Newbie - 6.1 or the new one?

[Andy_G]

Hi everyone - after owning a caravan for 18 years, and now being empty nesters, we are on the verge of buying our first VW. I know there are hundreds of posts on here, so we will make our way through them to help us decide. Having discounted the new Cali, after a visit to a dealer yesterday, we are so torn between the 6.1 and the new one. We drove the new Cali for the first time and it was great, with lots of features seemingly as standard. But, it still looks to me like a large car, rather than a campervan. Did anyone else feel the same way? Did you get over it?

Thanks,

Andy

 

[dspuk]

TBH it’s only really a question you can answer. There are so many personal variables. If it is just the two of you then the new one can work well. If there are more than two I’d worry the slightly smaller space would become a problem. Check out the latest CarWow video that compares them side by side.

 

[Lequimper]

I too saw a T7 in a showroom and was more impressed than I expected. Mind you, new vehicles always look great to me. My take was it could probably work for a couple of people but storage would be an issue (both in cupboards and boot). More testing in the field will come but personally I found this comparison on YouTube to be very helpful.

 

[Andy_G]

TBH it’s only really a question you can answer. There are so many personal variables. If it is just the two of you then the new one can work well. If there are more than two I’d worry the slightly smaller space would become a problem. Check out the latest CarWow video that compares them side by side.

Thanks Dave. We watched that last night - really good comparison. Also watched Cali Chris’ recent one too. Still torn!

 

[Andy_G]

I too saw a T7 in a showroom and was more impressed than I expected. Mind you, new vehicles always look great to me. My take was it could probably work for a couple of people but storage would be an issue (both in cupboards and boot). More testing in the field will come but personally I found this comparison on YouTube to be very helpful.

Yes - seen that one - but as he says at the end, if he had a 6.1, he wouldn’t switch, and I would agree. But, we don’t have either right now - and I was impressed by the T7’s features.

 

[dspuk]

Thanks Dave. We watched that last night - really good comparison. Also watched Cali Chris’ recent one too. Still torn!

One option could be to get a 6.1 and give the 7 another year or two to bed in. Then do a swap. Despite the odd moan on here residuals remain amazing. Ours is 3 years old and I could sell for not much less than I paid. New vehicles are fraught with issues in the first year and it can be best to wait out the inevitable design changes and failures.

 

[Soton Campers]

Why not hire the T6.1and see if it works for you. www.southamptonvwcamperhire.co.uk

 

[Andy_G]

One option could be to get a 6.1 and give the 7 another year or two to bed in. Then do a swap. Despite the odd moan on here residuals remain amazing. Ours is 3 years old and I could sell for not much less than I paid. New vehicles are fraught with issues in the first year and it can be best to wait out the inevitable design changes and failures.

That is a very good point, thanks Dave

 

[WelshGas]

In our younger days we used to go backpacking either on foot or cycling for 2-4 weeks carrying our tent/sleeping mat/sleeping bags / single burner gas stove / change of clothing / cooking pans and utensils etc and everything in 2 rucksacks or 4 panniers on a bike.
Our T5.1 was luxury and still had unused storage. Even when carrying a barbecue and fold up toilet with nothing on the floor or above the head rests at the rear.
If we hadn't decided that we no longer enjoyed camping, as camping has changed since Covid , we would now be in a T7. Instead we bought a T7 Multivan so we can carry our 2 folding e-bikes and still have boot capacity for our suitcases and picnic equipment. Also the T7 is a far superior ride to any of its predecessors.

