Buying ex rental cali

[PSmudger]

Assuming these aren't 'plus vat'? (as the seller would almost certainly have been vat registered). They do seem like very keen prices..... Unnecessarily keen given the webuyanycar thread.

Price are inclusive of VAT

 

[PSmudger]

We bought an ex rental van that was three years old and has covered 65k miles when we got it. I thought we would slow the mileage right down and have done so but only to about 8K-10k a year since. Like the van too much...

There were lots of silly minor things wrong although the services were up to spec and the van was clean.
One service was done by an independent VW specialist which did become an issue later though.

The minor stuff was things like a hob cover hinge broken, various screws missing, Tabor doors damaged, the rubber covers on the bed board supports missing (rattled), the cover on the boot 12v socket ripped off, the rear battery panel damaged. The water filler trim panel was damaged too and the water filler had been labeled as 'water' in black lettering. Apparently putting diesel in the water tank is quite common on hire Calis.

The tow bar had been retro fitted and the wiring was not integrated into the CanBus system but tacked directly into the rear lights, Consequently the reversing sensors didn't know it was there and went off when ever you selected reverse. A real pita. That was the most difficult thing to fix.

I was happy to sort these issues and the price was good.

The only thing I wasn't told was the the DSG had been replaced at 45k. That I discovered by quizzing a friendly VW service manager. I wasn't allowed a service printout, apparently that is data protected, but he did tell me all verbally what had been done.

Alan

Hi Alan, like you I am not expecting it to be perfect and am happy to put things right. The advice I have been given should hold me in good stead when checking it over. I do have a motorhome at the moment and know how fragile they can be so this again should help.

 

[2into1]

Price are inclusive of VAT

It is an odd time of year to be selling rental vans...high season.....but I'd buy them both and sell one here.

 

[PSmudger]

It is an odd time of year to be selling rental vans...high season.....but I'd buy them both and sell one here.

Vans not available to view till september

 

[Aubisque]

A VW California is possibly the least 'thrashable' car I can think of, in the hire car sense anyway. I bet most just potter about.

 

[Gasgas]

Sounds like a good deal ,go for it!!

 

[OConnors]

Once the hire ends they need to go quick!
Although there are a lot of useful suggestions and comments above nobody has really hit the nail on the head. That is they look more used, tires. I will list below what to look for damage wise below. As to the engine being thrashed that is very very unlikely and a generic comment when discussing hire vehicles. It will be under warranty and in my experience we have never seen any mechanical damage or excessive wear from hirers. So what wears and damages on hire vans -

Check the water tank does not smell of diesel
The roof would almost certainly have been damaged and even new belllows won’t hide the small crease either side of the roof. Not a big deal but worth a few quid off.
The corrugated sliding cupboard doors would have been damaged. Make sure they are not simply repaired. Easily replaced about £100 each.
The sliding table hinge is probably broken.
The front door panels will be damaged where people have rotated the seats and not opened them.
The glass tops and silver painted trim might be scratched.
There will be damage in the boot area from bad loading of equipment
The bodywork will be what is, some are mark free some are shockers. Check the mirrors
Check the hob has not been scoured
Is the first aid kit intact
Is the tool kit intact
Check the spare tyre. They may have used the spare at the one and only time it has had new tyres and replaced it with a worn tyre.
Are the floor rails damaged if a fith seat has been used
Are the zips intact on the roof mattress and boot covers. They may have been washed a lot and damaged.
Are the roller blackout blinds ragged at the edges as they been let back in carelessly
Is the top of the drivers door damaged where the roll out awning if fitted has been too low.
Are the sliding windows okay and shut properly, people force them shut and break off the plastic lugs.

All this sounds bad but a lot of it should be rectified before you buy the van. It should also be reflected in the price of any hire van

Good luck

 

[Chris Hardern]

Hi Guys, what your thoughts on buying an ex rental California? I have been offered a 16 plate Ocean DSG with 33000 miles for 38k basic spec just bike rack and awning, just concerned how well the hab area will stand up to the bashing. I have been told that it will be supplied as new, with any issues resolved. Not got a problem on the van side with the mileage as looking to keep for a few years So mileage should balance out.

Hi. I bought an ex hire from near Southampton a year ago. It has been fine and I have had no problems with it. There a couple of very minor things in the cabin that I didn't see at the time but it was a good price so I am not bothered about them.

