'New old van' for long time member

[2into1]

I've had another change and sold (privately) my Ocean and bought a 06 LHD Comfortline (SE) instead. Here are a few pics and a brief (the draft got to 2 pages of A4!) summary of the reasons for the change.

Why an 06 T5 than a 17 Ocean? Nothing clear cut but the following factors were playing on my mind: Felt too posh / mint for my lifestyle; a little worried about Cali residuals with an electric future; T6 emmisions complexity and costs out of warranty (t5 can go to my local vw specialist).

What do I miss? DSG, and the improvements to sound insulation and suspension crashes that came over the years.

Why LHD? Have a look how I park it...

This the old passage for the carriages and horses. I need occasional access to the door on the right. Much easier to get close with LHD and proper 'fold-in' mirrors.

How did I find it? Private ad on here. Very few views, I suspect because it was lhd and in Aberdeen.

What's it like? One (unfortunately deceased) owner since importing by Deepcar in 2006 after being a showroom demo in Germany. The owner Ben was a retired aircraft engineer and has done most of the servicing himself and kept amazing details. Freshly washed cotton overalls, diagnostic reader, multimeter etc etc in the boot. Upholstery as brand new, as is the rear floor and rails which have been covered all the time. There is a couple of small spots of roof corrosion on the awning side. The photo shows all the damage, the rest is clear, as is the 'pod'.
As it's lhd it has the posh dash and the front screen blinds the UK waited another 10 years for.

I'm (genuinely) loving the original wheel trims, tall 16" Cross climates and Fiamma faded scaffolding bike rack. I'm not sure what it says about me, but it is definitely more me!
I would have loved another T4 Westy but struggled to find one without quite a bit of rust.

I've stuck some more images as thumbnails for those interested - mostly showing how well it was cared for. I find these interesting as I took the risk to travel on a one way ticket to Aberdeen based on a very 'poor' advert and confusing conversations with the owner's widow, who bless her, knew very little about it. Just shows there are still good people about.

 

[2into1]

A couple more 'detail' images...speaking to how an early T5 can be at 13 years of 'old school' looking after. No broken blinds, tambour doors or cuts on the canvas.

 

[Sandyvan]

A couple more 'detail' images...speaking to how an early T5 can be at 13 years of 'old school' looking after. No broken blinds, or cuts on the canvas.

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Looks a nice well looked after bus that man, well done.
LHD would not faze me I had a WW2 Jeep for years.

 

[2into1]

I should contrast my experience with a 04 LHD I tried to buy on ebay a few weeks earlier. The advert said it was all complete and in 'near mint' condition. Further digging revealed a 12" zig zag cut to the side of the canvas (and possibly a bent/fixed roof), missing deck chairs, and table from the sliding door....all from an apparent Cali expert who hadn't chosen to photograph / mention the faults. He'd just imported it looking for a quick profit. That was just from asking questions based on my experience gained here and through ownership. God knows what else I would have found on viewing.

 

[Dave bee]

Great find, got to be a keeper in that condition, enjoy

 

[Meoncoast]

Love it lovely looking van nice colour.

 

[Sandyvan]

If your into modding, it would look good with sport line kit on it, front and rear spoiler, bars, lowered and the desirable MK1 SL wheels.
As said only if your into that sort of thing. Lovely colour.

 

[Jay20cali]

Love it
I often get the same too posh feeling .and have also thought a few times should I hunt for a real nice t4 westy
But they’re all very big money or shot,,,,
I think your a wise man that can spot a good opportunity when you see one,
You get a feeling when you see the right thing and it wills you on to do things like jump on a train one way ...glad it payed off
and being a lhd you’re going to get a bargain that some people wouldn’t take a chance on...
Good on you and enjoy
And off road grey still looks good

 

[Ocean Spirit]

I'm not sure what it says about me, but it is definitely more me!

Well...
To me it says you are at peace with yourself, you know what you like and you don't care about change for the sake of change (keeping up with the jones an' all that) and you have thought logically about how the pro's and cons pan out for you instead of public opinion..
I have nothing but admiration for your decision, good on yer.

 

[2into1]

Well...
To me it says you are at peace with yourself, you know what you like and you don't care about change for the sake of change (keeping up with the jones an' all that) and you have thought logically about how the pro's and cons pan out for you instead of public opinion..
I have nothing but admiration for your decision, good on yer.

Wow, thanks. I do have one of those brains that sees both sides of any decision - so much that I often get completely stuck and question every decision #sometimesacurse!

 

[RodCouncil]

Lovely buy and I’ve owned both T.5 and T.51 and while the more modern vans are great with some incredible features, once you’re out in the thick of it camping, none of it really matters.

Admiration, well done sir.

 

[daveyboydanger]

A couple more 'detail' images...speaking to how an early T5 can be at 13 years of 'old school' looking after. No broken blinds, tambour doors or cuts on the canvas.

View attachment 50806View attachment 50807View attachment 50808View attachment 50809View attachment 50810View attachment 50811View attachment 50812View attachment 50813View attachment 50814View attachment 50815

I LOVE that you've made this decision. Brave but it seems like your feel very settled and happy with the decision. I'm often a bit 'embarrassed' by my expensive newish van. There's nothing wrong with having it I suppose I just feel uncomfortable! I'm looking forward to my aging yellow van maturing like a fine wine and looking more loved and lived in.
I was thinking of replacing with a new one but after going through all the pros and cons I've decided to keep it as long as I can.

