Basic criteria on base van

[Goldcan99]

Hi, new to the group and at the stage of considering buying a base panel van to convent. Think I am good with a highline model with as much spec on as I can find.
However, I haven't yet settled on some basic considerations and would welcome some of your thoughts on the matter on the following -

- LWB or SWB
- Tailgate or Barn doors

There will be at max two people in the van and half the time just me

 

[StratosFearXX]

SWB is enough for me (mostly camp on my own).

And tailgate for me, I mainly prefer the way they look ... you can stand under them in light rain if you want but I'm struggling to count the number of times I've actually done that in the 14 years I've owned a transporter.

 

[CAB]

Tailgate if you want to shelter or cook out of the back.

Everyone with LWB will tell you to get the extra space.

150 for the engine.


Mine is SWB / Barn doors / 102

 

[Sasquatch]

LWB or SWB - depends how you use the van. I almost exclusively camp solo with my dog so SWB is ideal, but if you've a big family or carry loads of gear LWB could be for you.

Tailgate or Barn Doors - both have their pros and cons, not a deal breaker either way IMHO. Tailgate gives options for shelter, but inexpensive canopies convert barn doors tomdo the same and dont fill the tailgate with rainwater.

Spec - if you get a 6.1 you want business pack or above, with brings AC, parking sensor, Thatcham 1 alarm, etc. Highline gives you some colour coding and a few more toys on top, which seems to be up your street.

Engine/transmission - theyre all dog slow (cue complaints from BiTurbo owners!). Arguably the TSi isnt so bad and with diesel prices the penalty for petrol isnt so much of a consideration, but theyre rare beasts. Try a few different options and see what you think. Low output versions come with 5 cog, high(er) output with 6 speed or DSG. 10 different drivers will give 10 different views on what engine or box is the one to have, but have a think, drive a few, and see what suits you. I'm in it for the very long term so worked on the KISS principle to minimise problems and maintemamce cost with age, but your priorities will likely be different.

Best of luck, let us know how it goes.

 

[JOG]

LED headlights

150bhp with DSG is a sweet spot

 

[Bav]

Tailgate, as the lack symmetry on a barn-door would plays havoc with my OCD tendencies, and LWB as no-one ever complained about having too much space in a camper.

 

[Sasquatch]

Tailgate, as the lack symmetry on a barn-door would plays havoc with my OCD tendencies, and LWB as no-one ever complained about having too much space in a camper.

Although I wanted a LWB orignally, I have regular visits to Rugby St Cross hossy where a LWB would stick out of the parking bays half a metre. I wouldn't have complained about the interior space, but one day when I retuened and saw a neighbouring Audi had its sticking-out-arse torn off by a passing vehicle I decided that there are other things I could comlain about instead.

If a LWB suits in every way, spot on. If it doesn't, then it doesn't.