What are the down sides moving from a GC600 3.5T to a GC680 apart from the obvious size difference?

[DMC]

Hi, I’m looking for some help/opinions on the pros and cons of moving from a GC600 (currently 3.5T) to a GC680. I use the my GC mainly in Europe where I believe the toll roads in France are more expensive for vehicles over 3.5T.
I would appreciate opinions, particularly from those who have moved to a larger vehicle. Also, has anyone done it and regretted it? If so, why? Many thanks.

 

[dennfo]

We did it - we haven’t really found any downsides for us. Yes, there can be an issue in some places in France where there is a 3.5t limitation, but we really didn’t find it to be a problem in 4 1/2 months in Germany, France, Spain. In Scotland, there was one camping spot where we only just fitted in. That’s it for our experience - but the additional space far outweighs those couple of limitations.

 

[AndrewCook680]

I found we got charged the same rate as a 600 on the French peage tolls, since we were under 3m.
We rented a 600 for a week before we bought at 680 and it is noticeable the longer wheel base of the 680 makes it a better driving experience on roads, it seems more stable.
Yes it’s harder to park, sometimes I take a look on Google street view before going somewhere to park.
But overall the benefits outweigh the cons and we could only get 4motion in a 680 anyway

 

[DMC]

We did it - we haven’t really found any downsides for us. Yes, there can be an issue in some places in France where there is a 3.5t limitation, but we really didn’t find it to be a problem in 4 1/2 months in Germany, France, Spain. In Scotland, there was one camping spot where we only just fitted in. That’s it for our experience - but the additional space far outweighs those couple of limitations.

Many thanks Dennfo.
Is there a difference in the vehicle excise duty (road tax) between a GC600 & GC680?

 

[DMC]

I found we got charged the same rate as a 600 on the French peage tolls, since we were under 3m.
We rented a 600 for a week before we bought at 680 and it is noticeable the longer wheel base of the 680 makes it a better driving experience on roads, it seems more stable.
Yes it’s harder to park, sometimes I take a look on Google street view before going somewhere to park.
But overall the benefits outweigh the cons and we could only get 4motion in a 680 anyway

Thanks Andrew, it is interesting re the French road tolls also the driving experience because to be fair the GC600 is pretty good to drive.

 

[dennfo]

Many thanks Dennfo.
Is there a difference in the vehicle excise duty (road tax) between a GC600 & GC680?

Yes, bizarrely 3.8t pays less - £180 per year

 

[DMC]

Yes, bizarrely 3.8t pays less - £180 per year

That’s a bonus.