New to campervaning

[Detourdeb]

Hi
On Friday I had no idea I wanted to own a VW T6 and by today, I’m completely smitten. I can’t wait to go shopping tomorrow.
I’m looking at a T6 and have a budget of about 50k. We’d have to sell a car, so the van would have to double up as our everyday vehicle.
There is just the 2 of us, semi-retired with maybe the odd SHORT trip with 2 grandsons.
We love the UK and do quite a bit of walking. We’re motorcyclists so used to packing light.
Can anyone advise us where to start looking (we’re in Cheshire, near Manchester) and what to look out for please

 

[ginkster]

Welcome. I’d say hire a few first to see if it works for you and get an idea of what setup you want. There are hundreds of vans around so don’t rush into it. £50k should get you something absolutely perfect with a very high spec. Have a good read through the forum to get a feel for the common issues such as EGR, bi-turbo etc.

Good luck. Take your time.

 

[Sackmycook]

First things you need to consider is whether you want a hightop, poptop or no roof alteration and then your internal layout ie, conventional fold out bed with side kitchen, rear lounge with front kitchen or rear kitchen with mid- bed. Only you can decide what suits your needs

 

[Bav]

Take your time.

This

 

[Salty Spuds]

Hi
On Friday I had no idea I wanted to own a VW T6 and by today, I’m completely smitten. I can’t wait to go shopping tomorrow.
I’m looking at a T6 and have a budget of about 50k. We’d have to sell a car, so the van would have to double up as our everyday vehicle.
There is just the 2 of us, semi-retired with maybe the odd SHORT trip with 2 grandsons.
We love the UK and do quite a bit of walking. We’re motorcyclists so used to packing light.
Can anyone advise us where to start looking (we’re in Cheshire, near Manchester) and what to look out for please

Sit on it for a couple of weeks and see if you still feel the same. Buying a van is like buying a puppy, it’s not all sat in the sun drinking beer overlooking the sea watching the sun go down. You will undoubtedly have loads of expense and loads of sh1t to deal with.

 

[Paynewright]

There are a lot of considerations. Bed down available space, speed limits, fuel type, off grid functionality, cooking in or outside….

I have a SWB 102 TDI which is registered the same as a car (9 seat window van) so car speed limits / RFL.

I’m committed to it but if starting again I’d look for a LWB TSI (petrol) albeit has a price premium.

 

[Detourdeb]

So, briefly..
T6, euro 6.
LWB, preferably (I’ll need to check my drive measurements
DSG, make sure it’s been properly serviced
If it’s a conversation, it’s been done by a reputable company
Don’t be swayed by pretty paintwork and fancy wheels
Thank you

 

[Sasquatch]

Be aware Startline's dont have AC as standard. A lot of folk dont realise this until after theyve driven home. That can be a sweaty mistake.

However, the 6.1 Startline can be specced with the "Business Pack", that adds AC, cruise, rear parking sensors and Cat 1 alarm.

 

[Qnapper]

Hi
On Friday I had no idea I wanted to own a VW T6 and by today, I’m completely smitten. I can’t wait to go shopping tomorrow.
I’m looking at a T6 and have a budget of about 50k. We’d have to sell a car, so the van would have to double up as our everyday vehicle.
There is just the 2 of us, semi-retired with maybe the odd SHORT trip with 2 grandsons.
We love the UK and do quite a bit of walking. We’re motorcyclists so used to packing light.
Can anyone advise us where to start looking (we’re in Cheshire, near Manchester) and what to look out for please

Welcome to the forum.

Spend loads of time looking before buying and if possible hire one for a week or so to be really sure as its a lot of money to fork out. I would advise a pop top as this gives you extra head room therefore able to stand up and cook, but you will need it for the two grandsons at night sleeping.

Good luck and enjoy your new freedom that it will bring you both.

 

[cossie]

Take your time! Get the base van right first! I.e bhp, gearbox, tailgate/barn doors, highline or business pack as minimum…..
Any extras you want heated seats, 4motiom(diff lock or not) that sort of budget which is 911 money! I’d be going for really good base van in a colour I want, with extras fitted at factory then getting converters (or yourself) to carry a bulid out to your spec and requirements.
Also as said above, hire one and test drive as many as you can, soon be darker nights and winter approaching, maybe worth if not in a rush, to research and shop about before winter then work on/get convertor over winter ready hit spring out camping

Has it got to be a campervan? For that money and I’m not sure on your car, but I’d go 4-6 berth caravan and change car for either a kombi van or day van, best of both then…. Also look at caravelles as base vans. Enjoy it

 

[Martinf]

So, briefly..
T6, euro 6.
LWB, preferably (I’ll need to check my drive measurements
DSG, make sure it’s been properly serviced
If it’s a conversation, it’s been done by a reputable company
Don’t be swayed by pretty paintwork and fancy wheels
Thank you

Hi @Detourdeb, I'd agree with your points above except the "LWB preferably". I suggest you think about what suits you best and not just look for a LWB because someone said they would have one. Noting that the van is likely to be your everyday vehicle too then you need to consider that the LWB would not fully fit into a standard car parking space never mind trying to access that space. We have a SWB and would definitely not want a LWB.

So look for what it right for your use. Maybe a Hire would help you decide. However I wouldn't say this was necessary if you are used to going small. Decide on your priorities and acceptable compromises. And then enjoy your van.

 

[The Flying Scotsman]

EUR06
150bhp standard
6 speed manual
LWB
Then get it mapped and maybe delete the EGR and DPF (controversial)
That would be my preference.
Most reliable
Don’t be put off by startlines as most of the decent upgrades on the highlines etc. can be retro fitted.
But as mentioned if ac is a big thing for you make sure the van you buy has it as it can’t be easily or cheaply retro fitted.

 

[Detourdeb]

Hi @Detourdeb, I'd agree with your points above except the "LWB preferably". I suggest you think about what suits you best and not just look for a LWB because someone said they would have one. Noting that the van is likely to be your everyday vehicle too then you need to consider that the LWB would not fully fit into a standard car parking space never mind trying to access that space. We have a SWB and would definitely not want a LWB.

So look for what it right for your use. Maybe a Hire would help you decide. However I wouldn't say this was necessary if you are used to going small. Decide on your priorities and acceptable compromises. And then enjoy your van.

Hi
Thank you. After measuring my drive, it would need to be a SWB