Hello from Manchester

[RockinNRollin]

Just joined up to tap into the collective wisdom of this forum! Having used many forums over the years, I'm well aware of mine of experience they tend to be.

We're potentially looking to get ourselves a Cali around March/April time but I am keen to start fleshing out the various possibilities beforehand so when we are in a position to buy, we're pre-armed with exactly what we want!

So far, we've narrowed it down to a T6 and probably an Ocean (definitely not a Beach, perhaps a Coast, although trying to find a side-by-side comparison of Coast vs Ocean spec seems to be difficult). A few starter questions (feel free to correct me if I should put these elsewhere, and I have done some searching but with inconclusive results);

- The 204bhp model seems to crop up at least as frequently as the 150bhp. I'm not bothered about the power difference, but I have read lots of "not so good" things about the 204 (chiefly around EGR issues - I get the impression this was fixed at some point with an upgraded part but I can't seem to work out from when exactly) plus I'm slightly wary of long-term reliability with two turbos (having changed a turbo on a VAG vehicle in the past, it's not something I particularly want to repeat if I can avoid it!) but I might be worrying over nothing on turbo reliability

- Our budget is around £50k, possibly a extreme stretch to £55k but definitely not in buying new territory (and we don't want the long wait associated with a new build, plus with a child I think an immaculate vehicle will be wasted!)

Cheers

 

[Hawthorn37]

Welcome to the forum! You’re right of course, loads of useful info is available. There are definite views and opinions on both the Coast vs Ocean, and 150 vs 199/204 - mostly by folks who have already got a Coast/Ocean and 150/204. I can’t claim a lack of bias in this area either!!

It sounds like you’ve already researched a bit, but ideally I’d try and get a run in the models you’re short listing. A VW dealer could assist you best for back to back comparisons. We hired a couple of Oceans before we bought, and went for a 150 mainly on a budget viewpoint. I’ve since read about turbo issues.

It’s what works for you. For instance, some hate a powered roof, and for some (like my wife) it’s a must-have.

Happy hunting, and feel free to report back or pose supplementary questions!

 

[JimP1992]

Welcome!

Having owned a 180 BiTDI 5.1 SE and now a 150 T6 Ocean, I feel that the 150 is more than sufficient for overtaking etc. It’s also more economical.

Ocean vs. Coast, personally, I’d prefer a manual roof as I think about long term issues, but I’ve never had an issue with electronic roofs!

All the best with your search - prices appear to have dipped slightly so it’s more of a buyer’s market! They’re a great, versatile vehicle - take your time and find the right spec for you!

 

[kurienp]

Welcome !

- T6 - good choice. A newer version/engine with euro 6 ensures less restrictions in cities etc-
- 150 bhp, as other have said, more than sufficient. It drives really well
- nothing against a 204, and as you say, the issues have been sorted. Anything after a late 2017 should be good. Mileage does not matter as long as maintained and has a good service history
- electronic roof - not an issue. Lots of info on here if you face a problem. Manual roof only available in a beach or later coasts (which are rare on availability)
- other items you will find on 2016/7 models that you may wish to consider -- adaptive cruise -- split worktop -- led headlights

Make a list of your must haves (which it seems you already have) and focus on those features.

Even a late t5.1 - you will not go wrong with it.

As others have said, it is turning to be a buyer's market. Bide your time and don't hurry.

 

[BeeBee]

You seem well researched and I would agree with all comments so far. We have an Ocean 150, drives well, no issues so far in 4 years. We like the elec. pop top and have found the reversing camera ( opt. extra ) pretty useful.

 

[RockinNRollin]

Thanks everyone. Some useful info already! Note the remarks about anything 2018 onwards should be good for the 204 (I will be happy with the 150, but there seems to be less of them); I assume Cali's are built exclusively to order, in which case I also assume it's unlikely any say '18 plate vehicles are actually significantly older and hadn't been registered (as presumably if built to order, there's someone waiting patiently for their vehicle to land who will take it as soon as it's ready).

