[Closed] 'Lifestyle' vehicles. Am I missing something?

Each to their own cliche, I was aware of the VW scene tax but did eventually become a sheep and get a T5 Kombi a few years ago following a redundancy payment, and latterly replaced with a T6 version. It's the only vehicle & used everyday for new work lugging stuff and people & odd trips away. Have kipped in it a few times, it's okay for 2 for short periods. Just practical really for needs. The T6 was ex-demo with price £10K less than new, still a lot but will sell in 2 years when warranty up (already had a few issues done under that....) and do the same again, get another nearly new ex-demo with balance of warranty as it will sell for probably not a lot different to what it cost originally, going on the last T5 we had & despite adding nearly 30K miles. It's playing a game I have to admit to have come part of in this silly VW scene. If I hadn't had the money at the time to buy into it, any van would have done me to be honest, I used to love my old Toyota Hiace's, not 'cool' but cheaper and a lot more reliable than the VW's that's for sure.

4 of us going to some festival soon, was going to take the T6 and a tent but then we found the local van hire place near us has these big Peugeot based campers with proper beds and all mod cons for £60 a day. Just seems to make more sense to split the cost & hire something like for one offs like this.

The default lifestyle vehicle around our parts seem to be 4 x 4 Discovery type vehicles or those crew cab Chavara type things. For a vehicle of the same outer footprint they just seem a bit impractical to me compared to a (kombi/crew) van of any make in terms of people and load carrying, and security. But I don't really care what people drive if it makes them happy, it's how people drive that seems more important.

But he odd couple of weeks touring around Scotland in one really appeals, so rental is obviously the best option for me

You might want to look at how much two weeks VW rental would cost. I've not looked at coach built motor homes, off for a Google.

Edit, £1800 for a two week holiday.
Edit edit, £1708 for a "luxury" VW, not including gas, linen, extra driver etcetc.

Recently ordered myself a T6 with the 204bhp engine. Build week is next week. I'll be getting it lowered with side bars and semi campered for getting changed and chilling pre and post ride. I've got a car also, so shall mostly be using it to get to the Surrey Hills to hang out in Peaslake on my carbon full suss along with the occasional riding.

[quote=mandog ] I'll be getting it lowered with side bars

Will that not restrict your ability to get into some quieter locations (I'm thinking beach/woodland car parks etc)? 😆

I do wonder why folk do this.

Will that not restrict your ability to get into some quieter locations (I'm thinking beach/woodland car parks etc)?
I do wonder why folk do this.

I think he whoosh parroted you.

Which is quite ironic actually as his post actually demonstrates the assumptions, frustrations and inverse snobbery of those who judge other people based on what vehicle they choose as this is precisely what they think the motivations for buying always are.

I assumed it was a joke - but my point stands. I see folk that have done it (I even considered some sort of side boards with steps for my Trafic) but the ground clearance thing worries me.

Shouldn't worry you too much if it's not your vehicle. 😉

Assuming many on here are driving a 10-15k hatchback/SUV, its not a huge outlay for something without a VW badge if its going to be your only vehicle. When I've finished converting mine, it will be fairly well equipped but will have cost less than a new Focus all in.

It was less than 2 years old with 10,000 miles when I bought it 18 months ago so plenty of years to had with it.

If you're going all-out on a custom build, that Orange Syncro jumping on the beach actually looks like this with its clothes off:

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Perhaps not a practical camper after all...
It's a rally/expedition build so a bit 'special'. I do love the idea of a go-anywhere vehicle with just enough room to be able to sleep comfortably at night; I'm not fussed about all mod-cons, I camped for nine days year before last, all I had with me apart from air mattress and bag was a little wood-burning stove for making tea, a cool-box I put cold water into to keep the milk fresh and that was it. I don't ride any more, and in the evening I just wandered down to the pub for a meal and beer. It's only me, no family, so a well-sorted Syncro would be the mutts as far as I'm concerned.
In fact, apart from small details, like the colour, this is close to being my ideal van:

[img] [/img]

Having the winch to haul unfortunates out of the goo at wet festivals would be particularly handy... 😀

I've followed the thread with interest. We had a T2 Devon from 89 to 94, our "home" for a year of that. In Winter it was cold (bearable) and damp (less so). In Summer we lived outside and slept in it. The layout worked, bikes inside between the front seats which wasn't possible T4 on.

