Hello, looking for some opinions on this van

[DylanB]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and have wanted a Transporter for years. I'm finally in a position to start the journey and hopefully find the right van.

I've spent some time researching on here and have been actively looking over the last couple of weeks. I've come across a van that looks promising, and I'd really appreciate any opinions on it. Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for when viewing it or taking it for a test drive? Link to the van

For a bit of context, there are currently two of us, two small spaniels, and we also have a baby on the way. We'll need enough space for the dogs, ourselves, and a child, and we'd like the option of adding a pop-top in the future to create additional sleeping space as our family grows.

Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[Macp]

Good colour, good miles and its a highline. But even more importantly for you with a baby and two dogs its a LWB. Thats my two penneth. Price seems about right I would guess.

 

[Sackmycook]

Pretty standard Highline. Do you desire a tailgate or are barndoors OK?
Not the best headlights, LED is a desirable option.
LWB makes a great camper for your pack.
The T30, 150 is a sweet spot for campers

Not much else to say really.

 

[Georgeo]

I’m just amazed how grubby the interior is particularly the dash and steering wheel.

 

[Macp]

Pretty standard Highline. Do you desire a tailgate or are barndoors OK?
Not the best headlights, LED is a desirable option.
LWB makes a great camper for your pack.
The T30, 150 is a sweet spot for campers

Not much else to say really.

Agreed the headlights are pants so I changed mine for some THQ units and they are (pun intended) night & day better. You can get some great barn door awnings. And as a Highline its got adaptive cruise which is a game changer in my opinion.

 

[DylanB]

Pretty standard Highline. Do you desire a tailgate or are barndoors OK?
Not the best headlights, LED is a desirable option.
LWB makes a great camper for your pack.
The T30, 150 is a sweet spot for campers

Not much else to say really.

I do prefer the look of a tailgate, however haven't been overly bothered by which one. Is there a specific benefit to having the tailgate?

 

[DylanB]

Agreed the headlights are pants so I changed mine for some THQ units and they are (pun intended) night & day better. You can get some great barn door awnings. And as a Highline its got adaptive cruise which is a game changer in my opinion.

I do love the ACC, have to on my GTi don't think I could go without it but I will miss the DSG. Was it the full LED headlights you went for?

 

[Macp]

I do love the ACC, have to on my GTi don't think I could go without it but I will miss the DSG. Was it the full LED headlights you went for?

ACC is marvellous even in a manual. I dont regret my 6 speed manual van, its a nice gearbox.

The better price, availability and the fact that I can replace a lamp rather than the whole unit if there was a failure, helped to make up my mind to choose the V1 version. I think its called.

 

[Sackmycook]

I do prefer the look of a tailgate, however haven't been overly bothered by which one. Is there a specific benefit to having the tailgate?

I'd say tailgates are more desirable especially on the 2nd hand market. Folk like to shelter from rain under them, handy for the BBQ downpour. But you'll have a greater choice if you accept barndoors

 

[DaveD]

As I always say, concentrate on the features that can't be easily changed - such as SWB or LWB, tailgate or barn doors, if you make the wrong choice it's too late.
Headlights can be changed quite easily if you factor in the cost.

 

[Sasquatch]

MOT history suggests its been used hard, borne out by how the interior looks a bit jaded.

Theres no shortage of them out there, id find another.

 

[DylanB]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

I think I'd prefer a tailgate, and @Sasquatch made a very good point about the MOT history given the relatively low mileage.

Has anyone come across any listings recently that caught their eye and wouldn't mind sharing? I'd really appreciate any recommendations. Otherwise, I'll keep searching and hopefully find the right one soon! Budget is around the 30k mark, there is wiggle room.

 

[Macp]

Do we assume your budget is about 30k ?

 

[DylanB]

Do we assume your budget is about 30k ?

Sorry yes, I've updated my last comment

 

[Macp]

Do we assume your budget is about 30k ?

Having had a quick look at Autotrader the closest I found to the one you posted was this Transporter

 

[Bav]

Is there a specific benefit to having the tailgate?

Symmetry... or is that just me and my OCD tendencies?

 

[JOG]

Symmetry... or is that just me and my OCD tendencies?

Better selection of bike carriers. The one that hangs off one barn door would send your OCD into overdrive!

 

[frizzuti]

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and have wanted a Transporter for years. I'm finally in a position to start the journey and hopefully find the right van.

I've spent some time researching on here and have been actively looking over the last couple of weeks. I've come across a van that looks promising, and I'd really appreciate any opinions on it. Is there anything in particular I should be looking out for when viewing it or taking it for a test drive? Link to the van

For a bit of context, there are currently two of us, two small spaniels, and we also have a baby on the way. We'll need enough space for the dogs, ourselves, and a child, and we'd like the option of adding a pop-top in the future to create additional sleeping space as our family grows.

Any advice or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Think about twin sliding doors. Whilst it limits what you can put in cabinet wise, if you wanted to, it does provide ease of access both sides. Great for kids not stepping out into traffic when parked and great for when camping. If you’re looking at panel vans to then convert, exactly what I did, then you can’t go wrong with the MOBIFRAME seat/bed on rails system - game changer!

My top essentials:
1. Highline model, 150PS DSG, Reversing Camera
2. LWB
3. Twin sliders
4. Tailgate
5. LED lights

Things to avoid:
1. BiTurbo
2. If high milage then ensure key service items have been done - cam belt, water pump, regular oil changes on engine and gear box

 

[doncarlyon]

Expensive I'd say

 

[JOG]

I’ve yet to be convinced on the need for a kitchen etc. Most cooking is done outdoors on a BBQ.

If it’s going to be your daily driver / family car, focus more on creature comforts!