VW Camper Van Availability

[trando]

Before anyone scoffs, I am aware that we are in a time of huge Campervan demand and a lot of dealers I have spoken to have limited stock. The private sellers prices on AT and the like are embellished to reflect the same level of demand.

My man maths calculations have convinced Mrs Trando that we can afford a late plate California Ocean or T6.1 conversion so we can experience the joys of the camper van lifestyle but where to buy one?

I can go down the bespoke route (via Autohaus for example) but they are quoting a 10 - 12 week build time and Mrs T needs instant gratification now she has been convinced she can use a Porta potty in the middle of the highlands....

Just in case any PHers with expert knowledge in this area have any ideas, I thought I would ask the question about any experience they may have about where to look other than the places mentioned?

Ta

[Manxwilliams]

Any good?

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classifieds/vehicles-...

Cheers,
Simon

[citizensm1th]

There is a nice shepra camper up for sale on this very site and it has more room than a vw

[ProTantoQuid]

There are dozens of them on ebay. Always worth checking out ebay.de to see if you can save a few quid over there, provided you don't mind LHD.

[ProTantoQuid]

citizensm1th said:

There is a nice shepra camper up for sale on this very site and it has more room than a vw

I think he wants the modern VW rather than the T2.

Edited by ProTantoQuid on Tuesday 18th August 12:22

[trando]

Manxwilliams said:

Any good?

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classifieds/vehicles-...

Cheers,
Simon

Thank you. That looks worth investigating!

[trando]

citizensm1th said:

There is a nice shepra camper up for sale on this very site and it has more room than a vw

Thanks and noted but the shepra would not pass muster with Mrs T.

[trando]

ProTantoQuid said:

There are dozens of them on ebay. Always worth checking out ebay.de to see if you can save a few quid over there, provided you don't mind LHD.

Yes, have checked eBay. Not going LHD route for now but thanks for the heads up.

[troika]

I sold my Ocean in July. There are some truly daft prices out there. If you can be slightly patient, order a new 6.1 (personally I’d go for the Coast over the Ocean) with circa 10% discount. Cheaper than buying a used T6.

[SwissJonese]

I sold my VW T5.1 fully converted campervan last week. Sold within 24hrs and could have sold it 2 or 3 times over. Demand is nuts probably because everyone is staycation this year. I wasn't intending on selling it, but after seeing even ropey ones selling for crazy money I thought it was prime time.
But it is the same for 2nd hand cars, any good family cars for less than 10k is selling too.

[downthepub]

trando said:

Manxwilliams said:

Any good?

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classifieds/vehicles-...

Cheers,
Simon

Thank you. That looks worth investigating!

Agree, recommend keeping an eye on that page. I bought our ‘17 Ocean from a private seller advertising there (in fact it’s still listed!) - nearby ish and we negotiated a reasonable price in the circumstances. As mentioned elsewhere it’s a crazy market out there and guide pricing from the likes of CAP are completely out of the window.

Have you considered the Mercedes Marco Polo? Age for age, prices appear to be slightly softer and it’s another factory built campervan. The layout is very similar to the California, and the cab is a bit posher.

[MetalMatters]

If you get a T6 then make sure it’s got led headlights on the front, standard lights are beyond awful and retrofit is big money.

[Brads67]

Still cannot understand why folk buy these instead of a decent motorhome.

You'd be cheaper buying a transit with an awning fitted and sticking an old couch in the van to get the same levels of comfort and that authentic camping feeling.

[MetalMatters]

Brads67 said:

Still cannot understand why folk buy these instead of a decent motorhome.

You'd be cheaper buying a transit with an awning fitted and sticking an old couch in the van to get the same levels of comfort and that authentic camping feeling.

I’m surprised it took this long for one of these types of comments

Why buy a Rolex when a Casio will do etc.

[Brads67]

MetalMatters said:

I’m surprised it took this long for one of these types of comments

Why buy a Rolex when a Casio will do etc.

Nothing like that at all. "Type of comment" lol aye whatever.

People can buy what they like, I have no issue with it, I simply do not understand why people buy something so unsuitable for the job at a hugely inflated price.

They make a nice day / overnight van, but at the money being asked for them you could have a decent motorhome.

Even compared to other campers / panel van conversions they seem a poor choice.

[poppopbangbang]

Many people seem to have resorted to waiting around in petrol stations or supermarket car parks and asking the owners of anything suitable if they want to sell it. My neighbour has a T6 surf bus and I have a Caddy with the full set of sleeping and mod-con requirements, we have both been asked several times over the past month if we want to sell them by randomers when filling up etc.

I'm seriously considering selling my Caddy to a chap who insisted I took his business card in the local BP just so I can build another one with a TFSI motor in it.

It's definitely silly season right now for anything VW with sleeping in the back

[MetalMatters]

Brads67 said:

Nothing like that at all. "Type of comment" lol aye whatever.

People can buy what they like, I have no issue with it, I simply do not understand why people buy something so unsuitable for the job at a hugely inflated price.

They make a nice day / overnight van, but at the money being asked for them you could have a decent motorhome.

Even compared to other campers / panel van conversions they seem a poor choice.

You’ve made exactly that kind of comment, the op asks about a VW and then a plonker starts talking about a Transit with a couch in the back is better value for money.

[Brads67]

MetalMatters said:

You’ve made exactly that kind of comment, the op asks about a VW and then a plonker starts talking about a Transit with a couch in the back is better value for money.

Whatever. Make up what you like. The comparison was in levels of comfort and value for money, nothing to do with making do with cheap st.

Dick.

[downthepub]

Brads67 said:

They make a nice day / overnight van, but at the money being asked for them you could have a decent motorhome.

Even compared to other campers / panel van conversions they seem a poor choice.

Personally, I don't want anything as big as a motorhome and prefer the looks of a van.

Agreed, they are expensive. But a recent high spec base van is about £24K with good conversions starting at £16K - with time and effort spent arranging the conversion. In my case I wanted the vehicle to have stuff like a reasonable engine, auto, AC, LED lights, etc etc. In that context, the residuals and better build quality of the factory vans tip the balance. All IMHO of course.

[Trophy Husband]

Brads67 said:

Still cannot understand why folk buy these instead of a decent motorhome.

You'd be cheaper buying a transit with an awning fitted and sticking an old couch in the van to get the same levels of comfort and that authentic camping feeling.

There are many reasons.

1. Easy to drive anywhere.
2. Easy to park anywhere.
3. Find a 4 berth motorhome for the same kind of money. The kids get to sleep in the tenty bit up top.
5. Cheaper to insure.
6. Better fuel economy.
7. You don't look like a middle aged grump in one.
8. The mix of a fitted tent and the van for sleeping is a great bonus as you can be out out, in out or in in.
9. The furniture probably won't be 80's pale green or 80's fawn.
10. The other 9.