Ready to take the plunge (T6vT6.1)

[chorltonian]

Been mulling this for about 2 years, but with retirement imminent I'm ready. So aiming for either a late model T6 or early T6.1 - any reason to avoid early T6.1s (e.g. tech issues)?

And would you consider ex-rental? I guess they generally are well maintained but have been 'occupied' more than the average camper so maybe unavoidable wear and tear.

 

[colintfcolintf]

You could do a lot worse than by a preloved one from a fellow forum member within the classified here. That’s how I sourced mine.

 

[Hawthorn37]

Been mulling this for about 2 years, but with retirement imminent I'm ready. So aiming for either a late model T6 or early T6.1 - any reason to avoid early T6.1s (e.g. tech issues)?

And would you consider ex-rental? I guess they generally are well maintained but have been 'occupied' more than the average camper so maybe unavoidable wear and tear.

You’re fairly safe with your criteria. Later (2022 on ) Cali’s tended to have issue with canvas roof leaks.

You’re probably right in thinking ex-rentals will be maintained, and they’re likely to be cheaper. A word or two of caution. Owners get to know you need to be careful about how you use the interior (don’t force things / take it easy), whereas renters don’t. You’re likely to discover some issues with door catches, cupboards and seat/ handbrake/ C-pillar trim from turning front seats round. You’d also need to carefully inspect the alignment of the roof and any rips in canvas.Lastly an ex-rental might be harder to resell.

If you can find one on this forum that would be your best bet.

 

[Wannabecamperman]

You’re fairly safe with your criteria. Later (2022 on ) Cali’s tended to have issue with canvas roof leaks.

You’re probably right in thinking ex-rentals will be maintained, and they’re likely to be cheaper. A word or two of caution. Owners get to know you need to be careful about how you use the interior (don’t force things / take it easy), whereas renters don’t. You’re likely to discover some issues with door catches, cupboards and seat/ handbrake/ C-pillar trim from turning front seats round. You’d also need to carefully inspect the alignment of the roof and any rips in canvas.Lastly an ex-rental might be harder to resell.

If you can find one on this forum that would be your best bet.

Several ex-rental 22- 24 plates with full VW history in decent looking nick from as little as £55k, still in warranty too!

 

[chorltonian]

You could do a lot worse than by a preloved one from a fellow forum member within the classified here. That’s how I sourced mine.

I'm keeping an eye on the ads

 

[Kayleigh]

If changing my T6 to a T6.1, I would avoid anything registered from Q4 2022 onwards. That’s when the bellows changed and all the issues started. I would probably try to find a well specced Coast rather than an Ocean as it has the manual roof, so less to go wrong in the future. That’s just my personal view.
As it is, I’m still very happy with my T6 Beach though.

 

[WelshGas]

I'm keeping an eye on the ads

Don't get hung up looking for low milage vehicles. Low milage means long periods lying idle and more likely problems. These are commercial vehicles and designed to be used. Also short trips/low milage not good for diesels.

 

[Up10]

If changing my T6 to a T6.1, I would avoid anything registered from Q4 2022 onwards. That’s when the bellows changed and all the issues started. I would probably try to find a well specced Coast rather than an Ocean as it has the manual roof, so less to go wrong in the future. That’s just my personal view.
As it is, I’m still very happy with my T6 Beach though.

Horses for courses. We have a 2024 registered T6.1 204 4wd Ocean which we love and suits our purposes really well.
We like the fact it is fully fitted and has an electric pop top. But then we travel for weeks in mountainous regions and I am developing a hand condition which makes a manual roof more challenging!
Agree with @WelshGas about mileage. How it is driven is also important. Long journeys are good and they need to be driven with purpose. Ie keeping the revs at a decent level.
Our previous van did less than 5,000 miles in three years, had one careful owner who admitted to driving it very cautiously and it basically coked up. After egr, etc replacement and doing 15,000 miles a year, it was a dream to drive and own.