 

[Hawthorn37]

Thanks everyone. Some useful info already! Note the remarks about anything 2018 onwards should be good for the 204 (I will be happy with the 150, but there seems to be less of them); I assume Cali's are built exclusively to order, in which case I also assume it's unlikely any say '18 plate vehicles are actually significantly older and hadn't been registered (as presumably if built to order, there's someone waiting patiently for their vehicle to land who will take it as soon as it's ready).

At the moment, 95% of vans are registered within 2 weeks of arriving in the UK. Back in 2018 dealers were able to buy for stock, but I’d imagine the longest shelf life would be 3 months or so.

 

[chockswahay]

We bought a Coast simply because we could not afford an Ocean! Almost the same in reality but we have to push the roof up and drive a little slower (we can live with both for the saving)

 

[RockinNRollin]

I'm not fussed about an electric roof really and would be happy with a manual one, not sure what other differences there are between the Coast and the Ocean? Is there a side-by-side spec list (or a list of what the Ocean has that the Coast doesn't) anywhere? I have found this sort of thing for the T6.1 but I gather spec changes happened then anyway. It might all be academic though because I have seen very few Coasts for sale.

I am also starting to gather some vehicles are ex-hire (makes sense) which I assume are ones to swerve!

 

[Kayleigh]

As a Beach owner, I can say the manual roof is fine. It’s really one of the key differences between Ocean and Coast, and one of the reasons (apart from price) people may choose the Coast. Reversing camera is not really essential as the sensors work very well.
If I were looking to purchase a second hand T6 now, LED headlights would be my top requirement. Beach H4 lights are shocking!

 

[kurienp]

I am also starting to gather some vehicles are ex-hire (makes sense) which I assume are ones to swerve!

On the contrary, the rental agencies are required to maintain and service the vehicle regularly and so may be actually better. Just the thought that many people may have used it, can put some people off, but as long as you find the vehicle of your choice, you will have lots of time to make it your own.

 

[Hawthorn37]

On the contrary, the rental agencies are required to maintain and service the vehicle regularly and so may be actually better. Just the thought that many people may have used it, can put some people off, but as long as you find the vehicle of your choice, you will have lots of time to make it your own.

Agree, I wouldn’t touch an ex rental car, but a campervan is a different prospect - less likely to have been thrashed.

 

[RockinNRollin]

I've not really thought of it that way, I think my main concern would be how battered everything would be, e.g. if things have been trapped in the pop-top when it's been lowered, doors jammed, things done in the wrong order etc. because it has had a constant stream of unfamiliar users. I suppose a thorough inspection could mitigate at least some of that.

 

[Hawthorn37]

I've not really thought of it that way, I think my main concern would be how battered everything would be, e.g. if things have been trapped in the pop-top when it's been lowered, doors jammed, things done in the wrong order etc. because it has had a constant stream of unfamiliar users. I suppose a thorough inspection could mitigate at least some of that.

Our experience of rented Cali’s (2) wasn’t like that. The first, from a VW van centre had been on hire / demo for about 5 months, and the only defect was a broken left hand cupboard door catch - and around 50% of all owners do this at least once. The second was from a specialist camper hire company, it had been on hire around 7 months from new and covered 12,000 miles, with no defects we could find. But I guess it’s pot luck what you find, however a close inspection will be needed.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Just a thought to add … many brand new Cali’s come with defects to fix from the get go ! One that’s been in service a while should be debugged !

 

[Neuromancer11]

given your time frame the lead times are not as bad as you think on a new one, and there are discounts available, plus there are currently offers on servicing and insurance and the finance rate is better than pre-owned.

I was in a similar position with similar (cash) budget, i couldn't get my head around spending £50-60k on a 5-6 year old van that has done maybe ~15-40k miles when a brand new one with warranty and the above "freebies" can be had for £65k with delivery in July, hence ordering new.

i also considered a Coast, but many of them are missing essential options for me like heated seats and front and rear parking sensors