Buy 6 seater T5/6 kombi or convert?

[Selfy07]

Hi,
Looking at buying T6 6 seater kombi but prices are pretty high. was wondering if it would be cheaper and safe to buy 3 seater and install 3 rear seats and windows or not. New to this so any advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers

 

[david173]

Hi,
Looking at buying T6 6 seater kombi but prices are pretty high. was wondering if it would be cheaper and safe to buy 3 seater and install 3 rear seats and windows or not. New to this so any advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers

I had the exactly same dilemma a while back. I decided to price up the difference and from my estimations it is about 2k of work for an equivalent conversion (by a conversion company) not including insulated or lined as the kombi isn't either! google conversion companies, and some have prices on their websites for kombi conversions.
I would have said that the PV (Panel Van) converted is likely to be cheaper but obviously involves more work and hassle. Ultimately depends on finding the right spec van at the right price. My kombi had no VAT so made quite a difference on price.

Couple of things to worth noting based on my experience and research

• I wanted a tailgate and a lot of the PV's I looked at were barn doors. PV's do come in tailgate just generally harder to find.
• You get a rear tailgate wiper on a kombi which personally I find useful
• Its classed as a 'Van with side windows' on the V5, this means for Kombi's (not including T32 I think) it can come under the description as 'dual purpose vehicle' and therefore drive at car speeds (do a forum search on this lots of useful info which I wont go onto here as there is a dedicated threat for it)
• Kombi is not a modified vehicle therefore potentially more insurance options.
• If you ever do convert it, for a camper or caravelle conversion, bear in mind your kombi components (seats floor mat, seat belts etc) have a value which you can offset against the conversion cost. Many companies buy these parts to offer for thier kombi conversions!
• I have kids and wanted to use the van straight away hence went for a kombi with isofix in the rear. Conversion times often have awaiting list.
• Factory kombi's also have the mounts for the 3rd row seat belts pre installed, I have moved my rear bench back and I found this useful.
• You get the factory rubber floor with a kombi (it can be bought and installed obviously but a lot of conversions I have seen use different floor) i like the rubber as its soft on my knees when getting stuff out the van.
• Some kombi's come with a twin slider which for some people is really useful.
• Factory installed kombi windows have a tendency to leak which is a right pain, I fixed mine in the end and have had no problems since just something to be aware of.
• My kombi came with 1+1 (captain seats) in the front. Most panel vans have the usual double passenger bench. Worth bearing in mind if you want to change it (easy job it just unbolts) single passenger seats are expensive and high in demand, recently they have been going for anything between 800 to 900 pounds.
• Kombi vans may (this is a big 'may' as its definitely not always true) have had less use or abuse in their previous life as opposed to a PV which has been a builders van.. just worth thinking about.

Other than that there is not a massive amount of difference. Main bit of advice is that its worth holding out for the right van at the right spec, as you know prices right now are really high but that's not to say you cant get a good deal!

Im sure others might be able to pick up on some of the bits i've missed. oh and good luck, if you do buy one we want lots of pictures!

 

[Selfy07]

David173, this is really useful and thanks for taking the time. The future configurations you mention re fixings for seats etc I didn't think of and also thanks for pricing advice. After the configurations there probably isn't that much in it. Like you say best to be patient and wait for the right van

Will post pics when we do it.

Cheers again

 

[Sharpe]

If you are after 6 seats, the majority of kombis have 1 + 1 in the front and 3 in the rear. So would need to either put another seat in 3rd row or swap the front passenger single for a double. Single passenger seats are very much in demand and you could probably sell for £700+, double passenger seats can be picked up a lot lot cheaper than that.

 

[Selfy07]

Cheers Sharpe.

3rd row single is an option I didn't think of also.

Thanks

 

[rover220]

If you are after 6 seats, the majority of kombis have 1 + 1 in the front and 3 in the rear. So would need to either put another seat in 3rd row or swap the front passenger single for a double. Single passenger seats are very much in demand and you could probably sell for £700+, double passenger seats can be picked up a lot lot cheaper than that.

Most kombi have 3 seats upfront.

 

[Tomzo]

I had the exactly same dilemma a while back. I decided to price up the difference and from my estimations it is about 2k of work for an equivalent conversion (by a conversion company) not including insulated or lined as the kombi isn't either! google conversion companies, and some have prices on their websites for kombi conversions.
I would have said that the PV (Panel Van) converted is likely to be cheaper but obviously involves more work and hassle. Ultimately depends on finding the right spec van at the right price. My kombi had no VAT so made quite a difference on price.

Couple of things to worth noting based on my experience and research

• I wanted a tailgate and a lot of the PV's I looked at were barn doors. PV's do come in tailgate just generally harder to find.
• You get a rear tailgate wiper on a kombi which personally I find useful
• Its classed as a 'Van with side windows' on the V5, this means for Kombi's (not including T32 I think) it can come under the description as 'dual purpose vehicle' and therefore drive at car speeds (do a forum search on this lots of useful info which I wont go onto here as there is a dedicated threat for it)
• Kombi is not a modified vehicle therefore potentially more insurance options.
• If you ever do convert it, for a camper or caravelle conversion, bear in mind your kombi components (seats floor mat, seat belts etc) have a value which you can offset against the conversion cost. Many companies buy these parts to offer for thier kombi conversions!
• I have kids and wanted to use the van straight away hence went for a kombi with isofix in the rear. Conversion times often have awaiting list.
• Factory kombi's also have the mounts for the 3rd row seat belts pre installed, I have moved my rear bench back and I found this useful.
• You get the factory rubber floor with a kombi (it can be bought and installed obviously but a lot of conversions I have seen use different floor) i like the rubber as its soft on my knees when getting stuff out the van.
• Some kombi's come with a twin slider which for some people is really useful.
• Factory installed kombi windows have a tendency to leak which is a right pain, I fixed mine in the end and have had no problems since just something to be aware of.
• My kombi came with 1+1 (captain seats) in the front. Most panel vans have the usual double passenger bench. Worth bearing in mind if you want to change it (easy job it just unbolts) single passenger seats are expensive and high in demand, recently they have been going for anything between 800 to 900 pounds.
• Kombi vans may (this is a big 'may' as its definitely not always true) have had less use or abuse in their previous life as opposed to a PV which has been a builders van.. just worth thinking about.

Other than that there is not a massive amount of difference. Main bit of advice is that its worth holding out for the right van at the right spec, as you know prices right now are really high but that's not to say you cant get a good deal!

Im sure others might be able to pick up on some of the bits i've missed. oh and good luck, if you do buy one we want lots of pictures!

Great post very informative thank you.

 

[rudestew]

I waited for the right kombi at the right price and couldn't believe my luck when one turned up local in auto trader colour speck and some . I sold my single passenger seat and It paid for a as new double and a swivel and a nice set of THQ lights , I did need six seats so worked out great.