Replacing a C63… with a Van
Discussion
Yes, you did read the topic title correctly. Read on to understand my idiotic choices….
Last summer I decided I’d had enough of my dilapidated driveway and in order to rectify this, I sold my S204 C63 to fund the groundwork’s and the change would buy a replacement.
I ran some cheap things last winter then decided I fancied a Golf R, cue viewing, placing deposits on two and the sellers withdrawing from the deals as both vehicles had underlying issues it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Back to the drawing board.
My 11 year old son suggested getting another Transporter, I’ve always had a van that I’ve used to lug bikes, wheels, interiors, car parts etc. His idea made sense, I used the C63 as a van all too often. This T5 is the 5th ond I’ve owned since 2009
After looking at heaps of overpriced dross, this one popped up on FB. I liked the colour, the spec was ideal, the owner gave me a good feeling when I spoke with him so a deal was done. It’s been a privately owned van since new, it is obvious in its condition that it’s not been an abused workhorse
It wasn’t all rosy though, I HATED the wheels, comedy ride height and the sidebars.
The van itself is a 2013 T5..1 140bhp DSG Highline Kombi with twin sliders, tailgate, 5 seater (2+2,1) it has some nice options such as cab comfort pack, Air Con, MFSW, elec folding mirrors, Bluetooth, parking sensors, westfalia towbar and it was carpeted and insulated in the rear which saved me a job.
These are pics that the seller used
The week after collection, it was headed to Orkney to see the in-laws
I suffered the comedy ride height, black wheels and sidebars for as long as I could.
I like to keep things as OEM as possible so
Some 19” Amarok wheels, Eibach Springs, new top mounts and ARB links were fitted. The sidebars were removed also.
Much Better
FB Marketplace came up trumps with a £50 bargain G revision RCD510 DAB touchscreen radio
I had thought about retrofitting the Sportline taillights but I wasn’t sure, however I’m glad I have. These were easily fitted, the wires needed swapped around in the plugs but there’s plenty guides online that make it easy.
One thing I fancied was a FBSW from a mk6 Golf GTI/R etc but I didn’t want one with an R or GTI emblem. I found out the Scirocco uses the same wheel without the emblem so this was duly purchased and fitted. Many upgrade to mk7/8 Golf wheels but I feel they are too new. This is one of my favourite upgrades.
One thing I really wanted to try was a bulkhead behind the Kombi seats as even with the insulation etc there’s still some road noise, morseo than a car. I found one locally and fitted it three weeks ago. Game changer this. Far more car like now.
That’s pretty much it, I’ve fitted proper VW floor mats, front mudflaps, window deflectors etc but I think that’s me happy with it as a package. With the sharp rise we had with the fuel I’m glad I got out of the C63 when I did as I couldn’t have ran it daily doing 3-400 miles per week
Last summer I decided I’d had enough of my dilapidated driveway and in order to rectify this, I sold my S204 C63 to fund the groundwork’s and the change would buy a replacement.
I ran some cheap things last winter then decided I fancied a Golf R, cue viewing, placing deposits on two and the sellers withdrawing from the deals as both vehicles had underlying issues it left a bitter taste in my mouth. Back to the drawing board.
My 11 year old son suggested getting another Transporter, I’ve always had a van that I’ve used to lug bikes, wheels, interiors, car parts etc. His idea made sense, I used the C63 as a van all too often. This T5 is the 5th ond I’ve owned since 2009
After looking at heaps of overpriced dross, this one popped up on FB. I liked the colour, the spec was ideal, the owner gave me a good feeling when I spoke with him so a deal was done. It’s been a privately owned van since new, it is obvious in its condition that it’s not been an abused workhorse
It wasn’t all rosy though, I HATED the wheels, comedy ride height and the sidebars.
