High mileage T6 beach - depreciation disaster or fine?

[JimP1992]

It ended, no bids.
I think that says everything.

I mean, it is winter and there is a lot of stock out there. The auction ran for what, 10 days? I imagine most Calis take a month to 6 weeks to sell at this time of the year? Also, I can imagine almost everyone would want to view and inspect prior to purchase? I don’t personally think that it having no bids says everything about that particular vehicle.

 

[Ozzy Pete]

A good honest competitively priced vehicle will always sell whatever the time of year. But one that is a bit dubious with a very high mileage will always take much longer after price reductions.
The VW California is a multi purpose vehicle and not just a Campervan/motorhome.

 

[jonnystrong2000]

On my quest for a T6 beach I have spotted a 150 with 160k. It’s around the £30k mark which is cheaper than I have seen T5 beaches. Nice spec, only downside is mileage. I’m confident that a well looked after one can hold the miles so it’s mainly resale that I’m worried about. I’m not flush so this is a significant purchase for me.

Nuts idea or so even high mileage versions have decent residuals?

General calculation is 0.5% per 1000 miles over or under, so a van that is 20000miles over national average (10_12k pa) the value should be 10% cheaper than guide price, or 10% more if 20000 miles under. Another way to work out average is about 1000pcm miles

 

[da_murphster]

So….
Oil health check…..done
Specialist garage inspection……done
Price agreed, pending compression test results…done
Compression test by vw….. awaiting results

Might be picking this up today.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

So….
Oil health check…..done
Specialist garage inspection……done
Price agreed, pending compression test results…done
Compression test by vw….. awaiting results

Might be picking this up today.

We all want to know the price!?

 

[JimP1992]

So….
Oil health check…..done
Specialist garage inspection……done
Price agreed, pending compression test results…done
Compression test by vw….. awaiting results

Might be picking this up today.

Nice one. Good spec and, in my opinion, a reasonable price (assuming you paid £30K).

Blackberry is my favourite colour as well.

 

[da_murphster]

Nice one. Good spec and, in my opinion, a reasonable price (assuming you paid £30K).

Blackberry is my favourite colour as well.

Under £30k with a tent thrown in. The inspection said it was in better condition than ones they have seen with a quarter of the mileage. The inspector has a t6 150bhp engine with 250k on it running fine.

So hopefully depreciation is my only risk but I reckon the euro 6 should help bolster that vs older, lower mileage, vans.

 

[JimP1992]

Under £30k with a tent thrown in. The inspection said it was in better condition than ones they have seen with a quarter of the mileage. The inspector has a t6 150bhp engine with 250k on it running fine.

So hopefully depreciation is my only risk but I reckon the euro 6 should help bolster that vs older, lower mileage, vans.

Sounds good. Yeah, they’re commercial vehicles so are built to last, and likely the mileage is from predominantly motorway miles… they’re there to be used. I reckon you got a good buy, but others opinions will likely differ - enjoy!

 

[Ministig10]

@da_murphster I stumbled upon this thread researching for a T6 Cali I was interested in that was on the higher side of miles like yourself. That deal didn’t work out, I paid a deposit and it was sold to someone else, not very gentlemanly at all, but hey ho!

A very long shot, but if you still have your van and are thinking of selling please let me know!

Cheers
James

 

[da_murphster]

I still have it!

Will pass 200k this year and is been all round Europe and Uk as a fantastic family wagon.

I'll get some photos up as it's mildly pimped now.

It has had niggles: starter motor, oil leaks etc but I'm on top of it now so hopefully easy ownership.

No plans to sell, although I was tempted by some recent cheap leases on a t7 California.

 

[Blue Yonder]

On my quest for a T6 beach I have spotted a 150 with 160k. It’s around the £30k mark which is cheaper than I have seen T5 beaches. Nice spec, only downside is mileage. I’m confident that a well looked after one can hold the miles so it’s mainly resale that I’m worried about. I’m not flush so this is a significant purchase for me.

Nuts idea or so even high mileage versions have decent residuals?

I would say some major components will need attention every 80 k miles not part of normal servicing schedule. Brakes rotors pads, dampers, rubber bushes, batteries, EGR cooler inlet manifold and inlet valve cleaning. Ideally they will have change fit for life fluids at some point (if 5 motion then , bevel box and rear differential axle only, not to be confused with Haldex coupling fluid, power steering fluid too. Check when the last done. Use a scan tool and scan for faults and DPF ash loading if over 80g it will need to come off for cleaning if over 100g may not be cleanable if over 140g new DPF required
At 160k glow plugs due for changing some crank case seals may be weeping, DMF needs careful examination as it could be letting go, but they can fail much earlier too.
App

 

[da_murphster]

@Blue Yonder

So I'm a 3.5 years into owning it now....but you have some valid points, although as you say I think many of the T6 issues are valid from 80k.

Mine has had glow plugs, new discs/pads and caliper refurbished (my choice, did not need doing).

Not had any dpf issues - I just let it do its thing. I do a fair few very long motorway jaunts (Europe etc) so I would like to think its had plenty of chance to clean itself.

No known issues with the DMF etc - as far as know its all original clutch etc.

I'm on CRS spec Koni suspension now so shocks all new.

I will likely do crank seals and water pump etc next year.

Lots of this is normal maint on a higher mileage car - not reflective on mine having done near 200k!