Newbie needing help

Hi decided Now’s the time to take the plunge for a gc600 with the offers from vw
Deposit £7000 foc and that on top of drive the deal 7-8000£ discount means we can comfortably get a decent spec for £80k
Add this to the 5 year services warranty etc and 50% down 50% interest free it seems a no brainer

Went to view garage last week and there’s so many questions I have un answered
Regarding spec
What I want what the dealer recommended so I would be greatful if you bear with all the coming questions that are probably already in threads ( if they are I apologise .
As a character ( as my wife would tell you I over analyse instead of gut instinct
So hear goes a few puzzlers I have
3.5 or 3.88t
I’m over 44 so no worries but Asan ex owner of a car garage depreciation a big thing to me
Will 3.88 put resale a problem re c1 licence needed . It means my children can’t drive it so it made me think cut spec

Spec dealer says
Over heads bed ( yes might use once in a while but not much ) this seems a needed option in resale market ?

Driving pack d - I think he’s right

Vision pack a - probably

Awning - agree

Diesel heater. - torn as want but weight a problem could do with idea on amount of gas used for heating ( don’t want to be short as will hopefully be doing wild pub car parks etc more often than sites question is is it worth tipping the 3.88

He says heated window ( I had an issue years ago where all I did was focus on the wires not the road , the question is is it important

He says blind spot and folding mirrors etc ? Had bling spot on a macan and never used it but this is bigger ?

He says a must is the 1200 light upgrade ? Spent £2400 on a car lights once and never felt benefit , thoughts ?

Toilet sog ? He says a must ? Again looking at weight ? Thoughts pkease

Bike rack ? Anyone had one fitted after market ?

Wheel pressure monitor ? I will probably uograde wheels to off road tyres and black alloy Im guessing monitor not transferable ?

Wifi and satellite ? Weight wise snd cost i think mobile hotspot for Netflix ? Thoughts on buy or not

Mudguards ? Needed or not

Solar this for me I think I must have ?

Any answers greatful for ad need to order next week

Or any thought on things I must add

Domstrange said:

Hi decided Now’s the time to take the plunge for a gc600 with the offers from vw
Deposit £7000 foc and that on top of drive the deal 7-8000£ discount means we can comfortably get a decent spec for £80k
Add this to the 5 year services warranty etc and 50% down 50% interest free it seems a no brainer

Went to view garage last week and there’s so many questions I have un answered
Regarding spec
What I want what the dealer recommended so I would be greatful if you bear with all the coming questions that are probably already in threads ( if they are I apologise .
As a character ( as my wife would tell you I over analyse instead of gut instinct
So hear goes a few puzzlers I have
3.5 or 3.88t
I’m over 44 so no worries but Asan ex owner of a car garage depreciation a big thing to me
Will 3.88 put resale a problem re c1 licence needed . It means my children can’t drive it so it made me think cut spec

Spec dealer says
Over heads bed ( yes might use once in a while but not much ) this seems a needed option in resale market ?

Driving pack d - I think he’s right

Vision pack a - probably

Awning - agree

Diesel heater. - torn as want but weight a problem could do with idea on amount of gas used for heating ( don’t want to be short as will hopefully be doing wild pub car parks etc more often than sites question is is it worth tipping the 3.88

He says heated window ( I had an issue years ago where all I did was focus on the wires not the road , the question is is it important

He says blind spot and folding mirrors etc ? Had bling spot on a macan and never used it but this is bigger ?

He says a must is the 1200 light upgrade ? Spent £2400 on a car lights once and never felt benefit , thoughts ?

Toilet sog ? He says a must ? Again looking at weight ? Thoughts pkease

Bike rack ? Anyone had one fitted after market ?

Wheel pressure monitor ? I will probably uograde wheels to off road tyres and black alloy Im guessing monitor not transferable ?

Wifi and satellite ? Weight wise snd cost i think mobile hotspot for Netflix ? Thoughts on buy or not

Mudguards ? Needed or not

Solar this for me I think I must have ?

Any answers greatful for ad need to order next week

Or any thought on things I must add

Click to expand...

Hello and welcome.

The 3.5 vs 3.88 is a simple one for me. If you can drive a 3.88 with no issue, then go for it. The payload can be an issue on the 3.5 and may limit your vehicle options.
Full disclosure I have a 3.88t!

