Possibly collecting a T6.1 this week, advice needed!

[StratosFearXX]

I've never had an automatic vehicle so it would be something of a novelty for me I fear. That said, £36k for a DSG feels cheap in the current market. Next closest I could find like for like/similar mileage was at least 3k more.

You need to drive one before making a decision then.

 

[Jimer]

I've got a 2024 Kombi, no luxury car tax as it's a commercial vehicle.

I depends how they are classed, my factory Kombi is classed as an MPV and unfortunately incurs it. It was more a case of pointing this out to the OP to check with the dealer.

 

[StratosFearXX]

I depends how they are classed, my factory Kombi is classed as an MPV and unfortunately incurs it. It was more a case of pointing this out to the OP to check with the dealer.

Oh I thought they (Kombi) were all classed as commercial nowadays.

 

[Drive Wayne]

If it were me - neither. I would look for a van that had the things I wanted, so I wouldn't need to ask a forum what they would do. Just my 2p.

If I'd known how good the forum was I probably would have bought a different van nearly 4 years ago, but it had pretty twinkly lights on the underside of the bedboard, that was a deciding factor! As it happens I am happy with my povvo modded Startline and the experiences and new friendships it has given us.

 

[Ali-G]

Neither for me, would have to be DSG  and LED for me, not one or the other, I'd carry on with the search.
Edit to say, they'd have to be factory LED's, not aftermarket.

 

[coolhandluke]

If it were me - neither. I would look for a van that had the things I wanted, so I wouldn't need to ask a forum what they would do. Just my 2p.

I don't have a massive wish list, some of the things I've noted are - in my mind - nice to haves but certainly not deal breakers if they're missing.
Hence, I feel it's good to do a bit of research/quizzing from those that have lived it, would recommend as minimal.

 

[coolhandluke]

You need to drive one before making a decision then.

I've test driven a couple DSG + a manual. the DSG was nice to be fair but as I'm used to manual I did kind of think to myself, do I really need it? Granted, a test drive over a few mile vs living with it is completely different.

 

[coolhandluke]

Neither for me, would have to be DSG  and LED for me, not one or the other, I'd carry on with the search.
Edit to say, they'd have to be factory LED's, not aftermarket.

Any reason why not aftermarket?

 

[doncarlyon]

100% consider test driving a LWB. With kids and all your camping gear you will regret a SWB.

 

[Ali-G]

Any reason why not aftermarket?

Personally prefer OEM quality.

 

[Skyliner33]

Any reason why not aftermarket?

I also wouldn’t look at a van without OEM LEDs and a DSG and air con. Other things can be retrofitted.

 

[T32Rich]

DSG has it's quirks, slow pick up from a standing start and sometimes seems like it's not selecting quite right, but that said, I really like having it. Very useful when using Adaptive Cruise on European Roads or in Traffic ques in my experience. I also have SWB which works well for 2 of us, not so sure about it if we had Kids still and wanting to stay away in it. We seem to put more and more "stuff" in it

 

[coolhandluke]

I also wouldn’t look at a van without OEM LEDs and a DSG and air con. Other things can be retrofitted.

Spoke to a well known VAG specialist this morning, and the auto lights - whilst can be done - require a lot more time and effort along with security coding. Pretty much said it wouldn't be worth the excessive cost for the sake of automatic lights and wipers. The T6 is easier, but the T6.1 not worth it.

 

[doncarlyon]

Spoke to a well known VAG specialist this morning, and the auto lights - whilst can be done - require a lot more time and effort along with security coding. Pretty much said it wouldn't be worth the excessive cost for the sake of automatic lights and wipers. The T6 is easier, but the T6.1 not worth it.

Just leave the headlights on permanently, that's how I get around the problem.

 

[Skyliner33]

Spoke to a well known VAG specialist this morning, and the auto lights - whilst can be done - require a lot more time and effort along with security coding. Pretty much said it wouldn't be worth the excessive cost for the sake of automatic lights and wipers. The T6 is easier, but the T6.1 not worth it.

Are you mixing up auto lights with LED? I'm pretty sure for auto lights and wipers its not difficult. Fitting OEM LEDs after is more difficult.

 

[coolhandluke]

Are you mixing up auto lights with LED? I'm pretty sure for auto lights and wipers its not difficult. Fitting OEM LEDs after is more difficult.

I only mentioned auto lights and wipers, didn't mention LEDs at all. Unless the guy I spoke to misunderstood. I'll query it again when I speak to him - waiting for some quotes for some retro jobs (i.e. reversing cam, tailgate window fitting).

 

[Skyliner33]

I only mentioned auto lights and wipers, didn't mention LEDs at all. Unless the guy I spoke to misunderstood. I'll query it again when I speak to him - waiting for some quotes for some retro jobs (i.e. reversing cam, tailgate window fitting).

Search on here people have added auto lights / wipers.

 

[coolhandluke]

Hi all,

I’m after a bit of advice please.

