Buying a first Ocean

[NOD]

Our we had new last year was a 204 4 motion auto with the following

Paint - Solid - Cherry Red - GBP 0.00
Upholstery - Valley Fabric - Moonrock Grey - GBP 0.00
Central Locking - 4 Remote Folding Keys - GBP 78.00
Cruise Control - Adaptive including Front Assist and City Emergency Braking - Max Speed 99mph - GBP 396.00
Cupboard with Dark Wood Trim-With Outdoor Shower Connection - GBP 294.00
Discover Media Navigation System Plus - GBP 1554.00
LED Headlights with LED Daytime Running and Tailgate with Red Tail Lights - GBP 1560.00
Reversing Camera with Front and Rear Parking Sensors - GBP 690.00
Towbar - Removable and Lockable with Trailer Stabilisation - GBP 648.00
Electric Sliding Door - Drivers Side - GBP 318.00
Green Heat-Insulating Glass in Cab and Load-Passenger Compartment - GBP 330.00
Awning - Black Rail and Housing - GBP 450.00
Chrome Pack - GBP 384.00
4 Standard Interior Lights and 1 Fluorescent Tube in Passenger Compartment - GBP 138.00
Bed Extension with Comfort Sleeping Mat - GBP 270.00
17in Alloy Wheels - Cascavel Black Diamond Turned Surface - GBP 738.00 

Went though Auto ebid and paid less than what you have been quoted.

Sounds a nice van though.

 

[Sunstoner]

Hi @jillyfish

I've just watched this vid from Cali Chris. Its showing off some new T6.1 vans and amongst them is a Fortana Red one.

Fortana Red Tranporter - Cali Chris

Now, im not 100% on this colour as it does look a little pinky to my eyes. Could be the light though.

 

[jillyfish]

hi there
thanks Yes, i have checked that video out. as have subscribed to Cali Chris on YouTube - looks a good colour doesn't it? can see any pink or orange tones. still undecided tho, and not going to make decision till further on and about to place order in the new year. cheers.

 

[Sunstoner]

hi there
thanks Yes, i have checked that video out. as have subscribed to Cali Chris on YouTube - looks a good colour doesn't it? can see any pink or orange tones. still undecided tho, and not going to make decision till further on and about to place order in the new year. cheers.

Im trying to sit still and let time pass until I can go and see a T6.1 before I make any decisions but I seem to be too fidgety and excited, rather resembling a bee in a bottle at the moment.

 

[Soton Campers]

Im trying to sit still and let time pass until I can go and see a T6.1 before I make any decisions but I seem to be too fidgety and excited, rather resembling a bee in a bottle at the moment.

I've heard end of March before the Cali's will make an appearance.

 

[Sunstoner]

I've heard end of March before the Cali's will make an appearance.

Crikey! That long? .Hhmm . Its only what 12(ish) weeks till then?! and yet it seems a lifetime away to me.

 

[Sunstoner]

By way of a minor update and because my mind wont let me rest on this, I received some further information on the T6 that Im considering V a New T6.1

As mentioned in post No1, the T6 199Bhp 4 Motion DSG has the following spec :

Metalic Paint - Mojave
Elec sliding door
18" Toluca Alloys
Heated Windscreen
Awning Rail in black
Leather / Alacantra Seats
DynAudio (love this option - its sounds great!)
Discovery Media Pro
Chrome Package
Leather Steering wheel
LED Lights
High beam assist
Green insulating glass
Hill Start / Hill Descent
Heated Front Seats
Premium Multicolour Display with Driver Alert (no idea what this is?!?)
Bed extension + Comfort Mattress
4 x Remote keys
Front / Rear Parking Sensors with camera

However the company selling the car also provided some further spec that the vehicle has :

Dark Wood finish with Shower
Leather Steering Wheel with Tiptronic
App Connect
Diff Lock
Side Scan with Cruise Control plus Light and Vision Pack
Front Fog Lights with Cornering System
Emergency City Braking
Headlamp Washer System
Interior Lighting Concept
Heated and Folding Wingmirrors (think these might be standard?!)

