Hindsight is a wonderful thing...

[Kev Elleray]

Mid 2020 my wife and I started looking for a campervan but the market was crazy with fred carno conversions fetching silly money to the point where we priced up a new Cali from VW as they looked far better value and likely stronger residuals in the long term. I was deleting some old emails this morning and came across a quote from Preston VW Commercial for a brand new Coast 6.1 DSG + £52995 that we decided not to take. Move forward nearly 4 years and we are in the market again and preferably for a Cali Coast/Ocean. One that caught my eye is at Braithwaites in Penrith which is a 2020 Coast 6.1 DSG with 16000 miles on the clock up for, you've guessed it £52995! If only we had been brave enough to buy that new Cali! Its hard to predict the market but it'll be interesting to see how thing pan out with a new model imminent.

 

[RockinNRollin]

£53k now is roughly £43k back in 2020 when adjusted for inflation . . . but yes, the rate of new Cali price increases is on a different level!

 

[66tim99]

£53k now is roughly £43k back in 2020 when adjusted for inflation . . . but yes, the rate of new Cali price increases is on a different level!

Wow, I had to check that - incredible inflation

 

[66tim99]

Its hard to predict the market but it'll be interesting to see how thing pan out with a new model imminent.

Yes, they are different vehicles really, and I think the lack of availability of the T6 layout, which some might see as more practical than the new T7, might actually help hold T6 values.

 

[turnitdown]

£53k now is roughly £43k back in 2020 when adjusted for inflation . . . but yes, the rate of new Cali price increases is on a different level!

£53k in 2020 is £64,800 today, and you can buy a new Ocean currently for just over £68k. We'd have to compare spec levels, etc., but the prices look similar on the face, probably in favour of the 2024 Ocean given the higher base spec.

 

[Kev Elleray]

Without getting too involved in the numbers around inflation the point is it would of proved to be a sensible purchase in the long term. The example in Penrith looks to have sold, I'm only a week into looking so just getting a feeling for the current market.

 

[reserves]

Without getting too involved in the numbers around inflation the point is it would of proved to be a sensible purchase in the long term. The example in Penrith looks to have sold, I'm only a week into looking so just getting a feeling for the current market.

Plenty of stock around.

 

[Esandar#1]

£53k now is roughly £43k back in 2020 when adjusted for inflation . . . but yes, the rate of new Cali price increases is on a different level!

I didn’t believe you on this… so checked. Wow! Bank of England website confirms a bundle of goods & services costing £43k in March 2020 now costs £52.6k ‍

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Plenty of stock around.

My dealer in Norwich have a 2024 Ocean 150 in showroom with no price but have 2 Ocean's I'd looked at outside. Both in Ascot grey, both 150 dsg but one is 70 plate and the other is 21 plate. Basic spec + one has comfort mattress. These were both on the forecourt for £62950 3 weeks ago. They had a 23 reg Ocean 150 as demo with 1200 miles which I took for a ride. It was on special offer at £64950 till end of May and would then be £66950. Before I got back from test drive it had sold to someone in Wales!! Having said that I'd have then had a leaky bellows version - more than happy with my 22 reg 204 Ocean

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Used Vans & Commercial Vehicles for Sale | Used Vans - Search Results

used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

 

[chrissieB]

Interesting to read, I bought my 2020 Ocean 204 sometime June 2021 and paid 73k which was a high price for a year old van but demand was very high with only a small amount of stock available.
I am now selling and will only get 59k despite the amazing spec and low mileage, it seems now is a good time to buy a used Cali as the dealers are awash with stock.
I'm probably going to lose almost 15k after doing just 11,000 miles over 3 years.
It's a buyers market today unlike 2021.

 

[hirsty]

I paid £42K for my T6 Beach in 2016 - effectively brand new, but pre-registered by the Dealer with delivery miles.

Maybe it's still worth £25K+ (no idea yet) but almost in tears to think it's replacement will now be pushing double what I paid last time

 

[Kev Elleray]

Used Vans & Commercial Vehicles for Sale | Used Vans - Search Results

used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

I followed that link yesterday and found a 21 model Hillside conversion in Birmingham, 1 owner based on a highline, DSG, 25k miles in Grey met, 45K. I have looked at a hillside before, they are VAG approved and feel quality so this looked a good buy. They were shut yesterday so I messaged them and they rang first thing to say it had sold Saturday subject to finance so I guess I may get a call back, gutted

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Oh how odd as it should have gone to VW in Norwich area!!. Having said that mine was sold subject to deposit in Preston so I said does that mean if I pay deposit now (not needing finance though) it's mine and answer was yes!! It sits in my drive now

 

[Kev Elleray]

The link has an NR18 postcode but I was just having a look what was available nationwide, I am happy to travel to a main dealer anywhere in the UK if the right vehicle turns up

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Ah - that's because that's my postcode and picks up Norwich dealers. They have 3 with one being new demo 4motion with all extras but a hefty price tag. The other 2 are superb condition and both on Ascot Grey

 

[Kev Elleray]

We don't really want to spend more than 45K although if the right vehicle comes along then who knows. I do have a benchmark vehicle that I have viewed locally and these things stick in your mind because some of the advertised prices just make this look good value, its a 2018 ex rental in red, 60K miles, full VAG history, going in for belts and DSG service next week also at VAG. 6 months warranty,. Bodywork is in great condition and I am fussy, wheels refurbed, had seat covers on from new so they are good, only minor signs of wear inside. Yes its ex rental but I am beginning to think so what, buy on condition, service history and warranty helps.

