Thought I'd post a thread to follow the progress of my van. I'll add to it as I have something noteworthy.
A bit of background. I am a professional photographer currently specialising in animals (dogs, horses,etc) and drive aBMW 5 series saloon. My wife has a 5 series Touring and we have two labradors. Why is this relevant? - well it has driven my choice of a van. It has proved to be a pain not having two cars that can cope with both the dogs and the kit I frequently have to carry, particularly for events.
For the last few years I have cast envious glances over various Californias whilst recognising that I could not afford one. Seemed like the perfect vehicle too me - can function as a van, can be accommodation when I'm at an event or doing some location photography, can work in it, can do the day to day and can take us all away for short breaks.
Fast forward to this January and some discussions with my wife. We have some cash coming our way this year and my wife encourages me to seriously look at a more appropriate vehicle for my business (I've driven my 5 series from new but it now has an intergalactic mileage - i.e. getting on a bit!). A visit to a VW dealer sparks the realisation that a California isn't really the right vehicle - it's better to start with a van and create something bespoke to my specific needs. The starting cost is lower so it starts to look like a possibility.
So, in January I placed an order for:
VW Transporter Highline Kombi T32 SWB 150PS 6spd manual
Blackberry metallic
Comfort dash & cab carpet
Powerfold door mirrors
All weather tyres
F&R parking sensors including camera
2+1 rear seats
Additional door seals
Heated front seats
Heated washer nozzles and level indicator
Mudflaps
I think I've probably made some mistakes with the spec. but I'm told it's too late to change. For example the headlights (but nigh-on £500 for H7 bulbs as opposed to the std H4s!!) and maybe leisure electrics. I had set myself a limit of £30k after discount for the van and extras.
Why did I buy new? Well, purple is a theme in my business so the colour was important and I really wanted the EU6 engine.
I'm not expecting delivery until May.
A bit of background. I am a professional photographer currently specialising in animals (dogs, horses,etc) and drive aBMW 5 series saloon. My wife has a 5 series Touring and we have two labradors. Why is this relevant? - well it has driven my choice of a van. It has proved to be a pain not having two cars that can cope with both the dogs and the kit I frequently have to carry, particularly for events.
For the last few years I have cast envious glances over various Californias whilst recognising that I could not afford one. Seemed like the perfect vehicle too me - can function as a van, can be accommodation when I'm at an event or doing some location photography, can work in it, can do the day to day and can take us all away for short breaks.
Fast forward to this January and some discussions with my wife. We have some cash coming our way this year and my wife encourages me to seriously look at a more appropriate vehicle for my business (I've driven my 5 series from new but it now has an intergalactic mileage - i.e. getting on a bit!). A visit to a VW dealer sparks the realisation that a California isn't really the right vehicle - it's better to start with a van and create something bespoke to my specific needs. The starting cost is lower so it starts to look like a possibility.
So, in January I placed an order for:
VW Transporter Highline Kombi T32 SWB 150PS 6spd manual
Blackberry metallic
Comfort dash & cab carpet
Powerfold door mirrors
All weather tyres
F&R parking sensors including camera
2+1 rear seats
Additional door seals
Heated front seats
Heated washer nozzles and level indicator
Mudflaps
I think I've probably made some mistakes with the spec. but I'm told it's too late to change. For example the headlights (but nigh-on £500 for H7 bulbs as opposed to the std H4s!!) and maybe leisure electrics. I had set myself a limit of £30k after discount for the van and extras.
Why did I buy new? Well, purple is a theme in my business so the colour was important and I really wanted the EU6 engine.
I'm not expecting delivery until May.