Differences with the T6.1 beaches

[Robert85]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a used T6.1 Beach with 5 seats. I was originally looking at the T6 but looking at the improvements on the T6.1, I think that we'll be much more likely to use it as a second vehicle than just an occasional camper and day out van if it's nicer to drive.

It seems like there are some different models of the T6.1 beach. The Tour with 2 sliding doors and the standard camper version.

Am I right in thinking that the Tour is classed as a car / MPV and the tax is over £620? Is this because of the luxury vehicle tax for the first 5 years? Will that decrease after 5 years?

Are the standard camper models taxed at the motorhome rate of £345?

I've contacted some VW garages up and down the country that have second hand models, I've had different answers from them. Some have said £195 for the tax for the standard camper.

Is there anything else to know about the T6.1 Beach's? I'm aware that the Tour doesn't have the hook up.

Thanks in advance

 

[Winston Rumfoord]

Hi I’ve got a 2021 beach camper and it was £360 to tax last month.

 

[Black Forest]

I *think*, as I'm new to this game that the beach with the cooker as a factory fit item is a "camper" where the Beach Tour, no cooker is a mpv that you can sleep in. The Tour has a second sliding door where the Camper cooker is in a fixed panel. I think this sliding door is always on the RH side. Great for us Euro folk but not so handy for UK bods.

Again, I *think* the Beach Camper has OEM factory external power hook up, night diesel heater and roller awning... both not on the Beach Tour.

As for VED, not sure as I is a German bod.

 

[Stargazing]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a used T6.1 Beach with 5 seats. I was originally looking at the T6 but looking at the improvements on the T6.1, I think that we'll be much more likely to use it as a second vehicle than just an occasional camper and day out van if it's nicer to drive.

It seems like there are some different models of the T6.1 beach. The Tour with 2 sliding doors and the standard camper version.

Am I right in thinking that the Tour is classed as a car / MPV and the tax is over £620? Is this because of the luxury vehicle tax for the first 5 years? Will that decrease after 5 years?

Are the standard camper models taxed at the motorhome rate of £345?

I've contacted some VW garages up and down the country that have second hand models, I've had different answers from them. Some have said £195 for the tax for the standard camper.

Is there anything else to know about the T6.1 Beach's? I'm aware that the Tour doesn't have the hook up.

Thanks in advance

The T6.1 with pull out hob fitted as standard is registered as a motorhome on the V5 so is exempt from luxury car tax. The Tour has a 2nd sliding door, great for families, but loses the EHU. There are other options to consider such as the awning.
The Beach Camper with 3 seater bench option is worth it for space and the extra width bed should you use it for occasional camping.

You might find the video link below helpful in making a decision.

 

[Kayleigh]

The Beach Tour is classed as an MPV (seven seats) and suffers from the luxury car tax.
The Beach Camper is classed as a motorhome.
Neither come with parking heater as standard, it’s an option.
The Beach Tour does not have the EHU. The awning was an option.
The Beach Camper could be ordered with the 2 or 3 seat bench. It has EHU, awning and the side kitchen as standard. The redesigned rear multiflex in the Camper (2 seat bench) is good in the sense that it allows you to push the bench back further if you want to. However, it is now split and effectively gives you a rear box, but the main storage area is now similar to the Ocean.

Personally, I see the Tour as the more flexible vehicle unless you really want that side kitchen. The downside of the Beach Camper kitchen is that it restricts the use of interior modules, which makes the van less flexible in my view.

In terms of the luxury car tax, it depends on how long you intend to keep the vehicle. If keeping for 10+ years it will eventually even out the cost.

For reference, on the T6, all were subject to the luxury car tax. The EHU was standard but the awning an option, as was the parking heater.

For me, the factory parking heater would be a must have option if buying any Beach, but the majority don’t have it. One further consideration is that the 2 seat bench is lower when in bed mode, which makes sitting up in bed easier.

I know you are looking for the 3 seat bench, but I’ve added some differences between the bench options so you have the full picture. Happy to help if you have any further Beach specific questions.

