Decision making. Kombi or panel van?

[Smileysmile]

I don't know what to do so may need help deciding.

I want a T6.1 highline kombi minimum 150ps DSG with t/gate. Ravenna blue. One sliding door.
Preferably brand new.

I have seen a local 2023 new panel van. T28 £41+ brand new. No VAT. Is a T28 a good base rather than T32?

Or a new Kombi with 2024 plates (in show room in March in Scunthorpe).
With twin sliding doors. With VAT £50,200 which is a T32.

I have a budget of £41k. Over time I guess I'd add 3 windows, lower suspension, change wheels, insulate, carpet walls out and add rear seats on sliding rails, add leisure battery, solar panel, fridge and table. I'm not interested in using it as camper but in the future to tow a caravan.

I forgot to mention fit a Leighton Van bumper. This will all add up.

I'm just wondering if buying a panel van that is new and a blank canvas is better to start with and adding windows when money allows is the best option? Factory windows would be better precisioned with cut outs into body work so I'm concerned how well a company could make windows without making mistakes and rust proofing the areas they've cut into and at what cost? Would it better to stretch to £9k more for new kombi? Do they make factory Kombis with just one door?

Feedback appreciated

 

[Lee540]

Hold out to find the van you want. One will come up.

 

[Bav]

Do they make factory Kombis with just one door?

Yes.

 

[Howzat]

If you want sliding seats then there's no point buying the Kombi. Problem solved.

 

[Smileysmile]

If you want sliding seats then there's no point buying the Kombi. Problem solved.

Yes, but you can remove rear kombi seats and fit sliding ones. Easier than fitting a panel van with windows.

 

[BognorMotors]

My advise would be, especially looking for new, is get what you can - All customer orders are nearly complete and built, and the vans coming through at the end of the T6.1 build are pre-specificed vans by VW UK being offers to all dealers. There are not many left.

Im sorry I don't think we have a Ravenna blue Dog coming through, although we still have around 20+ new Transporters due

 

[drinfinity]

£9K is a lot of extra cash to get some OEM leaky windows and seats you don’t want. Fitting windows is pretty straightforward.

 

[Phil1]

If the cost difference is minimal then get a kombi. But I wouldn’t hesitate on converting a panel van, windows aren’t major money to get fitted.

If you’re only using it for seating not sleeping, I’d get a panel van and install a 3rd row bench in the back, happy days.

 

[Phil1]

Also t28 would be fine for your needs and most fully converted vans. I believe the pros of a t32 are better brakes and suspension.

 

[Mulldog]

I was in your situation 12 months ago and looked for months for the right van... couldn't find it so bought the best I could afford with what I thought was some good boxes ticked and a year on I'm nearly there.

I wanted a 6.1 good spec auto with rear seats, but ended up buying a T28 14k mile approved used, Ran blue panel van, auto 150 with led lights, Reversing camera, solid tail gate, heated seats and bigger screen.

I've since converted the back with rear bench and windows for the kids, leaving the rear for tools for work, lowered on Bilstien Komforts etc etc..

works perfectly and I use it every day.