After that we had a Ducato L1H2 with just enough equipment to sleep three and cook. As junior took up more space we took a tent too.

I sold the Ducato because we weren't using it but last year Madame decided to buy a Trafic or T6 with all the conforts. We got as far as a detailed quote for a petrol T6 pop top but they wanted 29 000e deposit for a delivery in 12 months. A Font Vendôme was very nearly ours then we sat down an thought about where we'd go with it.

We used to love stopping on the sea front in St Jean de Luz 100m north of the public toilets and showers. Now vans are banned at night and parking is payant in the day. The camper van area is between the railway and the national and the campsites are choca with camper vans so you have to book.

Biscarosse lake was ace. But now overnighting is banned, and enforced. The campsite has put mobile homes on all the best pitches. However you can rent a nice gîte nearby for less than a mobile home.

Locally 1.9m height barriers have appeared on most supermarket car parks, you can't even go shopping without pushing the caddy to the DIY store car park.

Thanks to the Net the discrete wild camping spots are now known to all, the locals have got brassed off and the campers are now banned. Up in the mountains it's still OK in some places but don't be surprised if you get moved on, it's simply illegal in national parks so head down to the villages and you'll normally find a place.

Germany was good with a camper but these days don't be surprised if someone knocks on the door with a bill for overnighting on a carpark or moves you on to a campsite.

On the Med you won't get near the beach in many places, the ban starts kms away.

So in the end we bought another type of lifestyle vehicle, a Zoé, and we stop on campsites, in gîtes de France, hotels or whatever. Booking.com or the Internet site of your choice will find you accomodation not much more expensive than a campsite. The difference between Zoé and the T6 will pay a lot of luxurious overnights.

[quote=spooky_b329 ]Find me a hotel room...
...
...where you can turn up without booking, pay by the night, and move on if its rubbish/you fancy a change

Did lots of that touring around France on a bike.

Of course with a camper if it's rubbish it's still rubbish when you move on 😉

I'd love a nice bike van, just ply/fabric in the back, foldaway storage/bench, etc.

In laws have had a couple of smaller FIAT/Peugeot based camper vans.
All the fittings and furniture seem just too flimsy, easily damaged and aren't really up to extended, muddy outdoor use.

A few mates with older VW's (ex AA mostly) and they've kept them pretty spartan inside, just clever storage and sleeping arrangements.
They manage to fit in outdoor kit and one couple have a baby and a three year old.
Both have the pop up tops, which seem to work really well.

I picked up a brand new lwb 9 seat Transit minibus for work yesterday, absolutely beautiful thing, but just a bit big to be practical for me.
A swb Transit bus with the rear seats removed would be perfect I reckon.

Just come back from the club, 6 T5's in the car park today, all have 19" wheels on and 3 have roof bars on, 3 have those silly LED lights retrofitted and all have the dark window tints.

Is typical for the T5 set down my way.

I've just got back from the tip emptying a load of hedge clippings with my T5.

#vanlife

I had a socialist campervan once. It got splattered by the chemi-khazi.

bikebouy - Member
Is typical for the T5 set down my way.

🙂
It's a bit different in our outdoor club.
One friend and an older couple have well used 'nicer' models, but most are older, bit scabby and filled with climbing and biking gear.

I can understand the obsession with VW's, was a always a big thing even when I was a kid and for decades before that, but they were much cheaper back then!

Don't really tend to see many new blinged up new ones up here, tbh.