 

[Bellcrew]

I LOVE that you've made this decision. Brave but it seems like your feel very settled and happy with the decision. I'm often a bit 'embarrassed' by my expensive newish van. There's nothing wrong with having it I suppose I just feel uncomfortable! I'm looking forward to my aging yellow van maturing like a fine wine and looking more loved and lived in.
I was thinking of replacing with a new one but after going through all the pros and cons I've decided to keep it as long as I can.

This is why the depreciation on these great vehicles is so low, look after them and they will last a very long time.

 

[Seaview]

This look great, what a find and in such amazing condition. Interestingly, it was local to us but we ruled out viewing instead deciding to go from T5.1 to T6, hope we don’t live to regret it!

I do understand your thinking as sometimes shiney shiney feels wrong and it can be easier to enjoy and put your own stamp on an older vehicle with personality. Also easier to maintain and not have the pleasure (ahem!) of dealing with the majority of VW main dealers.

 

[larrylamb]

What a belter, good find and no regen every 10 minutes lol. Seriously, it's right up your street Peter, looks so well looked after.

 

[2into1]

A big thanks to everyone for their supportive comments and likes. It means a lot. We are all different with different priorities so non of this is intended to be prescriptive.
I'll try and add to the post as time goes on. The good and the bad (for there are downsides!).
I've already had it up on the ramps with my local 'vw specialist' lads. They approve and wouldn't take any money for their time.... Which sort of encapsulates one of the reasons for the change.

 

[Sandyvan]

If your into modding, it would look good with sport line kit on it, front and rear spoiler, bars, lowered and the desirable MK1 SL wheels.
As said only if your into that sort of thing. Lovely colour.

Is that a Wow good or bad

 

[2into1]

Is that a Wow good or bad

That's wow as in "that's not quite my style" - which is more INKA seat covers, Monster mats and 65 profile tyres!

 

[Sandyvan]

Whatever your style enjoy the bus she looks a goodun

 

[GillianC]

Impressive parking @2into1 !
Rather you than me

 

[andyinluton]

I totaly understand the logic of keeping an immaculate older van.
I'm going through the same thought process in reverse as to whether to buy a new van.

I prefer a manual but have knackered knees so really ought to have a DSG
I would love the new interior lights
I really do like the newer split worktop.
I drive into London & the low emission zone is going to cost me next year.( but I have a selection of other cars I can use)
I like new things - most cars only last 18months with me, I've had the van 5 years!
I would really like LED headlights


However our 5 year old van is only just run in at 50k miles,
its the ultra reliable 140 engine
I don't have AddBlue,
I don't have roof corrosion,
I dont do a DPF regeneration every two hours
I do have a patina of battlescars
Im past the point of getting upset if someone spills something inside.
Its got new tyres, recent brakes & nothing wrong with it.
Our sliding door has stopped opening from the inside handle, together with the 3rd brake light falling out 3 years ago is the total of our faults in 5 years
Its going to cost a load of money to change for new.

Im thinking, I've already had the Dakar alloys referbished, get the little scrapes repaired, perhaps add a few sportline bits & maybe change the basic radio for something with Nav/carplay & it will be as good as having a new van again.

 

[2into1]

I totaly understand the logic of keeping an immaculate older van.
I'm going through the same thought process in reverse as to whether to buy a new van.

I prefer a manual but have knackered knees so really ought to have a DSG
I would love the new interior lights
I really do like the newer split worktop.
I drive into London & the low emission zone is going to cost me next year.( but I have a selection of other cars I can use)
I like new things - most cars only last 18months with me, I've had the van 5 years!
I would really like LED headlights


However our 5 year old van is only just run in at 50k miles,
its the ultra reliable 140 engine
I don't have AddBlue,
I don't have roof corrosion,
I dont do a DPF regeneration every two hours
I do have a patina of battlescars
Im past the point of getting upset if someone spills something inside.
Its got new tyres, recent brakes & nothing wrong with it.
Our sliding door has stopped opening from the inside handle, together with the 3rd brake light falling out 3 years ago is the total of our faults in 5 years
Its going to cost a load of money to change for new.

Im thinking, I've already had the Dakar alloys referbished, get the little scrapes repaired, perhaps add a few sportline bits & maybe change the basic radio for something with Nav/carplay & it will be as good as having a new van again.

You illustrate the dilemma well Andy. I admit to being puzzled with the fascination with the newer toys (split worktop, interior lighting etc) but I fully get that the LEZ and broken knees could be game changers.
There’s a lovely Irish bloke on YouTube wondering (I’ll exaggerate to make my point) how he can ever cook a meal again now he’s seen the split worktop, or if he’ll ever enjoy camping again without the fully opening canvas pop top. Of course everything was perfect prior to seeing the upgrades.
I think we are all easy fodder to this stuff....and I include myself as I thought I needed CarPlay but used it about 3 times in 20 months.
At some point we all have to upgrade else we’d be sitting on piles of dust, and whilst Cali ownership couldn’t have been cheaper for me (in depreciation terms), choosing to put another £20k into an upgrade requires a lot of thought (if money is not plentiful).

 

[sidepod]

Welcome to the Left side.

 

[westfalia]

That looks a nice one, love the colour
couldn't find the factory tint code but you didn't need that anyway.

I'd jettison that bike rack and get a vw one though, its like wearing an Armani suit with crocs.
Just doesn't look the part.

 

[Paulro]

Looks great and I think you will have complete peace of mind because it’s been well maintained. I have a 57 reg and it’s a beaut. We love it, cherish it and it fills us with joy every time we use it. It has provided years of great travelling and memories with many more to come.
I’m sure it will be the same for you.
Well done.