Unusual problem most don't have - I own two cali beaches whuch one

[swisspace]

Hi all,

I expect not many have this issue but first a bit of background, in 2014 while happily married we bought a 2014 cali 4M beach euro 5, spec was very high (cost more than a base ocean model) including the three main requirements large tank towbar and diff lock, I had a landrover before so the idea was to put my mark on it later and prepare it for extreme world travel, so the single turnbo and manual gear box was chosen and normal suspension.

Unfortunatley roll on to 2023 and my ex and I decided to part our ways (we were unfortunate victim really of circumstances but enough on that ) she was more astute than me so got the house and the beach, I missed it so spent a lot of time searching and finally took out a loan and bought a very low mileage 2019 beach also high specced but different in that it is a biturbo DSG model which strangely is stamped euro 6d was one of the very last models, the guy who I bought it from was into racing cars so it had slightly lowered suspension and KW coilovers along with 20"wheels - the racing driver part is relevant because anyone who says these things can't go around corners or handle like a car is wrong it was setup perfectly, plus it had the leather alacantra trim so inside felt much plusher.

Roll onto now and my finances have suffered greatly from the divorce so my now ex kindly suggested that I BUY back the 2014 beach which now has 200,000 Kms on it albeait for a good price, here idea is that I could sell the 2019 model pay of the loan and not have the monthly payment

Now here is the issue, which one do I sell

I will likely head back to the UK in a year or two as I retire and driving there is no problem in a LHD bus as you sit high enough up and I plan to tour outside of the UK anyway

BTW here is a bonus for reading so far I hated the DSG at first it's terrible compared to that of a car had all the reported problems issue reversing, wheel spin at junctions etc, reset it and was thinking of getting it remapped BUT then someone at work suggested getting a PEDALBOX which I did (PRO wireless version) and it has transformed it totally plus its completly reversible and cheaper than a remap so now I am happy with the DSG

Pluses of 2019 - just feels more luxurious, I like the extra power of the biturbo and economically its not too much different to the 2014 range is ok despite having the smaller tank which is the ne of the three wishes I compromised on i.e. it has the towbar and locking diff. it has the auto dip headlights and ACC which is great as I often do Switzerland to UK in a day so it helps on the French motorways. the other thing I like is the built in phone connection satnav and led lights and as mentioned its euro 6d so I could drive it into cities if I wish and its only done 40,000 Kms

the advantages of the 2014 model are the engines should be more reliable it should be cheaper to run and some of the 2019 models advantages can be retro installed and it would clear my loan and put some cash back in my account.

I have had differeing opinions from friends and family there is the clear keep the 2014 model due to cost and the others who say the 2019 because its newer and less likly to need repairs - I guess the 2014 is due a cambelt service etc..

I have a kitchen and other camping essentials but they are essentially interchangable, so now I hand it over to you experts for opinions and assistance in my decision

let the fun begin!

 

[larrylamb]

Keep the one you can afford.

 

[swisspace]

I could possibly afford either, If I sold the 2014 it should be for more that my ex asked for and that would ease the finances a little but it would still mean living miserly for a year until the 2019 is paid off.

Not sure if its relevant but the 2014 T5.1 called Malwen is sandy beige and the 2019 is white called (panda) as it has a black matt wrap on the lower half (which needs removing or renewing)

For world travel the 2014 would be a better base to start from.

BTW has anyone heard that the smaller 70l tank can be enlarged to 80l by removing a plastic block - not found any info on it but a dealer here mentioned it

 

[Sad]

If it were me, I’d probably stick with the 2019.

Yes, the 2014 has its charm and would clear the loan, but 200k km is no small number, and I suspect running costs and future repairs could creep up. You've already gone through the hassle of finding a good-spec Beach, sorted the DSG issues with the PedalBox, and it sounds like you actually enjoy driving it now.

The 2019’s got decent economy, modern comforts, and it’s Euro 6d — that gives you more flexibility if you're touring Europe or end up needing access to cities. And with only 40k on the clock, it should be good for years.

If the finances are manageable, I’d say keep the newer van and enjoy it.

 

[Kayleigh]

As a late T6 Beach owner with similar mileage to yours, there is no way I would sell it for a T5 to save some money, even if it means being poorer for a year. If you can buy the T5 for a good price and are confident in making a profit, that could be an option.
I just checked and mine is Euro 6 DG. What does that actually mean in practice though?

 

[swisspace]

As a late T6 Beach owner with similar mileage to yours, there is no way I would sell it for a T5 to save some money, even if it means being poorer for a year. If you can buy the T5 for a good price and are confident in making a profit, that could be an option.
I just checked and mine is Euro 6 DG. What does that actually mean in practice though?

I have never come across the G rating and can't find it online, there is a 6d-temp and a 6d so maybe it stands for general, perhaps someone knows more, I think in practice it means it meets current Ultra Low Emission zone requirements across Europe.

The decision is tricky because they are both the same model and have the same function so in terms of actually changing my life there is not much in it, if I was heading now back to the UK the 2014 would make sense I would modify as an extreme camper and then buy a small RHD car as a general runaround and save the beach for camping/travel but the 2019 would be more expensive to just have sitting around for holidays. But I will likely stay here and work for a year (or two) after retirement age (my teenage sons will probably stay here in Switzerland)

 

[swisspace]

If it were me, I’d probably stick with the 2019.

