Brazilian VW Buses. Buyer Beware!!!

The market is currently getting flooded with Brazilian VW Buses. I had a broker hit me up earlier today who claimed to have 40 Buses for sale. Out of curiosity I asked for photos and prices. I was shocked to see that the ask price of these Buses was between $58K-$135K. In this video I compare those Buses and prices to several other Buses that are currently at Auction here in the States. All of the Buses currently for sale at Auction have fallen short of their reserves by about $25K-$30K. Be careful out there if you are looking to buy a Bus. In my opinion people are asking way too much for these vehicles and I personally believe the market is saturated. Thanks for watching. JC.

[@trimbandit9636]

I don't understand the "buyer beware" or why people are saying this is a scam. I see buses in the US listed for outrageous prices on craigslist and ebay all the time. You can ask whatever you want for a vehicle, that doesn't mean someone will buy it.

[@vitorcamilo6796]

Dear Sir, I am Brazilian and I think that any generalization tends to be unfair. Actually, that particular person is asking prices far above reality. Here in Brazil, just like everywhere in the world, there are honest and dishonest people. With respect to the prices of the "Kombis" (what you call "VW Buses"), there was really a speculative price bubble, even here in the Brazilian domestic market, due to the withdrawal of this model from the production line in 2013. And this phenomenon happened only with the model of split windows that you call a T1, which in the case of Brazil were manufactured until the year 1975. In 1976, came into production the model "Clipper" that already had the wide windshield, and long taillights. The curious thing is that these models, manufactured after 1976 did not suffer this excessive valuation, and continue to present sales prices quite compatible with the other vehicles of the same time. It is also important to remember the exchange rate between the Brazilian Dollar and the Brazilian Real, which today is approximately 4 to 1. Therefore, a car of these, which is in perfect condition, if it were sold here for R $ 20 thousand , would have the FOB price at $ 5,000. I own old vehicles from another German brand, called DKW from the 60's, which when in perfect condition, cost around that amount that I spoke up. I also believe that the diffusion through cable TV in Brazil of restoration and customization programs has helped to inflate the American car market (in Brazil) and specifically the Kombi T1.

[@luisandresnunez1368]

@@Illsamustache And what does that have to do to what he mentioned about VW Buse's from Brazil? A little suggestion, stop watching American media if you want to learn about other countries, or READ the comment before saying any stupidity.

[@tomsummers1137]

I own buses and one is a Brazzer. I love it! You can buy them all day long for under 5 large....in Brazil. Mine drove to my door, and i got it cheap. Buyer beware is how to approach ANYTHING.

I'm a retired Canadian VW mechanic. Those type 2s used to go for well under a grand. Those prices are absolutely ridiculous!!!!!

[@paulwalker427]

maybe you missed a trick

[@Illsamustache]

@@paulwalker427 Let's be honest: WE ALL DID

[@Illsamustache]

Those days are over. We too used to go scouting on the weekends in the late 80's through the 90's. On an average weekend we would find 2-3 ovals, 5-10 pre-'68 big window bugs, and 2-6 split screen buses in yards, fields, driveways, etc. outside of L.A. If the bus had a big hatch and wasn't a 15 or 21 window, we weren't interested. Pretty much the same with bugs; no oval window = not interested. We could pick and choose, and most prices ranged from FREE to

[@russellmancillas4464]

Great information, I didn't know anything about Brazilian bus. Good to know

[@IAm1InTheIAm]

The last two buses I've owned, a '58 camper and a '69 bay, were given to me just for asking about them: "Hey, that's a great old bus, what are you gonna do with it?"..."I dunno, you want it, you can have it". So, should I feel guilty? Lol.

[@brianandrews7099]

I have been into old/antique cars for 30 years (not VW buses, although I do like them), but today I am largely finding myself priced out of the hobby. It is very hard to swallow paying above $15,000 for a cars that I once (10-20 years ago) could have bought for $3-5,000. While I understand the economics of the situation, just like everything else, the prices of the cars and restoration parts/supplies/labor is outpacing the disposable income of many of us, especially those of us under retirement age (and some of us past it). I am not willing to finance a hobby car (or even a new one) since my goal is to remain out of debt. Even the plain, cheaper restorable examples (after even some repairs and basic cosmetics to make it safe and roadworthy) can easily cost you more than you can recoup from your investment nowadays, making it very important to only invest in the cars you really like, just in case you can’t sell them when your ready to move on. At this point, my larger goal is to finish, maintain, and hold onto the car I have. If the financial outlook at my house remains on present course, I doubt I will be able to add any rare or special cars to the fleet because even the “barn finds” are drawing crazy money! It would be nice to see the hobby prices return to the collectors instead of the investors and speculators, and ... yes ... don’t get me started on what I think of cable tv “reality” classic car shows and auctions. No! Late Aunt Tillie’s 1965 four door six cylinder Falcon that has been sitting in the yard, not running, since 1992 is not worth $35,000 ... I don’t care what channel you heard that on!

