As any well-versed campervan enthusiast will tell you, a campervan is for life not just for Christmas. A campervan can be a long-term passion project, including ongoing customisation and personalisation.
However, for someone looking to begin their journey into campervans, including modern VWs, the initial price can be off-putting. We discuss whether campervans are a good investment, and the key things to look at when deciding whether to buy a campervan.
Before You Invest In A VW Campervan, Consider:
There are many things to consider when choosing a campervan, and it’s not just the vehicle itself.
- Where will you be parking the vehicle? Off-street, such as a driveway or garage, is a better option. Older models are especially liable to corrode, and it can be costly to repair or replace panels as they must be made, rather than coming from the factory.
- Do you want a project or a daily driver? Older models, especially rare types, are more likely to retain, if not maintain, value if well cared for. These are, typically, more of a project camper. Modern campers, such as the T5 or T6, will depreciate at a slower rate but are more likely to be able to be driven regularly without needing much maintenance.
- Your family situation. Whether you have young children or want a vehicle to drive off into the retirement with, different campervans have different uses and sizes. Modern VW California’s, for example, come with four seats as default, and while a fifth can be added, it does restrict the flexibility of the interior of the van.
Is A Campervan A Good Investment?
There are many factors that make a campervan a good investment, and these all depend on what you judge an investment by. It could be an investment for you with the resale value or one for the enjoyment of having a car and a holiday vehicle all in one.
Key Factors That Determine A VW Camper Value
Popularity/ Unique Models.
Some models, such as the VW Kombi, or rarer variations, hold value a lot more, especially if only a few production ones were made. They become collectibles, and particular models are hunted down by car collectors. Another factor is a famous previous owner, as this can drive up value as well.
Age
Any vehicle over 40 years old is deemed a classic and therefore doesn’t have to have an MOT but must always be roadworthy. Therefore, for some, an older car is less of an investment, but for others it becomes a passion project. A newer model can also be more desirable, as a newer campervan is likely to last longer.
Features
Whether converted or factory condition, models with additional features can mean greater value. This could be a well laid out interior that has been completely revamped, or high value kitchen parts that can be disassembled with ease to create greater space.
Any unique, quirky or different features will likely add value if they are useful to any future owners.
Condition and Mileage
While mileage isn’t always an indication of good condition, if a camper has high mileage (such as over 100k) and is still in factory condition, it will have been well cared for and therefore should hold value well. Similarly, the exterior and interior condition should be in clean condition.
Just Kampers has made a list of buyers guides for each type of VW camper including the T2 Bay and the T4, with key points to look out for when considering buying. These highlight key issue points and what to look out for.
VW Campervan Investment FAQ’s
Do VW campers hold their value?
Yes. The VW California was shown to have the slowest depreciation of all cars and campers currently available for sale in the UK market, retaining (on average) 60.9% of its value after 3 years/60,000 miles.
With the increase in people living in vans, a rise in staycations, and an overall swing towards ‘tiny home living’ the depreciation value is likely to maintain a similar level, or even get better!
How long do VW campers last?
They last for decades if cared for properly, with good due care and attention to each part of the vehicle.
It’s common still to see VW campers from the 70’s on the road, and while it’s rare, some from the 50’s or 60s still exist today (although they do sell at auctions now).
Is a campervan a good daily driver?
If you’re using it to commute, or do the school run, a camper can be a good daily driver. The flexibility with seats and space means that you can get a lot of bikes, bags and more in a camper with plenty of room to sit. It may be worth considering a newer model for the lowered risk of breakdowns and part accessibility if you want a commutable vehicle.
Is It Worth Buying A VW Camper?
In our opinion, yes! Older models become collectors’ items, and they’re a joy to maintain, care for and personalise.
It gives you flexibility with exploring, going on holiday and so much more. So we say, yes, buy the campervan of your dreams, and if you’re unsure on what type you want, try hiring one first.
Regardless of your type of campervan, whether modified, older or a rare model, speak to the experts at Just Kampers Insurance to get insurance that cares for your campervan as much as you do.