If you need the additional over head bed then it’s obviously a must, but (I have it) it is a compromise and depending on what age of children might sleep up there, if they are late teens they probably won’t like it. It is for children.
Driving pack is personal choice as is light pack.
Awning yes.
LED lights are a must in my option.
Toilet SOG is a big yes.
Bike rack, personal choice, I bought mine after and fitted it myself. Not that hard.
Tyre pressure monitor, not that important.
WiFi, didn’t spec it, use a mobile dongle, works well for me. Sat dish, no for me, you lose the rear skylight which is a big source of light in the rear. Stream most things to watch anyway.
I had factory fitted mud flaps. Worth it imo
Solar - big yes. Need it to help extend the battery life, unless your camping always involves electric hookup.
Heated windscreen, I’m not bothered. Didn’t order it.
Diesel heating, big yes for me. Less need for heavy gas bottles.
Folding mirrors are great with blind spot monitor. Like it.
Ambient lights, like these a lot, really nice.

Any other info you’d like feel free to ask. Had my GC600 for 18 months and love it.
Also check out the Facebook group (if you do Facebook) “VW Grand California UK” great group and good source of info and help.
Good luck.

As far as I am aware all modern vehicles have to have a Tyre Pressure monitoring system.
Either the Basic system using the ABS sensors to monitor wheel rotation speeds, a flat tyre rotates faster, which tells you that a tyre is below the monitored pressure but not the pressure or which wheel.
Paid for Option has sensors in each wheel and shows the pressures in each wheel and flags up the wheel and pressure.

Mr T said:

Hello and welcome.

The 3.5 vs 3.88 is a simple one for me. If you can drive a 3.88 with no issue, then go for it. The payload can be an issue on the 3.5 and may limit your vehicle options.
Full disclosure I have a 3.88t!

If you need the additional over head bed then it’s obviously a must, but (I have it) it is a compromise and depending on what age of children might sleep up there, if they are late teens they probably won’t like it. It is for children.
Driving pack is personal choice as is light pack.
Awning yes.
LED lights are a must in my option.
Toilet SOG is a big yes.
Bike rack, personal choice, I bought mine after and fitted it myself. Not that hard.
Tyre pressure monitor, not that important.
WiFi, didn’t spec it, use a mobile dongle, works well for me. Sat dish, no for me, you lose the rear skylight which is a big source of light in the rear. Stream most things to watch anyway.
I had factory fitted mud flaps. Worth it imo
Solar - big yes. Need it to help extend the battery life, unless your camping always involves electric hookup.
Heated windscreen, I’m not bothered. Didn’t order it.
Diesel heating, big yes for me. Less need for heavy gas bottles.
Folding mirrors are great with blind spot monitor. Like it.
Ambient lights, like these a lot, really nice.

Any other info you’d like feel free to ask. Had my GC600 for 18 months and love it.
Also check out the Facebook group (if you do Facebook) “VW Grand California UK” great group and good source of info and help.
Good luck.

Click to expand...

Thank you for taking the time to answer
My children aren’t children they’re 21+ it was for that spontaneous “ fancy going to x. Tonight “ kind of use . Not a week etc , I tried to research a make shift pop up bed where the table will be , I’m going to speak to Graham at Exploria Brighouse to see if he can make/ come up with a solution
“Had for 18month “ have you changed now ?

WelshGas said:

As far as I am aware all modern vehicles have to have a Tyre Pressure monitoring system.
Either the Basic system using the ABS sensors to monitor wheel rotation speeds, a flat tyre rotates faster, which tells you that a tyre is below the monitored pressure but not the pressure or which wheel.
Paid for Option has sensors in each wheel and shows the pressures in each wheel and flags up the wheel and pressure.

Click to expand...

Thank you . I guess it must be an upgrade

Domstrange said:

Thank you for taking the time to answer
My children aren’t children they’re 21+ it was for that spontaneous “ fancy going to x. Tonight “ kind of use . Not a week etc , I tried to research a make shift pop up bed where the table will be , I’m going to speak to Graham at Exploria Brighouse to see if he can make/ come up with a solution
“Had for 18month “ have you changed now ?

Click to expand...

My son is 21 and 6’ 1” and has led up in the top bed, for an odd night it would be manageable for 1 ‘not too large’ person. A lot of money as an option though for the odd night.

I still have mine, like I say, love it.
Welcome to the FB group too!

Mr T said:

My son is 21 and 6’ 1” and has led up in the top bed, for an odd night it would be manageable for 1 ‘not too large’ person. A lot of money as an option though for the odd night.

I still have mine, like I say, love it.
Welcome to the FB group too!

Click to expand...

can’t wait thanks

We’re due to pick up our new GC600 on Monday. We should have collected last week but storm Babette has prevented us three times from being able to drive up through red weather alert to collect. A bit frustrating but there are worse things happening in this world at the moment.