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Only thing is with Ex rental is you never know who or how many have driven it??? Silly things like private owner lets enfine warm up when cold before putting foot down. How many parts have been replaced after abuse???? I know one at VW dealer was ages before going on forecourt as previous owners had dog which had destroyed various parts and vehicle needed deep clean etc as owners simply hadn't cared. Dealer, knowing how fussy I was, suggested not to think of that one - admittedly it was a manual so beware on clutch wear (we've just had new in our 2019 Golf at 60k - previous owner, a rep must have ridden clutch). I personally prefer a nice private sale but on this occasion mine had only 1 owner for 18 months and less than 8k miles so hardly used.

 

[larrylamb]

We don't really want to spend more than 45K although if the right vehicle comes along then who knows. I do have a benchmark vehicle that I have viewed locally and these things stick in your mind because some of the advertised prices just make this look good value, its a 2018 ex rental in red, 60K miles, full VAG history, going in for belts and DSG service next week also at VAG. 6 months warranty,. Bodywork is in great condition and I am fussy, wheels refurbed, had seat covers on from new so they are good, only minor signs of wear inside. Yes its ex rental but I am beginning to think so what, buy on condition, service history and warranty helps.

I wouldn't. I know the vans you're thinking of but as above you have no idea of the amount of clowns renting campers. But the 2018, 60k red rentals have been trying to flog for ages. Same with previous ones. Not so bad if 2 year old, under warranty and low miles but i'd run a mile from them, not worth the price at all. You can get 2018 Ocean that's been one or 2 owners for that 45k if you are patient.

 

[Norfolk Jim]

We don't really want to spend more than 45K although if the right vehicle comes along then who knows. I do have a benchmark vehicle that I have viewed locally and these things stick in your mind because some of the advertised prices just make this look good value, its a 2018 ex rental in red, 60K miles, full VAG history, going in for belts and DSG service next week also at VAG. 6 months warranty,. Bodywork is in great condition and I am fussy, wheels refurbed, had seat covers on from new so they are good, only minor signs of wear inside. Yes its ex rental but I am beginning to think so what, buy on condition, service history and warranty helps.

There are a few on this forum around the figures you're talking of and one owner vehicles. I'm sure prices are reasonably negotiable and all will have good history and one only dirvers often. I sold my 2007 T5 conversion with 83k miles to someone who wanted a well cared for vehicle. 1 previous fastidiuos owner prior to me. As said though I'd steer well clear of ex-rental even if they have service history and you'll only have 6 months warranty whereas look at some of these and they've possibly got 'All in' servicing etc included to pass on. I'd been looking for best part of 18 months and asked loads of questions - you know when the owners is genuine as you'll get open answers

 

[Kev Elleray]

I do get concerns about ex rentals but we are not talking a Vauxhall Corsa that's been picked up from the airport or a van that's been used for house moves (hopefully not anyway), these are prestige vehicles at prestige rental prices like £480 for 2 nights (plus a large security deposit and excess) at the company I was looking at. So yes it may not get treat like you've just dropped your own 70K in there but how bad can it be, especially with an auto box? Not that I am committed to that particular example but its niggling away at the back of my mind......

 

[larrylamb]

I do get concerns about ex rentals but we are not talking a Vauxhall Corsa that's been picked up from the airport or a van that's been used for house moves (hopefully not anyway), these are prestige vehicles at prestige rental prices like £480 for 2 nights (plus a large security deposit and excess) at the company I was looking at. So yes it may not get treat like you've just dropped your own 70K in there but how bad can it be, especially with an auto box? Not that I am committed to that particular example but its niggling away at the back of my mind......

So 6 yeard old rental, say 40 renters per year minimum? That's 240 different people using your pride and joy. 240 people possibly cocking up turning the seats, lowering the roof incorrectly, using the awning incorrectly, running the tap dry, driving off with the hookup attached, putting diesel in the water tank filler, breaking doors and catches, etc.etc so mutch of it will have been hammered.
Or, just buy a cherished one for similar price. The rental one is basic spec, there is a lovely grey one for sale near you on the forum, bursting with options for not much more. Go and have a look.
You said you've only just started looking, don't dive in. I'm only trying to help, all those faults above are common even with forum members until they understand the vehicle's workings etc.
Members on here will give you good advice.

 

[Kemper-van]

40 rental per year is very high, I don’t believe small rental companies can achieve that. It’s more likely to be 10 to 15 rentals per year. And if it’s a private rental, the owner will be just as careful and fidgety to keep everything in working order, potentially even more than regular owners. There are also quite some repeat customers, and most people who rent are also interested in campervans. This means they are not likely to just trash them around, also given the high security deposit.

 

[larrylamb]

40 rental per year is very high, I don’t believe small rental companies can achieve that. It’s more likely to be 10 to 15 rentals per year

Van rental here is very popular especially in high season. It can be 2 renters per week as they are usually available for midweek break and weekends (festivals etc). If it was 10 to 15 per year they wouldn't be in business long. You don't need to trash them around to make the errors I listed above, common mistakes.
Just my opinion of course but I wouldn't recommend a 6 year old basic rental van at a normal price.

 

[WelshGas]

The California, despite many people treating them with kid gloves, is a VAN. It was built for commercial use, to be driven thousands of miles by multiple drivers and yet still function admirably.
Personally I am very wary of low milage vehicles, especially diesels.
As long as the camping side of things is upto spec, and I can’t see a rental company lasting long if it wasn’t then I see nothing wrong if it’s the right price. Obviously certain paid for Options may not be present but not everyone wants all the bells and whistles.