So its a pretty highly spec'd and impressive motor with currently 4500 miles on the clock. It has everything Id want and then some.

Can only think that a towbar, privacy glass and coloured bellows are all thats missing from that lot. (pretty much)

Its very very tempting but Im looking to get Xmas out the way before I start haggling to see what sticks.

I did say I wouldnt post on this till later down the line but it aint half occupying my mind.

 

[Borris]

By way of a minor update and because my mind wont let me rest on this, I received some further information on the T6 that Im considering V a New T6.1

As mentioned in post No1, the T6 199Bhp 4 Motion DSG has the following spec :

Metalic Paint - Mojave
Elec sliding door
18" Toluca Alloys
Heated Windscreen
Awning Rail in black
Leather / Alacantra Seats
DynAudio (love this option - its sounds great!)
Discovery Media Pro
Chrome Package
Leather Steering wheel
LED Lights
High beam assist
Green insulating glass
Hill Start / Hill Descent
Heated Front Seats
Premium Multicolour Display with Driver Alert (no idea what this is?!?)
Bed extension + Comfort Mattress
4 x Remote keys
Front / Rear Parking Sensors with camera

However the company selling the car also provided some further spec that the vehicle has :

Dark Wood finish with Shower
Leather Steering Wheel with Tiptronic
App Connect
Diff Lock
Side Scan with Cruise Control plus Light and Vision Pack
Front Fog Lights with Cornering System
Emergency City Braking
Headlamp Washer System
Interior Lighting Concept
Heated and Folding Wingmirrors (think these might be standard?!)

So its a pretty highly spec'd and impressive motor with currently 4500 miles on the clock. It has everything Id want and then some.

Can only think that a towbar, privacy glass and coloured bellows are all thats missing from that lot. (pretty much)

Its very very tempting but Im looking to get Xmas out the way before I start haggling to see what sticks.

I did say I wouldnt post on this till later down the line but it aint half occupying my mind.

Hi Suntoner,
What are you waiting for?

Just one thing though, VW quietly dropped the leather element in the Cali Alcantara seats some time ago. It's now faux leather i.e vinyl leatherette. I cancelled this option on our new Beach when I discovered this. I didn't see the point in paying all that extra cash for plastic seats. Buy a cheaper Caravelle and you can have full Nappa Leather!!!

Good luck with your decision.

BTW don't wait until after Christmas to haggle as now is probably the optimum time to buy a high end campervan. The sales bods will be very keen to improve their figures and no doubt their bonuses, nearing the end of this quarter and who buys a campervan in the depths of winter just before Christmas? I'd say you stand a good chance of a very good deal if you go in just before Christmas. Ask for the earth and don't be afraid to walk away. What's the worst that could happen? You have nothing to loose and everything to gain and if you don't get a stonking deal there's aways the T6-1.

 

[subthree]

By way of a minor update and because my mind wont let me rest on this, I received some further information on the T6 that Im considering V a New T6.1

As mentioned in post No1, the T6 199Bhp 4 Motion DSG has the following spec :

Metalic Paint - Mojave
Elec sliding door
18" Toluca Alloys
Heated Windscreen
Awning Rail in black
Leather / Alacantra Seats
DynAudio (love this option - its sounds great!)
Discovery Media Pro
Chrome Package
Leather Steering wheel
LED Lights
High beam assist
Green insulating glass
Hill Start / Hill Descent
Heated Front Seats
Premium Multicolour Display with Driver Alert (no idea what this is?!?)
Bed extension + Comfort Mattress
4 x Remote keys
Front / Rear Parking Sensors with camera

However the company selling the car also provided some further spec that the vehicle has :

Dark Wood finish with Shower
Leather Steering Wheel with Tiptronic
App Connect
Diff Lock
Side Scan with Cruise Control plus Light and Vision Pack
Front Fog Lights with Cornering System
Emergency City Braking
Headlamp Washer System
Interior Lighting Concept
Heated and Folding Wingmirrors (think these might be standard?!)

So its a pretty highly spec'd and impressive motor with currently 4500 miles on the clock. It has everything Id want and then some.

