Ocean versus SE

[john eagle]

I am looking for a Cali at the moment and my budget is flexible although I don't want to splash out for a new one.
I was thinking of a later model 180HP SE or is it worth paying a bit more and going for the newer Ocean? 150 or 2014 HP

 

[Alform]

Hi John,

There is a live thread that mentions the se and ocean. Have a look it may help
Link
Cheers

 

[EddieEagle]

2014 HP
Where do I sign ????
To be serious, I have a 140 SE which I am more than happy with.
Actually wonder how much more complicated a Euro 6 is but I would say that !!!

 

[Pineweasel]

Living near London, I am keenly aware of the emissions charge now levied on Euro5 diesels, and for that reason I'd go for a T6 to give myself a little more leeway as this sort of thing becomes more common, both in the UK and on the continent.

 

[TripleBee]

Back in 2009 I started looking for a California.
Have searched a lot, but did not manage to go looking in person to one.
It were all first generation T5's with the 5 cylinder TDI, all about 5 years old and all more than 100 000 km.
All prices were between € 40 000 and € 45 000. I have then visited my VW dealer, and found out that I could buy a brand new one for less than € 50 000. Took me a couple of days to overthink that and finally went for the brand new one.
As I am very carefull with my own properties, and had seen a couple of California's, the choice was not that hard in the end.
My California is cleaner after a 2 weeks holiday, living in it 24/7 (if not out on a bike trip or walking trip), and now even after over 9 years than most normal cars that are only used for commuting.

The choice is all up to you, but when you buy a second hand you never know what has all happened with the van, or what is coming your way sooner or later.
If you buy a new one, one could only hope that it came out of the factory, straight to the dealer without having to pass to a bodyshop, or a workshop for repairing transportation damage. But in most cases, a new one is immaculate.

In the end, it is your own decision. If you can find a decent T5.1 (180 hp??), there must be no problem, but you never know when it really is a decent one. The owner may look trustworthy, and the van too, but they might just be keeping up appearances.