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Fair price on a Westfalia T4 1996?

Hello and welcome.
I join the people with a praising opinion about the 2.4 diesel of 78hp: slow but really takes you everywhere: a few weeks ago the Hohneck (mountain in the Vosges, Fr. with a very steep road with hairpin bends to the top) but in the last 7 years also the Pyrenees, Central Massief, Bealach na Ba, monte cinto (Corsica), Apennines (It), Alps and much more. Just make sure the engine never runs too hot and they will be indestructible. We have been traveling with our "91 westfalia california for over 7 years now (first just two of us, now we are 4)... and love it. For children it is great fun. So as many have said before me: engine and certainly the body should be ok.
Specific camper parts are scarce and reasonably expensive, but the volkswagen parts - both new and second-hand - can still be found by a good VW dealer.
You will certainly not be as fast as modern californias ;) but will be amazed at how many large motorhomes are even slower than you, especially if there is a slope.
Several years ago it was indeed hard to find one without major rust and without overdue maintenance, now people restore them. Camper part: westfalia from then so very strong but pay attention to a working fridge and heating (expensive). It is working behind the wheel (pre TDI) and you should want that too: it's part of the experience; you're on the road with an old van ... with all its consequences but also all the charm :thumb
After all my praise for the T4 westfalia california with 2.4 engine, and seven wonderful years with it, we have reviewed everything and made a difficult decision: we decided to buy a second-hand T5 cali -preferably as old as possible- for our next holidays. Why? sliding table instead of table in sofa bed: much more convenient. Outside table in sliding door, chairs in tailgate to have more usable storage space and drawer under rear seat instead of folding up the seat to get something out (there are two carseats for the children on the back seat, you know). Now still looking for a good one :D Oh, we'll keep the westfalia, it will be our classic car (at least, this is the plan)
One thing is certain: you will have fun :)
 
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Wow, what an amazing story, and thank you for taking time!
Unfortunately this van just sold to someone a little more eager than us. Next time a similar one is for sale we will have more knowledge and faster in our decisions.
The search goes on..

/L
 
Wow, what an amazing story, and thank you for taking time!
Unfortunately this van just sold to someone a little more eager than us. Next time a similar one is for sale we will have more knowledge and faster in our decisions.
The search goes on..

/L
Happy hunting :thumb
 
Wow, what an amazing story, and thank you for taking time!
Unfortunately this van just sold to someone a little more eager than us. Next time a similar one is for sale we will have more knowledge and faster in our decisions.
The search goes on..

/L
You have to be quick with the good ones :thumb
 
Well at least it confirms price was about right!
 
Here we go. Looks pretty good. Script reads well. Brand new Eberspacher. Shame it’s auto? Price is good.

 
Here we go. Looks pretty good. Script reads well. Brand new Eberspacher. Shame it’s auto? Price is good.

For that price it does look good, although
I've never understood why anyone with a decent van
sticks it on ebay.
I would never sell or buy a car on ebay, after saying that i might
need to get up to speed.
Autotrader every thursday morning.Lol.
 
Here we go. Looks pretty good. Script reads well. Brand new Eberspacher. Shame it’s auto? Price is good.

Nice, thank you for the tip!
Do you generally want a manual gearbox due to the better longevity? This auto gearbox seems to have been replaced relatively recently:)
 
For that price it does look good, although
I've never understood why anyone with a decent van
sticks it on ebay.
I would never sell or buy a car on ebay, after saying that i might
need to get up to speed.
Autotrader every thursday morning.Lol.

It’s cheap, good coverage, allows lots of photos & text is unlimited; SMG have most of their stock listed.

We have sold all our old cars on there with no issues; Last one was a T4 Bilbo (sold for twice what we paid for it!)
 
It’s cheap, good coverage, allows lots of photos & text is unlimited; SMG have most of their stock listed.

We have sold all our old cars on there with no issues; Last one was a T4 Bilbo (sold for twice what we paid for it!)
Like it :thumb
I think i need to get up to speed with it.
 
Nice, thank you for the tip!
Do you generally want a manual gearbox due to the better longevity? This auto gearbox seems to have been replaced relatively recently:)

Some find it better to have a manual in a lower powered van as can give a more spirited drive. Autos can be more expensive to repair, but the advertised one has been recently replaced so looks good; Has a good description, make sure you check all the history and call the garages that have completed the work to double check - if the seller is genuine they won’t have any issue in you doing this.

Also check the MOT history for faults/failures on the government website before you view. Take a note of the dates and crosscheck against the service history.

I always check that the 4 tyres are are in good condition, matching brand Etc. If someone has skimped on tyres, then it’s likely they have skimped on other things!
 
Price leaves room to take to a specialist to sort everything.
obvs I’ll be looking for a bung for finding it :cheers
 
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