Options - What can you do without

[Gazellio]

OK Westfalia I added aftermarket LED/H7 lights later (Not Factory LED) - I HAVE amended for clarity

 

[Gazellio]

Just reminder that the point of thread is to make the very difficult choice and choose JUST 5 of the ten listed options. It has nothing to do with what you would spec in your own van. The demos I am considering have various crazy specs and rarely more than 5 serious options from the ten I listed. So thanks for those that helped maybe its time to stop

 

[westfalia]

OK Westfalia I added aftermarket LED/H7 lights later (Not Factory LED) - I HAVE amended for clarity

I never mentioned your LEDs did i ?
I think this thread is doing your ed in now.

 

[Gazellio]

It was there I promise then it went! My ed urts please get me out of here


You deleted it did'nt you you basta.....

 

[Stoneybroke]

Incorrect:

You can have the Steering Wheel Controls without having Cruise control (As in MY California)
You can have the Comfort Dash with 6.33 Media Centre Screen & Radio but With-out Sat Nav.
You can have the 6.33 Media Centre without the Comfort Dash

But you can't have the comfort dash and not have the 6.33 Media centre, or choose the more advanced media options.
Nor can you have ACC without the steering wheels controls.
So some of your list of options can be had individually, others are linked and can't be separated, so 5 must have +5 do without may be oversimplifying the array of options available.
Sorry if my contribution to your market research failed to live up to your expectations.

 

[Kevthegas]

Who is your target customer?
Vw offer Pcp deals with discount for finance/servicing deals.

Cali owners are a strange bunch so trying to guess their buying triggers must be very hard, good luck.

 

[2haw]

OK which of these two would YOU choose:

VAN1
DISCOVER MEDIA SATELLITE NAVIGATION 6.33`` COLOUR TOUCH SCREEN ,FRONT & REAR PARKING SENSORS,3-ZONE CLIMATRONIC AIR CONDITIONING w,HEATED FRONT SEATS,CRUISE CONTROL,BLUETOOTH PHONE CONNECTIVITY WITH WI-FI,POWER FOLDING DOOR MIRRORS,LEATHER MULTI FUNCTION STEERING WHEEL,,,Swivelling Driver & Passenger Seats,Carpet Floor Covering Cab,2 Swivelling & Removable Rear Seats,3 Seater Movable Bench Seat With Reclining Action,Interior Light Concept,Multi Function Display Plus,USB Interface (Ipod/Iphone) AUX In Jack,SD Card Slot / Mp3 Compatible CD Drive,Bed Extension With Comfort Sleeping Mat ,Privacy Glass,Green Heat Insulating Glass,Front & Rear Armrests,Lumbar Support,,Glazed Rear Tailgate With Wash / Wipe,Awning Housing Rail In Black,16`` Clayton Alloy Wheels ,Front Fog Lights With Cornering Function, Black Awning.

VAN2
Programmable Parking Heater function; with radio remote control, Headlamps with LED daytime running lights, Front and Rear Parking Sensors with Rear Camera, Wing mirrors: heated,power adjustable and power folding, Climatronic 3-zone A/C with 2nd evaporator, auxiliary heater, air conditioned headliner and additional passenger control, Awning- Silver, Air Conditioning, Headlamp Washers, Composit Media Radio 6.33 screen, interface (for iPod/Iphone) and AUX-IN jack , Front Seat Armrests & Swivelling, Comfort Sleeping Mat, Interior Light Concept, Electric Mirrors, Sliding window in front and fixed window in rear in load/passenger compartment on driver side ,Comfort Dashboard, Cloth interior,

Does Van 2 have the 2 seat or 3 seat bench?

Van 1 for me as it states 3 seat Bench.

 

[larrylamb]

Cali owners are a strange bunch so trying to guess their buying triggers must be very hard, good luck.

Quite, as this thread meanders along it is crystal clear you can't pigeon hole Cali owners or sway them with a couple of options. Lots of individual choices being made here and that's why they are made to order.

 

[2into1]

Who is your target customer?
Vw offer Pcp deals with discount for finance/servicing deals.