Still rather have a Transit.
🙂

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We all had a socialist camper van

Has anyone in this thread proffered a definition of 'lifestyle' vehicle?

I don't need a car at all, I just like them so I have them. I suppose that makes them lifestyle vehicles? One is even a camper - get used all the time for, like, camping and stuff. Bring on the hate!

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[quote=kenneththecurtain ]Has anyone in this thread proffered a definition of 'lifestyle' vehicle?

It's an interesting point. I have to admit having read through this thread, I quite like the idea of a camper van and it might well suit my life going forwards, but for now my Mondeo is my "lifestyle vehicle" - I can (and have) sleep flat in the back with the back seats folded - bike alongside me if I want (and I have also done that). I can put a bike in the back without taking the wheels off - without even folding the seats! It also fits a windsurfer inside if I fold the seats the right way, though I've not done that for a long time. Not too high to load (big unwieldy) kayaks on the roof, plenty of space in the boot to semi-permanently store a couple of unicycles. There's a reason I've owned big cars well before I had kids, and probably will always own big cars - if I don't just go for a van next.

The difference between Zoé and the T6 will pay a lot of luxurious overnights.

This makes much, much sense to me.
I'm tempted by a camper, buy Just cannot see how it would work out anything near reasonable cost or practicality. A day van, with awning on the other hand...

Often bought by simpletons who're into bikes, birds and booze. They do things like this to them

[img] [/img]

Love my web t4.It's a daily drive. I quite often go out in the evening park up with a brew n chill. Don't camp in it enough though but I just like being in it

However I'd like a Ducato or sprinter next time just for a different lay out

[quote=davidtaylforth ]Often bought by simpletons who're into bikes, birds and booze.

That's most of us here then 😆

Often bought by simpletons who're into bikes, birds and booze. They do things like this to them

That's most of us here then

😀

The difference between Zoé and the T6 will pay a lot of luxurious overnights.

My old 4x4 Octavia is a 'lifestyle' vehicle, basically a pickup with a roof, has left me with more money for bikes and holidays, happy enough to charge through the woods and across fields in it.
Wouldn't sleep in it though, the thing stinks and will never get rid of all the straw.

They do things like this to them

But it looks like someone has replaced the tyres with elastic bands.

It's been lowered hasn't it?

Headlights seem to have eyelids as well.

Couple of days up in the highlands in ours as the mrs was running in The Devil o'the highlands. Loaded with camping kit, running kit, dogs and crates the t5 was a super flexible vehicle. Tailgate made a great umbrella in Kinlochleven when waiting for runners, then became a sunshade.

Did everything needed - easy enough to park, goes well, reasonable fuel, rubber floor makes for an easier life, other brands are available but for a family vehicle it works better than an estate car.

We dont sleep in it, tents are generally more comfortable so carry a couple of 3man vango when we are away. Ymmv.

I like vw, have had a good few - no point buying something that you dont smile at when you see it..

The hate is strong on this thread, an envious middle aged man is truly a scornful beast.

A swb Transit bus with the rear seats removed would be perfect I reckon.

T4 Caravelle is more or less this (the rear seats don't come fully out without a socket set, but fold out of the way). It's a car too, so cheap Severn Bridge tolls, 70mph on dual carriageways (if you can get to 70) and fun conversations at the local recycling center (take the V5). Can get lots of bikes in (4 bike fiamma rear rack, maybe 3 in the boot with wheel off)
Also not old enough to be trendy, too old to be flash.

The difference between the camp site and the pub B&B in the village is around £60/night

quite. You could do a couple of nights in a hotel every month for the next 45 years before you'd spent as much as new T6. Assuming you didn't have to tax or insure the T6, that is...

Even fitting out a second hand van (12 - 15k?) would buy you a decade's worth. By which time the second hand van would probably need replacing anyway.