 

[Winston Rumfoord]

The Beach Tour is classed as an MPV (seven seats) and suffers from the luxury car tax.
The Beach Camper is classed as a motorhome.
Neither come with parking heater as standard, it’s an option.
The Beach Tour does not have the EHU. The awning was an option.
The Beach Camper could be ordered with the 2 or 3 seat bench. It has EHU, awning and the side kitchen as standard. The redesigned rear multiflex in the Camper (2 seat bench) is good in the sense that it allows you to push the bench back further if you want to. However, it is now split and effectively gives you a rear box, but the main storage area is now similar to the Ocean.

Personally, I see the Tour as the more flexible vehicle unless you really want that side kitchen. The downside of the Beach Camper kitchen is that it restricts the use of interior modules, which makes the van less flexible in my view.

In terms of the luxury car tax, it depends on how long you intend to keep the vehicle. If keeping for 10+ years it will eventually even out the cost.

For reference, on the T6, all were subject to the luxury car tax. The EHU was standard but the awning an option, as was the parking heater.

For me, the factory parking heater would be a must have option if buying any Beach, but the majority don’t have it. One further consideration is that the 2 seat bench is lower when in bed mode, which makes sitting up in bed easier.

I know you are looking for the 3 seat bench, but I’ve added some differences between the bench options so you have the full picture. Happy to help if you have any further Beach specific questions.

Just to show how personal the choice is… I chose the 3 seat bench because I thought it offered us more flexibility than the 2 seat one e.g.
- more big space in front or behind the bench because I don’t have that unit down the left hand side. I can very quick push the three seat bench forward and have a huge van area.
- I preferred the flexibility of having more space under the 3 seater multi flex versus the 2 seater - the space you gain to sit up you lose underneath.

It looks like you’re in West Yorkshire. I have a pretty fully specced camper in Leeds if you ever want to take a look to help with decision making.

Most important options for me would be:
- led lights
- tri zone climate

We have the heater, it’s nice and I’d prob order again, but not sure we’ve ever really needed it (including having camped in Scotland and alps in winter ). Again just shows how personal to you it all is!

 

[Robert85]

The Beach Tour is classed as an MPV (seven seats) and suffers from the luxury car tax.
The Beach Camper is classed as a motorhome.
Neither come with parking heater as standard, it’s an option.
The Beach Tour does not have the EHU. The awning was an option.
The Beach Camper could be ordered with the 2 or 3 seat bench. It has EHU, awning and the side kitchen as standard. The redesigned rear multiflex in the Camper (2 seat bench) is good in the sense that it allows you to push the bench back further if you want to. However, it is now split and effectively gives you a rear box, but the main storage area is now similar to the Ocean.

Personally, I see the Tour as the more flexible vehicle unless you really want that side kitchen. The downside of the Beach Camper kitchen is that it restricts the use of interior modules, which makes the van less flexible in my view.

In terms of the luxury car tax, it depends on how long you intend to keep the vehicle. If keeping for 10+ years it will eventually even out the cost.

For reference, on the T6, all were subject to the luxury car tax. The EHU was standard but the awning an option, as was the parking heater.

For me, the factory parking heater would be a must have option if buying any Beach, but the majority don’t have it. One further consideration is that the 2 seat bench is lower when in bed mode, which makes sitting up in bed easier.

I know you are looking for the 3 seat bench, but I’ve added some differences between the bench options so you have the full picture. Happy to help if you have any further Beach specific questions.

Thanks for the info. I have done a bit of research.

I have heard that the 2 seater bench makes a better camper. There are 5 of us so we need the 3 seater.

Thanks for the advice on the heater, I have been wondering about that, I'll try to get one with it. A reversing camera is a must for me and my other half is much more likely to drive it if it has one. I'm surprise that a high priced vehicle doesn't have a camera as standard, it doesn't seem to have heated seats as standard either.

I'm also surprise that aircon in the back is an added extra, we can manage without this, we'll probably only need this for the occasional trip to Europe in the summer. The aircon from the cabin will have to suffice.

 

[Robert85]

Just to show how personal the choice is… I chose the 3 seat bench because I thought it offered us more flexibility than the 2 seat one e.g.
- more big space in front or behind the bench because I don’t have that unit down the left hand side. I can very quick push the three seat bench forward and have a huge van area.
- I preferred the flexibility of having more space under the 3 seater multi flex versus the 2 seater - the space you gain to sit up you lose underneath.

