Wannabe California Beach owner

[BusyLizzyBee123]

Good evening, Wannabe 3 seat bench California Beach owner here - preferably in cherry red. Planning to mostly use as a day van for family day trips - we live near the coast, so I can see it getting a lot of use as a surrogate beach hut (and much nicer than one too!)

Truth be told - I've always admired the original VW camper vans and had a half-hearted dream of owning one. I guess I must be having a mid-life crisis, or it's something to do with these Covid lockdowns etc that has led me to want to pursue van life now. Went and test drove one last weekend and it was love at first drive/sight. Thankfully my husband is completely on board with the idea too!

I must admit - I'm quite confused as to whether now really is a good time to jump in - given that prices are so high and availability scarce. Even 3 year old vans are almost as much as new - albeit without the year long wait. I always thought if I was spending that much money on something that I'd want to spec it and buy new. But the impulsive part of me thinks if we bought second-hand we could have one right now!

Looking forward to gaining much advice and inspiration from these pages. I have already had many hours of happy reading.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Sounds like you have made the right decision.
I bought ours on a whim and have owned it 13 years.

 

[BusyLizzyBee123]

Be interested to know if anyone thinks this would be a decent purchase? A little searching online shows it's been on the market for 7 months at the Soton branch. Which probably suggests it's not a good buy I am guessing! I know it's over-priced, but I guess a lot of the approved used are because you're getting a warranty etc. I'm amused that driving this one 35 miles down the road, means they've added another grand to the price.

Used Volkswagen Vans | Details - - : Volkswagen UK

www.used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

 

[Sad]

Used Volkswagen Vans | Details - - : Volkswagen UK

www.used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Looks great But certainly an ouch on the price!
The wheels in the pictures are not 16" Clayton wheels...

 

[Georgeo]

Good evening, Wannabe 3 seat bench California Beach owner here - preferably in cherry red. Planning to mostly use as a day van for family day trips - we live near the coast, so I can see it getting a lot of use as a surrogate beach hut (and much nicer than one too!)

Truth be told - I've always admired the original VW camper vans and had a half-hearted dream of owning one. I guess I must be having a mid-life crisis, or it's something to do with these Covid lockdowns etc that has led me to want to pursue van life now. Went and test drove one last weekend and it was love at first drive/sight. Thankfully my husband is completely on board with the idea too!

I must admit - I'm quite confused as to whether now really is a good time to jump in - given that prices are so high and availability scarce. Even 3 year old vans are almost as much as new - albeit without the year long wait. I always thought if I was spending that much money on something that I'd want to spec it and buy new. But the impulsive part of me thinks if we bought second-hand we could have one right now!

Looking forward to gaining much advice and inspiration from these pages. I have already had many hours of happy reading.

Looks good but no mention of a parking heater no fog lights so probably H4 headlights I imagine from the price of my 2019 new beach it is 8k above new price when bought.

 

[BusyLizzyBee123]

Looks good but no mention of a parking heater no fog lights so probably H4 headlights I imagine from the price of my 2019 new beach it is 8k above new price when bought.

That's very informative thanks - was wondering what they cost new in 2018/19. Starting to see more and more being sold due to the rising cost of living - so wondering whether waiting a few more months could take the heat out of the market a bit. Perhaps not if production remains ceased in Ukraine etc.

 

[Rich20]

Try hanging on for one with the night heater. Makes a huge difference to the enjoyability of a Beach

 

[dripster]

Be interested to know if anyone thinks this would be a decent purchase? A little searching online shows it's been on the market for 7 months at the Soton branch. Which probably suggests it's not a good buy I am guessing! I know it's over-priced, but I guess a lot of the approved used are because you're getting a warranty etc. I'm amused that driving this one 35 miles down the road, means they've added another grand to the price.

Used Volkswagen Vans | Details - - : Volkswagen UK

www.used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

That's pretty much the spec of mine (March 2019 model), minus the towbar, which I bought in 2020 for about 10k less than that. We don't have the parking heater, so don't miss it, but I imagine it would be great to have. Other than we have loved having it, it's been used to great days out and short and long(ish) camping trips. Besides the somewhat high price at the moment, you won't regret it.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

- so wondering whether waiting a few more months could take the heat out of the market a bit. Perhaps not if production remains ceased in Ukraine etc.

Unlikely, prices tend to rise when the sun comes out.

