Buy and sell frequently or buy and keep?

[Max-Felix]

We were the ones who purchased the 2011 140SE from Max.

Having owned a split, two bays and two T25’s over the years we were looking for our retirement vehicle. After lots of research we knew we wanted a manual 140, we were not bothered about year but wanted FSH and a clear unmolested van.

We started looking, distance wasn’t an issue so anywhere in the UK was fair game. Trawling through the adverts on a daily basis, several vans almost made the cut, but after a quick phone call or email for some clarification these vans dropped off our list. As soon as we saw Max’s ad on this site we jumped at it, everything was right, one phone call later and a small bank transfer for a deposit, thus proving our commitment to view, we had first refusal.

Now the fun starts, we live in Cumbria, the van was in Sussex, a few days later we set off the view the van, after 5 trains and a tube ride across London Max collected us from the station and took us back to his place for the viewing. The van was exactly as described, the deal was completed and that evening we drove back to Cumbria in our new van.

This was on the September 13th, to date we’ve covered nearly 3000 miles, had zero issues and are extremely pleased with the van.

Although the van came with FSH, it wasn’t fully clear if the timing belt had been changed when the tensioner was, so for peace of mind we’ve had this done at a local independent VW specialist. Our only other expenses have been accessories, namely waterproof seat covers and the rainbow topper.

We’re very pleased with Max’s annual buy sell strategy, it worked for us

Hi Kevin, so pleased to hear you are enjoying the van - it was an absolute pleasure to deal with you and I wish you many, many years of happy times with the Cali.

 

[pjm-84]

Not too bother to change our 2015 Cali until there is a significant change. Although I nearly changed it due to the saga of the electric side door

I hate selling vehicles so typically sell a very good vehicle at a great price, generally to an dealer! I sold my last car (Fiat 500) to WBAC for £1800 but offered it to a friend for £1000 (which he declined as it wasn't fast enough).

 

[Borris]

Old thread I know but as I started it I thought a quick update would be in order.

Our current van is a factory ordered 2019 Beach with pretty much every option included except:

Electric sliders
Dynamic suspension
That orange flashing blindspot light thing in the door mirror.
Faux leather seat coverings and
Flappy paddles

We considered these options to be either pointless or annoying.

This van was a replacement for our almost identical previous Beach and was ordered just days before the T6 production ended. We didn't like the changes in the new T6-1 so saw it as our last chance to get exactly what we wanted! Consequently, this van was purchased as a long term proposition.

The van is now six and a half years old with just over 17k on the odometer. So, at an average of just over 2600 miles a year, we haven't exactly been over using it. To be precise it sits on our driveway most of the time with a monthly charge and diesel heater test. I wash it every few months and remove bird lime as it appears. I take it out every few weeks for a long drive including down local dual carrigeways during which I give it about 20 minutes at a constant 2500 - 3000 rpm to keep the DPF healthy.

As we purchased a four service plan when new and the vehicle was set up on the long life regime, we still have one major service to go. The two year extended warranty has long since expired. So far, (touch wood), no issues.

Until the government of the day moves the goal posts yet again, the annual amount I pay in VED has now reduced to a more modest £200 from the sixty million squillion pounds it was for the first five or so years.

We use the van for picnics and breaks away but not much else.

Having previously bought cars new and sold after one or two years, this Beach was from the outset, intended as a long term ownership prospect. This was mainly because there was, IMO, nothing on the market that was as good at being so versatile as this particular model. There still isn't. So, "Moonlight" is and always has been a keeper!

So, should I sell it?

HELL NO!

 

[Lambeth Cali]

I’m still driving our 2008, bought in 2009. Off to Spain for two weeks in August.

As new. Broken down once 2 years ago. It’ll outlive me.

 

[DaveB]

We've still got our 2016 California bought brand spanking. It's touching 90,000 miles now as we go all over Europe and UK in it. Must admit the interior is looking a bit worn as we've not been as diligent as others in keeping it clean and tidy, but it's like a well loved teddy bear.

I think economically it has worked. We had one major £5k engine bill for a failed pump and a £1k bill for trim replacement when the boot catch failed and could not be opened without cutting into the back. Oh.. and a new awning as ours had the stupid two-piece design fault.

Thing is we love it. Drives as well as it did off the forecourt. I can't be doing with the 7 layout so I'll be keeping it for many years longer.

 

[OGII]

Old thread I know but as I started it I thought a quick update would be in order.

Our current van is a factory ordered 2019 Beach with pretty much every option included except:

Electric sliders
Dynamic suspension
That orange flashing blindspot light thing in the door mirror.
Faux leather seat coverings and
Flappy paddles

We considered these options to be either pointless or annoying.