Can only think that a towbar, privacy glass and coloured bellows are all thats missing from that lot. (pretty much)

Its very very tempting but Im looking to get Xmas out the way before I start haggling to see what sticks.

I did say I wouldnt post on this till later down the line but it aint half occupying my mind.

Unless you need to use the van in Jan/Feb/Mar, perhaps wait until the T6.1 demo vehicles arrive at the dealers. You can then make an informed choice on whether a nearly new T6 or a brand new T6.1 is best for you. We have been looking a various "great deals" since July, some with 20% off list. I have placed four holding deposits over the months which I have cancelled. Now happy with our T6.1 order which will arrive in the New Year. We all have slightly varying requirements.

 

[Sunstoner]

Unless you need to use the van in Jan/Feb/Mar, perhaps wait until the T6.1 demo vehicles arrive at the dealers. You can then make an informed choice on whether a nearly new T6 or a brand new T6.1 is best for you. We have been looking a various "great deals" since July, some with 20% off list. I have placed four holding deposits over the months which I have cancelled. Now happy with our T6.1 order which will arrive in the New Year. We all have slightly varying requirements.

Cheers for that. Its interesting that you've gone through it. Must have been tempting to have purchased a T6 already given the discount.

I am very much biding my time while it feels the right. The T6 is available as an option till next June when the company have to sell, I've earmarked it with them to show my interest. I can have it next Month if I pushed for it. Its a lovely motor but as you have done yourself, I have to use this time to do the sensible thing. Its just proving a tad more difficult with a T6 thats wafting under my nose in the colour with all the options.

 

[Calimili]

May i play the devil's advocate?
It looks like the Ocean you are considering is extremely speccd up with many expensive accessories especially the several drive assistance devices. Wonderful car, no doubt. How much are usually these accessories valued as second hand vehicle? Close to nothing. You may want to consider this if you will be selling it.
If I may, I'd like to respectfully disagree with @Borris regarding the timing. I think the best time to buy is after Christmas, right beginning of Jan, when people have just depleted their savings. In Jan the van will be technically 1 year older too.
So all I'm saying, don't pay too much because of the accessories.
Also personally, i wouldn't buy the first generation 6.1.

 

[Sunstoner]

Hi Suntoner,
What are you waiting for?

Just one thing though, VW quietly dropped the leather element in the Cali Alcantara seats some time ago. It's now faux leather i.e vinyl leatherette. I cancelled this option on our new Beach when I discovered this. I didn't see the point in paying all that extra cash for plastic seats. Buy a cheaper Caravelle and you can have full Nappa Leather!!!

Good luck with your decision.

BTW don't wait until after Christmas to haggle as now is probably the optimum time to buy a high end campervan. The sales bods will be very keen to improve their figures and no doubt their bonuses, nearing the end of this quarter and who buys a campervan in the depths of winter just before Christmas? I'd say you stand a good chance of a very good deal if you go in just before Christmas. Ask for the earth and don't be afraid to walk away. What's the worst that could happen? You have nothing to loose and everything to gain and if you don't get a stonking deal there's aways the T6-1.

Thanks Boris for your feedback.

My impulsive nature is very much front and center right now. Its taking everything for me to be calm and 'sensible'. The wife's eyes now roll at least 3 times in her head whenever I throw van chat her way. Just to be balanced and show that I am capable of being sensible I've said (well my better half suggested) that January will be when I start to seriously make moves for a Cali. At the moment im constantly juggling with the pros and cons for both in my head having not reached a decision 100%, which seems to be hinged on the final price of the T6 and whether the hire company will drop their original asking price enough. Oh, that and seeing a T6.1 in the flesh.

I take your thoughts re 'Leather'. Seems to be a thing now unless you spec the likes of Nappa Leather, car manufacturers getting away with murder again!. Having looked and got a quote on the 6.1 I've not opted for Alacantara / Leather option as I reckoned on putting some seat covers on it potentially depending how easily the seat marked but it is on the T6 already.