The van itself is a 2013 T5..1 140bhp DSG Highline Kombi with twin sliders, tailgate, 5 seater (2+2,1) it has some nice options such as cab comfort pack, Air Con, MFSW, elec folding mirrors, Bluetooth, parking sensors, westfalia towbar and it was carpeted and insulated in the rear which saved me a job.
These are pics that the seller used
The week after collection, it was headed to Orkney to see the in-laws
I suffered the comedy ride height, black wheels and sidebars for as long as I could.
I like to keep things as OEM as possible so
Some 19” Amarok wheels, Eibach Springs, new top mounts and ARB links were fitted. The sidebars were removed also.
Much Better
FB Marketplace came up trumps with a £50 bargain G revision RCD510 DAB touchscreen radio
I had thought about retrofitting the Sportline taillights but I wasn’t sure, however I’m glad I have. These were easily fitted, the wires needed swapped around in the plugs but there’s plenty guides online that make it easy.
One thing I fancied was a FBSW from a mk6 Golf GTI/R etc but I didn’t want one with an R or GTI emblem. I found out the Scirocco uses the same wheel without the emblem so this was duly purchased and fitted. Many upgrade to mk7/8 Golf wheels but I feel they are too new. This is one of my favourite upgrades.
One thing I really wanted to try was a bulkhead behind the Kombi seats as even with the insulation etc there’s still some road noise, morseo than a car. I found one locally and fitted it three weeks ago. Game changer this. Far more car like now.
That’s pretty much it, I’ve fitted proper VW floor mats, front mudflaps, window deflectors etc but I think that’s me happy with it as a package. With the sharp rise we had with the fuel I’m glad I got out of the C63 when I did as I couldn’t have ran it daily doing 3-400 miles per week
Edited by martin mrt on Tuesday 1st November 00:13
Edited by martin mrt on Tuesday 1st November 00:14
Edited by martin mrt on Tuesday 1st November 00:18
Waitforme said:
That looks so much better with the silver wheels, might have kept the side bar though.
I see quite a lot of these with very low profile tyres, must be a thing in the VW scene.
Out of interest, what’s the average MPG ?
I agree the silver wheels look loads better, and as they are 19s it drives much better. The tyres are 45 profiles, which seem to be the best compromise between ride comfort and looks. I see quite a lot of these with very low profile tyres, must be a thing in the VW scene.
Out of interest, what’s the average MPG ?
As for the side bars, I’ve never been a fan of them on any van hence they were never going to stay.
It’s currently doing around 33 on mixed driving which I’m happy enough with.
RC1807 said:
I quite fancy a van, and colleagues had these as company cars since a couple had big families and dogs. Your T5 looks really good now.
Out of interest, the faults on the Golfs. Was it the same fault on both cars?
They are ever so handy, my son is really getting into mountain biking now too so it’s great for taking him places with the bike. Out of interest, the faults on the Golfs. Was it the same fault on both cars?
One had an ongoing intermittent misfire issue that they couldn’t get to the bottom of, the other had corrosion at the bottom of the wings and we couldn’t agree on a satisfactory outcome with 3 different tyres fitted to it.
I drive one: a camper though as daily. Twin sliding door is staggeringly useful and I have only a full width r n r bed in so mountains of internal space to use as a van.
I’ll admit to knowing when I drive it : there is pretty much nothing as useful or as versatile on the road.
Utterly bulletproof depreciation too.
I’ll admit to knowing when I drive it : there is pretty much nothing as useful or as versatile on the road.
Utterly bulletproof depreciation too.
Congratulations!
I did a similar thing. Went from a BMW 540i xDrive M sport full of luxury, tech and performance to a 204 T32 Highline T6 Camper with 20" wheels, lowered and tarted up like a scene Muppet! It's not the best to drive but now I work from home it's more useful for us as a family. I don't need a daily driver or commuter car anymore. Still miss it but we're enjoying the van lifestyle.