This touches on an important point, that may be of interest to the OP. I think he said they were already an established motor trader so he will no doubt know the answer, but it's not evident to me.

I wonder what role a 'general' car dealer has in the supply of nearly used campers?

If I was buying a nearly new van (I just have), number one stop would be a main dealer. I know it's only an illusion, but there is still a bit of prestige in buying from an official channel vs an independent or private. I'd hope that if my van hits problems in year 4, the fact it was supplied by VW would help me argue for 'goodwill' contribution to repairs. If it hits problems in warranty, I'd expect faster reactions / access to courtesy van from the supplying dealer.

Number two preference, would be a private seller, in the hope of getting a bit of a 'bargain'. I'm still protected by the warranty, the van probably won't even of have been serviced, so as long as I'm careful with the checking the roof for kinks, hpi check and the handover of the money, I feel pretty safe and I may get a bargain.

A non franchise dealer would appear to offer non of the advantages......the van is already out of the network, and I'm probably paying a premium over a private sale. I guess if I needed finance, I could get that competitively without needing the assistance (or limitations) of a dealer.

As it transpired, in my search the main dealers (well a couple of them) were better value than the private ads, and had a much bigger choice. Mine's an ex-head office management van and I believe these vans are only available to the main dealers (at least while there are any takers). I'm only speculating but I think a big release of these ex-mgt vehicles led to some of the competitive pricing from the main dealers.

I'd imagine only a very small proportion of Cali's are sold by 'general' dealers. I'm not including VW Campersales (who advertise here), as they have their own niche....being camper specialists (for years) and can offer a large range of brands and sizes, as well as their expertise and perceived impartiality.

The main suppliers of newish vans seem to be 1) Main dealers, 2) hire business unloading stock, 3) Private sellers, 4) Motorhome sellers who have taken Cali's that turned out to be 'too small' in part ex.

What am I missing ? Genuinely looking forward to learn what gap the OP thinks he can fill. It seems he's filling it with Range Rovers and Discoveries which must face the same challenges.

 

[Bellcrew]

This touches on an important point, that may be of interest to the OP. I think he said they were already an established motor trader so he will no doubt know the answer, but it's not evident to me.

I wonder what role a 'general' car dealer has in the supply of nearly used campers?

If I was buying a nearly new van (I just have), number one stop would be a main dealer. I know it's only an illusion, but there is still a bit of prestige in buying from an official channel vs an independent or private. I'd hope that if my van hits problems in year 4, the fact it was supplied by VW would help me argue for 'goodwill' contribution to repairs. If it hits problems in warranty, I'd expect faster reactions / access to courtesy van from the supplying dealer.

Number two preference, would be a private seller, in the hope of getting a bit of a 'bargain'. I'm still protected by the warranty, the van probably won't even of have been serviced, so as long as I'm careful with the checking the roof for kinks, hpi check and the handover of the money, I feel pretty safe and I may get a bargain.

A non franchise dealer would appear to offer non of the advantages......the van is already out of the network, and I'm probably paying a premium over a private sale. I guess if I needed finance, I could get that competitively without needing the assistance (or limitations) of a dealer.

As it transpired, in my search the main dealers (well a couple of them) were better value than the private ads, and had a much bigger choice. Mine's an ex-head office management van and I believe these vans are only available to the main dealers (at least while there are any takers). I'm only speculating but I think a big release of these ex-mgt vehicles led to some of the competitive pricing from the main dealers.

I'd imagine only a very small proportion of Cali's are sold by 'general' dealers. I'm not including VW Campersales (who advertise here), as they have their own niche....being camper specialists (for years) and can offer a large range of brands and sizes, as well as their expertise and perceived impartiality.

The main suppliers of newish vans seem to be 1) Main dealers, 2) hire business unloading stock, 3) Private sellers, 4) Motorhome sellers who have taken Cali's that turned out to be 'too small' in part ex.

What am I missing ? Genuinely looking forward to learn what gap the OP thinks he can fill. It seems he's filling it with Range Rovers and Discoveries which must face the same challenges.