 

[Neilos]

My phone blocks the link to the used van so I can’t see it, when buying a used beach I took the view that I’d find one with the features we wanted that couldn’t be added, for us that was-
3 zone climate control
The colour, although I’d have been happy with quite a few colours.
The interior (dark)
App connect (can be added if you replace the whole head unit)
Adaptive cruise control (having had it before)

Then I had lists of nice to haves-
Upgraded headlights, upgraded wheels, reverse camera etc. things you could add later at a cost if you really wanted too.

Our beach is our main car. So our approach was car first. Camping second.

Parking heater was a nice to have on the basis that I can get one added (I was quoted £1200-1400) and relatively straightforward, not quite as nice as factory fit but quite a normal upgrade.

One other thing that’s nice to have is the extra camping lights. In the roof and on the tailgate. Very useful.

Good luck!


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[TheDoc]

Considering the impact of Ukraine on already high inflation rates we could see new car prices continue to rise for a few years. 10% p.a wouldn’t surprise me but I’m no economist. This will keep second hand prices high. You are right that the cost of living could drive people to sell. If things got tight for me though I’d rather sell one of my motorbikes or cars than my beach, which makes for a cheap and fun holiday, but we are all different.

 

[BusyLizzyBee123]

All valid points - I'm aware we should really have been looking in Oct-ish to beat the rush - end of season, rather than start of season. There's nothing to say that we couldn't wait- but it would be a shame to miss this summer's fun and fine weather. However we are also looking at one as our second car and not just a holiday vehicle.

The second hand one I'm going to look at has been part-ex'd due to the cost of living increase, so people are taking that move already. Although in the case of California's - as fewer are produced, I imagine that's one reason prices stay buoyant.

It's interesting to know what can be added after market - I'm not a person that changes their vehicles regularly at all, so I'm not really in the know. In the 23 years I've been driving - I've only owned 2 cars. Every time I change, it feels like such a massive upgrade because tech has moved on so much! haha

 

[Neilos]

All valid points - I'm aware we should really have been looking in Oct-ish to beat the rush - end of season, rather than start of season. There's nothing to say that we couldn't wait- but it would be a shame to miss this summer's fun and fine weather. However we are also looking at one as our second car and not just a holiday vehicle.

The second hand one I'm going to look at has been part-ex'd due to the cost of living increase, so people are taking that move already. Although in the case of California's - as fewer are produced, I imagine that's one reason prices stay buoyant.

It's interesting to know what can be added after market - I'm not a person that changes their vehicles regularly at all, so I'm not really in the know. In the 23 years I've been driving - I've only owned 2 cars. Every time I change, it feels like such a massive upgrade because tech has moved on so much! haha

We don’t change our vehicles often either. My golf is 9 now and plan to keep till wheels come off it. The beach does feel like something that will last a very long time. It’s well made and they’re designed to do high miles. Provided you use it regularly and service properly should last, It saves us a lot in accommodation fees and we just love camping and being outdoors. Except when it’s raining. Then it can feel like hard work but that’s British camping for you!

I think those late T6 beaches were a bit of a sweet spot.


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[California_Ocean]

Good evening, Wannabe 3 seat bench California Beach owner here - preferably in cherry red. Planning to mostly use as a day van for family day trips - we live near the coast, so I can see it getting a lot of use as a surrogate beach hut (and much nicer than one too!)

Truth be told - I've always admired the original VW camper vans and had a half-hearted dream of owning one. I guess I must be having a mid-life crisis, or it's something to do with these Covid lockdowns etc that has led me to want to pursue van life now. Went and test drove one last weekend and it was love at first drive/sight. Thankfully my husband is completely on board with the idea too!

I must admit - I'm quite confused as to whether now really is a good time to jump in - given that prices are so high and availability scarce. Even 3 year old vans are almost as much as new - albeit without the year long wait. I always thought if I was spending that much money on something that I'd want to spec it and buy new. But the impulsive part of me thinks if we bought second-hand we could have one right now!

Looking forward to gaining much advice and inspiration from these pages. I have already had many hours of happy reading.

We were in exactly the same situation as you describe ... always wanted a VW Camper, dreamt of a T1 since I got my driving licence in 1985. Never could afford one, and then in November 2021 I had a bit of a mid life crisis too and thought I'd have a look at a new VW California Ocean .... I rapidly learnt 2 things ...

They are extortionately expensive
They are rare as hens teeth unless you are prepared to wait a year

We decided to spec one on the VW site anyway - basically to come up with a minimum set of features we were not prepared to compromise on. Then we set about hunting through all the dealers in Germany to see what they had. After a few weeks of fruitless phone calls and E-Mails I found an ex-display model for sale in late December and we responded to the dealers advert about an hour after it turned up on the internet - that's how long it took us to compare the spec with what we wanted - it was almost a perfect fit. We drove 250kms the same day, checked it over and bought it on the spot. Mid-January we were the proud owners of a beautiful California Ocean in Candy White/Bayleaf Green. ... don't give up hope, miracles do happen.

