New T6 Beach - help

[alexwong]

Dear all,
After years of deliberating, I'm lucky enough to find myself in a position to get my dream van.

I know I want a T6 Cali Beach but I'm wondering about the options.

Biggest question is petrol vs diesel & DSG vs manual.
Is alcantara a good idea?
What options are must haves, what are good ones if funds allow?
If money was a consideration, what would options would you get?

I have done some research but I won't list my thoughts. Thought I'd see what you all thought.

This is hopefully the beginning of a 10 year dream coming true.

Alex

 

[alexwong]

Also If money wasn't a consideration, what would options wouldn't you get?

 

[Hotel California]

Welcome , optoins are personal preferences and each had thiere pro's and con's,
Best thing is to read as much reviews on people telling about thiere specific Cali and see what you pick up as must haves.

If money was not an issue , i'll had one of each on my drive ....

 

[blondebier]

If money was a consideration (in this order):

Solid colour
Front and rear parking sensors
Awning (housing and rail in black)
Privacy glass in passenger/load compartment with green heat-insulating glass in cab.
Programmable parking heater (air) with radio remote control and auxiliary ter heater (coolant)

If money was not:

Two tone colour
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Front Assist and City Emergency Braking (Max speed 99mph)
Lights and Vision package
Leather multi-function sports steering wheel and gearshift knob with radio, telephone and display controls
Composition Media Radio with 6.33" touch screen
Comfort dashboard package
3-seater bench (movable) with reclining seat mechanism, multi-flex board with padding, 3 drawers
Towbar fixed ball
Wing mirrors: heated,power adjustable and power folding
App Connect
Tool kit and heavy-duty jack
Front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera
2 swivel seats with longitudinal adjustment on rail system in 2nd row
2 USB interfaces (also for iPod/iPhone), and AUX-IN jack
Sliding window in front and fixed window in rear in load/passenger compartment on driver side
Interior light concept for Camper "Comfort" in passenger compartment
Awning (housing and rail in black)
Front fog lights with cornering function
Privacy glass in passenger/load compartment with green heat-insulating glass in cab.
Magnetic flashlight
4 remote control folding keys
Heated front washer nozzles and washer fluid level indicator
Heated front windscreen
Programmable parking heater (air) with radio remote control and auxiliary ter heater (coolant)
18" Springfield Alloy Wheels
All weather tyres

I've not listed a transmission as you'd get a load of boo, hissing and pitchforks at sundown. (It's a personal preference after all - and they're both very good!)

 

[CannonDale]

If money was a consideration (in this order):

Solid colour
Front and rear parking sensors
Awning (housing and rail in black)
Privacy glass in passenger/load compartment with green heat-insulating glass in cab.
Programmable parking heater (air) with radio remote control and auxiliary ter heater (coolant)

If money was not:

Two tone colour
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Front Assist and City Emergency Braking (Max speed 99mph)
Lights and Vision package
Leather multi-function sports steering wheel and gearshift knob with radio, telephone and display controls
Composition Media Radio with 6.33" touch screen
Comfort dashboard package
3-seater bench (movable) with reclining seat mechanism, multi-flex board with padding, 3 drawers
Towbar fixed ball
Wing mirrors: heated,power adjustable and power folding
App Connect
Tool kit and heavy-duty jack
Front and rear parking sensors with rear-view camera
2 swivel seats with longitudinal adjustment on rail system in 2nd row
2 USB interfaces (also for iPod/iPhone), and AUX-IN jack
Sliding window in front and fixed window in rear in load/passenger compartment on driver side
Interior light concept for Camper "Comfort" in passenger compartment
Awning (housing and rail in black)
Front fog lights with cornering function
Privacy glass in passenger/load compartment with green heat-insulating glass in cab.
Magnetic flashlight
4 remote control folding keys
Heated front washer nozzles and washer fluid level indicator
Heated front windscreen
Programmable parking heater (air) with radio remote control and auxiliary ter heater (coolant)
18" Springfield Alloy Wheels
All weather tyres

I've not listed a transmission as you'd get a load of boo, hissing and pitchforks at sundown. (It's a personal preference after all - and they're both very good!)

