One thing I noticed before buying my new T6, was a lack of real owners reviews, so I thought whilst i'm sat here on the sofa imagining all the wonderful things my wife will buy me for Christmas (or is that me just dreaming) I thought i'd place a Personal review of my own 2017 T32 LWB, 204, DSG. Hoping that this in some small way can assist any others that are potentially looking to spend a huge amount of money, on lets face it, a commercial vehicle, or a van to a layperson.
Currently my T6 is 2 months old, and now showing 5000 miles. I tend to build up mileage rather quickly because I run a mobile business in the Caravan/Motorhome industry, that covers the whole UK. This is really our quiet period, and once into our main season, the miles will rack up even quicker. So theoretically, my 2017 T6 is a great example to review, because I should be putting the usage and miles in times far faster than most owners potentially would. I will of course pop back to this thread from time to time and update as the vehicle gets more used. This will obviously include any issues or faults that may have transpired in the in-between times.
As mentioned above, it's a 2017 MY18 T32 (LWB), with the amazing 204hp, coupled with the formidable DSG 7speed. The van is a Highline spec, with added LED's that are a must if you can afford/justify this option. Lowered 30mm by VW from new, so I'm not sure how they ride on standard springs, but the 30mm drop to me feels planted, and very comfortable. My wheels were changed for a set of 19" Savini's, running 245/40/19 Continentals Sportcontact6 Tyres. However, this was my first mistake, and one people should learn from. 19" wheels do not have a great choice of load rated tyres for the T32. So these will shortly be coming off, and swapping for exactly the same wheels, but in 20" and the correct load rating. On the same subject, the Continental SportContact6 are way too softer compound for a commercial vehicle, and they are about half way through their wear at only 5000 miles, which is very poor in my opinion, and matched only through experience of a full set of Goodyear EagleF1 on my previous 18" wheels. (On my previous Vivaro) that also lasted around 10K. So choose your tyres very carefully on all aspects, because it's a very expensive lesson if you get it wrong like I have. I tend to find that the higher end tyres that are designed more in line for BMW, Audi, Mercedes type of cars are far too soft. Yes, they give exceptional performance both in the corners, and road noise, but I think the weight and usage of a commercial vehicle just isn't ideal for these types of tyre. So careful consideration and a lot of research is needed I think.
Next, I added ACC, power folding mirrors, Sportline splitter, Black VW side bars, Sportline rear spoiler, Genuine front mud flaps (A must with Black bars) VW Carbon rear bumper protector (Another must) and VW Carbon mirror caps (Waste of money and fit poorly)
The added extras are a personal choice and there's loads of information on these options through the forum search facility.
For me personally, ACC is a waste of time in the real world. There's too much traffic on UK roads for this to not become very annoying, it kicks in far too often and I personally deactivate it more times than it's worth having. The folding mirrors are a great feature when parked in a narrow spot, but if it rains, the glass gets wet and once it dries, it just leaves spots all over your mirrors, because the mirror daftly folds upwards, and not the traditional sideways, thus exposing the mirror glass to the elements.
The 204hp is the most powerful van i've driven and owned. It's not perfect in my opinion, and the gear shifts need to be adjusted for the times you want to play around with this beast of a lump. There's no real issues, and most people will love it, but for me I feel the re-map and DSG software tinkering will solve the tiny issues I have as an enthusiastic owner/driver. (this mod is booked in with DMS in the new year) This is mostly a personal gripe, and unless you are extremely picky, it's more than perfect just as VW built and programmed it. The DSG is comfortable, slick/efficient through the gears and an absolute pleasure to drive. (i've owned many manual vans, and wouldn't go back) Some people report a slight lag in the box, but I don't feel that at all.
The overall drive of my T6 is a feeling of pure pleasure. I can drive none stop from one end of the UK, to the other and have no aches or pains. It's fun when it wants to be, and luxury for the other 90% of the driving I do. If I have any gripes, they are minor. The Stop/Start is an inconvenience in an auto, but easily switched off. The cup holders on the dash are a little too far from my reach for comfort, but again, no real issue. There's a totally pointless cubby hole above the interior lights. The door pockets that hold a big water bottle are a little under-engineered, and most bottles fall over if you pull off quickly, and the smaller fuel tank is a downgrade imo. Lastly the doors from the factory sound cheap and tinny when being closed. The Forum shop sell the door seal upgrades. A cheap and easy DIY mod that will turn the sound of any standard T6 door shutting from old 70's Bedford van to how we'd all expect a VW to sound when closing the door. (Poor show on VWs behalf for letting that one pass)
That's it.. No other real complaints in that dept.
In conclusion at 5000 miles, and 2 months of ownership, my T6 is 99% perfection, 9/10, the highest accolade I can give for a van, because nothing is perfect to our personal requirements. The most important aspect of my T6 is this.. It's not gone wrong! Nothing, nada, not a thing. No squeaks, no knocks, no hesitations. The engine is totally faultless, no warning lights have come up, nothing leaks, and nothing has fallen off. Compare this to my previous 2015 Vivaro, that had seen a dozen faults by 5000 miles, making this huge investment into my business, a very wise one so far. As they say, time really is money and a vehicle off the road and in the dealers for pathetic faults cost me time, and that costs me money. There's nothing worse than letting a customer down because of an issue with your van, and having no near dates to move them to. It's natural for me personally to pamper my vehicles way beyond most usual owners. I will only use the best quality fuel, over service them, and insist on genuine parts where I can. Does this pay dividends in the future? who knows, but it's the way I am, and I cannot change now.
As a mobile business that often has 6-8 week lead times, and can be anywhere in the UK every day, reliability is my No1 need, and my VW T6 has this in droves.