A young man local to me sold a succession of California's through Ebay/Autotrader, He must of bought at a very low price from a dealer. The price he paid would have made him a small profit with free use for a year or so. Obviously some dealers would rather sell to the trade to avoid dropping to a low retail price if over stocked.

 

[Gazellio]

Er is this not my thread with a title and purpose?

 

[larrylamb]

Er is this not my thread with a title and purpose?

However frustrating for you It is an interesting thread/debate. Perhaps it would be easier to have a poll regarding extras instead?? Might be more productive for you.

 

[Rich20]

Best thread I have read in ages.

 

[2into1]

Er is this not my thread with a title and purpose?

It was clearly going nowhere, other than becoming a parody, so I was trying to broaden the debate into something useful.

 

[Gazellio]

OK I understand.

For the record I have a Prestige Car business founded about 12 years ago. My history is in finance having run the West End Standard Life Sales team for some years and then founded AdviceOnline a MoneySupermarket type company that was very successful for about 8 years before it was bought by a large insurer. With financial security sorted I then decided to do what I like to do (Cars/Motorhomes) and started a small Prestige Car sales company that fits a niche being the only car dealer sponsoring the www.disco4.com and www.futfatrr.co.uk forums. I sell 4/5 Range Rovers/Discoveries a month when things go well and its a nice interesting business that gets me travelling all over the UK. I am also a Motorhome enthusiast and have had 5 large vans including Hymer's, Dethleff's and Frankia's as well as three VW California's including two SE's and my current Beach. We spend a month in the summer in Austria/Switzerland/Italy and have several other trips during school holidays.

The purpose of this thread was to gauge opinion on which extras appeal most to buyers based on those extras that seem to be specced by main dealers buying in demonstrators. As a dealer I can sometimes buy used California's at trade prices and on trade terms so no extra owner added. I am familiar with the California and like Range Rovers they are a quality high worth product and am aware they can take a while to sell but sell they do.

Personally I think California's are a good fit beside late model Range Rovers and Discoveries and I know of quite a few people like me who own both.

I am not looking for approval for my business methods just opinion and I thank all the contributors for that its much appreciated. If I have learned one thing its refer to the first post before commenting on a long thread.

Anyway happy for the thread to carry on in whatever direction it takes I am please so many people are contributing.

Best Wishes Gary

 

[owen_h]

To try and follow the 'rules' from the original list I would put:

MUST HAVES

1. Cruise Control
2. Front and Rear Parking Sensors with Rear Camera
3. Timed Parking Heater
4. Comfort Dashboard
5. Steering Wheel Controls

COULD DO WITHOUT

1. LED Headlamps
2. 6.33 Media Centre with Audio/USB
3. Heated Cloth Seats
4. Satellite Navigation
5. Electric Mirrors

My real must have's on a used vehicle would however be
a) 2 seater bench
b) 3 zone Climate
c) cruise control (at least basic)
d) Front & rear parking sensors (with or without rear camera)

b) means I have to have the comfort dash and larger screen 'media Centre' I believe.
Parking heater/cruise/steering wheel controls can be retrofitted to factory spec. 3 zone climate cant (realistically).

 

[2into1]

A young man local to me sold a succession of California's through Ebay/Autotrader, He must of bought at a very low price from a dealer. The price he paid would have made him a small profit with free use for a year or so. Obviously some dealers would rather sell to the trade to avoid dropping to a low retail price if over stocked.

This certainly happened at the end of the T5’s as the T6’s were forecast to arrive. But then they didn’t arrive and those who had helped clear the T5s were sitting pretty. I didn’t think it was a regular route to market and a regular role for independent dealers.

I suspect many of the bigger hire companies sell at a profit at the end of the year, such is their volume discount, particularly if they come from a panel-van background.

 

[2into1]

OK I understand.

