1977 Volkswagen Type II Westfalia Camper review from North America
"The Bus"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The radio and speakers had to be replaced. What's new? It's an old Volkswagen.
The heater required some work with the electric fan.
The engine was rebuilt at one point and was going to need rebuilding again if we hadn't sold it in time.
The air-conditioning system forever had leaks and faults that only allowed a couple of days of good use.
Parts could be quite expensive.
General comments?
Overall, it was a reliable van that held up extremely well considering its age. All of the carpets, plaid upholstery, and wood veneer on the cabinets still looked new. The paint also shined up well.
The van did win trophies for "best original" on more than one occasion.
Although I never drove it on the road, the driving position was quite awkward and the shifter felt imprecise as it was very long.
It was a fun thing to have around; with electric outlets, a sink, a built-in cooler, three beds, and tons of storage space. It was comfortable on trips and it was nice to be able to hide stuff when at a show in the numerous cabinets and bins. One could also have complete privacy with curtains for every window. Also, there was a neat bug screen that attached over the rear hatch opening.
Recommended reviews
| Really fun ride if you don't mind tinkering a bit |
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| The best in the world |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1977 |
| Year of manufacture | 1977 |
| First year of ownership | 1991 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2000 |
| Engine and transmission | Porsche 914 Four Manual |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 7 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 90000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 165000 miles |
| Date of Entry | 23rd November, 2004 |