Tempted to get your own Buttercup?

The first blog described my fascination with VW camper van's and how I came to own Buttercup.  Words can't really describe how made up and excited I am about this adventure. This is a genuine dream come true and one that I would urge anyone to try.  That said, owning a 40 year old van has many plus points but before you rush out and embroil yourself in the vintage car and vehicle world there are a few things to be considered.

STORAGE - these vehicles are old and they like the sun.  They do not like being left out in the rain.  I am lucky enough to live in Liverpool. Great city. Fabulous city. Innovative and creative city.  NOT a year long dry city!  And being so close to the Mersey and the coast, the rain is not just wet but salty too.  This is yet another thing that vintage vehicles hate! The solution is a garage.  Easier said than done.  Frankly, finding a garage in this city has been like finding hen's teeth.  So she has been living at parent garages which are dry but also 25 miles away! Very convenient for a spur of the moment camping trip...

TIME - You have to make time for these vehicles.  Don't buy one just to look pretty on your driveway because all that will happen is the rust will set in and the vehicle will get harder and harder to start.  Perhaps more importantly with the time issue, don't expect to just get in the van and go.  Sometimes, the van may just say no!  So with that in mind ALWAYS allow extra time to get anywhere. But let's be honest, if you've bought one of these lovely old vehicles you've already accepted that life in the slow lane can be just as much fun as life in the fast lane.

MONEY - a bit like horses, it's not the initial outlay (although that can be staggering depending on the age and spec of the vehicle, remember the £48,000 camper on George Clark's amazing spaces the other week?) that can cripple you, it's the upkeep including Road tax, MOT, storage, petrol and insurance.  Well what's so different from any other car I hear you say?  Nothing apart from the fact you have to have a contingency fund for repairs.  At any time things may go wrong.  Old vehicles need new bits. That is just a fact.

A TRUSY MECHANIC - these vehicles can't be hooked up to a computer for diagnostics. They need someone with a real skill and passion for vintage vehicles.  Like finding a trusted hairdresser, it can be traumatic searching for a mechanic who is honest, knowledgeable and affordable.  We have struck gold... www.mscprestigegarage.com 

And so if this little list hasn't put you off and a camper is your dream - go for it!  It certainly didn't put us off and we certainly haven't regretted it. Instead we are looking forward to the great Camper Van adventure which started with a little trip to Formby beach...cup of tea and icecream.  We couldn't have been a more British cliche if we tried!

Next blog...Near Death Experience!