West Coast Samba Testimonials & Vehicles Sold Photo Gallery.
Here are (just a few examples) of testimonials as well as vehicles we have sold all over the world from Germany, Japan, Australia, to Alaska & Hawaii.
Sold Napa Valley California
Rich generously offered to help me find a buyer for my '66 bus, and it wasn't long before he had it sold. Right from the start he was honest and up front about everything, stayed in touch throughout the whole process, and was very clear about all of the details. Everything worked out just the way he described and the money transaction was smooth. Thanks to Rich for finding a new happy home for my bus!
Mike T. Seward, Alaska June 2015
I've contacted Rich by phone and email. He gives honest and a quick respons. I gave him My wishlist, as soon as he finds something he will let me know. So it's a mather off time, i will get my vw t2 with the help off Rich. Look at his site and you can see he has got experience for several years with the aircooled vw's
Randy from the Netherlands
Randy D. Maastricht, The Netherlands March 2015
I bought a 73 bus in the spring. I have waited to post this so that I could get a good feel for the condition of the bus. I paid a premium , expecting this bus would be near perfect. It was close, but I did have to correct a few problems. The parking brake assembly was not installed correctly and was not functional. This was an easy fix, but something that should have been done before the car was delivered. After driving the bus through the summer, it seems to be holding up well. A mechanic who took an interest has inspected it and feels it is in decent shape. Shocks could use replacement. The clutch cable broke several weeks ago which again, was an easy fix. Overall, I am very happy with the purchase. I expect things to break given the fact the bus is over 40 years old. If you are thinking of purchasing, please remember that you are buying a very used car, not a new Toyota with a warranty. These cars always have, and will continue to have mechanical issues. The bus I purchased looks great, runs well, and has been a lot of fun for our family. It also received quite a bit of attention at a recent car show (Geneva Concourse).
Kevin H. Batavia, IL October 2014
My family and I recently purchased a 1975 VW Bus from Rich, and generally enjoyed our interactions with him throughout the process. We had initially been the highest bidder when he listed it on eBay, but it didn't meet Rich's reserve, so we reached a price together, offline. It was right in between Rich's asking price and our ultimate bid.
This was the first time that I had purchased (or driven, or even ridden in) a vintage car, for all intents and purposes, so I was extremely nervous. Rich was helpful and reassuring throughout, and never pressured me.
The bus arrived via trailered transport, which Rich kindly arranged from his home in Washington state to mine in the San Francisco Bay Area. He assured me that the Bus could have handled the 10.5-hour trip here, and I think he's right, but I'm still glad we had it shipped.
The bus drives extremely well. It has the original orange paint, which Rich opted to "preserve," not restore, and most everyone that sees it thinks that was a brilliant decision, as do I. The popup tent in particular required some serious cleaning, but looks and functions great, considering the age.
I had the Berkeley Bus Lab do a full inspection, and there is naturally a decent list of items to replace due to normal wear, but effectively nothing beyond what Rich had detailed. There are little things--the driver's side door lock, the speedometer, the tach, etc.--that don't function or do so only intermittently; would have been nice to know about those, but they're minor in the scheme of things.
Overall, I would recommend Rich and West Coast Samba.
John C. Oakland, CA April 2015
I am writing this review in regards to a 1976 VW riviera camper van from Rich at west coast samba. I bought the van sight un seen. The van was as described. I was not dissapionted. Rich is very professional. He also arranged the shipping.
I would definitely recommended West Coast Samba.
John S. Los Angeles, CA December 2013
This is a picture that Zack and Brandy sent me. They purchased a 68 VW transporter from me. They picked the van up at my shop in Washington and drove it cross country. This picture was taken in California near the Redwood forest.
Zack and Brandy, Midwest 2013
I bought a 1971 VW Westfalia from Rich Monize at West Coast Samba last year, sight unseen. I am not recommending to anyone that this is the way to buy a vehicle. Usually, I would fly out, drive the van, and do a full inspection, John Muir style, on my own. Maybe spend a few days there. But I did not have any free time, and I felt confident in Rich after talking with him a number of times, and corresponding through emails. He was also highly recommended by friends. After a hiccup or two with the shipping company, I finally got my van, and it was exactly as described. I couldn't be happier with the purchase. Rich was a pleasure to deal with, really knew his stuff, and was absolutely honest about the van. I have been very happy with my Westy, and would not hesitate to buy another vehicle from Rich. I almost bought a Vanagon Weekender from him in the same way, but I couldn't pull the trigger fast enough and lost out. He does a great job, is very helpful throughout the buying phase, and keeps in touch to make sure things are as advertised. I can highly recommend him and West Coast Samba, with absolutely no reservations. Respectfully,
Carlos Omphroy MD, Hawaii Sept 2016
The bus is awesome, and thanks again for the sale. The problems that I experienced the past few months are common to any bay bus. It has been a learning and amazing experience thus far. Glad I jumped in the fire, took on the majority of the work myself, and things are great on the other side. It was quite a summer for me. Apart from minor fixes, you sold me an amazing looking bus with a ton of personality.
