Well Loved Winnie: 1995 Volkswagen Rialta – Sold?

March 21, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Yes, even motorhomes can be considered part of the “rad” era of vehicles, especially if it happens to be based on the Volkswagen Eurovan. This 1995 VW Eurovan Rialta by Winnebago was originally listed in February 2022 on Craigslist in Orange County, California with extensive recent servicing and the generally reliable five-cylinder engine for $21,500. Comparing this price against the NADA Price Guide confirms this private seller is outpacing the price guide by a few thousand, as the “High” retail is pegged at $16,600, but this doesn’t take into account the enthusiast passion for clean VW campers.

The Rialta is one of the more intriguing answers to the question of, “What would suffice for a pocket-sized RV that’s easy to park and can stay in your driveway when not in use?” These days, most motorhomes for sale require you to find a dedicated parking arrangement for off-season storage, not to mention master the art of driving a very bus-like vehicle despite not having to get certified by a state licensing board for driving something that really should require a special permitting program (rant off – but it really is terrifying an empty-nester can just walk up and drive off in one of those monsters.) The Rialta was a very smart package, with plenty of comfort features for weeks on the road, all while powered by a relatively economical five-cylinder engine; later editions would get the more powerful VR6.

We came across this video that showing what the interior space is like for a typical Rialta of this vintage:

Now, that’s not to say driving one of these is a treat. It is seriously over-taxed, especially the troublesome Volkswagen-sourced automatic transmission. The transmission absolutely needs frequent fluid changes, and an auxiliary cooler is a smart investment. You can convert them to a manual transmission, but it’s an expensive and time-consuming process. The seller has done pretty much every must-do maintenance item on the list, from a new timing belt and tensioner bearings to a replacement water pump and oxygen sensor (among many other proactive repairs.) This is the type of caretaker you want to buy one of these from, as the Eurovan is a high-needs vehicle, and it only gets messier with the addition of a proper camper body and all of the features that go along with it if you buy a bad one. In addition, both the standard battery and the coach house unit have been replaced. The seller says their price is firm, and I can’t say I blame them – this Rialta looks pretty darn nice.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1995 VW Eurovan Rialta Winnebago QD.

Engine: 2.5 Liter, 5 Cylinder.

Sleeps 4, Stove, Refrigerator, Microwave, Awning, Generator, Air Conditioner, and more….

Clean Title, California Vehicle, Very Meticulously Maintained And Cared For.

Maintenance Repairs Performed Within Last 1000 Miles Ago.

New Timing Belt… Tensioner Bearings… New Camshaft Seal… New Front Crankshaft Seal… New Water Pump… Thermostat… VW Antifreeze… Replace
Serpentine Belt… Replaced All Spark Plugs… Fuel Filter… Air Filter… Oil & Filter Service With Synthetic Mobil 1 Oil… New Bosch Oxygen Sensor… Flush Brake Fluid With Dot 4 Fluid… Replace Transmission Fluid With Factory VW Transmission Fluid and Install New Filter… Replace All Engine And Transmission Mounts…
4 New Tires…. Replaced Both Engine And Coach House Batteries… Service Air Conditioning Unit…

Selling Price: $21500 Firm.

Please Note: Serious Inquiries Only.

Private Party Seller.

Vehicle Located In Orange County, California..”

Do you have a Volkswagen Rialta story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!