Goodness me, its a very much 1st world issue all this but as its the first Cali for us its really exciting as it offers so much fun potential for us and our little ladies. They loved their time in the Cali's we hired this year and had grand plans to get their friends over for (more) sleep overs

I should go and hibernate until Jan but theres so much to read and take in on this forum alone! lol

 

[Sunstoner]

May i play the devil's advocate?
It looks like the Ocean you are considering is extremely speccd up with many expensive accessories especially the several drive assistance devices. Wonderful car, no doubt. How much are usually these accessories valued as second hand vehicle? Close to nothing. You may want to consider this if you will be selling it.
If I may, I'd like to respectfully disagree with @Borris regarding the timing. I think the best time to buy is after Christmas, right beginning of Jan, when people have just depleted their savings. In Jan the van will be technically 1 year older too.
So all I'm saying, don't pay too much because of the accessories.
Also personally, i wouldn't buy the first generation 6.1.

Oh thats right cause me more confusion!

Its definitely going to be after Xmas for us anyway. Im no car sales person but Id assume that the purchasing of any 'seasonal' vehicle such as a convertable or a Campervan (I know many do enjoy winter breaks! ) would be a good thing to do in the winter/ colder months be it pre-xmas or after.

I suppose, a fully specc'd T6 vehicle would perhaps have more appeal when it comes to selling on? I dont necessarily equate that to high(er) resale value however it ought to make the T6 easier to sell in that respect when the time comes. Of course, the T6.1 would obviously be the natural other van to buy 2nd hand in years to come and may offer a more attractive option further still purely for its newer 'tech' and overall newer look. its something I've considered. I've not really got my head around these thoughts however its the ownership thats more important than the selling I guess but it is worth mulling over.

Interesting you advise caution on the T6.1. I wouldve thought that as its a T6 with some tweaks, that the 6.1 shouldnt be plagued with (m)any gremlins over and above that of the T6. It ought to have less in fact. (famous last words)

Good to get your thoughts on this. Certainly taking it all onboard.

 

[Borris]

I agree with @Calimili in that you rarely, if ever get a good return on expensive options when the time comes to sell but the right toys definitely make the vehicle a more attractive proposition to any future buyer. So it should make it easier to sell. So only go for options that you will actually use, and enjoy.

I too would always much rather buy the last of a production run than one of the first. Experience has taught me that by the time the last vehicles roll off the production line they are usually pretty well sorted. I've had two new vehicles (both VWs) that were amongst the first on their run and both had several annoying issues that were later resolved as production continued.

I didn't realise or had forgotten that the T6 you have seen will be an ex rental vehicle. Personally, I would'nt consider an ex rental. However if the price reflects it's previous use and it's condition and service history are A1 then it should be OK.

Finally, @Calimili may also be right about the best time to go and haggle. I imagined that your T6 was being sold by a VW Commercial dealer. If it's a hire company then it probably better to leave the haggling for as long as possible.

 

[Sunstoner]

So only go for options that you will actually use, and enjoy.

With you on that one. The 6.1 would only have the options I that I feel would be necessary to me and those that I could afford after selling the kids!

I too would always much rather buy the last of a production run than one of the first. Experience has taught me that by the time the last vehicles roll off the production line they are usually pretty well sorted. I've had two new vehicles (both VWs) that were amongst the first on their run and both had several annoying issues that were later resolved as production continued.

I shall take heed!

I didn't realise or had forgotten that the T6 you have seen will be an ex rental vehicle. Personally, I would'nt consider an ex rental. However if the price reflects it's previous use and it's condition and service history are A1 then it should be OK.

Finally, @Calimili may also be right about the best time to go and haggle. I imagined that your T6 was being sold by a VW Commercial dealer. If it's a hire company then it probably better to leave the haggling for as long as possible.

Like you I wouldnt be too happy with buying a hire vehicle for the reasons you have pointed out earlier in this thread . However they're a very professional and friendly team and their Calis are all 2019 model year (March 19 onwards) and they seem to be well looked after and always well presented. Specialising in T6 Transporters for Rental / Hire / Lease and customisation of T6 Transporter sport vans they certainly know their stuff. So im fairly satisfied with where the Cali is coming from.

