Buying a used LWB , 2 questions!

[VanMan48]

Currently looking for a 6.1 LWB T32 which would be used both for work and occasional camping etc.

First question is, coming from only having had SWB in the past, are the LWB much of a pain to park etc? I'd get one with reversing camera, but wondered if the extra length was much of an issue.

Second question. Seen a 22' plate with 60k milage for about £34k. One owner, full service history, great spec. Is this high mileage for the age van or not too bad?

Lower mileage options start sneaking into the £40-£50k range which is too much for me.

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[ORION]

My latest van build is a LWB. T6.1 T32 4Motion high top. It's a 2020 reg with 106K miles. It was a work van ( electrical engineers so pretty good nick. )

I paid just under £17K including VAT for bare bones Startline van with Business Pack

The mileage didn't faze me as it had a good fleet service history and drives really well. ( also finding suitable T6.1 high tops was NOT easy )

It's the second LWB I have had and I find absolutely no difference in parking or general size perception at all between SWB and LWB.

That extra 400mm is just so useful! Also reversing sensors or camera is a given on any van IMHO.

60K miles on a work van in 3 and a bit years is nothing unusual really especially motorway miles.

I'm guessing for £34K it's Highline / Sportline spec and maybe day van converted as it seems a tad steep for a plain panel van?

I do see that T6.1s are holding their money well though.

 

[Bav]

Parking a LWB in a car park, in my experience, hasn't ever been a problem. Parallel parking at the side of the road, though, can be slightly problematic - not because a LWB is difficult to parallel park (especially with a reversing sensors/camera), it's just that it's less likely you'll find a spot where people have left a big enough gap.

 

[VanMan48]

My latest van build is a LWB. T6.1 T32 4Motion high top. It's a 2020 reg with 106K miles. It was a work van ( electrical engineers so pretty good nick. )

I paid just under £17K including VAT for bare bones Startline van with Business Pack

The mileage didn't faze me as it had a good fleet service history and drives really well. ( also finding suitable T6.1 high tops was NOT easy )

It's the second LWB I have had and I find absolutely no difference in parking or general size perception at all between SWB and LWB.

That extra 400mm is just so useful! Also reversing sensors or camera is a given on any van IMHO.

60K miles on a work van in 3 and a bit years is nothing unusual really especially motorway miles.

I'm guessing for £34K it's Highline / Sportline spec and maybe day van converted as it seems a tad steep for a plain panel van?

I do see that T6.1s are holding their money well though.

Thanks, yeah it's a highline kombi with a good spec. A SWB may suffice but as i intend to keep it for a good while I think LWB would be useful for all the kit I have.

 

[VanMan48]

Parking a LWB in a car park, in my experience, hasn't ever been a problem. Parallel parking at the side of the road, though, can be slightly problematic - not because a LWB is difficult to parallel park (especially with a reversing sensors/camera), it's just that it's less likely you'll find a spot where people have left a big enough gap.

This good to know thanks

 

[Sasquatch]

My intention was originally a LWB, but I regularly have to visit a hospital with very tight parking and upon closer examination it would have been dicey to say the least. It makes me wince every time I leave the SWB sticking 30cm out the tiny bay like a large haemorrhoid dangling into the traffic stream.

However, if your typical motoring doesnt take you places with parking designed in 1870 for a horse and trap then you'll be absolutely fine and you should go for it. How I or anyone else manages to park is completely irrelevant - only you know where you go. Best of luck.

 

[dave033]

I have no problems parking my LWB it has reverse sensors no camera.
I find the sensors really good I usally stop reversing/pulling forward when the beep turns solid (approx 15-20cm from object)
My previous vehicle was an MX5 so my T6 is a tad longer than I'm used too

 

[Bigsidavies]

I’ve had my LWB as a daily driver for 6 years with no issues. I park it kerbside on the road outside the house without a problem.
At supermarkets I try to find a spot around the edge where there’s usually grass or a flat border so I can overhang the rear.
I regularly reverse park it on the street with an Atera towbar bike rack on the back. Not a major issue.
But I’d never have a SWB. The interior space is so useable on a LWB.

 

[Salty Spuds]

The advantage of the extra 400mm internal space far outweighs any middling parking issues, real or otherwise.

 

[MikeWillmott]

I agree with all these comments!
MY16 T32 HLine LWB

 

[BuilderJay]

I had a SWB for 13 years and now have a LWB. Had this one just over 3 years. I personally don’t find any difference in parking it. Having a LWB id never go back as find the load area so much easier for 3m pipes etc…

 

[FWhite]

I had a SWB for 13 years and now have a LWB. Had this one just over 3 years. I personally don’t find any difference in parking it. Having a LWB id never go back as find the load area so much easier for 3m pipes etc…

Just some food for thought, decision is very personal.
Not sure in the UK, but it should be almost the same as in continental Europe, most of the parking slots * in the big cities * are at best 5m, so on the inline ones you almost always need 2 consecutive ones with a LWB. For the parallel or fishbone ones you will fit in with the wheels but your back will stick out like bulldog's balls.
Also I have been on several ferries in the Mediterranean where the SUV/light truck category ends exactly at 5 m.
The SWB fits at 4.950 (and 5.006 with OEM trailer hitch ,but nobody have so far measured it that precisely).
Not a big deal, if you are in a vacation trip, especially if you break already the 2m max height with a rack / pop / high-top . At worst it will cost you like half a tank diesel.

 

[Greybeard]

I have a Highline LWB Kombi, specifically chosen for our needs.

As others have said, it just needs a little attention re parking.
As Transporters are a little wide I always try to park in quieter areas of car parks and also aim to reverse into a space around the perimeter.

When we occasionally sleep in it I remove the single rear seat. We then site our portaloo there and have 2 metres behind the remaining double rear seat.

This is long enough to fit our IKEA Hammarn sofabed set out to sleep on.

 

[MikeWillmott]

Always park in the space farthest from the entrance (to the supermarket or other). In this way you can usually find one that has a verge and increases your step count for the day!