Hi all, newbie here looking for advice. I'll try to be as specific as possible, knowing some of the questions fit the proverbial "How long is a piece of string?" category.
I plan to buy a campervan (Toyota Hi Ace or equivalent) and would appreciate tapping into the wealth of experience of users on this forum.I plan to travel from Brisbane west to Exmouth WA, down to Albany, then head east to Melbourne where I'll probably bring the van back home to Tassie, but may have to sell it to get some capital back.Where most convenient I'll fit in the Red Centre (Either on the way west or coming back).I am retired, single and a guy.I've been checking websites for used campervans, prices etc. but have no real experience driving/living in one, BUT I have undertaken long ocean cruises in 30' to 40'yachts so understand cramped quarters.Here are my questions:-
1.Many units appear to me to have high kilometrage.Is it feasible to consider a unit with 200,000Km plus for the trip envisioned?I know it depends on routine care & maintenance, but even for a reasonably well maintained vehicle?
2.Any comments on make of vehicles, Eg I was told to stick to Toyota or Nissan?
3.My preference is for a Diesel engine, but how important is this overall?My consideration here is fuel economy, reliability and resale value.
4.I know space is very limited in such a vehicle, so are there things I should definitely make sure I have on the road?
5.I see some of the vans are 4WD - I plan on sticking to major roads so would 4WD be even vaguely 'handy'?
6.What is the minimum time frame I should allow for such a trip, given I want to take in the sites as it were, without being too hurried?Eg, I mentioned to my daughter "Three months."She said "More like three years!".
I know the questions are rather vague and expect some general replies but am sure there will also be good advice that will be truly appreciated.
5.I see some of the vans are 4WD - I plan on sticking to major roads so would 4WD be even vaguely 'handy'?
There's a lot of questions there, I'll only respond to one of them. I assume that the campervan will be your only vehicle, if you in fact intend to tow another vehicle for driving around in when camped up then ignore this reply.
We have a caravan that never leaves the blacktop, so the Patrol we use as the tug doesn't use 4wd for towing. However, there are many places we wouldn't have been able to visit after we have the caravan parked up without the 4wd - half of Litchfield NP, some of Kakadu NP, Cape Peron, Painted Desert, certain lookouts in the Flinders Ranges ......
So I would say that 4wd is a must if you want to get the most out of your trip in the more remote, rugged and scenic parts of this country.
A friend has a Toyota Hi ace 4x4 with a 3 litre turbo diesel that has only done 65000 kls from new. Everything about it is immaculate. Its a 1998 model, has an awning and lots of extras. He is asking $28,000 but is negotiable. His name is Bromley and his telephone number is: 07 54926567. He lives near Caloundra QLD. Give him a call, he's a really nice guy.
-- Edited by stan747 on Wednesday 30th of March 2011 11:16:32 PM
Stan, you can go in and edit you first post if you want to delete your own phone number.
Loki, there is a lot of variations there in your questions that can be answered in a lot of different ways. A good start would be to find and read as many threads already on here for some good hints and sometimes bad hints.
My Toyota HiAce is an "81 but only done 194,000 ks where most that age have done over 350,000 It was a one owner when I bought it last month and I thought what a great deal only to find that one owner had been doing all his own work and has cost me over 2,500 in on road costs including rewiring as many wires had burnt out. Not much worked in the back living quarters either and a lot had to be thrown out and start again.
Only found out today the 2nd fridge my neighbour took to be checked was leaking ammonia and shop said would have killed someone if used, will be thrown to the tip.
It is hard buying exactly what you want and takes some time to find, just keep reading and keep looking and the right one will come along.
How much time is suitable on the road, totally up to you, 3 months or 3 years, take your pick.
Mine is a 1998 Diesel, unfortunately, not 4x4. Would have loved to get one of those, but there were not too many around when I bought mine.
In my humble opinion, going by what I have observed of Prices over the last couple of years, I'd think the vehicle Stans' friend has for sale is a great buy. Particularly if that is the genuine Mile-age. Wish it had been around a few years ago.
I paid $24,000 for mine, with about 170,000 on the clock. Hasn't given any trouble, and have seen similar models for sale around the $30,000 mark.
That vehicle recommended by Stan sounds ideal. 4WD is probably not essential, but diesel is the way to go. For me it's about power to tow. The other thing is clearance. Even if you don't go right off road it's handy to have a vehicle with some ground clearance when you go sightseeing off the black top.
I'm not sure that it's wise to put your own or other phone numbers on here in a public forum. I know you mean well, and we hope we're among friends here, but there are others who read but don't contribute who may abuse your friendly gesture. Maybe a PM would have been more appropriate.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Dont mind my number being on here. The vehicle that my mate has is genuine, I've seen it and it really is in tip top condition, he is totally paranoid about keeping everything he has perfect but a look won't hurt and as I said, he's open to offers.