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

that's capitalism for you, its an easy concept.

[@roystoys3099]

A Friend Of Mine Just Sold A Fully Restored Brazilian 23 Window For 43K. The Same German Version In The Same Condition Would Easily Go For 85K!! I Would Still Drive One, But Not At Those Prices!!

[@mitchbookey4930]

I picked up my first bus 20 years ago in Yellow Springs Ohio for $500. A 1971 bay window with the Westy camping gear installed. The motor was a basket case. Rebuild the motor and broke even. Now wishing I never got rid of it

[@drumrboynoid]

I feel your pain. I sold my 73 bay window about 15 years ago. I owned it for 10 years. I simply just needed the money. I told myself I'd buy another one as soon as I can. Although I still have the same goal, I realise I'll never be able to afford it. Buses have quadrupled in price, and dont seem to be coming down. I'll always regret my mistake of selling it.

[@abelinoaragon9276]

I totally agree with you. I have had a few buses in the past and am working on a 67 camper right now. Two years ago I sold a, restored to specs, 66 21 window German bus for $82,500. I was happy what I got for it. Brazilian buses will not increase in value over time, only depreciate.

[@lovefordgalaxie]

I'm from Brasil, an I'm not into VWs, but I know about prices they go around here, and a mint split window will sell here for 50.000 Reais tops. Divide that by four and you have de Dollar value here. For a mint bus. Those guys that contacted you are scammers, they buy a bus for 2, or 3 thousand Dollars and think they can make easy money from the "rich" guys overseas.

[@arquivoyager2010]

You got it ! o que mais tem aqui é espertinho...

[@Illsamustache]

Exactly. The world looks at us as 'fat, rich Americans'. But the reality is that it's all relative.

[@MarcusTDM]

These prices are ridiculous. Even in the UK a German Samba isn’t worth that and the Brazilian buses aren’t as desirable.

[@breizizel3256]

Yeah ! Is really !😢

[@junkman6456]

I agree JC. I have a contact in Brasil who told me the most T1 there you can buy that cheap from 1k $, in 'driving' condition. Because the Brasil sellers often need money and this vehicles are treatened as daily drivers and not as something of a cult, or a special car. Well, 'driving condition' in Brasil are not the same as in the u.s. as its neither as in Europe, where the road safety inspectors (call it dot, tüv, motorizzazione, mfk) are very picky and check everything. ((Inspections for vehicles over 5 years old are here mandatory, and if anything failed on the inspection you have 2 weeks time to fix it. If not, the licence plate will be taken off from the police. If they catch one 2 times driving a unsafe car on public roads the car will be sized from the police.)) Anyway, the americas are far off from such safety standards and this Brasil T1s are often filled over rust, doctored mileage etc what causes additional cost to bring them back to their former glory. Back to factory grade. Labor and shops are expensive here. And the paperwork for exports from Brasil is also a endless task. 58k $ and up? Keep dreaming!

[@TheAndreykko]

That's true fella, the damn bureaucracy improves the value, unfortunately

[@junkman6456]

That has fewer to do with bureaucracy. Legal certainty is the key to success. How is it that why all these banana republics are not successful?! You can probably answer that question yourself.

[@JoseSilva_]

I live in Brazil in a capital city, I'm over 40 years old, and I saw a Kombi T1 no less than 15 or 20 years ago, at least. Maybe that's why they are expensive.

[@georgebamber6871]

My dad's freind used to make money importing Brazilians to the UK and restoring them he said he was making 5k each bus but it was like 20 years ago

[@andybaubau5961]

Still make 5k a bus nowadays

[@mustie1]

quality is not the same too, well im off to go buy a bus,

[@DUI5MSN]

BS

[@Mike-pu3ot]

Great informative video thanks for the buyer beware not in the market but always good to know what's going on. Thanks for sharing

[@arquivoyager2010]

living in Brazil for over 60 years I have never seen a VWBus with these panorama 21 window s, . It's not cheap to restore accurately an old bus, but frankly these guys are crazy... and there are lots of vw bugs and buses on ebay & others...

