Practical vehicle?

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guanche

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Hi enthusiasts!
I have never owned a campervan, but my girlfriend had a Commer that we used a couple of times in southern UK before it was sold.
I don't have many savings, but I really like these old machines. Also a fan of the VWs, but I just love the shape of the Commer, the interiors of the autosleepers, and that "happy face" at the front. And obviously I have many good memories, which also adds up.

But I am concerned that it is not a very sensible move for me. First I have the impression that a 29 years old guy should be thinking more about investing in his first property, career, family? rather than old machines. Second, I don't have any other vehicle (only an old Norton that is currently on SORN, needs quite a few months of work) and I am not sure if a camper van would be a good option for commute to work, go shopping....

Does any of you have ONLY a Commer as a vehicle? Or is is 2nd, 3rd one you have, and is purely a hobby? Using the vehicle on almost a daily basis obviously wear it out, but is it worse than using any other small car?

Also I am concerned about thefts...? It seems pretty easy to break into a Commer. What would a good solution to that be? Do you have alarms, immobilizers...? Even a padlock and a chain from my Norton would work I guess lol.

Anyway, it feels I should be working overtime to pay for a van, rather than procrastinating on the net. [xx(]

Thanks for any thoughts.
Isaak
 
hi and welcome to the madhouse:D if you get a commer with a standard petrol lump and a non o/d gearbox in the running cost is going to be high with the cost of fuel[V] as these vans are only going to give you approx 20mpg:( regular use though does seem to keep them going better with regards to brake balance and clutch etc:) but as you said it is a old vehicle and will need regular maintenance but will give you lots of enjoyment and also frustration at times:pwith the security there are many off the shelf alarms etc that you can fit;) but i would go for the commer over the vw anyday:) just nned to find one now within your budget[B)] good luck;)

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Welcome to the Madhouse. In your position I would spend the summer getting the Norton back on the road. Then, in the winter, look for a Commer when they are cheaper. That way you can commute etc on the Norton and keep the Commer for best.

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I am not a person, I am a number, 395 actually......Be seeing you!
If I told you I was a pathological liar, would you believe me?
 
well on the money side of things, I bought mine when i was 19 (i'm now 24) and the prices of the vans have just gone up and up. So you could argue that it's an enjoyable investment. So glad I got mine when I did as I have been priced out the market now.


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Hi Isaak and welcome to the Madhouse:D
There are pro's and con's about running a Commer every day and it depends what your expectations are. You get a vehicle that is different, quirky, fun (when it's running OK:I), you will never need to borrow next doors trailer to take stuff to the tip or pay delivery charges when buying that new fridge or bed. But in standard form they are fairly slow, noisey, by modern standards thirsty, if you don't do mechanical fettling yourself then classic friendly garages can be few and far between. If you budget for a few improvements in the engine department (SU conversion, decent exhaust, overdrive) then things get better and the drivability is improved dramatically but that takes time an money. What would I recommend - having driven one before I guess you know what you are letting youself in for - good innit[8D]

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Vdubconvert uses his every day - without too many major upsets - its a "working" van, so it is possible

The Dog is on its way....
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I used my last one for going to work, going shopping and as a general runabout, Oh and I did use it for going on holiday. Buy one and use it as a second vehicle and you'll soon have problems but use it as an only vehicle and she'll run like a bird
 
Welcome along Isaak :)
I don,t own a modern, and use either the Commer or J4 as everyday vehicles. If you are mechanically inclined and do some modernisation to it then there is no reason you can,t use it as a daily.
What,s the Norton 16H, es2, atlas, dominator [?]

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"You,re only supposed to blow the bloody SLIDING doors off"
 
Perhaps you want to sell the norton cheap to one of us mates. please let me know but whisper it as the other rabble will be listening
 
wow, that is an active forum! Thanks all for your thoughts.
Dodgemark... 13971 Posts!!?? Impressive. Panky is not far... lol I think Madhouse is a good definition. :) I haven't found the buyers guide though, could you point it out to me?

Triumph Dan, I'm impressed, good purchase! You got an Autosleeper, right? I hope to buy one of those one day. I guess that a good initial investment is the key; it will bring many years of happines and drastically reduce pain welding, reboring and rebuilding...

Regarding the Norton (Dommie), it is not for sale I am afraid, I've had far too much fun and good memories. :)
 
I honestly believe that using a classic as a daily drive is far better - had a friend who used her Triumph daily with minimal issues, went travelling fro three months and when she came back; nothing but trouble!

Personally thought I treat mine as "best" as said previously but I am certain it would be better as a daily :)
 
Hi and welcome! Why not use it as a daily? In the sixties and seventies (and eighties) there was no choice! If its in sound condition it will be as good now as it was then. The only thing that is different is our expectations. It wont do 100mph for eight hours on 3p of vegie oil but it will put a huge grin on your face every day (except when waiting for the AA truck!) I used mine for a year as a trade van before starting the resto and it was great, loads of space and a mobile workshop in the back. Had the bonus of being able to pull over for a cuppa and bacon buttie too... :)
These were built as rugged trade vans in the first place and will put up with huge abuse if looked after. Only roadside issue i couldnt fix on the spot was a broken halfshaft but that could happen in anything. They are a very simple vehicle unlike the cyber controled modern stuff you cant even roll start :(

Well...alright then, maybe just a little...
 
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