 

[Andy_G]

Why not hire the T6.1and see if it works for you. www.southamptonvwcamperhire.co.uk

We have one booked for a planned trip in July

 

[Doric_loon]

We bought our new T6.1 in August last year and did consider holding off

We are 2 adults, 1 child and a have a larger dog and storage space was a primary concern and in the end we opted for the 6.1 with a huge discount/5 yr 0%/service/warranty/breakdown on a stock vehicle with all the options

Having had 8 months ownership and viewed the new model at a show, these are my thoughts

Looks - The new model looks good but then so does the old model, they are different but I would be happy with either

Practicality - the new model definitely has some improvements, especially on the dash, electronic handbrake, I prefer the controls for day to day driving and the camping controls

Camping - the 1 burner and loss of sliding table is a negative for us and the opening on the other side just doesn't make up for this

Driving - is a but difficult to judge as I haven't test driven the new model, however we are glad we went for the 204 diesel engine over the 150 and we like the way the 6.1 drives. If the hybrid engine was available on the T7 that would be good selling point

The biggest thing for us, is storage space. The new model just doesn't have enough for us, that was our thoughts last year and even more so now

If we were just 2 adults? perhaps

 

[Andy_G]

Thanks Doric_loon - we are on the same page, especially with the one cooker vs 2 doors. I drove the 6.1, then the 7 straight afterwards, so was able to compare. Definitely a better ride in the 7, but it still felt like van as the ride height is higher than a car, etc. Yes, just 2 adults, but 2 Whippets. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Muffutd]

Hi

Take a look at my previous thread where I had a T7 coast for a few days, compared it to my T6.1 and answered questions from the community - hopefully it will give you a little insight, although as many have said its a very personal decision based on your own likes / dislikes. Anyway enjoy the read and the California (which ever one you choose )

New VW Multivan California Coast - ask away?

Morning all I have (for the next 2 days) a new cali coast instead of my usual T6.1 If anyone has any questions or needs any real-time thoughts then by all means ask away i am happy to respond over next few days with my experiences Have a good day all

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Steve_D]

Having owned both a 6.1 ocean and coast previously, I was back in the market earlier this year with exactly the same dilemma..
Took a look, but just too many compromises for me with the T7; one burner, no slide out table, smaller fridge but mainly just the overall lack of space and storage. Seemed to me like it would make a nice day or weekend van for a couple, but throw in a kid or a dog or a longer trip and I reckon you’d be struggling. Could see why some may compromise with the T7 if it was your only vehicle as would likely be more comfortable and practical as a daily runner.
I opted for a very low mileage 2022 4motion Ocean in the end and glad I did! Horses for courses, but in my view the 6.1 may well be the last of the proper VW campers!

 

[andyinluton]

Could see why some may compromise with the T7 if it was your only vehicle as would likely be more comfortable and practical as a daily runner.

Having parked next to one at our local station, I think the extra length would make a difference to its practicality for me.
Parking on road round Swiss Cottage etc recently Ive had a real squeeze to fit between the lines, I'm guessing the bays are marked at 5m which gives no room for error at either end. The new model just wouldn't fit in a bay.

 

[Andy_G]

Hi

Take a look at my previous thread where I had a T7 coast for a few days, compared it to my T6.1 and answered questions from the community - hopefully it will give you a little insight, although as many have said its a very personal decision based on your own likes / dislikes. Anyway enjoy the read and the California (which ever one you choose )

New VW Multivan California Coast - ask away?

Morning all I have (for the next 2 days) a new cali coast instead of my usual T6.1 If anyone has any questions or needs any real-time thoughts then by all means ask away i am happy to respond over next few days with my experiences Have a good day all

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Thanks Muffutd - really good post, thanks for tasking the time to write it up and answer some great questions. I will add a question of my own to the thread now - hope that’s ok? Andy

 

[Andy_G]

Having parked next to one at our local station, I think the extra length would make a difference to its practicality for me.
Parking on road round Swiss Cottage etc recently Ive had a real squeeze to fit between the lines, I'm guessing the bays are marked at 5m which gives no room for error at either end. The new model just wouldn't fit in a bay.

It’s a worry for us too. There are parking areas near us which use cameras to check for conformance with parking bay lines - a 20cm overhand would probably be an issue