Both transmissions are very good but the DSG is better!!!

 

[alexwong]

Thank you!

I'm curious as to why the remote controlled parking heater is high on the list. I'd had that down as one of the lower priorities. Maybe because I'm used to having a small oil heater running off the hookup.

Definitely need 7 seats and awning. Can you attach a driveaway tent to the awning?

I like the Palmerston alloys but will 18 inch rims wreck the ride?

Has anybody tried the 150ps petrol engine? I'm a bit worried that diesel with be socially unacceptable (which I can live with) and therefore open season for taxation (which I'd rather avoid) and possible depreciation worries?

What is Volkswagen Media Control and App Connect?

Does the Comfort dashboard package really look much nicer?

Does the Laminated glass package with improved outside noise insulation make much difference?

Sorry for all the questions and thank you for any answers!!

Alex

 

[Stuart]

Definitely get either H7 headlights or preferably LEDs

 

[Ocean Spirit]

Both transmissions are very good but the DSG is better!!!

This sums it up for me.
It is something I asked in another thread and got huge response to.
I knew already that I preferred DSG but having owned many manual cars I couldn't rule out the manual.
The bottom line is if you haven't driven a DSG there is nothing to miss.
However if you have and compare them both, the majority vote (on this forum at least) is that DSG adds to the great California experiences.

 

[blondebier]

I'm curious as to why the remote controlled parking heater is high on the list. I'd had that down as one of the lower priorities. Maybe because I'm used to having a small oil heater running off the hookup.

It means you can use the van all year round and be off grid. I didn't want to be restricted to sites with a plug. Being able to go off track so that we can get away from it all is what we love about it.

The remote is a little luxury. On cold frosty mornings you can switch it on from inside your house. 15 minutes later the van has warmed up and all the windows are clear.

 

[flying banana]

I have a grape yellow t6 150 ps manual beach. I bought 2nd hand but one of the extras that really clinched it for me was the air parking heater by eberspacher. it's fantastic. a real must have . I also have the cornering lights and bike rack but I don't think I would have ticked the extras there. I have driven the dsg and it is very nice but not worth the extra money Imo. the 150 engine pulls fantastic through the manual gearbox although I do miss cruise control I used to have on my golf. as for the led head lights I hear they are good but I fear a very expensive option.as for the comfort dash. personal preference but again an expensive option of around a grand I believe. I like my dash fine. throw your keys on it. Nothing gets scratched or marked. put your feet of it. no worries. hope I helped a bit

 

[Stoneybroke]

Welcome.
DSG was a late change on our order - best ever, so easy and smooth to drive. Paired with ACC it is excellent.
Comfort dash is better IMO, and you get the three zone climate control as part of that upgrade.
Twin H7 lights (part of exterior package that gives you the cornering fogs too) is a good option if the LED pack is too eye-wateringly expensive.
Parking heater is ideal - no need to rely on hook-up to take off the chill and so neatly placed.
Wheels - up to you, but I stayed standard (16") but put the all weather tyres on - good wear and great grip. Go to 18" and you lose your spare... Can't comment on the ride, but the tyres on the 16" put the alloys away from kerbs and the scrapes they cause.

 

[Jonathan Duke]

Hi,

The parking/overnight heater.... Is a must-have for us. Everything else, we could do without.... Great for keeping everything dry and cosy inside, all-year..... Will definitely help re-sale also, as it's a much sought after (deal-breaker) add-on.

If buying again, I would add DSG, ACC, Comfort Dash & LEDs. I wouldn't bother with parking sensors, would just add the reversing camera on it's own.

Saying all that above..... If needs-must.... I would be happy if the only add-on was the heater, everything else is a nice-to-have IMO.

 

[Amarillo]

If buying again, I would add DSG, ACC, Comfort Dash & LEDs. I wouldn't bother with parking sensors, would just add the reversing camera on it's own.

Am I the only person in the world who prefers the non-comfort dash? I just love all those van-like nooks and crannies to stick various bits and bobs.

DSG and ACC are a dream team. I drove back from south-western Poland having lost ACC after a minor accident knocking out the radar. Driving was so much more tiring on the feet.

