LHD - Resale Value

[Krispy]

Hello all

I wonder if anyone has any experience as to weather an LHD is a problem when it comes to reselling down the line? Would it significantly affect the value/depreciation?

Thanks!

Louise

 

[James]

Hello all

I wonder if anyone has any experience as to weather an LHD is a problem when it comes to reselling down the line? Would it significantly affect the value/depreciation?

Thanks!

Louise

Hi Louise - we've debated it on the forum. It's a difficult one to calculate because every other VW - T4 - T3 etc aren't affected by LHD. In the case of the T4 - the Westy Vans are LHD anyway.

If there was say, a 2011 LHD against a RHD California, then yes, I guess there would be. If like others, you intend to keep your van for some time and you enjoy it, then no, I do not see it as an issue.

Also, bear in mind LHD Cali is quite different to a RHD Cali, in some respects it could be argued nicer with the it's LHD only Multivan Dash, LHD also has the potential to be better equipped. So for your personal use and enjoyment it could provide a better prospect.

Much will depend on how the California comes to be viewed in years to come. Again, there does not seem to be that many LHD vehicles for sale in the UK so it is all unknown.

If it was me, LHD would not bother me but there are costs involved such as resale and perhaps insurance to consider.

I think you said you've looked into this before, so you are no doubt aware of this.

LHD Cali's in Germany seem to start around the 25k mark - which is I guess where Campervan sales had their price from. If I could, I'd consider importing one, the prefacelift German Cali's in my view are by and large are far better equipped than their UK counterparts and if you can cope with LHD in the UK, that may be a good idea.

James

 

[2into1]

James' reply touches on what I think will the main driver of resale values - That is the prices of similar LHD models on the Continent.
The ability of the Continent to buy them back is largely driven by exchange rates. If the £ weakens, then the Sterling values of LHD in the UK will rise, as they are more affordable to re-export to Germany (for eg)
Without the support of re-exporting route, then LHD will always be cheaper than RHD in the UK.

Larger LHD motorhomes behave differently, as Brits want them to spend much of the year abroad - something that is not generally done is Cali's.

Having said that, the value of ALL Cali's is highly dependent on the £ / Euro exchange rate as it so impacts the new prices. Those who bought in 2007 are probably getting nearly all their money back (for low mileage egs), as the list prices rose steeply since then.

 

[chuggertwo]

as above...but in terms of what you get for your money ....very good value....LHD insurance not particularly a problem with specialist insurer, driving experience...yes different ...you can find you're drifting to the outside and turning ...but you end up being more careful ... and it's fine...even better when over the water. So we've had two now and both of us drive our T4 ( westfalia) california highway and now exclusive... fine vans and hold their value!!

 

[James]

as above...but in terms of what you get for your money ....very good value....LHD insurance not particularly a problem with specialist insurer, driving experience...yes different ...you can find you're drifting to the outside and turning ...but you end up being more careful ... and it's fine...even better when over the water. So we've had two now and both of us drive our T4 ( westfalia) california highway and now exclusive... fine vans and hold their value!!

I'd agree with this - the dilemma for the prospective T5 Cali owner is how long are they going to keep it. A T4 LHD presents no problem, some of the vans are only LHD anyway and they've reached an age and status where LHD is neither here nor there. I drove my LHD Vanagon quite happily and agin, insurance no problem.

If you're buying a vehicle still n production then LHD presents a different problem. If in the classified ads there are two 2011 Cali's, one LHD and RHD and of similar spec then it is likely that the LHD will be less money.

But if you plan to keep your van a long time, intend to do lots of european travelling and don't mind driving LHD, then perhaps it is a way to buy a vehicle. I do think, from the few I've seen, prefacelift Cali's do not seem to be worth much less than their RHD counterparts, but that is hard to quantify because I have only seen a couple.

Personally because I am a bit awkward, I'd quite like a leftie Cali, particularly if my budget was the same as yours. As I said, I do think the prefacelift Cali will offer you more in LHD than RHD. But there are many things to consider.

There is a company in Holland, who may be able to help if you wish to go down that route, if you want some details let me know.

James

 

[Krispy]

Thanks everyone for your help - lots of food for thought there. Must say, what an incredibly helpful and nice forum!

 

[chuggertwo]

talk to Andy at campervans4u he's helpful about high top westfalias

 

[sidepod]

Some good points there regarding re-export back to the continent.

Personally I think the left hooker is best. It really is no problem here in Blighty and you benefit whilst in Europe.

When we upgrade to a "5" I'll be going LHD.

S.

 

[ilomax]

living on the French - German Border we recently bought a 2012, dealer registered, Cali (180 / DSG/ Comfortline) from a dealer in Germany to import across the border to France. The dealer in Freiburg was very helpful and arranged to supply us with the English Version of Handbook as well as the German original. I think it cost about Euro 50 but has proved to be invaluable. If you are buying abroad and unless your language skills are up to using the original language version, I'd consider asking for the English Manual.

 

[beardie]

living on the French - German Border we recently bought a 2012, dealer registered, Cali (180 / DSG/ Comfortline) from a dealer in Germany to import across the border to France. The dealer in Freiburg was very helpful and arranged to supply us with the English Version of Handbook as well as the German original. I think it cost about Euro 50 but has proved to be invaluable. If you are buying abroad and unless your language skills are up to using the original language version, I'd consider asking for the English Manual.

Euro 50 for a paperback guide book ! That's unbelievable. No doubt it cost them less that 50c to get printed in china. It should be free to download in PDF from vw website. In this world of corporate extortion I just hope they pay their taxes on that mark up