For the T6 to be an option it does come down to the price. Their initial quote pretty much puts it a the same cost as a new T6.1 that Ive been quoted on with my options too. So Im gonna leave it until early next year before the haggling begins. Ideally and in my head and perhaps my heart too (and my wallet!), I'd like them to reduce it enough so it becomes the only option. Its a cracker of a motor and looks just great in T6 guise.

We shall see!

 

[bigmac77]

I have just bought a new T6, I took my T5.1 for a service and had a chat with the salesman whilst I was there. I got a big discount 21%. They have another van in blue available with the same discount. The vehicle is brand new and unregistered. I would say now is the time to buy not in the new year.

 

[Borris]

I have just bought a new T6, I took my T5.1 for a service and had a chat with the salesman whilst I was there. I got a big discount 21%. They have another van in blue available with the same discount. The vehicle is brand new and unregistered. I would say now is the time to buy not in the new year.

21%! Crikey that's good.

 

[MisterTea]

I have just bought a new T6, I took my T5.1 for a service and had a chat with the salesman whilst I was there. I got a big discount 21%. They have another van in blue available with the same discount. The vehicle is brand new and unregistered. I would say now is the time to buy not in the new year.

Yep. Had similar experiance this week. They are desperate to shift the 6.0 models before the 6.1’s land. They’ll all have a tonne of cash tied up with older models. They’ll want to release that money to get the spring fresh 6.1’s in. So if you are happy with a 6.0. Now is definitely the time to start negotiations.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Sunstoner]

I have just bought a new T6, I took my T5.1 for a service and had a chat with the salesman whilst I was there. I got a big discount 21%. They have another van in blue available with the same discount. The vehicle is brand new and unregistered. I would say now is the time to buy not in the new year.

That IS some discount!

 

[willwander]

Just bought a new unregistered Ocean today from a main dealer.
Similar sort of deal as @bigmac77

Still sinking in

 

[2haw]

JCB Group are advertising a few Cali’s at 20% discount on their website at the moment..

 

[craig j]

Just bought a new unregistered Ocean today from a main dealer.
Similar sort of deal as @bigmac77

Still sinking in

Congratulations! We have done the same. We have wanted to upgrade to 4motion for some time and the current deals made it possible. Stock seems to be shifting fast as the choice of California’s we were being offered was changing daily. Surprisingly, we also found a VW dealer who couldn’t be more helpful!

 

[Sunstoner]

After much consideration (understatement - its all thats been on my mind for many a week...errrr month!). I've decided to go with the T6.

I pick it up next month and im really rather excited to be officially joining the club as a first time Cali owner.

After negotiating with the company owning the T6 and getting it down to a more reasonable sum I grabbed it with both hands and feet.

I dont think I've given thought to as much as I have to this decision for anything else and im super relieved to have finally made a decision. lol.

Was very very close to opting for a T6.1 given what was being asked for the T6 however managed to sort a better price out for the T6 and thats that.

A huge thankyou to you guys n gals who have given me advice and pointers since my original post but also a big thankyou for the inspiration garnered from this forum too. Some fantastic stories and ideas and everything.

Roll on Feb!!!

 

[Borris]

After so much deliberation and research along with trying your own Cali before you decided to buy it, you have arrived at what has to be a very well thought out purchase. Congratulations. I hope you have many adventures in he/she/it.

For what it's worth, I think you've made a wise decision going for the cheaper second hand T6 option. The new
T6-1 would have almost certainly cost you a lot more cash whilst not adding anything of any importance to your owership experience.

 

[Sunstoner]

After so much deliberation and research along with trying your own Cali before you decided to buy it, you have arrived at what has to be a very well thought out purchase. Congratulations. I hope you have many adventures in he/she/it.

For what it's worth, I think you've made a wise decision going for the cheaper second hand T6 option. The new
T6-1 would have almost certainly cost you a lot more cash whilst not adding anything of any importance to your owership experience.

Thanks @Borris . It does feel like a weight off my mind funnily enough and yes the price difference in the end was the determining factor. The T6 has a great spec and im very much looking forward to hitting the road in it!