I did a similar thing. Went from a BMW 540i xDrive M sport full of luxury, tech and performance to a 204 T32 Highline T6 Camper with 20" wheels, lowered and tarted up like a scene Muppet! It's not the best to drive but now I work from home it's more useful for us as a family. I don't need a daily driver or commuter car anymore. Still miss it but we're enjoying the van lifestyle.
I've recently acquired a top spec Jap import 3.5 V6 petrol Mercedes Viano with 7 seats, including 4 captains chairs.
It's pretty quick for something it's size, but the fuel consumption is pretty woeful. The children love it and we have just returned from a family trip to Cornwall (300 miles each way) where you see almost as many vans as cars, mostly Transporters, with a smattering of Transits, Viano and the like.
Such a great vehicle for the journey, x2 DVD players, 3 sunroofs, electric heated seats, bluetooth, reversing camera, nearside kerb camera, electric folding mirrors, curtains, privacy glass, upgrade stereo with sub under drivers seat, all Alpine, Kenwood and Pioneer stuff.
It's like new underneath and in absolutely fantastic condition.
I am all about the vans now :-) yours is very nice and looks much better with silver wheels.
It's pretty quick for something it's size, but the fuel consumption is pretty woeful. The children love it and we have just returned from a family trip to Cornwall (300 miles each way) where you see almost as many vans as cars, mostly Transporters, with a smattering of Transits, Viano and the like.
Such a great vehicle for the journey, x2 DVD players, 3 sunroofs, electric heated seats, bluetooth, reversing camera, nearside kerb camera, electric folding mirrors, curtains, privacy glass, upgrade stereo with sub under drivers seat, all Alpine, Kenwood and Pioneer stuff.
It's like new underneath and in absolutely fantastic condition.
I am all about the vans now :-) yours is very nice and looks much better with silver wheels.
austinsmirk said:
I drive one: a camper though as daily. Twin sliding door is staggeringly useful and I have only a full width r n r bed in so mountains of internal space to use as a van.
I’ll admit to knowing when I drive it : there is pretty much nothing as useful or as versatile on the road.
Utterly bulletproof depreciation too.
Many think this is a camper and are quite surprised when they find out it’s anything but one. I’ll admit to knowing when I drive it : there is pretty much nothing as useful or as versatile on the road.
Utterly bulletproof depreciation too.
The versatility is brilliant, it does everything I need it to.
Depreciation as you say, certainly so far is non existent
Got4wheels said:
Interesting read OP. Gained a big interest in vans since I got a Tourneo. I looked at a Transporter but I was quoted a year’s wait for one.
Nice to see a ‘leisure van’ unmodified too. I’ve yet to see a van look good with black alloys.
Michael
Thank you. I’ve always had (or had immediate access to) a van since since 2005-6 or thereabouts, I’d genuinely be lost without one these days I think. Nice to see a ‘leisure van’ unmodified too. I’ve yet to see a van look good with black alloys.
Michael
It’s far from standard but I like things to be OEM+ so it looks as if VW meant it to be.
I detest black wheels, not just on vans
toon10 said:
Congratulations!
I did a similar thing. Went from a BMW 540i xDrive M sport full of luxury, tech and performance to a 204 T32 Highline T6 Camper with 20" wheels, lowered and tarted up like a scene Muppet! It's not the best to drive but now I work from home it's more useful for us as a family. I don't need a daily driver or commuter car anymore. Still miss it but we're enjoying the van lifestyle.
That would have been a lovely car, the B58 engine in them is a peach. Spent a year in an M140i, engine was brilliant. I did a similar thing. Went from a BMW 540i xDrive M sport full of luxury, tech and performance to a 204 T32 Highline T6 Camper with 20" wheels, lowered and tarted up like a scene Muppet! It's not the best to drive but now I work from home it's more useful for us as a family. I don't need a daily driver or commuter car anymore. Still miss it but we're enjoying the van lifestyle.
