Toyotas. There are a few out the still, getting harder to find. The T3 only had app 750 imported but are tough as nails with great suspension. Mine has done 385k and had an engine rebuild 100k ago. Parts can be a little hard to source in Aus but if you get one that's well maintained and give it a once over they're a great vehicle. We've sourced parts from USA and only took a week to get them.Mine has gas cooking, rock n roll bed, pop top, bed up top, sink, electric water pump gas cooker, auxilary battery, 12/240 fridge. A great little unit. We plan to do our lap next year towing a camper trailer with the kids. Another Kombi enthusiast in the Kombi club did it twice with a similar set up and loved it. Have fun and good luck finding your Van.