To sell or convert - some advice needed

[rodmanboyd]

Hello all - I'm at a crossroads. Bought this new back in 2022, with dreams to convert. Life happened since then and only got part way through converting. Life is changing again as expecting first kid in June...

In retrospect, I made a few errors with the van (should've come on here for pre-ordering wisdom)

• It's a high-roof. I love the height (I'm not short at 6'' and can still stand up) but certain parking areas including for camping don't, and hospitals are out of the question. Should've got the low rood but pop up.
• It's 110PS. Should've gone for the 150. I know I can remap it to 170 or so, but a bit hesitant about the rest of the parts.
• It's FWD, should've done the 4motion (maybe just for knowing it can)
• It's 5 speed manual, should've gone DSG.
• Other things like the sliding doors that are a little annoying to close (anyone else?), should've got the electric latching...
• It's diesel and cannot be converted to electric down the line (DSG only). It's not for everyone, I know, but I'd love the option to have a hybrid at least (see below re commute)

Now it's paid off, I am agnosing over what to do next. I also have a company car lease that is costing me about £500 per month - which I would like to use to actually own a vehicle). I'd love to have a single vehicle that can cover my commute and the camping. Seem to be two options for me:

• Keep the van and commit to converting it. Knowing there are some things about it I cannot change and wish I could.
• Sell it, get rid of the company car, use the £500 to get the new Transit Custom (basically a cheaper VW Transporter 7 now Ford and VW have combined on engines, chassis etc), it has plugin hybrid for the commute on electric (about 40 miles), nice engine for longer trips (230 PS). Currently 0% finance etc etc etc

I'd really love some advice from the skilled forum members. Thanks in advance

Rod

 

[Sackmycook]

If your selling, I might be interested.

I'm happy with 110, 5 speed, FWD, diesel.....

 

[david173]

its all personal opinion so here goes:

All the things you list above on the van cant be changed. If it is going to be your only vehicle then pouring more money into something your not fundamentally happy with wouldn't be the right thing (in my opinion)

Although the van dosnt match what you want, its still a great van with good residual value which no doubt you will be able to sell.

I would sell, get the base van you want, or as close to as possible.
£500 a month is a huge chunk of cash going on the lease car and over a few years would go a long way in getting you the vehicle you want. Only downside to getting rid of the lease car is it will put more miles on the van, so bear that in mind if you work/ company car is doing big mileage.

I would buy a T6.1 while you still can!

 

[Sasquatch]

I would say stick with it - it's bought and paid for and there's a lot to be said for that. No matter what, it's yours.

On the other hand you're dissatisfied with some aspects of the vehicle.

I think that's going to be a quandary only you can resolve. Best of luck.

 

[rodmanboyd]

Thanks, all - yeah, I think I'll have to have a think A LOT over the new year...

 

[Bav]

Take your time if you're able to. If you were to sell, spring would be better time to do so.

 

[JOG]

Just another thing to add to your thoughts: the van is probably the best sprog-mobile going! I wish I’d bought mine when sprog #1 arrived rather than the fleet of 4x4s I went through.

Not long after sprog #2 arrived I bought a well-used Cali manual. Oh, what a difference. So, I bit the bullet at the beginning of lockdown and bought a DSG Cali.

Your family will love a camper. You will love being able to deal with all the baby stuff. My boys love that their school mates (and teachers!) think we have a cool car! The green-eyed monster got worse when I put a Starlink mini on the roof and Robox fires up in seconds!!!

(Yes, I did snigger to myself when I parked beside a Bentley but they wanted to see inside my van!!!)

Think the long game. Company cars are a killer unless electric or you are caning the miles!

 

[Bigsidavies]

Mmmmm. If you can stand up in it then it's a big bonus. We have a pop top and if you want to be a bit stealthy or the wind is bad etc then you have to move around bent double. I high top would solve that.
I rarely go into car parks etc with a height restriction so that's not an issue.
So why not convert it and enjoy it as a family camper?
I have a panel van converted into a camper with a pop top because I don't really like the look of the high top, but in terms of practicality the high top is probably a better camper. The only downside is how you create two extra beds in a high top versus a pop top. Depends if that is an issue.
The 4 motion and dsg thing shouldn't be a concern. I have a manual which I have no issues with. It's a 4 mo but not by choice, it was what came up at the time. Probably helped me five or six times in four and a half years.
Yes the new Transit has a plug in hybrid option. My mate has just bought one so he can put his new kayak on the roof as his ID Buzz is too short. It looks ok, but the dashboard and that tacky instrument cluster with plastic storage behind it is hideous. I couldn't live with one.

 

[dubber36]

(I'm not short at 6'' and can still stand up)

How did @JOG not react to this???

 

[JOG]

How did @JOG not react to this???

I hang my head in shame….this one got past me!!!

 

[Paynewright]

For me, the big decision is around the high roof and whether it is too limiting for a multi purpose vehicle.

We have a 2018 SWB TDI startline with 6 seats, which I’ve owned from 600 miles (coming up to 40k now). Having read a lot, I think our ideal van would be a LWB TSI which would be £10k + to swap if I can find one!

For that amount of money, I think we can manage with what we’ve got. Ultimately we like camping/living outdoors but want a comfy bed. We’ll have an awning tent and nice bed in the van.

Stage 2 might be a low roof Crafter!

 

[drinfinity]

Once you have really figured out what you need the van to do, I would say get the one that meets as many of your requirements as possible, especially as your company car lease cash would help with the budget.

 

[JOG]

Once you have really figured out what you need the van to do, I would say get the one that meets as many of your requirements as possible, especially as your company car lease cash would help with the budget.

Best summary of options yet!