[@JohnBlakeJr]

Thanks. I saw a ‘73 23 window Brazilian VW bus today. Owned by a local car collector. It’s probably not for sale, but at least, I know what it’s NOT worth. 😉

[@jamespn]

Like muscle cars, I see a market bubble about to burst on these once all the hippies and dot coms from the 60s croak or end up in assisted living.

[@bencarsten6687]

Plenty of restored Brazilian buses going for $15k-$25k now. Worth it now?

[@TheAndreykko]

Also, I don't understand why Brazilian T1 is so underestimated in USA, if the German dudes themselves like buying it. Whatever, you guys buy it from Germany and the German dudes buy it from us... Everyone get happy in the end. Lol Although, I think more than 60.000 dollars in a T1 is too much, that's true

[@lobsterwhisperer7932]

Some people believe German humans are better at assembling objects together, who knows..its like fender guitars, one made in mexico is the same as the one made in USA, but guess which one is worth 5 times more for the same guitar.

[@talhaa2097]

VW Brazil produced these until 2013. So plenty to choose from.

[@ivorwm2291]

Uh uh. I saw a Brazilian bus at a show in Nacogdoches, TX last month and it had been restored and it was really nice. They left the panel behind the front seat in original condition and it was really rough. The rest was better than new. I felt it was impolite to ask the cost.

[@BlueWeaselTX]

I've seen a lot of Brazilian VW Buses for sale, with import fees, into the Port of Houston for 15-28k in mint restore quality. The recent auction prices of a converted to 23 window Brazilian has probably chummed the waters. Once I'm done with my bus restoration I may look down south for a single/double cab restoration project. As others have said, this guy is looking to scam.

[@sushisnob01]

For 15-20 why not. People around me are pulling crap out of the woods and listing it for 12k

[@johnarnest2662]

I was looking at some buses on the Samba, saw a nice Brazil diesel baywindow single cab for $8,000. My question is how well made are these Brazilian VWs? $8,000 plus shipping doesn't seem too bad if they are decently made. Can anybody shed some light? My first aircooled was a '58 deluxe with for real 36 HP, went through a bunch of $100 motors for those country runs (that was THEN!)

[@TheAndreykko]

Wassup John? 8 grands is a cheap price, as this model is hard to find in good conditions even here in Brazil. Those vw diesel vans have a 51 hp water cooled inline four cilinders though, so if you are looking for an aircooled engined T2 maybe it's not your cup of tea

[@antsan6002]

How the heck do you know the difference between German and Brazilian? Is there anything in the vin number or anything? There’s one for sale locally but how do I know it’s German born ?

[@mamodokod]

My dream is to own a vw bus, I've heard Brazilian busses were an option that may be cheaper so I was curious.

[@Volkswear]

Its a great way to get into a VW Bus for less money. Problem is there are many out there being sold for the same prices as German Buses. JC.

[@OkFixer]

It’s getting now that the People’s car. Is no longer for the people. Only the rich.

[@allan3441]

German samba bus 80k, brazilian bus 40k in mint condition, half price, same fun and shut up ok. Dont be jelous about our buses from Brazil...

[@gorporpio]

Are the shift rod bushings for Brazilian buses the same as a german buses? Anyone know?

[@joshvellieux8693]

I seen an ad for a company that makes complete all steel shells for $17K

[@maglekaer1]

I would say, that “Kombi Brazil” is more reasonable with their prices

[@ВикторЗлатопольских]

Мне вспомнилась песня группы Men at Work, где они ездили на Kombi и повстречали Леди, с которой завтрак разделили)

[@jamespn]

I remember, seeing a new beige Combi in 1990 while in Freeport Bahamas. I bet it’s still there.

[@gregguenthner3059]

So. What is a fair price for a true 23 window completely restored here in the US??

[@MarcusTDM]

Has the bubble burst yet? These are not worth that here in the UK. Look great though. On another note people always talk about the quirks but when people are putting scooby engines etc into buses surely you can just mod them to fit different parts?

[@arquivoyager2010]

the prices are pure madness. I'm selling some original vw parts(speedometer, rubber footpump). and the clever guys here don't have 70 dollars for a brand new 67 instrument...

[@chrissmith7669]

Do they also have the single or dual cab pickups?

[@bendordoy4815]

You mention the differences between the Brazilian and German splitscreens a few times but what exactly are the differences has anyone made a vedio comparing the two

[@ronsherrard7940]

You can buy them for way less then that . I know of one here for $15,000 and it looks good.

[@casanagatenerife]

I hear you but surely if the price is right then why not? for example a nice one for 15,000 USD - someone enlighten me please!

