Shuttles
- Thread starter Jamie2.0
- Start date
Yep. I believe i saved myself 10k over the equivalent kombi.
It makes no sense to me, other than they are just over priced and people are prepared to pay it. It's also the VAT thing for us non-vat registered buyers.
The shuttle will come with less toys, but most can be retrofitted. Relatively cheap if you are able to do it yourself.
For my budget I was looking at a 4 yr old kombi with +50k miles on.
I actually got an 18 month old 199 DSG shuttle with 13k miles directly from the dealer. I think I did OK.
It makes no sense to me, other than they are just over priced and people are prepared to pay it. It's also the VAT thing for us non-vat registered buyers.
The shuttle will come with less toys, but most can be retrofitted. Relatively cheap if you are able to do it yourself.
For my budget I was looking at a 4 yr old kombi with +50k miles on.
I actually got an 18 month old 199 DSG shuttle with 13k miles directly from the dealer. I think I did OK.
Yep. I believe i saved myself 10k over the equivalent kombi.
It makes no sense to me, other than they are just over priced and people are prepared to pay it. It's also the VAT thing for us non-vat registered buyers.
The shuttle will come with less toys, but most can be retrofitted. Relatively cheap if you are able to do it yourself.
For my budget I was looking at a 4 yr old kombi with +50k miles on.
I actually got an 18 month old 199 DSG shuttle with 13k miles directly from the dealer. I think I did OK.
Interesting what you say about less toys but as you say easy enough to add.
I’m drawing up a wish list already
I suppose some people just don't want the extra windows at the rear and twin sliders. The last shuttle I had was only an S but it had air con, front and rear park sensors and 150ps. The equivalent kombi would've set me back fortunes.
nice van!
We were months looking for a twin slider kombi, with 3x isofix about 4 years ago, they were pretty much my only wants.... found one but the shuttle is much nicer for a car version of the van. Guess I was looking in 5he wrong direction ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
TBH I can’t see other than the seat and rail configuration there’s much difference between the shuttle and a caravelle.
Couple of other points The Shuttle with a full length carpet in is soooooo much quieter than the kombi.
Mine is lowered with 20" wheels (unless on winters) and it is very very quite - car like.
3 single seats in the second row is better for my needs, and the twin sliders is great day to day.
Front and rear parking sensors I had fitted by the VW dealer. Did MFSW with cruise myself. Got kit for folding mirrors ready to fit.
People with kombis talk of the sliders and tailgate being difficult to shut, hence soft close options. I haven't noticed any problems with mine. In fct its really easy, so maybe they are vented differently.
As for the rear windows. People actually buy kombis, then fit fake rear glass.
Mine is lowered with 20" wheels (unless on winters) and it is very very quite - car like.
3 single seats in the second row is better for my needs, and the twin sliders is great day to day.
Front and rear parking sensors I had fitted by the VW dealer. Did MFSW with cruise myself. Got kit for folding mirrors ready to fit.
People with kombis talk of the sliders and tailgate being difficult to shut, hence soft close options. I haven't noticed any problems with mine. In fct its really easy, so maybe they are vented differently.
As for the rear windows. People actually buy kombis, then fit fake rear glass.
I wrote this in another thread. Lists some pro's/cons of the Shuttle....
The Shuttle has some advantages but if your getting it converted by a conversion company, check that they will take it on as a build. Also check beforehand with pop top roof fitters, if they'll do it too.
It's generally less sought after than Kombis, so they seem to be cheaper as you mention.
Heater and aircon in the rear. Try and get 3 zone climatronic. Check for auxiliary coolant heater too, for faster warm up in cold weather. It can also be adapted at a later stage into a remotely operated parking heater, if you wish.
8 seater has captains seats already. Front bench seat in the 9 seater isn't that comfy as it is but can be modified to make it recline more. Apparently makes a big improvement in comfort.
You'll have carpet if you choose to keep it with thick foam backing. (SE spec only)
Most seem to be T32's. But it's not a goods vehicle so class 4 MoT, instead of more stringent class 7. Albeit, I believe a T32 panel van becomes a class 4, if it's converted and re registered as a motor caravan.
Choice of LWB and SWB
They register as M1, MPV, diesel car. So normal car speed limits apply from the outset.