This is the angle that's always put me off... (that and the good lady isn't really one for campsites anyway)

doris5000

quite. You could do a couple of nights in a hotel every month for the next 45 years before you'd spent as much as new T6. Assuming you didn't have to tax or insure the T6, that is...

Yeah but you can't lower a hotel, put a vinyl wrap and some big wheels on it and then use it to aggressively tailgate people at 60mph on the way up to Fortwilliam for that one trip of the year you actually use the thing.

We've just got back from 3 nights away in our T5.1.
It was comfy, we sat outside during the day and the evenings and slept up top.
£15 a night with hook-up and showers etc - the place was rammed with Brits/ French/ Germans/ Italians/ Dutch etc etc.
But.... It's got 20" rims, blacked out windows - no LED lights though but it does have a DAB radio.

JimJam:
Yeah but you can't lower a hotel, put a vinyl wrap and some big wheels on it and then use it to aggressively tailgate people at 60mph on the way up to Fortwilliam for that one trip of the year you actually use the thing.

Nope - it was a white vw polo that was doing the tailgating this year - having tired of only being able to see the roof of the vehicle following me from FW to Glencoe (c) I let her past so she could sit on the back bumper of the rented focus that put his brakes on randomly. Was hoping for a self fulfilling prophecy, or that unmarked bmw that was running up and down the road on Friday to appear, but no such luck..

Yeah but you can't lower a hotel, put a vinyl wrap and some big wheels on it

If you're David Coulthard you can give it a bloody good try.......

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I don't think there's any "hate" for the VW T series on here, were just observing the owners and thier false superiority complex.
Plenty of better vehicles that cover the needs of the "lifestyle" yet the blinkered VW passionistas bore the pants off you by both hopping out of one and walking off like they've just had a child's accident in their pants, and cruising up to the beach parking it at 37degrees to the parking bay whilst sneering and then hopping out and wiping down the dust off the blacked out bonnet.

And .. when your done with those Audi TT wheels you've retro fitted, give em back to the bloke they belong to..

Up and over rear door or twin rear doors ??

I don't think there's any "hate" for the VW T series on here, were just observing the owners and thier false superiority complex.

Given the tone of the OP, there is plenty of hate, most of it motivated by frustration and acute inferiority complex.

How else could you explain why people worry about the cars that OTHER people choose and make ridiculous assumption and sweeping generalisations about people they don't know?

[quote=bikebouy ]I don't think there's any "hate" for the VW T series [b][i]hate hate hate[/i][/b]

fixed it for you 😉

maybe its SE thing..

How else could you explain why people worry about the cars that OTHER people choose and make ridiculous assumption and sweeping generalisations about people they don't know?

Are you new here?

Anyway..... I think you, and quite a few others, are being overly defensive. I is not hatin'. I is simply mystified as to why you'd spend this frankly enormous sum of money to sleep in the back of a van in a field! Thats all. When, as has been pointed out by plenty on here, the same sum of money opens up a whole world of non-field related destinations, and none-back-of-a-van luxury accommodation.

The only difference I can see to Guy Martin sleeping in his transit with his bikes, and the whole VW camper experience is 50 grand.

It genuinely mystifies me. I hadn't realised, as I'd never taken any notice, how ludicrously priced they are. And after reading all the replies, I'm still as mystified. I still can't see any reason you would, other than you've been seduced by a Times Sunday Supplement, or you're a masochist? There's no other logical explanation

I still can't see any reason you would, other than you've been seduced by a Times Sunday Supplement, or you're a masochist? There's no other logical explanation

if I was completely wadded, I'd still have one. I'd also have a drive to park it on etc etc.

they look fun, and if you can afford to lob five-figure lumps of cash at fun things to do on the weekend, why not?

I think it's just one of those things where, now and again, you see a large evidence of wealth - like when you walk past a marina with loads of nice boats in it - and go, bloody hell, I never realized there were that many people with that much money knocking about...

True. Boats (and their associated costs) are another money-pit I find totally incomprehensable