[@Hirthirthirt]

Here in Austria and Germany they go for top €...but not that high...and they would need to be in amazing shape for 85 Grand

[@Mikefngarage]

yea the glass is different and not available here.

[@taddean8361]

That was a lot of ranting. Might I suggest a video describing the differences between German and Brazilian busses so that we can be better informed of potential counterfeits in the VW community. This information is hard to find.

[@VWLifeVW]

the bus market in general is down a bunch we are seeing

[@mitchbookey4930]

I subscribe to your channel from Port Orchard Washington. Cheers

[@ВикторЗлатопольских]

У нас в России тоже такой авто выпускали, UAZ 452, выпускался с 1958 вплоть до 2021 года... Ещё бы 1 год и он обогнал бы Жук по количеству времени на конвейере, не изменяя конструкции. Выпускался потому, что ему никак не находили более дешёвой альтернативы в трудно доступных регионах, и просто заводу Уаз было выгодно гнать хрень, которую и так покупают, ввиду своей некой "душевности", "суровости авто для настоящих мужчин". Хотя у них было немало интересных проектов, которые могли бы заменить её, но управленцы все загубили на корню, из новых только Уаз патриот, и тот с французским двигателем, корейской коробкой.

[@newman777able]

Thanks Barret Jackson for makeing cars sky high for everyone I hate them

[@junkman6456]

Such auctions are from my view something like a kind of fraud. Following the ponzi scheme. I HATE AUCTIONS!

[@lindsaynicolebogan1255]

Yeah.. they’re scamming. Buses in Peru cost between 2,000-6,000 US dollars. We bought our bus which was in excellent condition with rebuilt motor at 4,700 US dollars. The difference is not much in Brazil.

[@marcijunebug]

referring to your blue bus as “rusty” deluxe...dude that’s a rust free bus in the Midwest! Lol

[@marcijunebug]

Worth what folks willing to pay...always will simply come down to that...bay window campers are outselling splits and splits seem to have leveled off thankfully! I hope the bottom drops out and they become “worthless” so I can buy more! 😂I love them, don’t care what they are “worth” I own them because I love them!!! Great info thanks for sharing

[@Volkswear]

marcijunebug It came from Virginia. Has license plates covering holes on the long wall. Trust me its rusty. JC.

[@marcijunebug]

@@Volkswear lol...well looks great in every video I ever seen of it!!!! My 58 panel is really really bad...

[@HERBYWALLACE3]

Where can I find a original German bus

[@harryryan4477]

how can you tell it's Brazilian made? i.e. vin# or other?

[@seattleday9690]

I know a guy that has a 1965 15 window bus. He payed 18 grand and it's great shape.

[@andydujenski3724]

Is that for a brazilian?

[@Seany_aros]

Mate if you convert 85000 rs (REAL) Brazilian currency they go for about 15000 US dollars. Most Brazilian buses come standard with link and king pin disc brake front ends, IRS rear ends. Most German VW lovers modify there standard Kombis with the running gear that the Brazilian kombis come out standard with. I have been there personally and you can by a immaculate rust free splitty from $15000-$18000 US. All these crazy prices you seeing are scanners trying to make a buck of us westerners

[@josephmayotte8879]

I've been in a couple of Mexican Bay Windows. Compared to the German-made Buses, the quality and interior finish is much worse. I would bet the Srazilian Buses are the same way.

[@josephmayotte8879]

The Brazilians must have Barret-Jackson Fever!

[@SUBDUB67]

Watch out for Aussie Vw Buses! The dead giveaway is the steering wheel is on the right! Other variants include Subaru powered examples, oh the horror! 🤣

[@Volkswear]

Jon Paul I love the air inlets on the Aussie Buses. I would say the Aussie Buses are much closer to the German Buses from what I've seen. Did the production of Split Windows end in 1967 in Oz?

[@SUBDUB67]

Yes mate, mines a 67 with a 66 top, bought the first bus wreck for $100 and the donor bus for $400. The running gear is off an 74 bus and the steering column is out of a Toyota! It’s adjustable and collapsible, (don’t want to test that though). I’ve got a vid on how we made it if you wanna watch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pGmYYoWtZs-ebtk Cheers Jp

[@Volkswear]

Jon Paul Ya I watched it the other day. You guys put a ton of work into that Bus. I had seen it done before I watched the video of the restoration. Amazing job. You would never know it was in such rough shape before. JC.

[@Volkswear]

Jon Paul I would love to run a Subaru in my Deluxe. Every time I swap out another aircooled engine I think to myself how nice it would be to have a Subie in there.

[@SUBDUB67]

@@Volkswear Hi Mate, with your experience and access to parts it would be relatively straight forward, I did it to mine cause the kombi was a write-off and I like to experiment, this week im taking my reversed ring and pinion Subaru 5 speed box to get the backlash and bearing preload set. Once done, the plan is to swap out my 2 litre box, strong box but ring gear really screams under load. Cheers, JP

[@TheAndreykko]

I would sell a bay window VW T2 with double port carburetors for 10.000 dollars + shipping taxes... Maybe next year, after the end of this pandemy

[@FlyperMultiGames]

But those buses 'Kombi' we're struggle to find those models. Now they became so expensive. But I cant agree with those prices.

[@type2523]

If german one maybe if Brazilian not over 30-40k

[@notchboy]

When people outside the Volkswagen community pay those prices, guess what? Thats what they think they are worth.

[@kingharryannis]

Go Figure [Westy]. VW Buses have become a alternative to Bitcoin , gold, silver, to park your investment money.

[@junkman6456]

...notable mostly u.s. who get in panic when they see something that could be of interest of others. $$$$ and mess up other markets with their panics!

[@marcuscrazyride]

@volkswear more likely it was him with a qwerty keyboard missing the r button at they use the dollar sign plus r to denote real which means you divide by 5 to get the dollar price

[@JonnyPickett]

Sounds like it's much more this seller than BZ busses themselves

[@michaelboardphoto]

Can you recommend a reputable US seller of buses? Don't need the rarest thing in the world.

[@TheRobert1970]

I have a 1989 vw bus brazilian made with barn doors only paid $3,500

[@stefangraham5349]

UK prices are a lot more realistic on Brazilian splits.....

[@lucianosilveira3945]

Hi , venha para o Brasil tem muitas para comprar .....

[@Volkswear]

I couldn't even afford the shipping. JC.

[@lucianosilveira3945]

OK, really the freight is very expensive come to know Brasil has many kombis eurn though took , tenho uma 1975

[@johndenver2436]

many don't have a vin number.

[@Vwrescue]

I've never been a fan of Brazilian buses. I could never own one it just wouldn't feel right

[@dmcnamara9859]

Crabbo Sniff: I have friends in Brazil...they are mainly used as a business vehicle,beyond the ones used as "Outback" shuttles and Taxis. Most are beat-up (roofs/pillars,front frame cracked and repaired multiple times )....at most; under R$10,000=$2,500 US dollars....about R$30,000-R$40,000 for the last ones built in 2013. That does not include all the taxes which the pseudo Socialist Democracy charges on Transactions....and if all the numbers don't match on a vehicle....their DMV won't even allow a sale,Title-Registration to proceed...they can and do confiscate vehicles if they believe the vehicle in question has stolen bits. My friend ran into that problem with his 73 Fusca...they had to find an legitimate engine for the car he bought...in order to get everything sorted. Theft in Brazil is a big problem(all parts of the vehicle). But the folks in Brazil love anything with a Fiat,Chevy or VW badge...they consider those Brands a Brazilian vehicle. The iron-rich soil/dust plays havoc on all the vehicles down there.

[@TheAndreykko]

Don't worry, Europeans are buying it the most... Germany, France and and UK are the main exportation sites for Brazilian VW vans, not USA. You should go on and buy a German one if you want fella, no worries. Just be aware and make sure you aren't buying a Bulli made in Brazil with German accessories dude.

[@TheAndreykko]

Right man, but we don't have snow in Brazil, so it is a point in our favour... Also you can have a T2 1972 look in a 1994 Brazilian T2, with disc brakes and a better gearbox than the Germany model...

[@carrosemotosantigosdepelot663]

1973 Volkswagen Bus FOR SALE BRAZI X SUIÇA

[@capitan_camote_picante6370]

rather buy/get a Brazilian Bus and or a Mexican VW Bug

[@Mattlawton-ft6ew]

Something that old 5k is resalable

[@joselduran6600]

Yea prices are stupid

[@joobr5688]

Hi from brazil :)

[@fabiodassis7960]

I am a brazilian going back home Ive got my self a nice one for $US 2000 gonna sell coco nut on the beach and will get my money back really

[@MicBergsma]

😆

[@dudley7540]

So you're sitting on billions!

[@Volkswear]

Nothing but cheap, ratty buses at our place. JC.

[@manelk8]

Brazilian good for....wax job on the girlfriend! 😉

[@TheAndreykko]

I am Brazilian Ukrainian half and, yes I can say some Brazilians aren't worthy the beans they eat, but many Brazilian are honest, so don't make room for generalizations please.