You have factory fitted windows. Lots of them. Although probably without sliders. Maybe a good thing as I believe sliders are prone to leaking.
Twin sliding doors and a tailgate.
Seat brackets in situ. Redundant seats and brackets can be sold.
Moulded side panels. May need modified or cut though to accommodate furniture. Or you could strip them out, sell them and start from a blank canvas.
Some sound proofing already factory fitted.
4 speakers set up fitted.
H7 headlights, H7 headlights and by the way....... double check them, but they should have H7 headlights.
(By all accounts, the H4s found on the PVs are crap)
LED rear lights.
Caravelle style front grille. Or has the Caravelle got a Shuttle grille. In any case, the extra chrome bits look proper sparkly.
Try for SE spec. It's not the same as a Highline PV. MFSW, cruise control and front fog lights are missing from standard spec but there are companies who will retrofit these if your buying used. Likewise, rear parking sensors or a rear view camera. Ridiculous that there not standard on a LWB passenger carrier. 40 quid will buy you an after market camera.
I'd recommend the DSG 7 speed box. With cruise added, it makes for a relaxing drive over a short ratio manual. Especially in town.
The Shuttle has some advantages but if your getting it converted by a conversion company, check that they will take it on as a build. Also check beforehand with pop top roof fitters, if they'll do it too.
It's generally less sought after than Kombis, so they seem to be cheaper as you mention.
Heater and aircon in the rear. Try and get 3 zone climatronic. Check for auxiliary coolant heater too, for faster warm up in cold weather. It can also be adapted at a later stage into a remotely operated parking heater, if you wish.
8 seater has captains seats already. Front bench seat in the 9 seater isn't that comfy as it is but can be modified to make it recline more. Apparently makes a big improvement in comfort.
You'll have carpet if you choose to keep it with thick foam backing. (SE spec only)
Most seem to be T32's. But it's not a goods vehicle so class 4 MoT, instead of more stringent class 7. Albeit, I believe a T32 panel van becomes a class 4, if it's converted and re registered as a motor caravan.
Choice of LWB and SWB
They register as M1, MPV, diesel car. So normal car speed limits apply from the outset.
You have factory fitted windows. Lots of them. Although probably without sliders. Maybe a good thing as I believe sliders are prone to leaking.
Twin sliding doors and a tailgate.
Seat brackets in situ. Redundant seats and brackets can be sold.
Moulded side panels. May need modified or cut though to accommodate furniture. Or you could strip them out, sell them and start from a blank canvas.
Some sound proofing already factory fitted.
4 speakers set up fitted.
H7 headlights, H7 headlights and by the way....... double check them, but they should have H7 headlights.
(By all accounts, the H4s found on the PVs are crap)
LED rear lights.
Caravelle style front grille. Or has the Caravelle got a Shuttle grille. In any case, the extra chrome bits look proper sparkly.
Try for SE spec. It's not the same as a Highline PV. MFSW, cruise control and front fog lights are missing from standard spec but there are companies who will retrofit these if your buying used. Likewise, rear parking sensors or a rear view camera. Ridiculous that there not standard on a LWB passenger carrier. 40 quid will buy you an after market camera.
I'd recommend the DSG 7 speed box. With cruise added, it makes for a relaxing drive over a short ratio manual. Especially in town.
We were pretty lucky with the spec on our kombi. We rarely use the sliding windows and I’ve only fitted curtains as shade on sunny days for the little ones.
As we’re not likely to convert a van with perhaps the addition of a leisure battery for a bit more juice on days out the shuttle makes more sense.
Now the hard part.... would we move on our existing kombi and “upgrade” or move the sporty estate car that never gets used as an estate car....
As we’re not likely to convert a van with perhaps the addition of a leisure battery for a bit more juice on days out the shuttle makes more sense.
Now the hard part.... would we move on our existing kombi and “upgrade” or move the sporty estate car that never gets used as an estate car....
Spaldova007
New Member
Hi there, can you tell me which company you got to fit your pop top please?
Thanks,
Zoe
Thanks,
Zoe
Thanks that’s very helpful and good to know.
Just picked mine up today ….2019 3000 miles on clock 
I got this from ….https://used.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/en/vehicles
Quite a few shuttles there
Got to say going from the 84bhp manual to 150 dsg is an eye opener lovely engine and gearbox
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