 

[PAKlite]

I bought an ex hire at just under two years old and 22,500 miles. Viewed with all its faults, mostly minor damage and the usual missing or non working items, everything was sorted to my satisfaction, using the checklist, and on pick up looked superb. I wouldn't expect a two year old van with 22,500 miles on the clock to be absolutely perfect in every way. It isn't loaded with every conceivable option, but has got LED headlights and Sat Nav that I wanted. I'd say go for it, they both sound bargains!

Since my ownership I have had a faulty sensor in the exhaust system replaced under warranty, and is now booked in for awning replacement due to seam failure - a not unusual problem.

 

[PSmudger]

Once the hire ends they need to go quick!
Although there are a lot of useful suggestions and comments above nobody has really hit the nail on the head. That is they look more used, tires. I will list below what to look for damage wise below. As to the engine being thrashed that is very very unlikely and a generic comment when discussing hire vehicles. It will be under warranty and in my experience we have never seen any mechanical damage or excessive wear from hirers. So what wears and damages on hire vans -

Check the water tank does not smell of diesel
The roof would almost certainly have been damaged and even new belllows won’t hide the small crease either side of the roof. Not a big deal but worth a few quid off.
The corrugated sliding cupboard doors would have been damaged. Make sure they are not simply repaired. Easily replaced about £100 each.
The sliding table hinge is probably broken.
The front door panels will be damaged where people have rotated the seats and not opened them.
The glass tops and silver painted trim might be scratched.
There will be damage in the boot area from bad loading of equipment
The bodywork will be what is, some are mark free some are shockers. Check the mirrors
Check the hob has not been scoured
Is the first aid kit intact
Is the tool kit intact
Check the spare tyre. They may have used the spare at the one and only time it has had new tyres and replaced it with a worn tyre.
Are the floor rails damaged if a fith seat has been used
Are the zips intact on the roof mattress and boot covers. They may have been washed a lot and damaged.
Are the roller blackout blinds ragged at the edges as they been let back in carelessly
Is the top of the drivers door damaged where the roll out awning if fitted has been too low.
Are the sliding windows okay and shut properly, people force them shut and break off the plastic lugs.

All this sounds bad but a lot of it should be rectified before you buy the van. It should also be reflected in the price of any hire van

Good luck

Great advice thanks, you mentioned the roof would be possibly damaged what would be the cause of roof damage. What does the creases in the bellows indicate? I am fully aware that there will be more wear than a no rental but the price does reflect this hopefully I am slowly making a list of what to check and will look to become a VIP member and download the check list from the site as previously suggested. This site really is a wealth of knowledge, thanks Guys.

 

[Dr Paul Milne]

No reason why it shouldn't be a good purchase providing you exercise the usual cautionary checks.
We bought ours after using it as a hire vehicle
Thought it was a great way to check it out

Obviously you need to look at the service history and I suggest you ring the dealer to ask what items have been replaced/repaired since new. Methodically check the vehicle over panel by panel, area by area, operating everything and whilst doing so be sure you make notes of any issues found. Pay particular attention to the roof canvas and interior trim which may have been damaged by the cavalier, the unsympathetic or just those who glazed over during the lengthy hand over session and forgot everything they were told.

Check the asking prices of as many similar vehicles, preferably those of a similar age, mileage and spec. After establishing what you feel is the average asking price for a similar vehicle, study your list of issues and try to work out how much you'll need to spend to put them right. Then taking the asking price, mileage and condition into account you should be able to determine A. If it's worth buying and B. What to offer for it.

Good luck

P.s Don't forget to use the forum check list as a guide.

 

[BikerGran]

Vans not available to view till september

So how do they know what the mileage will be? As presumably that's because they will continue to be hired out. Another point that may be good for haggling.

 

[Mase]

I’m looking for an Ocean at the moment and I’ve spotted this one - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...3&postcode=PR73QQ&price-to=65000&revisit=true

I’ve spoken with them and they’ve advised it’s their ex-rental where they’d let people take it out for a certain period when they’re thinking of buying one, to see if they like it.

That’s all fine, but the state of the sink and hobs make me think it’s been battered. I did ask and the salesman told me the hobs usually get marked easily after the first use. But looking at others that are at the same age their appliances seem to be in better condition.

 

[sidepod]

The downside for me would be the cleanliness. Too much DNA in all the wrong places!
It will never have had a thorough detailed clean only a vacuum and a wipe over.

To display the van with the hob/sink in that state says it all.

It’s a NO from me.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Hob & sink are easy to clean.

Check the awning & roof fabric for damage given that’s its ex rental.

 

[WelshGas]

I’m looking for an Ocean at the moment and I’ve spotted this one - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...3&postcode=PR73QQ&price-to=65000&revisit=true

I’ve spoken with them and they’ve advised it’s their ex-rental where they’d let people take it out for a certain period when they’re thinking of buying one, to see if they like it.