 

[BusyLizzyBee123]

It's a beaut! Was it complicated to bring one back from abroad?

 

[California_Ocean]

It's a beaut! Was it complicated to bring one back from abroad?

Not sure if this question was asked of me, we are British exiles living in Germany, so it's German registered. The pic is of our first outing to Lake Garda in Italy, then we returned via Lake Como and then through Switzerland and Austria. It is everything I envisaged in a VW Camper - hasn't quite got the "character" of the originals but time moves on and the creature comforts are way beyond what you'd get in a classic. Very happy camper.

 

[PhilSut1]

Good evening, Wannabe 3 seat bench California Beach owner here - preferably in cherry red. Planning to mostly use as a day van for family day trips - we live near the coast, so I can see it getting a lot of use as a surrogate beach hut (and much nicer than one too!)

Truth be told - I've always admired the original VW camper vans and had a half-hearted dream of owning one. I guess I must be having a mid-life crisis, or it's something to do with these Covid lockdowns etc that has led me to want to pursue van life now. Went and test drove one last weekend and it was love at first drive/sight. Thankfully my husband is completely on board with the idea too!

I must admit - I'm quite confused as to whether now really is a good time to jump in - given that prices are so high and availability scarce. Even 3 year old vans are almost as much as new - albeit without the year long wait. I always thought if I was spending that much money on something that I'd want to spec it and buy new. But the impulsive part of me thinks if we bought second-hand we could have one right now!

Looking forward to gaining much advice and inspiration from these pages. I have already had many hours of happy reading.

hi there, I've got a great 3 seat bench Beach for sale in Salsa Red. It's 2015 but only 31k miles, owned since new and in great condition. It has years of happy camping left in it. It's listed in the classifieds on here if you'd like to take a look. I'd also be happy to have a chat if you'd be interested. I've priced it very competitively as I'm hoping for a quick sale

 

[CALI FATE]

Buy best fit - order a new Beach - in 12 months you can sell the best fit for more than you paid for it - win win win

 

[s2bear]

It's a beaut! Was it complicated to bring one back from abroad?

It’s not too complicated. You just need to get the certificate of conformity and foreign reg docs with the van. Drive it back to the uk and pay the vat if any is due (email HMRC with the details and they come back to you quite quickly - 48 hrs). More than 6months old/6,000 Kms no vat, if it’s new, you buy it VAT free in the country of purchase and then pay the VAT in the UK.

Get a VAT registered garage/MOT Centre to confirm in writing that the lights and speedo are uk compliant detailing any changes they made to make it compliant.
(The MFD can be changed using Carista to permanently show MPH on all menus, Headlights may need swapping to UK spec if they’re not LED or can’t be switched to ‘travel mode’) Send that to the vehicle certification agency to get a certificate of mutual recognition if it’s LHD. (5 days)

Send that and supporting documentation to the dvla and wait for your registration number. (How long is a piece of string?)

You should also be able to get fully comp insurance to bring it home on a Beach, much more easily than an Ocean. Don’t ask me why, it just is that way.
It sounds daunting but if you just set the time aside and like forms, it shouldn’t be too bad.


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[BusyLizzyBee123]

Buy best fit - order a new Beach - in 12 months you can sell the best fit for more than you paid for it - win win win

This is what the dealer suggested. I am considering it.

 

[TheDoc]

Could you buy, spend 6 months travelling round Europe and save yourself the VAT?

 

[Kayleigh]

hi there, I've got a great 3 seat bench Beach for sale in Salsa Red. It's 2015 but only 31k miles, owned since new and in great condition. It has years of happy camping left in it. It's listed in the classifieds on here if you'd like to take a look. I'd also be happy to have a chat if you'd be interested. I've priced it very competitively as I'm hoping for a quick sale

Looks like a pretty good buy to me!

 

[Corradobrit]

Could you buy, spend 6 months travelling round Europe and save yourself the VAT?

You'd be paying the VAT in the country of purchase, so no escaping the taxes for 'normal' folk (diplomatic corp might get some tax benefits)

 

[TheDoc]

You'd be paying the VAT in the country of purchase, so no escaping the taxes for 'normal' folk (diplomatic corp might get some tax benefits)

There’s no escaping the taxman then! :-(

 

[Corradobrit]

There’s no escaping the taxman then! :-(

Many have tried but few succeed.