On Monday I'll be driving the full length of the Algarve on the notorious N125 to avoid the hefty Portuguese motorway tolls. I know that ACC and DSG will take me safely through each and every roundabout. The reaction lag is just perfect for braking and accelerating at the right moments through roundabouts. It's somewhat less than optimal on hairpin bends, however. It looses "sight" of the vehicle ahead, and tries to catapult the vehicle of a precipice at the apex of the bend.



Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

 

[Borris]

Am I the only person in the world who prefers the non-comfort dash? I just love all those van-like nooks and crannies to stick various bits and bobs.

DSG and ACC are a dream team. I drove back from south-western Poland having lost ACC after a minor accident knocking out the radar. Driving was so much more tiring on the feet.

On Monday I'll be driving the full length of the Algarve on the notorious N125 to avoid the hefty Portuguese motorway tolls. I know that ACC and DSG will take me safely through each and every roundabout. The reaction lag is just perfect for braking and accelerating at the right moments through roundabouts. It's somewhat less than optimal on hairpin bends, however. It looses "sight" of the vehicle ahead, and tries to catapult the vehicle of a precipice at the apex of the bend.



Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

I also have a Beach and much prefer the bog standard uncomfortable dash in this vehicle. It is much more practical, having more cubby holes to store your various knick-knacks in than the flash dash. I also prefer the non reflective matt black plastics to the shiny paint and bright brushed aluminum inserts. Give me function over form every time.

 

[Crell]

There are some that make good sense irrespective of how you use the van, then it’s down to preferences

I forget the names but you get the idea.
Headlights - make sure you upgrade to at least the H7 lights from the Caravelle / Ocean

Interior lights - there’s a pack that gets you some extra lights at the rear for the load area and up in the bed IIRC.

Towbar prep - it just keeps your options open if you don’t know what you need.

Multifunction wheel - makes everything easier.

Comfort Matress - Much cheaper to order as an option and you can always sell on as there’s a lot of demand for them

Privacy glass

4 keys - for what they cost you might as well.

Awning

Then it’s down to you.

Parking heater if you intend to use it throughout the year. Can be retrofitted but much cheaper as a factory option

DSG - personal preference

Comfort Dash - personal preference. I’ve had “function” for 5 years in my Caravelle and I prefer the “form”. If you’re camping all the time I’d maybe reconsider but if it’s more of a dayvan for you it just lifts the interior. Plus you get the auto climate control which is very good.

HID lights - I know I said go for at least the H7s but I would definitely tick the HID option if I had the choice again.

Auto Cruise - This makes motorway stop start driving so much easier.

 

[alexwong]

All useful info. Thank you! I'm familiar with Porsche's PDK and currently on holiday with a skoda with DSG. It is a nice option but considering there are 7 gears, there's quite big gaps from 1 to 3. After that, it is very good. I'm re prioritising lighting and heaters after reading this. Not sure about the comfort dash but I can imagine it's nicer for a day to day car and occasional camper which is more my thing.

All good fun dreaming up option combinations.

 

[WelshGas]

All useful info. Thank you! I'm familiar with Porsche's PDK and currently on holiday with a skoda with DSG. It is a nice option but considering there are 7 gears, there's quite big gaps from 1 to 3. After that, it is very good. I'm re prioritising lighting and heaters after reading this. Not sure about the comfort dash but I can imagine it's nicer for a day to day car and occasional camper which is more my thing.

All good fun dreaming up option combinations.

Don’t compare the DSG box on the Skoda with the California. Might be the same concept but vastly different ratios and software.

 

[Sonas]

Thank you!

I'm curious as to why the remote controlled parking heater is high on the list. I'd had that down as one of the lower priorities. Maybe because I'm used to having a small oil heater running off the hookup.

Definitely need 7 seats and awning. Can you attach a driveaway tent to the awning?

I like the Palmerston alloys but will 18 inch rims wreck the ride?

Has anybody tried the 150ps petrol engine? I'm a bit worried that diesel with be socially unacceptable (which I can live with) and therefore open season for taxation (which I'd rather avoid) and possible depreciation worries?