This van was a replacement for our almost identical previous Beach and was ordered just days before the T6 production ended. We didn't like the changes in the new T6-1 so saw it as our last chance to get exactly what we wanted! Consequently, this van was purchased as a long term proposition.

The van is now six and a half years old with just over 17k on the odometer. So, at an average of just over 2600 miles a year, we haven't exactly been over using it. To be precise it sits on our driveway most of the time with a monthly charge and diesel heater test. I wash it every few months and remove bird lime as it appears. I take it out every few weeks for a long drive including down local dual carrigeways during which I give it about 20 minutes at a constant 2500 - 3000 rpm to keep the DPF healthy.

As we purchased a four service plan when new and the vehicle was set up on the long life regime, we still have one major service to go. The two year extended warranty has long since expired. So far, (touch wood), no issues.

Until the government of the day moves the goal posts yet again, the annual amount I pay in VED has now reduced to a more modest £200 from the sixty million squillion pounds it was for the first five or so years.

We use the van for picnics and breaks away but not much else.

Having previously bought cars new and sold after one or two years, this Beach was from the outset, intended as a long term ownership prospect. This was mainly because there was, IMO, nothing on the market that was as good at being so versatile as this particular model. There still isn't. So, "Moonlight" is and always has been a keeper!

So, should I sell it?

HELL NO!

Great to see you are still out there @Borris

Your comments echo our thoughts, albeit our 2018 Beach is on 45k and also has a VW service left.

Has the rest of your personal motor museum stayed with you?

 

[willwander]

Old thread I know but as I started it I thought a quick update would be in order.

Our current van is a factory ordered 2019 Beach with pretty much every option included except:

Electric sliders
Dynamic suspension
That orange flashing blindspot light thing in the door mirror.
Faux leather seat coverings and
Flappy paddles

We considered these options to be either pointless or annoying.

This van was a replacement for our almost identical previous Beach and was ordered just days before the T6 production ended. We didn't like the changes in the new T6-1 so saw it as our last chance to get exactly what we wanted! Consequently, this van was purchased as a long term proposition.

The van is now six and a half years old with just over 17k on the odometer. So, at an average of just over 2600 miles a year, we haven't exactly been over using it. To be precise it sits on our driveway most of the time with a monthly charge and diesel heater test. I wash it every few months and remove bird lime as it appears. I take it out every few weeks for a long drive including down local dual carrigeways during which I give it about 20 minutes at a constant 2500 - 3000 rpm to keep the DPF healthy.

As we purchased a four service plan when new and the vehicle was set up on the long life regime, we still have one major service to go. The two year extended warranty has long since expired. So far, (touch wood), no issues.

Until the government of the day moves the goal posts yet again, the annual amount I pay in VED has now reduced to a more modest £200 from the sixty million squillion pounds it was for the first five or so years.

We use the van for picnics and breaks away but not much else.

Having previously bought cars new and sold after one or two years, this Beach was from the outset, intended as a long term ownership prospect. This was mainly because there was, IMO, nothing on the market that was as good at being so versatile as this particular model. There still isn't. So, "Moonlight" is and always has been a keeper!

So, should I sell it?

HELL NO!

We’re still happy with our 2019 T6, bought at the same time as you. It was a good time to buy.

 

[Borris]

Great to see you are still out there @Borris

Your comments echo our thoughts, albeit our 2018 Beach is on 45k and also has a VW service left.

Has the rest of your personal motor museum stayed with you?

Yes, I'm still here but less active on social media these days. My choice.

As for my old cars, yes, I still have two plus I have a recent new addition. The wizzard idea was to get rid of my 1912 Austin and replace it with something more suited to modern traffic conditions. As luck would have it, this lovely motor kept calling out to me. The fact that it was first registered on the very day that my wife was born (8th Feb 1952) also the day Queen Elizabeth 2 was proclaimed Queen rather sealed the deal. The trouble is that the Austin is still with me due to a magneto issue!

 

[Borris]

Yes, I'm still here but less active on social media these days. My choice.

As for my old cars, yes, I still have two plus I have a recent new addition. The wizzard idea was to get rid of my 1912 Austin and replace it with something more suited to modern traffic conditions. As luck would have it, this lovely motor kept calling out to me. The fact that it was first registered on the very day that my wife was born (8th Feb 1952) also the day Queen Elizabeth 2 was proclaimed Queen, rather sealed the deal. The trouble is that the Austin is still with me due to a magneto issue!

View attachment 147010

View attachment 147011

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the new car is a 1951 Bentley Mk 6, 4.6 litre 'Big bore' HJ Muliner coachbuilt Sports Saloon. Apparently, one of only 36 of this body style build by HJ Muliner.