Faults:

The usual welding and bodywork (although mine wasn't bad), starter motor, rear wheel bearings, keeping the twin carbs in sync, brakes (front and rear needed complete rebuild due to previous owners lack of use).

Also had to renovate interior and the roof leaks took some fixing.

General Comments:

Iconic vehicle that I'd always wanted (thanks to early child-hood memories going to the south of France in one). Helped sort my brothers (proper) beetle and thought how hard can it be! Absolutely loved the old girl, but boy did she need tlc and cash. Bank manager must have been happy when I sold her (which I still regret). Had tried single carb 1.6 units and found the later type 4 1.7 had more grunt provided you found a good one. Gearbox spot on and handling not bad after new shocks and tyres. Chanced two trips round France and numerous rallies and camping trips in the UK.

Would I have another - definitely, but either needs to be very sorted or I need a lottery win. For now it's back to a boring car, but I can always dream.

Faults:

This isn't the sort of vehicle you ask that question about. This is better described as a labour of love. Its 31 years old at the end of the day, and its rusty, well used and the drive is dated. None of these things are what you buy a VW Type 2 for. I bought it for 775 pounds with a budget of 2k as I thought it would require a full restoration. I was right apart from it cost more like 3k to put right and was at the body shop for 6 straight months. Everything was replaced.

All in all be prepared to spend some money, this will pay me back every penny once I get to drive it around all next summer, and once I've finished you can even get good money back for them these days. A worthwhile investment I would recommend to anyone.

General Comments:

Drive is dated, but so what.

Gearbox is the non syncro mesh type, but you get used to it.

Air cooled engine picks up all right, but 60mph is max and can be suprisingly thirsty, noise is terrible. Mines is going to be converted to a modern diesel engine, kits for this are available.

Suspension is spongy a gust of wind and you'll be on your door handles.

Interior: only advice I can give is make your own, think about what you want to use the van for, and design to fit.

Faults:

Rust, Rust, Rust! Same as all the others!

Engine oil leak - Again, same as all the others.

Headlight wiring problem in South West Wales left us stuck, but the nice RAC man saved the road-trip!

General Comments:

No performance, but that's not why you buy one really. I got 83mph out of mine (with a 25 mile run-up!)

Strangers wave and smile at you at random.

Handles like the QE2, and takes 3 weeks notice to stop, but all part of the character.

Push-down pedals are very comfortable - once you get used to them!

Took it on the inevitable pilgrimage to Cornwall, which is why it was invented.

Own one - just to say you have.

Faults:

Nothing has ever gone wrong with the van since I have rebuilt it.

General Comments:

This type of vehicle opens up a a new life for anybody who buys one - they are reliable, fun, comfy, a good talking point in the pub, way cooler than any other vehicle on the road. They represent a way of life that is being relaxed, peaceful, chilled out and most of clever, yes clever because these vans are perfect in the snow or mud as the drive is at the back which gives it more traction.

Won't over heat on long journeys as the top speed of these is the perfect cruising speed and won't freeze in winter as they are aircooled. This also means that they start better in winter.

They are the best vehicle to own by far, there are too many advantages and plus points to owning one, but here are the few that could make you buy one.

Try it, break free from the crowd, don't be afraid of what other people will think.