Just moving into buying phase

[JD109]

Hi, after thinking about it for literally years, we’ve recently hired a Cali, and decided to buy at some point over the next 6 months. Just started looking, with a budget of £45k tops. I’ve seen a T6 on 67 plate, Euro 6, with 54k miles for sale at a dealer for £45k. It seems to tick all the boxes, but since we’ve just started looking I’m not sure if we’ve just been lucky to find one right away, or if we can possibly get a better option if we wait.

Ideal would be a 6.1 coast or ocean, but those seem out of reach.

We’d probably prefer to buy from a dealer for added protection on such a major purchase.

Thanks for any advice/thoughts.

 

[larrylamb]

It seems to tick all the boxes, but since we’ve just started looking I’m not sure if we’ve just been lucky to find one right away, or if we can possibly get a better option if we wait.

Hi, it's no Unicorn, there will be lots of others and the next few months will be a good time to buy with less interest in campervans generally. Don't dismiss buying through this site, there are always lots of adverts and owners on here are generally fanatical about their VW.

 

[JD109]

Hi, it's no Unicorn, there will be lots of others and the next few months will be a good time to buy with less interest in campervans generally. Don't dismiss buying through this site, there are always lots of adverts and owners on here are generally fanatical about their VW.

Thanks, and I get it. I'd love to buy from an owner, but not being particularly mechanically savvy, and based in Glasgow (vast majority of vans for sale seem to a fair distance away), it seems quite difficult logistically to view vans and meet owners. I'll keep it in mind though if something comes up close to hand. Thanks for response.

 

[Barnic]

Can vouch for Braithwaites Garage in Penrith Cumbria, if it helps, bought ours from them and had a great experience, there was a couple from Edinburgh collecting a Cali when we were there, about 120miles from Glasgow, we traveled twice that.
Worth keeping an eye or reaching out to them in advance of being ready.
Just looked and they do currently have a 2018 Ocean with 68k miles £47k

 

[DGB99]

A second vote for Braithwaites in Penrith - local(ish) to me but excellent after sales support and only 2 hours from Glasgow.

 

[JD109]

Can vouch for Braithwaites Garage in Penrith Cumbria, if it helps, bought ours from them and had a great experience, there was a couple from Edinburgh collecting a Cali when we were there, about 120miles from Glasgow, we traveled twice that.
Worth keeping an eye or reaching out to them in advance of being ready.
Just looked and they do currently have a 2018 Ocean with 68k miles £47k

Thanks, that’s a useful heads-up. You’re right Penrith is well within our travelling distance. That £47k van looks good but from what I’ve picked up I’m avoiding BiTDI versions due to posts I’ve read here of higher incidence of engine issues. Great to have the recommendation of that dealer though. Thanks.

 

[DMC]

3rd vote for Braithwaites. We sold our1st Cali to them and they were very easy to deal with.

 

[Barnic]

Thanks, that’s a useful heads-up. You’re right Penrith is well within our travelling distance. That £47k van looks good but from what I’ve picked up I’m avoiding BiTDI versions due to posts I’ve read here of higher incidence of engine issues. Great to have the recommendation of that dealer though. Thanks.

You’re welcome, think it’s helpful to pass on a positive experience when it’s worthy, doesn’t look like it’s just us.
All the best, hope you find the right Cali that ticks the boxes when ready.

 

[sambraithwaite]

Thanks, that’s a useful heads-up. You’re right Penrith is well within our travelling distance. That £47k van looks good but from what I’ve picked up I’m avoiding BiTDI versions due to posts I’ve read here of higher incidence of engine issues. Great to have the recommendation of that dealer though. Thanks.

Hi, that van has had the EGR system overhauled this year which is the main issue that can occur on the BiTDi engine. Understand if you'd still prefer a 150bhp model though. Feel free to give us a call if you'd like any info on any of our vans. Thanks!

 

[JD109]

Hi, thanks for taking trouble to respond. For long term pice of mind we’re probably set on sourcing a 150bhp model. I’ll keep an eye on your stock in the coming months. Thanks again. J

 

[karen a r]

I would endorse the view not to discount private sales on this site. You can do video calls/walk throughs and you can pretty soon suss out if someone is genuine. As the previous person said, Cali owners are often fanatical about their vans and you often get a lot of upgrades and extras on these sales. You can also get an AA or RAC vehicle check organised very quickly if the van doesn't have any warranty. Good luck!

 

[colintfcolintf]

I would endorse the view not to discount private sales on this site. You can do video calls/walk throughs and you can pretty soon suss out if someone is genuine. As the previous person said, Cali owners are often fanatical about their vans and you often get a lot of upgrades and extras on these sales. You can also get an AA or RAC vehicle check organised very quickly if the van doesn't have any warranty. Good luck!

I bought my preloved example from a fellow member on here. No regrets buying privately. The remainder of the extended warranty got transferred to me, and since renewed

 

[JD109]

I would endorse the view not to discount private sales on this site. You can do video calls/walk throughs and you can pretty soon suss out if someone is genuine. As the previous person said, Cali owners are often fanatical about their vans and you often get a lot of upgrades and extras on these sales. You can also get an AA or RAC vehicle check organised very quickly if the van doesn't have any warranty. Good luck!

Thanks, I’m getting the message, and it makes total sense. It would normally be my preference, and we’ve bought caravans in the past privately, but generally less than £10k and much simpler items. I guess I’m just pretty cautious and for us it’s such a large sum of money for a private sale, with virtually no comeback if there’s an issue. We’ll keep an eye on the classifieds here over next few months. Thanks for the advice.

 

[acer]

I find it so interesting how I can often read two posts that have diametrically opposed views and agree with them both 100%.
Does it mean perhaps that I don’t know my own mind?
Somebody tell me please - I’m really not sure

 

[chockswahay]

It’s a shame I’m so far away in Cornwall as selling mine after next week

 

[JD109]

I find it so interesting how I can often read two posts that have diametrically opposed views and agree with them both 100%.
Does it mean perhaps that I don’t know my own mind?
Somebody tell me please - I’m really not sure

 

[JD109]

It’s a shame I’m so far away in Cornwall as selling mine after next week

View attachment 152448

Thanks. It looks a real beauty. I’ll have a good look at that when you post. We did travel to Rye to buy a t@b caravan 6 years ago. I should say that driving a green and white camper in my part of the world can attract some unwanted attention!