It looks like you’re in West Yorkshire. I have a pretty fully specced camper in Leeds if you ever want to take a look to help with decision making.

Most important options for me would be:
- led lights
- tri zone climate

We have the heater, it’s nice and I’d prob order again, but not sure we’ve ever really needed it (including having camped in Scotland and alps in winter ). Again just shows how personal to you it all is!

Thanks for offer Winston, I may take you up on that. I'm in Leeds as well.

The T6.1 Beach's are thin on the ground. Not many people seem to have to spec'd the tri zone climate aircon in the back. The heater seems to be more common.

The heater will be used a lot. It was only yesterday that my other half put the seat heat on in the car. We are a family that like it warm, we rarely use the aircon in the car.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Thanks for offer Winston, I may take you up on that. I'm in Leeds as well.

The T6.1 Beach's are thin on the ground. Not many people seem to have to spec'd the tri zone climate aircon in the back. The heater seems to be more common.

The heater will be used a lot. It was only yesterday that my other half put the seat heat on in the car. We are a family that like it warm, we rarely use the aircon in the car.

Triclimate cannot be retrofitted; very quick to clear condensation in the rear & makes it more comfortable for rear passengers. Was not spec’d on a lot of vans due to high cost. If a van is missing front fog lights, usually means original buyer most likely skimped on other more expensive options and purchased on a budget…hence why some 2nd hand well spec’d vans have prices close to a new van with no extras. The price for options soon mounts up.

The camping heater can be easily be retrofitted.

 

[Kayleigh]

Thanks for the info. I have done a bit of research.

I have heard that the 2 seater bench makes a better camper. There are 5 of us so we need the 3 seater.

Thanks for the advice on the heater, I have been wondering about that, I'll try to get one with it. A reversing camera is a must for me and my other half is much more likely to drive it if it has one. I'm surprise that a high priced vehicle doesn't have a camera as standard, it doesn't seem to have heated seats as standard either.

I'm also surprise that aircon in the back is an added extra, we can manage without this, we'll probably only need this for the occasional trip to Europe in the summer. The aircon from the cabin will have to suffice.

As you can see from the responses, options and needs are all very personal. The 3 seat bench is fine and does give more height under the multiflex. The bed is not flat due to the contours of the seat. The genuine VW comfort mattress flattens everything out, so so maybe a consideration when buying. Or budget for a decent aftermarket mattress. I only have the front aircon and it’s always been fine, including in France when it’s been pretty hot. I’ve also managed perfectly well with the sensors and no camera. The sensors are a must have but can be retrofitted, as can a camera. As mentioned the heater can also be retrofitted, but I’m not sure if it will integrate with the screen and may need its own control panel to be added. It was an expensive option. If you can find a Beach with LEDs, that’s a big bonus, but the standard lights are far better than the T6 standard ones, which are awful. Aftermarket upgrades from the likes of Transporter HQ are readily available.

The problem with high spec Beaches is that it often pushed the price into Ocean price territory, which is why they are not common. Hopefully, you’ve gleaned plenty of useful info from this thread. Sounds like you are narrowing down your ideal requirements and I think you biggest choice is whether to go for the twin sliding doors.

If you want to find out about what can be retrofitted and the cost, check HazzyDayz. They have a good reputation.

 

[Dr Dave]

Hi Robert,

I'm also near Leeds, in Tadcaster, and have a Beach 6.1, 3 seater camper if you wanted to take a look at it sometime? It's got the 3 zone a/c, and remote parking heater. As an aside, I will be selling mine at some point in the next few months, if that would be of any interest to you, as I have a T7 on order. Even if it wouldn't interest you, the offer's still there to just have a look around it and get a feeling for the Beach.

 

[Robert85]

Hi Robert,

I'm also near Leeds, in Tadcaster, and have a Beach 6.1, 3 seater camper if you wanted to take a look at it sometime? It's got the 3 zone a/c, and remote parking heater. As an aside, I will be selling mine at some point in the next few months, if that would be of any interest to you, as I have a T7 on order. Even if it wouldn't interest you, the offer's still there to just have a look around it and get a feeling for the Beach.

Thanks for the offer. I need it by the end of the month.