For the record I have a Prestige Car business founded about 12 years ago. My history is in finance having run the West End Standard Life Sales team for some years and then founded AdviceOnline a MoneySupermarket type company that was very successful for about 8 years before it was bought by a large insurer. With financial security sorted I then decided to do what I like to do (Cars/Motorhomes) and started a small Prestige Car sales company that fits a niche being the only car dealer sponsoring the www.disco4.com and www.futfatrr.co.uk forums. I sell 4/5 Range Rovers/Discoveries a month when things go well and its a nice interesting business that gets me travelling all over the UK. I am also a Motorhome enthusiast and have had 5 large vans including Hymer's, Dethleff's and Frankia's as well as three VW California's including two SE's and my current Beach. We spend a month in the summer in Austria/Switzerland/Italy and have several other trips during school holidays.

The purpose of this thread was to gauge opinion on which extras appeal most to buyers based on those extras that seem to be specced by main dealers buying in demonstrators. As a dealer I can sometimes buy used California's at trade prices and on trade terms so no extra owner added. I am familiar with the California and like Range Rovers they are a quality high worth product and am aware they can take a while to sell but sell they do.

Personally I think California's are a good fit beside late model Range Rovers and Discoveries and I know of quite a few people like me who own both.

I am not looking for approval for my business methods just opinion and I thank all the contributors for that its much appreciated. If I have learned one thing its refer to the first post before commenting on a long thread.

Anyway happy for the thread to carry on in whatever direction it takes I am please so many people are contributing.

Best Wishes Gary

Off topic!
Only joking. Much more interesting.

 

[Amarillo]

b) means I have to have the comfort dash and larger screen 'media Centre' I believe.

I have the uncomfortable dash and 3 zone climate control.

If you have the comfortable dash you must have the 3 zone, not the other way around.


Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

 

[Gazellio]

I have the uncomfortable dash and 3 zone climate control.

If you have the comfortable dash you must have the 3 zone, not the other way around.


Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

Yup:

Comfort dashboard package:

• Climatronic 3-zone A/C with 2nd evaporator, auxiliary heater, air conditioned headliner and additional passenger rear control
• Dust and pollen filter air outlet in driver's compartment
• Comfort dashboard with wide center console and bottle compartment
• Decorative insert dark brushed silver decorative strip in anthracite metallic
• Without socket in front

You need to also add this:

Composition Media Radio with 6.33" touch screen

• 6 speakers
• Composition Media Radio with 6.33" touch screen
• USB interface (for iPod/Iphone) and AUX-IN jack
• Without navigation system
• Without online service

£ 450, or

Discover Media Navigation system with 6.33" touch screen

• 6 speakers
• Discover Media Navigation system
• Radio/navigation system
• USB interface (for iPod/Iphone) and AUX-IN jack

£930

 

[2into1]

I am not looking for approval for my business methods

I wasn't disapproving of your methods. I've followed the links to your sales site and clearly it is working. I was keen to understand what niche your type of dealership provides.

 

[Gazellio]

My Niche is those Prestige cars (Range Rover & Discovery normally) that are just out of or about to be out of Factory Warranty and therefore of little interest to Main Dealers. They are too expensive for peeps to buy privately so they fit in well with me as a Specialist Independent Dealer that does nothing but sell Range Rovers/Discoveries (and knows his product) and has a great reputation after being the sole dealer sponsor of the two biggest Land Rover Forums (for over ten years with nothing but good feedback). There is always method to my madness & business ventures. Hope that helps.

 

[Volkywagen]

My Niche is those Prestige cars (Range Rover & Discovery normally) that are just out of or about to be out of Factory Warranty and therefore of little interest to Main Dealers. They are too expensive for peeps to buy privately so they fit in well with me as a Specialist Independent Dealer that does nothing but sell Range Rovers/Discoveries (and knows his product) and has a great reputation after being the sole dealer sponsor of the two biggest Land Rover Forums (for over ten years with nothing but good feedback). There is always method to my madness & business ventures. Hope that helps.

Off topic I know but can you get hold of disco 4 commercials

 

[Gazellio]

Yes but I don't stock them

My business works be me being offered cars via various forums and general reputation so it not all sasy to source specific requests.

Gary

 

[Volkywagen]

Yes but I don't stock them

My business works be me being offered cars via various forums and general reputation so it not all sasy to source specific requests.

Gary

Ok thanks