Van viewing and possible red flags? Broadway Van centre

N

Nick Fox

IT Engineer
VIP Member
T6 Pro
Afternoon Forum peeps

I viewed a van yesterday at Broadway van centre. This one:
Used VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T6.1 TDI HIGHLINE SWB IN CHERRY RED - EURO SIX, RED, 2.0, Van SWB, Mid Glamorgan South Wales | Broadway Van Centre

The van looks to be in the condition I would expect for 3years/30k, however there were a couple of issues that I'm not sure about, perhaps you could lend me your wisdom..

The engine bay had a few cobwebs around the engine itself. And the battery was flat, they had to jump it from a battery pack to start it. I can understand if its been sat around for a while. I'm not sure how long a battery would take to drain on this model. any ideas?

Also they could not produce a service history for the van. However, they did say its "all online these days" and they can get hold of it and forward it to me at the start of next week. does this sound normal for a 2021 t6.1?

Visually the van looks good, they have obviously washed/waxed it and carpet lined the inside. However, I had a quick look at the roof and it seems like thats never been washed.

No engine errors and I did a quick check via ODB scanner for any faults.

no obvious leaks around the EGR pipes.

I wasn't able to inspect underneath due to it raining and I didn't want to scramble around on the floor.

Broadway seem to have a good reputation based on posts on here.

Any advice appreciated, thanks
 
Cobwebs in engine bay are certainly nothing to worry about, I'd rather see that than an engine bay that has just been degreased and pressure washed.
A flat battery doesn't overly worry me, although if I was trying to sell a vehicle I'd have had it charged and ready to go before anybody arrived to view it.
Service history is on line.
They only wash the bits that you can easily see, I wouldn't worry about the roof not being washed, the condition of the keys suggests that it was a builders van in its former life.
Nothing in your post would ring alarm bells or put me off.
The van even has enough fuel in it to get you to the nearest filling station. Maybe.
Good luck!
 
Mines a '21 and had a new battery just prior to me purchasing it. They don't like sitting around and if the van has been in trade for a spell that won't be good news for the battery. I'd insist on a new battery for that price.

The roof isn't an issue in and of itself. I'm 6'5" and still use a step ladder to clean up there. How many people bother?

The service history, they're probably telling the truth in that you don't usually get a service book now and the history is stored either on board the vehicle/keys, depending on the make, or held centrally and accessible by the dealer. If its the latter, as they claim, they should be able to get it although I'd personally refuse to take the van away until I had the history in my hand.

But nothing wrong with being cautious.
 
To get the service history, you'll need to contact either all the dealers who have serviced it, or somehow contact VW and get them to agree to send you the details.
Each service centre doesn't know what other dealers/service centres have done.
(T6.1 22plate)
Battery lasts about 3 days on mine before showing signs of flatness. Would reckon a week or so would knock it out. Or some cold weather.
Never washed the roof on mine in fact only had one wash in 6 months (sorry guys and gals). Rain does the job ok.
 
As above. Don’t think there’s too much to worry about but I think I would try to get a new battery out of them if possible.
 
Similar age MY21 T6.1 Caravelle owner

If I'm leaving the van for more than 2 weeks I'd put it on a charger. Modern van electrics have a small (so light) battery and only charge it to 80% ish due to regenerative braking so there is only about 30% of effective runtime. Depending on the van that's 2-3 weeks.

Every van I looked at the VW Van Centre could look up the complete online service history from the VIN - so personally if they can't do that that to me is something I'd regard as a red flag.
 
Personally I think they are overpriced and always have been. They take a stock van, bolt some wheels and roof bars and some rust collecting side bars and spoilers then inflate the price accordingly. All things you could easily do yourself.

On these they are panelling but look at the white kitchen blocks used to hold the upper barn door panels.

On the upside you get a turn key van to deal with accordingly.
 
Soo.. I bought it. Hello Team Red!

I part exchanged my old van for £15k. It was a 2016 T6 Team Silver 89k 75kw Highline in good condition.

The transaction was fairly easy, I drove the van there and they had a look at it. Everything was agreed verbally, which is fine I guess if you know what you're dealing with.

They were able to get a basic service history from the garage that did the MOT. Services carried out at aprox 10k, no details of what was done, but I would hope at least 1 oil change was done in that time.

I checked erwin (Volkswagen AG erWin Online) but other than a few basic recall/campaign changes there was no service info.

No issues with the battery, but I have driven it at least every 48h so far so not much time to sit around. I've also fitted a bluetooth battery monitor to keep an eye on it.

They refitted the bulkhead at my request.

So far a smooth transaction, but I've not had any issues to raise with them so can't comment on after sales support
IMG20240916164136.jpg
 
You mentioned Broadway Van centre, I’m currently looking at purchasing one from them and have read some poor reviews, are they “cowboys” as suggested or do you recommend them?
 
James Link said:
You mentioned Broadway Van centre, I’m currently looking at purchasing one from them and have read some poor reviews, are they “cowboys” as suggested or do you recommend them?
Click to expand...
I have had 2 vans from them now without any issues. Nice guys to deal with. Will deliver anywhere in the country if needed and havent charged me for either delivery.
 
I bought my van from them, Cherry Red 21 shuttle. Overall happy and had no major problems with it apart from not coming with 2 keys as advertised on Autotrader. Wasn't until I had paid it was mentioned the lack of the second key and said they would send over if they got it from their supplier but it's been 9 months now and nothing. Chased a couple of times.

Mine came with one of those generic paper service books.

Minor issues I had. Back light wasn't working but they swapped it out whilst I was there. Once I got it home I noticed that one of the middle air vents had broken slats which I didn't notice at the time, but about £30 from eBay to replace. Paint had been touched up bottom of drivers door and came off when washing so had to re-touch-up and some dodgy wiring for headrest TV screens which I ripped out (most likely not fitted by them).

The tailgates on the shuttles they sell also seem to all be carpeted, assume this is due to damage/marks to the panels.
 
Yea they seemed ok, and were responsive via email and calls when I needed. I've not contacted them for any after sales support as the van has been ok. They were touching up some bonnet scratches on a van when I picked mine up, so don't expect any professional level paint jobs, ha.

Like any dealer, make sure you thoroughly check it over. The roof of the van I bought had never seen a drop of soap since manufacture, so if you care about the roof, take a look up top when viewing. Also the on-side mirror has taken a hit as the mirror is broken and they have stuck a new mirror on top of the broken one. There is a mirror shaped scratch on the window as well so it must have been a heavy hit. These are details you will never see on the listings which is why its so important to view the van first.

Would I buy from them again? yes

I would like to hear from anyone who has needed them to sort something serious after-sale? as thats the real test of quality service.
 
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