I've wanted a van for a long time. A while ago, I used to have a little old van, a Mercedes Vito. I just added a basic leisure battery with a split charge relay, a bed, and some bikes, and went to explore Europe.
Now, at 30, I decided I wanted to get the real thing. I looked into getting a T6.1 Transporter, but the prices were absolutely outrageous for a van with relatively basic specs. I guess you're paying for the badge, and realistically, I wanted that badge because it’s the one I’ve always wanted.
So, I decided to work some magic on a budget. I'm going to take you through how I got this T6 on a low budget. This is not all bells and whistles; this is an attainable T6.1 that has served me well for a few trips and, to be honest, has been a fun little project!
Soooooo.......
Here are the basics of my build so far:
The only van realistically in my price range was an ex-fleet van being sold off. Here are the details:
Next bits to get started/finished with! (Electrics and heater, for a simple mobile charging and lights and enough power to run the heaters)
Some good quality seat covers
And some more adventures! (Possible pop top in the future)
Now, at 30, I decided I wanted to get the real thing. I looked into getting a T6.1 Transporter, but the prices were absolutely outrageous for a van with relatively basic specs. I guess you're paying for the badge, and realistically, I wanted that badge because it’s the one I’ve always wanted.
So, I decided to work some magic on a budget. I'm going to take you through how I got this T6 on a low budget. This is not all bells and whistles; this is an attainable T6.1 that has served me well for a few trips and, to be honest, has been a fun little project!
Soooooo.......
Here are the basics of my build so far:
The only van realistically in my price range was an ex-fleet van being sold off. Here are the details:
- Van: £16,000 + VAT
- T6.1, 110ps Startline, 80k miles, full service history with changed timing belt and water pump (1+1 and 2+1) 5-seater Kombi (21 plate).
- Sound deadening and insulation: Stripped out and sound deadened with Dodo mats, then fully insulated with 10mm closed cell and natural hydrophobic insulation for the whole van, including doors, roof, and cab (£400).
- Revo remap: 160ps (£399)
- Inspection and service: With a reliable VW independent garage (£320).
- Fake OVANO: Essentially the same as the original but second-hand from a nearby converter display (£700).
- Dream mattress: (£230).
- Wolfbox G9000: Amazing bit of kit, though challenging to get through the conduit at the rear door (£203).
- 2x Captain swivels: (£180 each).
- Limo tint: Rear and back window (£180).
- Bike rack: VW 4x tailgate (£400) + disassembled and powder-coated (£48).
- Rhino Alloys + BFG Trails: Almost new (£800).
- Roof rails: Black (£65).
- Sounds like a Golf seals: Gift.
Next bits to get started/finished with! (Electrics and heater, for a simple mobile charging and lights and enough power to run the heaters)
Some good quality seat covers
And some more adventures! (Possible pop top in the future)