I’ve put a deposit down on a 24-plate DSG T6.1 Kombi Startline (Business Pack) from an approved used dealer and I’m due to collect later this week.

DSG Kombi spec in Indium Grey:

• Winter Pack, heated seats, A/C, rear parking sensors
• Tailgate (no window)
• No reversing camera / no front sensors
• No auto lights
• Just under £36k, just under 20k miles

But I’ve found an alternative and I’m now torn…

Alternative option in white:

• 24-plate 150PS manual, similar mileage
• Pure van (not Kombi), Highline, tailgate
• Better spec: LED lights upgrade, reversing camera, heated seats, A/C, heated front & rear screens, auto lights etc
• £3.5k cheaper

The plan is to convert whichever I buy into a camper within the next 6 months, but it will be used as a daily driver for school runs/taking the kids to football etc etc as well as other things.

So I’m basically weighing up:

• DSG + Kombi practicality, but lower spec and more expensive
  vs
• Manual + better spec + £3.5k saving, but not DSG and it’s a van not a Kombi

Both vans are SWB.
If you were in my shoes, what would you do and why? Any “wish I’d done X” experiences especially welcome.

Also, for the DSG option - is it possible at a reasonable price to have the following retrofitted?

1. Rear heated window with rain wiper
2. Parking camera
3. Auto lights
4. LED lights

Update…

After a bit of faffing about (standard procedure), I’ve ended up buying a white T28 72-plate DSG highline with only 8,000 on the clock. As its the highline it already has the reversing camera, sensors all round, heated windscreen, auto lights/rain sensing wipers etc.

It was originally a panel van but was converted by PWA to a kombi - i.e. has camperglass passenger and tailgate window. Also has reupholstered seats, carpet-lined rear, and it’s sat on 20” Velare alloys - so it looked “worth” the extra £3k at the time… which is exactly what I told myself while handing over the money with a slightly shaky hand.

Only time will tell whether it was a bargain or an expensive life lesson.

The dealer has given me until Tuesday to decide whether I want to take out extended VW warranty.
My understanding is they offer 3 types - essentials, standard, plus.
Plus includes water ingress and I'm debating whether to take it out since it would cover any dodgy window fitting by PWA. But for 2 years, it's another £1400.
What are peoples thoughts on the warranty?

I intend to take it to a reputable local VAG specialist going forward so it'll be well looked after, but can't decide whether the warranty is worth it for peace of mind.

 

[StratosFearXX]

Update…

After a bit of faffing about (standard procedure), I’ve ended up buying a white T28 72-plate DSG highline with only 8,000 on the clock. As its the highline it already has the reversing camera, sensors all round, heated windscreen, auto lights/rain sensing wipers etc.

It was originally a panel van but was converted by PWA to a kombi - i.e. has camperglass passenger and tailgate window. Also has reupholstered seats, carpet-lined rear, and it’s sat on 20” Velare alloys - so it looked “worth” the extra £3k at the time… which is exactly what I told myself while handing over the money with a slightly shaky hand.

Only time will tell whether it was a bargain or an expensive life lesson.

The dealer has given me until Tuesday to decide whether I want to take out extended VW warranty.
My understanding is they offer 3 types - essentials, standard, plus.
Plus includes water ingress and I'm debating whether to take it out since it would cover any dodgy window fitting by PWA. But for 2 years, it's another £1400.
What are peoples thoughts on the warranty?

I intend to take it to a reputable local VAG specialist going forward so it'll be well looked after, but can't decide whether the warranty is worth it for peace of mind.

I doubt VW extended warranty would cover after market windows in any way.

Mine's still in the initial 3 year warranty but I won't be extending it. Had a warranty fix recently and while they did eventually fettle the fairly minor issue it was a fairly awful customer experience.

 

[Lubrown]

Update…

After a bit of faffing about (standard procedure), I’ve ended up buying a white T28 72-plate DSG highline with only 8,000 on the clock. As its the highline it already has the reversing camera, sensors all round, heated windscreen, auto lights/rain sensing wipers etc.

It was originally a panel van but was converted by PWA to a kombi - i.e. has camperglass passenger and tailgate window. Also has reupholstered seats, carpet-lined rear, and it’s sat on 20” Velare alloys - so it looked “worth” the extra £3k at the time… which is exactly what I told myself while handing over the money with a slightly shaky hand.

Only time will tell whether it was a bargain or an expensive life lesson.

The dealer has given me until Tuesday to decide whether I want to take out extended VW warranty.
My understanding is they offer 3 types - essentials, standard, plus.
Plus includes water ingress and I'm debating whether to take it out since it would cover any dodgy window fitting by PWA. But for 2 years, it's another £1400.
What are peoples thoughts on the warranty?

I intend to take it to a reputable local VAG specialist going forward so it'll be well looked after, but can't decide whether the warranty is worth it for peace of mind.

I doubt it would cover aftermarket windows either.

And £1400 extra is a lot of upselling.