I test drove a T7 recently, it's nice.

 

[Robert85]

Has anyone got any thoughts on this vehicle?

https://used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/vehicle_search/volkswagen/california/20-tdi-beach-camper-4dr-dsg-p1dzhad

I asked the sales rep to send me the specs as some of the things from the video that she did for me were not on the listing. She sent this, separating the extras that have been added.

Product Options
17. Body and chassis
-[0F5] Fuel tank with a volume of 80 l
32. Safety and security
-[1D2] Towbar - removable & lockable (incl. trailer stabilisation)
33. Windows
-[4FJ] Sliding window with fly screen in passenger compartment left
33. Windows
-[QL5] Dark tinted glass in rear seat area (Venus 35/Privacy) heat-insulating glass (green) in front
-[4GR] Heated front windscreen
31. Heating and ventilation
-[7VF] Auxiliary heater with programmable functionality and radio remote control
15. Driver assistance
[PXE] LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights (Tailgate) with red tail lights
-[8VG] LED rear combination lamp
-[8IY] LED headlamps with lens
-[8Q3] Dynamic headlight range control (self-adjusting while driving)
[Z4A] Light & Vision package
-[8K3] Separate daytime running light with automatic headlight control and Coming Home feature
-[4L6] Breakaway interior rearview mirror, auto-dimming
-[8N6] Windshield wiper intermittent control with light/rain sensor
15. Driver assistance
-[7X2] Parking sensors - front and rear
-[KA1] Rear view camera
07. Seating options
[ZV3] 3-seater bench (movable) with reclining seat mechanism, multi-flex board with 3 drawers
-[QE9] Storage compartment package
-[3U5] Multiflex board
-[3VX] 3-seater bench with storage compartment,movable and reclining seat mechanism
Exterior mirror setting
-[6XP] Wing mirrors - heated, power adjustable and power folding
Luggage compartment cover
-[3U1] Bed extension with comfort sleeping mat
Interior lights, passenger and load compartment
-[9CI] Interior light concept for Camper "Comfort" in passenger compartment
Seat heater
-[4A3] Heated driver and front passenger seats
Standard Equipment
01. Body
-[NF1] Awning (housing and rail in black)
02. Chassis
-[2E4] 17-inch chassis
-[1PB] Lockable wheel bolts
02. Safety equipment
-[2FD] Leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel (3-spoke)
14. Comfort and convenience
-[NY3] Increased alternator capacity
Uncategorized
-[5R4] Power sliding door on the right in load/passenger compartment
-[EE1] 1 year follow-on warranty, max. 160 000 km
[PAC] Adaptive Cruise Control including speed limiter and City Emergency Braking
-[6K4] Forward collision warning incl. autonomous emergency braking, for adaptive cruise control "high"
-[8T8] Adaptive cruise control (with "follow-to-stop") and speed limiter
[R22] Preparation for "We Connect" and "We Connect Plus"
-[EL2] Online service, with OCU, without head unit coding, without engine immobilizer interconnection
[WF3] UK specification
-[0VF] Information kit in English
-[B09] Type approval country Great Britain and Northern Ireland
-[B0N] Component parts set, complying with vehicle type for Great Britain, various parts
-[1HN] Labels for country group 13
[Z8F] 17" x 7J Devonport alloy wheels
-[1NL] Trims for alloy wheels
-[41S] 17"X 7J "Devonport" alloy wheels, Silver


She told me that it doesn't have a diesel heater. I thought that number 31, the auxiliary heater was the diesel heater. Is that right?

All these options are confusing.

 

[Stargazing]

The spec looks comprehensive enough for a Beach as long as the list printed isn’t generic. I would want a video confirmation before I plunged in - but when you consider that VWVC Liverpool are advertising a new [8 miles on the speedo] T7 Beach with pull out cooker and most of the same spec for an extra 6.5k then where do you go from there? I know where I would.

 

[Winston Rumfoord]

I’ve just looked back and 7VF is what we had on our order from for the heater so think it should have it!

Looks pretty comprehensive bar the tri zone.

I’ve no idea on price. Ours has a few more options with a very similar mileage and was £58k in 2022.

It will need the 40,000 miles dsg service soon.