Yours sounds much more modified than mine, 20s look great but I didn’t enjoy the ride (or looks) they offered. I use this for everything, but I’ve got access to the R32 or 330d if I fancy using a car.
The Dictator said:
I've recently acquired a top spec Jap import 3.5 V6 petrol Mercedes Viano with 7 seats, including 4 captains chairs.
It's pretty quick for something it's size, but the fuel consumption is pretty woeful. The children love it and we have just returned from a family trip to Cornwall (300 miles each way) where you see almost as many vans as cars, mostly Transporters, with a smattering of Transits, Viano and the like.
Such a great vehicle for the journey, x2 DVD players, 3 sunroofs, electric heated seats, bluetooth, reversing camera, nearside kerb camera, electric folding mirrors, curtains, privacy glass, upgrade stereo with sub under drivers seat, all Alpine, Kenwood and Pioneer stuff.
It's like new underneath and in absolutely fantastic condition.
I am all about the vans now :-) yours is very nice and looks much better with silver wheels.
Your Vito sounds great, I had a V6 CDI one a couple of years ago and it was a brilliant van but I found it heavy on fuel It's pretty quick for something it's size, but the fuel consumption is pretty woeful. The children love it and we have just returned from a family trip to Cornwall (300 miles each way) where you see almost as many vans as cars, mostly Transporters, with a smattering of Transits, Viano and the like.
Such a great vehicle for the journey, x2 DVD players, 3 sunroofs, electric heated seats, bluetooth, reversing camera, nearside kerb camera, electric folding mirrors, curtains, privacy glass, upgrade stereo with sub under drivers seat, all Alpine, Kenwood and Pioneer stuff.
It's like new underneath and in absolutely fantastic condition.
I am all about the vans now :-) yours is very nice and looks much better with silver wheels.
Thank you I much prefer it on silver wheels too
Two weeks ago I slept in mine after having climbed ingleborough. Had my mates inside , partying etc. using the camper side to its full. weekend after my family went to the poshest of posh hotels in the lakes and it looked perfect in a car park of utterly dull and generic posh suvs.
I watched one chap with a fancy jeep, rammed with 5 and luggage and having to tow a trailer to move 4 mtb’s.
I could seat 6 in mine and get 4 mtb’s inside, plus all the luggage with no issue. You bought the wrong car jeep man if you want some outside lifestyle and have 3 kids.
If you want to get a pop top done, I used a company whose prices started at £1750 all in. Really good. Some companies can get to £6/7 k which is nuts.
I watched one chap with a fancy jeep, rammed with 5 and luggage and having to tow a trailer to move 4 mtb’s.
I could seat 6 in mine and get 4 mtb’s inside, plus all the luggage with no issue. You bought the wrong car jeep man if you want some outside lifestyle and have 3 kids.
If you want to get a pop top done, I used a company whose prices started at £1750 all in. Really good. Some companies can get to £6/7 k which is nuts.
I thought I’d add a small update. My van is an early Highline model and as such came without the stainless dashboard trim and vent surrounds that the 2014 onwards do. This never bothered me in all fairness but this did……..
It drove me nuts to the point I priced up a new replacement vent at TPS. It was the best part of £90. Hmmmmm i pondered it, then found a later Highline being broken. All vents and trim present. £130 delivered. Result.
Today was fitting day
As a bonus, the Highline pockets come with small rubber mat inserts fitted. I quite like that as they stop things sliding in them.
Overall I’m very happy with this small but subtle change, most people won’t even know what’s different but it’s things like this I enjoy doing most.
It drove me nuts to the point I priced up a new replacement vent at TPS. It was the best part of £90. Hmmmmm i pondered it, then found a later Highline being broken. All vents and trim present. £130 delivered. Result.
Today was fitting day
As a bonus, the Highline pockets come with small rubber mat inserts fitted. I quite like that as they stop things sliding in them.
Overall I’m very happy with this small but subtle change, most people won’t even know what’s different but it’s things like this I enjoy doing most.
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