Mr Bumble has been loved and looked after by my family from first registration. He’s a special T4. The engine, bodywork and interior are all in great condition – he’s never driven over 55/60mph – and the living layout is wonderful. I’m reluctantly selling as I’m saving for a deposit, and looking to sell him to someone who will continue to care for and make the most of the van. Bumble has two seats, and would be ideal for an adventurous single person or couple, though he comfortably sleeps three adults. Plenty of room for dogs, too. He’s currently dog-free.
Below is the key info, followed by more on the condition, layout and work and service history. Feel free to call with any questions, for more photos or to arrange a viewing – 07824 341758. Genuine buyers only, please. The van is in the Bath/Bristol area. If you’re local, I’m happy to meet you in the middle to view/discuss/test drive.
– VW T4 Transporter
– First Registered: September 1996
– Model: 800 Special TD SWB
– CC: 1896
– Mileage: 115,300 (poss. slight increase)
– Full service history
– MOT: until 24.06.2027
– Full professional Reimo conversion by Continental Motors in Kent
– Pop-top roof with hydraulic double bed and mesh windows (bed fitted in 2019)
– Omnistor Light awning
– Windows all round, with perfect-fitting popper-close curtains
– Tailgate rear door
– Passenger-side sliding door
– Driver and passenger swivel seats
– 2x mini spirit levels (for flat parking)
– Very spacious interior with carpeted floor and sides
– Built-in lighting and USB fairy lights
– Double seat sofa with storage. Can be used as a single bed.
– Double-ring gas stove
– Sink (used as storage; pump needed)
– Ample-storage kitchen cupboards
– Dometic CoolFreeze CDF 26 21L Compression Fridge Freezer with cable (worth £150-£200)
– Wardrobe with rail and mirror
– 2x shelves (great for plants and books and cooking bits)
– 2x secret storage spots
– Front window thermal screen covers
– Built-In diesel heater with dash-mounted controller
– 100W solar panel on roof (see notes)
– 12V leisure battery with charge controller
– 2x USB and 1x 12V power inputs
– Inverter, for powering laptops etc
– Campsite mains hook-up cable + external socket
– Internal 230v 3-pin socket (for use when mains connected)
– External 40L water tank with tap and key-entry filling
– Spare wheel with Jack
– 3x original keys
– Original leather-bound owner’s manual and logbook
– Steering lock
Condition
Mr Bumble is in great shape. He starts clean, drives smooth and is incredibly reliable. I never drive above 55/60mph (it’s the engine and MPG sweet spot), and my grandparent’s never pushed the engine either. I MOT’d him twice at a garage in Cornwall, and the owner said that up on the ramp he’d never seen a T4 its age in such good condition. I’ve taken him on two long trips in Europe, as well as regular trips across the UK, and had no trouble. I rarely drive him as a day-to-day run around, so most trips have been steady, longer-distance affairs.
The body work is solid, crisp and clean. No notable dings beyond a slight rub on the rear passenger wheel hub that I fixed up. As with most older T4s, There’s a few low-down rust spots, but nothing visually obtrusive or in need of attention (happy to send images). The interior is genuinely exceptional throughout. A couple of window frames show their age, but they’re all good and slide well. All in all, no tears or troubles.
A note on the solar panel. When I bought the van in 2020, I installed a 100W solar panel, a leisure battery, charge controller and an inverter. Annoyingly, in the last couple of years the solar panel stopped charging the leisure battery. I’ve not had it checked as the battery also charges off the alternator, and that’s been fine for the trips I’ve taken. It may be a simple fix, I’ve just not had the spare cash to sort it. Explaining for full disclosure.
Layout
In terms of layout, Mr Bumble is a bright and spacious beauty. When he’s opened up – roof up, chairs swiveled, sun shining – he’s a joy to be in. Behind the driver seat there’s a two-seat sofa that with the seat swiveled can be used as a bed. It’s also great for stretching your legs out and reading. There’s a storage trunk under the sofa, a handy wardrobe (with rail and mirror), double gas hob, kitchen storage, and a proper-comfy hydraulic double bed in the roof. The roof tent also has mesh windows for space gazing and lovely breezes. It’s a treat to lay there and feel the morning.
A note: most pop-top vans lift at the front, but Bumble's is at the back. It makes such a difference to the space; you cook at the back, so you don’t clog up the van when others are in it. It’s rare to see a rear-opening roof. Honestly, I don’t know why – it feels like a better layout to me.
Service & Work History
My Dad helped my grandparents sell the van to my sister in 2018 by undertaking a full mechanical check and engine service, including cam belt change (at around 82K). My sister and her partner, with 2 kids and 2 dogs, ultimately found it too small and barely used it, so I bought it off her in 2020 with around 83,300 on the clock.
I’ve been through the log book and listed below all the works and services I have a record of, including mine – all of which I kept receipts for.
Services
– 12-month inspection/oil change – 8,982 miles
– 12-month inspection/air cleaner element/oil change – 20,983 miles
– 12-month inspection/oil change – 33,106 miles
– 12-month inspection/air cleaner element/tooth belt/oil change – 43,565 miles
– 12-month inspection/oil change – 49,010 miles
– 12-month inspection/oil change – 58,669 miles
– 12-month inspection/air cleaner element/tooth belt/brake fluid/oil change – 81,199 miles
– 12-month inspection/air cleaner element/tooth belt/brake fluid/oil change – 82,368 miles
– 12-month inspection/oil change – 83,309 miles
– 12-month inspection/oil change – 92,700 miles
– 12-month inspection/oil change – 105,994 miles
Key Works
– Cam belt changed – 2003 / 43,565 miles
– Cam belt changed – 2018 / 81,999 miles
– Rear brake pads changed – 2017 / 81,834 miles
– Front brake hose nearside and offside replaced – 2019 / 82,441 miles
– Exhaust downpipe seal and retainer replaced – 2020 / 83,400 miles
– Brakes striped, cleaned, lubricated and adjusted and brake and clutch fluids changed – 2020 / 83,400 miles
– Starter motor replaced – 2020 / 83,400 miles
– Rear passenger-side seat removed (for space) and interior re-carpeted – 2020
– Clutch master cylinder replaced and brake fluid changed – 2021
– Brake master cylinder replaced, brakes bled, alternator belt adjusted, engine oil replaced – 2022
– Rocker cover gasket replaced – 2023
– Drive belts replaced – 2023
– 3x new tyres fitted and rear coil springs replaced – 2023 / 102,064 miles
– Centre pipe and box and cat replaced on exhaust – 2024 / 105,994 miles
– Windscreen wipers replaced – 2020 and 2024
– Driver side wing mirror replaced – 2026
– Battery and alternator replaced – 2025
– Rear number plate replaced – 2026