We love ours.

 

[Winston Rumfoord]

The spec looks comprehensive enough for a Beach as long as the list printed isn’t generic. I would want a video confirmation before I plunged in - but when you consider that VWVC Liverpool are advertising a new [8 miles on the speedo] T7 Beach with pull out cooker and most of the same spec for an extra 6.5k then where do you go from there? I know where I would.

The pull out cooker unit (that cannot be removed) would be a deal breaker for me. I’d haggle and get the better Beach

 

[Kayleigh]

Yes that is the parking heater. If it has the vent at the bottom of the drivers B pillar, it has the heater, that’s the easiest way to tell; and should have the separate remote fob. It also has heated windscreen that I find very useful. The GV plate looks like it could be from Eurovans, so through drive the deal. That would explain the high spec given their discounts at the time. I reckon this would have been about £56-57k new.

Plus side is it’s pre Q4 2022 so has the old style bellows, which is a big plus.

£50k seems a tad high to me to me. £47k maybe, although high spec Beaches do command a premium due to their rarity.

 

[Robert85]

The spec looks comprehensive enough for a Beach as long as the list printed isn’t generic. I would want a video confirmation before I plunged in - but when you consider that VWVC Liverpool are advertising a new [8 miles on the speedo] T7 Beach with pull out cooker and most of the same spec for an extra 6.5k then where do you go from there? I know where I would.

That beach in Liverpool for £56k is fairly low spec. The one they have for £58k is closer.

I don't want a new vehicle, my main concern is the off gasing of the VOC's. I had a new car 6 years ago, it stunk for years, it gave me a headache if I sat in it for too long.

That new car smell are harmful chemicals.

If we're going to be sleeping in it, we would be breathing more of it in. I want something that is at least 2 years old.

The price of these second hand T6.1's is astounding.

 

[Robert85]

I’ve just looked back and 7VF is what we had on our order from for the heater so think it should have it!

Looks pretty comprehensive bar the tri zone.

I’ve no idea on price. Ours has a few more options with a very similar mileage and was £58k in 2022.

It will need the 40,000 miles dsg service soon.

We love ours.

Thanks Winston.

Can you drop me a message? I can't seem to view your profile

 

[colintfcolintf]

Sounds like you need a trip down there to take a look

 

[Kayleigh]

Thanks Winston.

Can you drop me a message? I can't seem to view your profile

You will need to upgrade to VIP membership to send messages. It’s £15 a year I think, but you will then be able to respond to adverts as well. I’ve bought quite a few items for my Beach on here.

 

[Stargazing]

That beach in Liverpool for £56k is fairly low spec. The one they have for £58k is closer.

I don't want a new vehicle, my main concern is the off gasing of the VOC's. I had a new car 6 years ago, it stunk for years, it gave me a headache if I sat in it for too long.

That new car smell are harmful chemicals.

If we're going to be sleeping in it, we would be breathing more of it in. I want something that is at least 2 years old.

The price of these second hand T6.1's is astounding.

I can see where you are coming from-it’s very much horses for courses. At the end of the day if you can locate a well specced Beach and stick to your option requirements-it should in theory retain a good residual value. Let us know what you go for along with the obligatory photo.

 

[Robert85]

You will need to upgrade to VIP membership to send messages. It’s £15 a year I think, but you will then be able to respond to adverts as well. I’ve bought quite a few items for my Beach on here.

Thanks.

It feels like I am entering an expensive lifestyle.

 

[Robert85]

I can see where you are coming from-it’s very much horses for courses. At the end of the day if you can locate a well specced Beach and stick to your option requirements-it should in theory retain a good residual value. Let us know what you go for along with the obligatory photo.

I just spec'd up as close as possible T7 Beach on the VW website, it came to £67k, I'm sure I could get a few grand off that if I went into store but it would still be over £60k.

I know the T7 has a few extra's as standard that the T6.1 didn't have. The double sliding doors are nice and overall better tech.

I'll see how I go with this T6.1, I am new to this kind of vehicle. If all goes well, we may trade it in for a second hand T7 in a couple of years.

VW are not budging much on the price, they're only offering to discount by £250. I did put the deposit down before the pictures went on the website, it hasn't even been cleaned yet.