Wondering if a VW Campervan is worth the investment? This guide explores the key considerations to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
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 the best 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. Not only that, but campervans can be an appealing target to opportunistic thieves, so keeping it off the road and secured away can reduce your risk of theft or damage.
- Do you want a project or a daily driver? Older models, especially rare types, are more likely to retain their 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, and 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 retirement with, different campervans have different uses and sizes. Modern VW Californias, 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. This should give you some idea as to whether a campervan is suitable for your needs or not.
Is A Campervan A Good Investment?
Deciding whether a campervan is a good investment ultimately depends on your definition of good investment. It could be a good investment for you if it retains a good resale value, or an investment giving you the freedom and enjoyment of having a car and a comfortable holiday home 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. Also, if a camper has had a famous previous owner, this can drive up the price as well.
Age
Any vehicle over 40 years old is deemed a classic and therefore doesn’t have to have an MOT – but it must always be roadworthy. For many, an older vehicle becomes a passion project that they can spend time working on. But a newer model can also be highly desirable to others, 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 (over 100k, for example) 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. This is great news for owners when it comes to resale.
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 actually still common to see VW campers from the 70’s on the road, and while it’s rare, some from the 50’s or 60’s 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 better part accessibility if you want a reliable and spacious vehicle for commuting.
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. They’re full of character and are a true icon in the campervan scene. Similarly, a modern camper offers a comfortable and spacious canvas, but usually requires much less work and is highly reliable for extensive road trips.
Buying a VW Camper, whatever model you choose, gives you flexibility with exploring, a space for quality family time 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.
Many of us here at JK own a VW campervan ourselves, with a good mixture of classic and modern models, and we all would highly recommend them!
Regardless of your type of campervan, whether modified, older, or a rare model, speak to the experts at Just Kampers Insurance to get tailored cover that cares for your campervan as much as you do.
Our sister company, Just Kampers, has a dedicated VW marketplace section on their website, where you can find all kinds of classic and modern Volkswagen campers for sale. Check it out and see what’s on the market today!
Is a Campervan Expensive to Insure?
One of the key considerations when investing in a campervan is the cost of insurance. The good news is that insuring a campervan doesn’t have to break the bank. Our prices start from as little as £115 per year, depending on the vehicle, usage, and personal circumstances.
Specialist campervan insurance can offer tailored coverage, ensuring your pride and joy is protected whether you’re using it for holidays, daily driving, or as a classic collector’s item. Policies can include features like breakdown cover, agreed value protection, and limited mileage discounts, giving you complete peace of mind on the road.
We have been providing reliable campervan cover since 1998, and are trusted by thousands to protect their pride and joy. Visit Just Kampers Insurance to learn more about campervan insurance and find the right policy for your needs.
Overall
In conclusion, buying a VW campervan can often be a great investment. When you find the right model for you, it’s a match made in heaven. You get to enjoy the freedom of the road, the charm of a classic camper (or the comfort of a modern one), and make memories with your loved ones. VW campers tend to hold their value well, and are typically affordable to insure, so it’s really a win-win.
Find your perfect camper or speak to our friendly team if you have any questions.
Find Your Perfect VW Campervan
If you’re considering a VW campervan as an investment and want to explore the options available, why not check out the Just Kampers Marketplace dedicated for VWs? It’s the perfect place to find a range of beloved VW campervans for sale, each with its own unique story and charm. Whether you’re looking for a classic model or a modern conversion, our marketplace connects you with passionate owners ready to pass on their pride and joy. Browse VW Campervans for Sale and find the perfect vehicle to start your campervan journey today!