That’s all fine, but the state of the sink and hobs make me think it’s been battered. I did ask and the salesman told me the hobs usually get marked easily after the first use. But looking at others that are at the same age their appliances seem to be in better condition.

Easily sorted with a good clean, but not with wirewool or similar, then a wipe over with a few drops of Johnsons Baby Oil to give a showroom finish.
I'm surprised they thought it was acceptable to present it for sale like that.

 

[lohr500]

To be fair, based on the photos alone other than the hob and sink, it looks very tidy.
I'm sure both would clean up with a little TLC.
If it isn't too far away from you, take a closer look.

Not sure if the price is competitive, but if you've been searching, you will have a reasonable idea on that.

 

[sidepod]

Not sure if the price is competitive, but if you've been searching, you will have a reasonable idea on that.

Agree. I think you’ll find similar non rental for that £

 

[larrylamb]

I’ve spoken with them and they’ve advised it’s their ex-rental where they’d let people take it out for a certain period when they’re thinking of buying one, to see if they like it.

I'm actually surprised they've offered this info voluntarily.
Re prep for sale, I've seen some cars and campers on the market at dealerships this year in a right state. I don't think they spend the time and money on prep now, just simply wait and see what the prospective buyer mentions and then fix those bits.
I don't like it, yes you can "see the vehicle in its original state" but to me prep and first impressions are massive.
Don't get me started on handovers and aftersales

 

[BikerGran]

I’m looking for an Ocean at the moment and I’ve spotted this one - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...3&postcode=PR73QQ&price-to=65000&revisit=true

I’ve spoken with them and they’ve advised it’s their ex-rental where they’d let people take it out for a certain period when they’re thinking of buying one, to see if they like it.

That’s all fine, but the state of the sink and hobs make me think it’s been battered. I did ask and the salesman told me the hobs usually get marked easily after the first use. But looking at others that are at the same age their appliances seem to be in better condition.

For me, I wouldn't want to buy from a dealer that offered it in that condition, it would make me wonder how many problems you would find after buying it.
I bought mine 7 years old from a motorhome dealer (not specifically VW) and it was immaculate.
I would research online to see what people said about this dealer. I did that and found it all good, so I was happy to pay a bit more because of their excellent reputation, unlike some others where people said don't buy from this place!

 

[larrylamb]

I’m looking for an Ocean at the moment and I’ve spotted this one - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-de...3&postcode=PR73QQ&price-to=65000&revisit=true

I’ve spoken with them and they’ve advised it’s their ex-rental where they’d let people take it out for a certain period when they’re thinking of buying one, to see if they like it.

That’s all fine, but the state of the sink and hobs make me think it’s been battered. I did ask and the salesman told me the hobs usually get marked easily after the first use. But looking at others that are at the same age their appliances seem to be in better condition.

This one is a great price, bit older obvs but nice colour, one owner, clean hob and roof fabric that doesn't leak (probably). Dealer sells a lot of Calis.

Auto Trader UK - New and Used Cars For Sale

Find your next car with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used cars. Over 400,000 cars online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

 

[Mase]

This one is a great price, bit older obvs but nice colour, one owner, clean hob and roof fabric that doesn't leak (probably). Dealer sells a lot of Calis.

Auto Trader UK - New and Used Cars For Sale

Find your next car with Auto Trader UK, the official #1 site to buy and sell new and used cars. Over 400,000 cars online. Simple, easy, quick!

www.autotrader.co.uk

Thanks for that. I did have a look at their two tone one they have in as well.

Is 30k miles and 4 years old still okay for a secondhand one?

 

[JuanVecino2023]

Hi Guys, what your thoughts on buying an ex rental California? I have been offered a 16 plate Ocean DSG with 33000 miles for 38k basic spec just bike rack and awning, just concerned how well the hab area will stand up to the bashing. I have been told that it will be supplied as new, with any issues resolved. Not got a problem on the van side with the mileage as looking to keep for a few years So mileage should balance out.

I looked into this option,

As many say, the hirers stipulate that any damage caused is repaired like for like with VW parts.

As for thrashing the engine, I’d say that applies to a holiday rental car for sure; I would say California hirers probably aren’t drag racing them.

Give it a through looking over and grab it if good. Price certainly is!

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

Has anyone ever successfully thrashed an automatic car with rev limiter?

 

[reserves]

Have you considered a brand new one? Don’t think they are much and 0% finance