Yes, the 2014 has its charm and would clear the loan, but 200k km is no small number, and I suspect running costs and future repairs could creep up. You've already gone through the hassle of finding a good-spec Beach, sorted the DSG issues with the PedalBox, and it sounds like you actually enjoy driving it now.

The 2019’s got decent economy, modern comforts, and it’s Euro 6d — that gives you more flexibility if you're touring Europe or end up needing access to cities. And with only 40k on the clock, it should be good for years.

If the finances are manageable, I’d say keep the newer van and enjoy it.

The DSG is much much better but I haven't driven it off the beaten track yet whereas I know where I am with a manual box, considering my career I ironically hate having too much technology in something I rely on ( thats why I didn't go newer than 2019)

 

[sticky1]

The DSG is much much better but I haven't driven it off the beaten track yet whereas I know where I am with a manual box, considering my career I ironically hate having too much technology in something I rely on ( thats why I didn't go newer than 2019)

I think you should take the 2014, from what you are saying it has all the features you want especially as you seem to be planning on travelling once you retire.
The early engines are workhorses and if it has been well maintained could do double the mileage, especially as it sounds like much of the mileage has been long motorway trips.
I like auto boxes, especially off road, but only if you have low range and diff lock, again the manual is going to win.
There are a load of upgrades you could do to the older vehicle, add solar and change to lithium, set the suspension up like the 2019 and still be better off.

 

[chockswahay]

Having read all the above it looks to me like you have already made your mind up and are seeking validation.

Keep the older one

 

[Wish]

If the cheaper (younger) one ticks ALL the boxes keep that one. If selling the newer van will cause more "sellers remorse" than selling the older van sell the older van. The other option is try selling both... which ever one goes for a price your happy with... no longer a problem

 

[swisspace]

If the cheaper (younger) one ticks ALL the boxes keep that one. If selling the newer van will cause more "sellers remorse" than selling the older van sell the older van. The other option is try selling both... which ever one goes for a price your happy with... no longer a problem

Interesting I was thinking of advertising both as you suggested and see what happens, If I had to leave today for a long drive to the UK I would easily choose the 2019, however once in the UK and driving around locally either would be fine, before pedal box though the 2014 would have been preferred choice, as a daily driver the newer one is more car like, but then there is UK roads

As it's likely I will stay here in CH for another couple of years I would prefer to drive the newer one , but once retired and back in the UK the older one would be fine to use

 

[swisspace]

Having read all the above it looks to me like you have already made your mind up and are seeking validation.

Keep the older one

sadly thats not the case, I wish it was clearcut, I am seeking opinions to help decide there are pluses and minuses to both

 

[swisspace]

I think you should take the 2014, from what you are saying it has all the features you want especially as you seem to be planning on travelling once you retire.
The early engines are workhorses and if it has been well maintained could do double the mileage, especially as it sounds like much of the mileage has been long motorway trips.
I like auto boxes, especially off road, but only if you have low range and diff lock, again the manual is going to win.
There are a load of upgrades you could do to the older vehicle, add solar and change to lithium, set the suspension up like the 2019 and still be better off.

I plan to switch to air suspension at some point, I like the idea of auto levelling I have seen some really high mileage early models, and yes its mostly been used for long trips, but probably needs a new clutch soon, the newer one has an extended warranty

 

[swisspace]

Just did the conversion 200,000 kms is 125,000 miles and 40,000 kms is 25,000 miles so mileage on older one doesn't look wuite so high

 

[Stargazing]

I would advertise both and whichever goes first, keep the other. Decision is made for you then.

 

[larrylamb]

What about uk import duties that will be pricey on either?
Also if relocating to the UK permanently a modified LHD T6 Beach might be harder to shift than the 2014 T5.1 when the time comes to sell/upgrade etc.

 

[swisspace]

What about uk import duties that will be pricey on either?
Also if relocating to the UK permanently a modified LHD T6 Beach might be harder to shift than the 2014 T5.1 when the time comes to sell/upgrade etc.

good points I need to double check but I don't think there will be any import duties on either due to transfer of residence

 

[Kimbo]

Sell the one that reminds you of the wife when you look at it

 

[FivetonesCali]

So jealous of the European 4motion Beach models!

The other consideration is the unreliability of the BiTDI models. The later t6.1engines are the ones to have. If the 2019 is the 199 (not 204) then these are better apparently.

 

[FivetonesCali]

Thread '- 204ps Bi-Turbo CXEB T6 Engine & Turbo problems -'
https://www.t6forum.com/threads/204ps-bi-turbo-cxeb-t6-engine-turbo-problems.52916/

 

[swisspace]

So jealous of the European 4motion Beach models!

The other consideration is the unreliability of the BiTDI models. The later t6.1engines are the ones to have. If the 2019 is the 199 (not 204) then these are better apparently.

Thanks I did my research before buying and its the 199 version and has had regular oil changes, don't know why they didn't ship the same models to UK, Swiss specs are also quite high compared to German models

 

[swisspace]

meanwhile I am seeing what else I can liquidate instead, to buy me some time

 

[sticky1]

good points I need to double check but I don't think there will be any import duties on either due to transfer of residence

You will have to go through the whole import duty process, pay VAT, import duty and then get the car converted to UK spec / approval.