> What I really want is a brand new VW pop-top van, as are still sold in Europe. But those don't go to the U. S.
You could probably get a Ram Promaster SWB with pop-up roof for about what an equivalent VW van would sell for, were they sold here. If that's too spend, there are always 10-20 year old Roadtreks that are in good shape for under 30K, and if you get a Ford or Dodge based one it's even quite good off road with a locking differential.
Meh, the quality of Roadtreks hasn't impressed me much; but I get your point.
The Promaster looks to be the sweet spot between size and expense. But holy cow, Sportsmobile wants $9K for the pop-top option, on top of an $80K build.
I guess I have to admit that there's a bit of sentiment attached to that "VW" badge, too. Ignore the fact that VW vans haven't been the quirky little beasts we fondly remember in over 20 years. Now you'd have to take a second look to distinguish it from a Chrysler (in fact, the U. S. vans were Chryslers for a short time).
Sure, $9K on top of $80K is pretty steep, but that $80K build is orders of magnitude more comfortable than what an old VW could provide, and at reasonable speeds too. By the time you upgrade a classic VW to similar standards (Subaru engine swap, A/C that isn't terrible, etc), the cost would be close to $80K. OTOH, if you want something more Spartan and more classic VW-like, $60K should be good enough to get you there, and it's not like a VW T6 conversion would cost less.
Sure, $9K on top of $80K is pretty steep, but that $80K build is orders of magnitude more comfortable than what an old VW could provide, and at reasonable speeds too.
You're right, I'm just being a cranky old man who thinks candy bars are still a quarter of a U. S. dollar. A/C? PNW, don't need it. But it's going to be $4K (installed) for the rest of the country. Power? 70bhp in that 4000 lb. tank. Now myself, when confronted with a mountain pass I'm content to put on some Grateful Dead to complete the experience, put 'er in 3rd gear, turn on the blinkers and get in the right lane with the trucks. But I can see that getting old quick for most folks. $10K for that Subaru engine. Add $20K for a turn-key VW, and we're at $35K for an old van that will keep you cool and get out of its own way, but still has inadequate brakes and a suspension that could use a refresh, along with a refrigerator that is so reliable that many remove it to put aftermarket in (though ours is rock-solid on electric and propane). But despite all that, I still love ours. :-) But we look at it as a metal tent-on-wheels rather than living quarters.
And my pound sterling->USD converter says a T6 is going to cost you exactly $60K, before the 25% "chicken tax".
You, sir, win the "Educated Guess of the Day" award ('81 California-spec Vanagon Westfalia). Though we're content with the air-cooled 2.0L for what it is, the 50-odd horsepower diesel would have me seriously deciding whether I'd be doing the engine conversion myself or letting the shop do it. If I see a VW going up Snoqualmie Pass more slowly than we are, I'll be sure to wave as we go past. :-)
You could probably get a Ram Promaster SWB with pop-up roof for about what an equivalent VW van would sell for, were they sold here. If that's too spend, there are always 10-20 year old Roadtreks that are in good shape for under 30K, and if you get a Ford or Dodge based one it's even quite good off road with a locking differential.