Christophe Marchal, Littleton, MA May 2016
I bought this near rust free bus from Rich.It was a good price for a good car. The van was described as it is.normally seller from the USA tend to exaggerated a lot regarding.The quality of the the van was a good. Great deal! Thanks and I hope it will not be the last one :-)
Andreas, Germany May 2016
This 1979 transporter was listed on ebay with extensive written description and photographic detail. It did not reach reserve and was purchased privately. Rich was responsive with any request for information. The van did not disappoint . The listing details proved to be accurate and I felt like I knew the van before I had seen it.
All in all a very satisfactory purchase.
Bob Love Honolulu, Hawaii October 2016
Purchased a VW Bus from Rich. Good communication & accurate descriptions. I am very happy!
Tristan, Utah October 2016
When I was looking for a vintage VW bus I came across one on West Coast Samba that I was interested in. I read through some of the testimonials and felt confident the owner, Rich Monize, knew what he was doing. Having never owned a bus before I had many questions. We had many phone conversations and each time he answered all my questions as well as explained details to me about purchasing an older car that I would not have thought of. He explained he'd be doing a "preservation restoration" to the bus which is basically preserving it as it is and fixing what's needed to get it running properly. I ended up making him an offer on the bus even before he had done the work he indicated he'd be doing. I feel I am a good judge of character and I had the sense that he not only knew what he was talking about but that he'd honor his commitment to do what he said. The work he was to do on the bus was done within a few days and soon it was on its way across the country to me.
When the bus arrived a week later I couldn't have been happier....it looked awesome and drove beautifully (one minor mishap with the shipper however, that was quickly fixed)! I had purchased the bus "sight unseen" (with the exception of some early photos taken before the restoration/repairs). Mr. Monize made all the repairs as promised and the bus looked way better in person than in photos. I should add that it is a 50-year-old vehicle and not a perfectly restored bus....a few minor cosmetic issues were to be expected. Mr. Monize was right on when he said it was "98% rust free". I had to take the bus to my VW repair guy when it arrived due to the shipper winching it to the steering damper by mistake. When it was up on the lift I got a good look at the underside.....for a 50 year old bus it was in great condition! When he said 98% rust free he was right. My VW guy gave the bus the "once over" and commented more than once on the integrity of the bus. I am so happy with this bus....it looks awesome and drives beautifully!! I would certainly recommend Rich and West Coast Samba!
Anne S. Pennsylvania Dec 2016
Rich made selling my mother's VW van stress-free. He was professional from start to finish, returning phone calls and emails promptly, and was a pleasure to work with. I was pleased with the photos he took and how he marketed the vehicle. From the moment I dropped off the van he took care of all details and kept me in the loop along the way. His generosity of spirit really shined at the end of the sale, when in kindness and respect to my mother who was recovering from a serious illness, he dropped all charges related to preparing the van for sale. My experience with Rich was excellent and he will be the one I call or refer my friends to if they are interested in VWs. Thank you Rich!
Tracy F. Seattle, Wa Dec 2016
I've been following Rich's website for a few years and recently decided on purchasing a bus from him, sight unseen. It was definitely a gamble, but Rich was honest, upfront and responsive during the entire process. I coordinated shipping and Rich helped to make sure the bus was in CA within a few days. I'm very happy with my bus and would strongly recommend working with Rich. Thanks!
Erik S. Concord, CA January 2017
I purchased a VW bus from Rich but for personal reasons could not get deliver of it. Rich helped me sell it very quickly without making any profit. I can tell you is he is not only very honest but extremely responsive as well. If I have the opportunity in the future to buy me a bus Rich will be my first option.
Xavier C. California, February 2017
Thanks for everything! Received the bus today. Drove it to the shop. Its great.
Alejandra. Florida, March 2017
I'm in love with the van!
Kevin W. Boise, ID April 2017