What is Volkswagen Media Control and App Connect?

Does the Comfort dashboard package really look much nicer?

Does the Laminated glass package with improved outside noise insulation make much difference?

Sorry for all the questions and thank you for any answers!!

Alex

 

[Sonas]

Petrol is just as socially unacceptable as Diesel, and just as polluting and you will use more fuel to boot. Until a hybrid or electric version is available, I would go with diesel.

 

[Stoneybroke]

Am I the only person in the world who prefers the non-comfort dash? I just love all those van-like nooks and crannies to stick various bits and bobs.

DSG and ACC are a dream team. I drove back from south-western Poland having lost ACC after a minor accident knocking out the radar. Driving was so much more tiring on the feet.

On Monday I'll be driving the full length of the Algarve on the notorious N125 to avoid the hefty Portuguese motorway tolls. I know that ACC and DSG will take me safely through each and every roundabout. The reaction lag is just perfect for braking and accelerating at the right moments through roundabouts. It's somewhat less than optimal on hairpin bends, however. It looses "sight" of the vehicle ahead, and tries to catapult the vehicle of a precipice at the apex of the bend.



Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

Totally agree on the DGS/ACC - however, I knock it off for roundabouts and winding roads - I like to have full control when there is a degree of unpredictability involved...
Queues and holdups however - ACC/DSG is just superb; how did I ever manage in long stop-start queues with a manual!

 

[alexwong]

Ok this is all adding up....

Can anybody tell me what media control,app connect, enhanced voice control or enhanced Bluetooth are?

Thank you again. None of this is saving but my van is getting more awesome with every bit of advice!!

 

[Amarillo]

Totally agree on the DGS/ACC - however, I knock it off for roundabouts and winding roads - I like to have full control when there is a degree of unpredictability involved...

I quickly learned that it's no good on hairpin bends in Norway last summer. I find the lag just about perfect over speed humps and certain types of roundabout - generally following a major road at a roundabout junction with a minor road.



Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

 

[Jonathan Duke]

This was our spec, after some last minute add-ons....


If buying again, I would've added the awning, as ended up buying a second-hand one as new from VW was almost £1000.... Not sure if I'd still add the 2x middle-row seats.... They've been lying in my Dad's shed since they were removed on day two (might be handy come re-sale tho.)

I agree with above.... Add the bits which are expensive to retro-fit, go for 4x keys, exterior pack (which includes cornering lights and better headlights) and the comfort mattress and interior lights..... If you can afford to, sure go ahead and add everything!! If not, you'll just have to prioritise & compromise.... We compromised on DSG, ACC, LED & Comfort Dash with app-connect etc..... They would all have been nice to haves.... But we are still very happy with our chosen spec. The Oryx white was the OHs selfish treat, and the 17" Cascavals were mine.... In hindsight, dropping the 17", going candy white and dropping the mid-row seats would've saved us a fortune.... I think if buying again, we would've went with DSG, ACC in-lieu of these three things.

 

[CALI FATE]

My thought is the Beach is designed to be the least complicated California - mine is stock apart from parking heater, outside light pack incl fog lights, inside led lights, heated windscreen, reversing sensors front and rear (a must) extra rear window and bike rack - if i was ordering again, id add cruise control (i thought it was standard due to confusing literature), extra keys (£200 for 1 x replacement) and tow hook prep. I have a 150 diesel manual - its yellow, it handles like a railway carriage, but i just love driving it, and if the standard dash is proper van.

 

[Gez B]

I own a 150 beach with parking heater and front and rear parking sensors,rear parking camera and tinted windows. I agree with Cali fate this is the least complicated van and very versatile. From daily runaround to turning up on a campsite and within minutes your home for the night. My personal opinion is if you go for all the options you may as well look at the ocean as some of the options then become standard. I am extremely happy with my choice, but get what you want or need as you will have to live with it. I think my only regret was not adding the awning when I ordered, because when I got the quote for retro fitted one from VW ( £1300 ) I nearly fell off the chair at the dealers. One thing I would add is I have been away and seen more places in this country this year than I have ever done before and wish I had bought one years ago.