What would you chose?

[Dom877]

I'm looking to buy a used van, looks like my choices within budget would be a 5ish year old Startline T6.1 or a Highline T6 that would be more like 8 or 9 years old and would therefore likely have a few more miles on it.

It obviously would be nice to have some of the upgrades that come with a higher spec vehicle but obviously a newer van also has benefits.

Any thoughts on what might be the better option?

 

[StratosFearXX]

I'd buy the 6.1 if it had Aircon.

 

[Voodoo_Pirate]

I would take into account the service history and how well the vans been maintained over either it being a 6/6.1 or whether it’s a Highline or not.

It’s nice to have the highline extras but if the startline has a full service history and is in better condition then that would be my choice. So for me it really depends on the specs/condition of the particular vans for sale.

 

[Badjamin]

under 150k miles with aircon, cruise control and not a BiTurbo was always my basic requirements.

I prefer T6 front end and also the left foot rest in the 6 that is missing on the 6.1

Each to their own though, keep us updated

 

[cgtmiles]

Wouldn’t some of the highline extras from the T6 be standard on the start line T6.1 as they become more common place?

 

[Bav]

I prefer T6 front end and also the left foot rest in the 6 that is missing on the 6.1

Surely the 'missing' footrest is only an issue for those who've previously owned a van that had one? It's hard to miss what you've never had.

 

[Voodoo_Pirate]

Surely the 'missing' footrest is only an issue for those who've previously owned a van that had one? It's hard to miss what you've never had.

I have a footrest in my X5….. didn’t even realise I don’t have one in my 6.1 until now

 

[cgtmiles]

Not sure if it’s true but the refinement is supposed to be better in the t6.1 but I suspect that subjective at best

 

[Jcl68]

Just a note. When obtaining insurance quotes I found some would only insure with a thatcham cat 1 security system. This is fitted on the T6.1 highline trim level as standard but not standard on lower trim levels. I only found this out when I re insured my van.

 

[Badjamin]

Surely the 'missing' footrest is only an issue for those who've previously owned a van that had one? It's hard to miss what you've never had.

Fair point. For me, knowing there was no foot rest prior to buying put me off as my previous cars had a foot rest...

 

[Sasquatch]

Only consider a Startline if it has the business pack...or if its so cheap you cant refuse. Aircon, cruise, parking sensors, alarm, life without any one of those quickly becomes tiresome.

Foot rest may or may not be an issue depending on your dimensions. Im very tall, so foot flat on the floor is more comfortable and actually a less orthopaedically harmful position anyway.

 

[64 SPLIT]

I'd go on service history and condition primarily but then as Sasquatch says - if you consider the newer Startline you'd perhaps need to factor in the additional cost of having extras retro-fitted if they're a want/need.

Things like cruise control, MFSW etc. are all relatively simple to add, but at what cost depends on whether you're able to do the work yourself or need to pay someone. So whilst it may be a newer van, once you add in the cost of extras it may not seem so cheap.

Personally I'd consider air-con as a must-have. Not only does it makes resale easier / add more value, it's a very expensive retrofit option and isn't just for the random hot days we get. It actually helps clear your screen quicker on damp/cold mornings too.

 

[Ali-G]

Foot rest may or may not be an issue depending on your dimensions. Im very tall, so foot flat on the floor is more comfortable and actually a less orthopaedically harmful position anyway.

Agreed, due to the more upright driving position in the T6 I found that I never used the footrest. The natural position for my left leg was a ninety degree bend at the knee and foot flat on the floor with my heel almost touching the seat base. Maybe it was something to do with the swivels making the seat slightly higher.
In my Golf however and in previous "normal" cars I always use the footrest.

 

[ChestnutBrown]

under 150k miles with aircon, cruise control and not a BiTurbo was always my basic requirements.

I prefer T6 front end and also the left foot rest in the 6 that is missing on the 6.1

Each to their own though, keep us updated

Pretty much what I would have said, albeit I wanted under 50k miles as plan to keep this proper long term.

 

[DaveD]

Personally I'd consider air-con as a must-have.

I still struggle to understand how VW can churn out these vans and still expect people to pay tens of thousands of pounds for the base van without air conditioning when some vehicles costing much less when new have it as standard.
Like you, I consider it a "must have".

 

[Dom877]

good advice, thanks everyone. Aircon does seem to be a must have these days so it seems the recommendation is generally to go with the 6.1 as long as it has aircon.

Slightly separate question, how do I know if a van is BiTurbo?

 

[DaveD]

good advice, thanks everyone. Aircon does seem to be a must have these days so it seems the recommendation is generally to go with the 6.1 as long as it has aircon.

Slightly separate question, how do I know if a van is BiTurbo?

The 150hp and lower variants are single turbo, the 199 or 204 are twin turbos.

 

[Macp]

And on that mention of bhp what power outputs are we looking at for these vans.

 

[Dom877]

something like this look ok? https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202511057672240

 

[Drive Wayne]

I have a 6.1 Startline 110 Bhp T28 with the Business Pack which gives the Aircon etc. Essential. 90k+ miles is a bit heavier than I would like for a 21 plate, but livable withable with a good service history.
Make sure it has had belts and pumps changed, and it should be a goodun!