The VW Kombi was produced in Brazil from 1976-2013 and was available initially with a traditional air-cooled engine until it switched to a water-cooled unit in 2005. They’re massively popular here in the UK, so whichever one you choose, this guide courtesy of dedicated website brazilian vw bay will help you buy the best…

For a start, bear in mind that each Kombi is different – so some may exhibit certain traits while others won’t. It’s a case of doing your homework, viewing as many as you can – and eventually picking the one that’s right for you…

Bodywork
Depending on the age of the vehicle, where it’s been kept and how well it’s been maintained, there are certain areas that are prone to rust. The most commonly affected areas include the top edge of the roof gutters, the edges of the bumpers, the top of the front wheel arches and where they meet the B-pillar in the corner.

it’s also possible for water to get behind the paint where the side repeater indicators have been fitted. Depending on the paintjob you can get water ingress between paint layers on the bottom sill edges as well. The rear arches can form rust along the centre line, due to the metal staying damp there.

None of these are necessarily deal breakers but if present should be reflected in the price of the vehicle.

If the vehicle has been subject to a respray find out why. Has it had remedial bodywork and has the work been done properly? For instance was the vehicle stripped down to bare metal before the paint was applied – lights out, rubber seals off, door handles/catches removed? Masking stuff up for a quick blow-over is not an ideal way to repaint a vehicle of this value. Look for signs of overspray, ask to see behind the headlight rims for instance to check the whole body has been painted. Photographic evidence of precisely what was done is always highly desirable.

Engines
Both air- and water-cooled engines should fire up pretty much on the turn of the key and idle uniformly. The beauty of the modern wiring means that even the air-cooled engine ticks over at a consistent idle.

The gearbox is Beetle derived and should feel notchy but not to the extent that it’s impossible to engage gears. If it does this could require at minimum a gearbox oil change (preferably to semi-synthetic oil,) possibly a clutch depending on the kilometers travelled through to a gearbox rebuild/replacement. The Brazilian gearbox has been known to be weak in areas and failures have been seen. Particular attention should be paid to the gearbox if viewing an ex-rental BraziBay. If you’re at a dealer, ask about what their warranty covers and get it in writing.

Steering
There has been much discussion about the steering on the Kombi. From the Volkswagen factory the vehicle is left-hand drive and fitted with a steering box that is closer to that in a splitscreen than a classic Bay. Despite the vehicle being relatively new – expect some play. Danbury convert its Kombis to right-hand drive by inverting and swapping the factory fitted steering box to the other side of the vehicle.  Some criticism of this procedure has taken place, suggesting that it would be better to source a right-hand steering box and install it the correct way round. However, there are hundreds of Danbury Kombis on the road with their right-hand drive conversion and there are companies who can offer an upgrade to a right hand steering box should an individual require it.  Wear in the steering box is will be evident in the form of excessive play, inability to turn properly in either way or a combination of the two.  Drive to a large car park and go round in alternating circles to check it.  Don’t allow a windy day to confuse you over the steering.  All BraziBays sway in the wind!  Take a torch with you and a mat to lie on – have a look at the steering box underneath the front as these can leak. Sometimes it’s a simple seal that needs replacing, occasionally a new steering box may be required.

Brakes
The Kombi employs a fairly basic system with discs up front and drums at the back. The Kombi should stop in a straight line whenever the brakes are applied – if it doesn’t, suspect a seized caliper.  Incidentally, the brake fluid reservoir is found to the bottom right of the nearside front seat.  Check it is full through the oval hole on the front of the cover.

The handbrake should be easy to set and release but should not feel loose in its operation.  Check its strength by doing a hill start.

Poptop
Check the operation and condition of all parts of any roof conversion fitted.  Primarily check the canvas has no holes and that the movement of the roof is smooth. The Danbury poptop must be opened and closed from the front first – ensuring that all of the canvas is outside of the rim. Check it hasn’t been snagged. There should be a catch in all four corners for locking the roof down so make sure they are intact. For the 2011 model year, Danbury tried a strap based system to lock the poptop down. This then reverted to the catch system.

 

Interiors
There are essentially two styles of interior conversion to be found in BraziBays: Rio and Diamond layouts. The Rio (below) features a three-quarter size rock and roll bed with units found down the nearside of the vehicle, with or without a rear cupboard.

The Diamond (below) is based on a full width rock and roll bed with a smaller two-piece kitchen unit behind the front nearside seat and occasionally a ‘B’ unit or buddy seat found behind the offside front seat.

Make sure all the features that have been advertised are present – in other words, if the spec states ‘roof rack’ then check that it has one fitted. Sometimes people remove bits for their convenience and forget to put them back in when it comes to selling. Roof boards for the poptop are a prime example – make sure you get them. If you’re buying from a dealer, push for anything that’s not quite right to be corrected as part of the deal and get everything in writing when you put down a deposit. When you go to collect your Kombi double check anything that was supposed to have been done prior to the sale, has been.

Miscellaneous
Check all the electrics work – both for the vehicle and the camping system. Switch all the lights on, then walk around the vehicle ensuring all are working.  Get someone to stamp on the brake pedal whilst you watch the brake lights come on. Imported Kombis must be fitted with an accessory rear fog light and side repeaters to comply with UK regulations. Make sure they work.

Have a look at the condition of the wiper blades because they’re a pain to get off – negotiate new ones fitted into the deal.

Check the tyres – are they the same make/type on at least both sides of the same axle? Check the spare. Has it ever been used and does it need replacing? Where is the jack and toolkit? If alloys are fitted – is the spare an alloy or an original 14in rim? All of this will provide a useful insight into how well it’s been looked after.

Desirable options
According to members on this website polled in 2010, desirable options that affect value in particular include:

1. Poptop
2. Gas hob/Leisure Battery (joint)
3. 240v hook-up
4. Sink/Fridge (joint)
5. Right Hand Drive Conversion

 

Price
Make sure the price that is being asked for the Kombi is realistic based on its year, options, mileage, history and condition.  A ridiculously cheap BraziBay may either be an internet scam or a Kombi that has been neglected. Equally an overpriced Kombi would have to justify its high price. The supply of secondhand Brazilian Bays generally does not meet the demand. However, that is no reason to pay over the odds. When viewing, take someone with you who has no interest in Kombis as a second pair of eyes, so that they prevent you from going all misty eyed and making the wrong decision. It’s a case of using your head and not your heart!

Finally – as with buying any car, if there’s anything not quite right about a particular Kombi you’re looking at, walk away. Like buses, there’ll be another one along soon…

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage