Double Take: Volkswagen Transporter Diesel Pickups

I’ve seen a few DoKas running around this area recently, and can’t help but smile every time they rumble by. My affinity for Vanagons is well documented on this site, but the truck versions are a great mix of funny proportions, classic style, and no-nonsense pragmatism. With that combination, any engine other than a small four-cylinder diesel would seem excessive. Luckily we have two clean examples coming from the same seller in New Jersey that – considering how small the niche market of T3 Diesel Pickups is – provide interesting options for the buyer to decide on. Double cab or single? All-original or spruced up? Turbo or no? Crazy-low mileage, or just very low? Tough choices in this Transporter Pickup Showdown!

Click for details: 1990 Volkswagen T3 DoKa Diesel on eBay

Year: 1990
Model: Transporter DoKa Pickup
Engine: 1.7 liter inline-4 diesel
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 36,358 mi
Price: No reserve auction

1990 Vanagon DOKA DIESEL Pickup
Only 36,358 documented miles. (Original 58,918 KM)
Excellent condition. No rust anywhere.
Factory 1.7 liter Diesel
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Half-Moon Wheels
Spray-On Bed Liner
Extremely Clean Inside and Out
6-Passenger Seating
Brand New Tires
And a whole lot more.
Just serviced and ready for the new adventures
Runs, Drives, and Looks Excellent.
Fresh Tires and Brakes
Needs nothing.
Free and Clear NJ Title in hand.
No accidents, no rust. No Stories.
Spotless Carfax and AutoCheck Reports

MORE PICTURES HERE: http://s401.photobucket.com/user/avantspeed/library/1990%20Doka

Always garaged. Inspected, Maintained, and Serviced as needed with an open wallet after every outing and/or at slightest hint of anything needing attention.

Don’t let the simple aesthetics fool you – this is an exceptional DoKa, probably the nicest and most original we’ve ever seen! It’s fascinating to me that someone would give a funny truck like this the kind of attention normally reserved for rare 70s Porsches. It’s covered roughly 1.5k miles per year throughout its life and has been maintained and tended to like the only child of a royal family. Usually cars this well cared for come with a ridiculous Buy-It-Now or at least a reserve, but it’s open season here. I could see it reaching up towards $20k, though right now it looks like bidding could stay well below that. Around $15k, this is a great time capsule with few pretensions.

Click for details: 1989 Volkswagen T3 Pickup Turbodiesel on eBay

Year: 1989
Model: Transporter Pickup
Engine: 1.6 liter turbocharged inline-4 diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 61,991 mi
Price: No reserve auction

1989 Vanagon SINCA Single Cab TURBO DIESEL Transporter Pickup
Only 61,991 documented miles.
Excellent condition. Lots of Upgrades
Factory 1.6 liter Turbo Diesel
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Custom Roll-Bar
Diamond Plate Bed Liner
Extremely Clean Inside and Out
Custom Seats
Custom European Grille and Lights
Nice Modern Sound System
Sunroof
Huge Treasure Chest
Tow Package
And a whole lot more.
Extremely Solid and Sound Specimen.
Just serviced and ready for the new adventures
Runs, Drives, and Looks Excellent.
Very Quick Turbo Diesel Pickup.
Over 45MPG
Needs nothing.
Free and Clear NJ Title in hand.
No accidents. No Stories.
Spotless Carfax and AutoCheck Reports
Would make a perfect Motorcycle Transport Vehicle (just as a thought..:)))

MORE PICTURES HERE:
http://s401.photobucket.com/user/avantspeed/library/1990%20Doka/1989%20Sinka%20Green

Always garaged. Inspected, Maintained, and Serviced as needed with an open wallet after every outing and/or at slightest hint of anything needing attention.

This single cab is clearly less original, coming with different seats, a painted Euro grille and lights, a rollbar, and diamond plate bed lining. The long bed looks very useful and the 1.6-liter turbodiesel provides a healthy boost over the atmospheric 1.7, but this is clearly not an investment-grade survivor like the white DoKa. Bidding is accordingly at roughly 50% of the white truck, which sounds about right. Judged on its own merits, it’s a great, low-mileage truck that desperately needs some new wheels. It may have a little more oomph than the DoKa, but it’s hard to overlook the latter’s originality. Even with a higher price and no turbo, I think the white DoKa is the clear winner here.

-NR