Lets Hope she stays this way....
Currently my T6 is 2 months old, and now showing 5000 miles. I tend to build up mileage rather quickly because I run a mobile business in the Caravan/Motorhome industry, that covers the whole UK. This is really our quiet period, and once into our main season, the miles will rack up even quicker. So theoretically, my 2017 T6 is a great example to review, because I should be putting the usage and miles in times far faster than most owners potentially would. I will of course pop back to this thread from time to time and update as the vehicle gets more used. This will obviously include any issues or faults that may have transpired in the in-between times.
As mentioned above, it's a 2017 MY18 T32 (LWB), with the amazing 204hp, coupled with the formidable DSG 7speed. The van is a Highline spec, with added LED's that are a must if you can afford/justify this option. Lowered 30mm by VW from new, so I'm not sure how they ride on standard springs, but the 30mm drop to me feels planted, and very comfortable. My wheels were changed for a set of 19" Savini's, running 245/40/19 Continentals Sportcontact6 Tyres. However, this was my first mistake, and one people should learn from. 19" wheels do not have a great choice of load rated tyres for the T32. So these will shortly be coming off, and swapping for exactly the same wheels, but in 20" and the correct load rating. On the same subject, the Continental SportContact6 are way too softer compound for a commercial vehicle, and they are about half way through their wear at only 5000 miles, which is very poor in my opinion, and matched only through experience of a full set of Goodyear EagleF1 on my previous 18" wheels. (On my previous Vivaro) that also lasted around 10K. So choose your tyres very carefully on all aspects, because it's a very expensive lesson if you get it wrong like I have. I tend to find that the higher end tyres that are designed more in line for BMW, Audi, Mercedes type of cars are far too soft. Yes, they give exceptional performance both in the corners, and road noise, but I think the weight and usage of a commercial vehicle just isn't ideal for these types of tyre. So careful consideration and a lot of research is needed I think.
Next, I added ACC, power folding mirrors, Sportline splitter, Black VW side bars, Sportline rear spoiler, Genuine front mud flaps (A must with Black bars) VW Carbon rear bumper protector (Another must) and VW Carbon mirror caps (Waste of money and fit poorly)
The added extras are a personal choice and there's loads of information on these options through the forum search facility.
For me personally, ACC is a waste of time in the real world. There's too much traffic on UK roads for this to not become very annoying, it kicks in far too often and I personally deactivate it more times than it's worth having. The folding mirrors are a great feature when parked in a narrow spot, but if it rains, the glass gets wet and once it dries, it just leaves spots all over your mirrors, because the mirror daftly folds upwards, and not the traditional sideways, thus exposing the mirror glass to the elements.
The 204hp is the most powerful van i've driven and owned. It's not perfect in my opinion, and the gear shifts need to be adjusted for the times you want to play around with this beast of a lump. There's no real issues, and most people will love it, but for me I feel the re-map and DSG software tinkering will solve the tiny issues I have as an enthusiastic owner/driver. (this mod is booked in with DMS in the new year) This is mostly a personal gripe, and unless you are extremely picky, it's more than perfect just as VW built and programmed it. The DSG is comfortable, slick/efficient through the gears and an absolute pleasure to drive. (i've owned many manual vans, and wouldn't go back) Some people report a slight lag in the box, but I don't feel that at all.
The overall drive of my T6 is a feeling of pure pleasure. I can drive none stop from one end of the UK, to the other and have no aches or pains. It's fun when it wants to be, and luxury for the other 90% of the driving I do. If I have any gripes, they are minor. The Stop/Start is an inconvenience in an auto, but easily switched off. The cup holders on the dash are a little too far from my reach for comfort, but again, no real issue. There's a totally pointless cubby hole above the interior lights. The door pockets that hold a big water bottle are a little under-engineered, and most bottles fall over if you pull off quickly, and the smaller fuel tank is a downgrade imo. Lastly the doors from the factory sound cheap and tinny when being closed. The Forum shop sell the door seal upgrades. A cheap and easy DIY mod that will turn the sound of any standard T6 door shutting from old 70's Bedford van to how we'd all expect a VW to sound when closing the door. (Poor show on VWs behalf for letting that one pass)
That's it.. No other real complaints in that dept.
In conclusion at 5000 miles, and 2 months of ownership, my T6 is 99% perfection, 9/10, the highest accolade I can give for a van, because nothing is perfect to our personal requirements. The most important aspect of my T6 is this.. It's not gone wrong! Nothing, nada, not a thing. No squeaks, no knocks, no hesitations. The engine is totally faultless, no warning lights have come up, nothing leaks, and nothing has fallen off. Compare this to my previous 2015 Vivaro, that had seen a dozen faults by 5000 miles, making this huge investment into my business, a very wise one so far. As they say, time really is money and a vehicle off the road and in the dealers for pathetic faults cost me time, and that costs me money. There's nothing worse than letting a customer down because of an issue with your van, and having no near dates to move them to. It's natural for me personally to pamper my vehicles way beyond most usual owners. I will only use the best quality fuel, over service them, and insist on genuine parts where I can. Does this pay dividends in the future? who knows, but it's the way I am, and I cannot change now.
As a mobile business that often has 6-8 week lead times, and can be anywhere in the UK every day, reliability is my No1 need, and my VW T6 has this in droves.
Lets Hope she stays this way....
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Great review and thanks for taking the time to share, my 204 is now nearly 3 months old, 4500 miles and love it to bits. I've always had 4x4 trucks (company supplied) but now being self employed decided on a T6 and best decision/investment to-date. Would also like to follow your route of suspension and wheels when funds allow