Regarding your queries, can’t really comment on future resale values but we’re looking at this as a long term leisure/lifestyle vehicle and not as an investment. The main return is the enjoyment you derive from using it.
Because of our ‘seniors‘ age, and the fact our family have all left home, the 600 without the additional pullout bed and the extra storage it offers, appears perfect for our purposes. Having had a T5.1 for over a decade, the manoeuvrability of the smaller length 600 just seems more appropriate. Not having the weight of the bed removes restrictions on various additional options which in our case are:
Awning
Bike Carrier On Rear For Two Bikes
Blind Spot Monitor
Driver Assistance Pack A Includes Front And Rear Parking Sensors W/ Side Protection
Lights & Vision Pack A
Lockable Wheel Bolts
Rear-View Camera System
Side And Curtain Airbags For Driver And Front Passenger
Solar Collector On The Roof (essential if not on hookup)
Trailer Hitch Preparation (for potential future e-bike carrying)
Water Heater With Radio Remote Control
Water/Air Heater With Diesel/electric (reduces need for large gas bottles)
AC Drive Option
Wing Mirrors: Heated, Power Adjustable (for width of vehicle)

Some of the above are obligatory subject to preferred options - for instance if you choose the retractable mirrors, the configurator will automatically add the driver assistance pack, etc.

There’s no perfect answer to what is correct for you, it comes down to personal choice relative to your usage, needs, etc.

RonB said:

We’re due to pick up our new GC600 on Monday. We should have collected last week but storm Babette has prevented us three times from being able to drive up through red weather alert to collect. A bit frustrating but there are worse things happening in this world at the moment.

Regarding your queries, can’t really comment on future resale values but we’re looking at this as a long term leisure/lifestyle vehicle and not as an investment. The main return is the enjoyment you derive from using it.
Because of our ‘seniors‘ age, and the fact our family have all left home, the 600 without the additional pullout bed and the extra storage it offers, appears perfect for our purposes. Having had a T5.1 for over a decade, the manoeuvrability of the smaller length 600 just seems more appropriate. Not having the weight of the bed removes restrictions on various additional options which in our case are:
Awning
Bike Carrier On Rear For Two Bikes
Blind Spot Monitor
Driver Assistance Pack A Includes Front And Rear Parking Sensors W/ Side Protection
Lights & Vision Pack A
Lockable Wheel Bolts
Rear-View Camera System
Side And Curtain Airbags For Driver And Front Passenger
Solar Collector On The Roof (essential if not on hookup)
Trailer Hitch Preparation (for potential future e-bike carrying)
Water Heater With Radio Remote Control
Water/Air Heater With Diesel/electric (reduces need for large gas bottles)
AC Drive Option
Wing Mirrors: Heated, Power Adjustable (for width of vehicle)

Some of the above are obligatory subject to preferred options - for instance if you choose the retractable mirrors, the configurator will automatically add the driver assistance pack, etc.

There’s no perfect answer to what is correct for you, it comes down to personal choice relative to your usage, needs, etc.

Click to expand...

Sounds like a great spec what colour ?
My dealer says you can’t have a Towbar and a diesel heater is this the case ? Would love the option for a scooter or e-bikes

Hi Dom

Please don’t hesitate to drop me an email and maybe we can arrange a call to go through options with.

Tom.davidson@breeze.co.uk

Tom

Tomdbreeze said:

Hi Dom

Please don’t hesitate to drop me an email and maybe we can arrange a call to go through options with.

Tom.davidson@breeze.co.uk

Tom

Click to expand...

Need to order this week to get the happy camping deal

Tomdbreeze said:

Hi Dom

Please don’t hesitate to drop me an email and maybe we can arrange a call to go through options with.

Tom.davidson@breeze.co.uk

Tom

Click to expand...

email sent

We wanted the two tone white and mushroom finish, however at the time of ordering, our dealer advised that this would probably create a delivery delay, due to factory paint shop issues. That, combined with an additional almost £3k on top, directed us towards the basic candy white. The tow bar and diesel heater combination didn’t flag up any issues on the configurator or from the dealer.

Domstrange said:

Need to order this week to get the happy camping deal

email sent

Click to expand...

Emailed back dom

RonB said:

We wanted the two tone white and mushroom finish, however at the time of ordering, our dealer advised that this would probably create a delivery delay, due to factory paint shop issues. That, combined with an additional almost £3k on top, directed us towards the basic candy white. The tow bar and diesel heater combination didn’t flag up any issues on the configurator or from the dealer.

Click to expand...

Thanks

Domstrange said:

Hi decided Now’s the time to take the plunge for a gc600 with the offers from vw
Deposit £7000 foc and that on top of drive the deal 7-8000£ discount means we can comfortably get a decent spec for £80k
Add this to the 5 year services warranty etc and 50% down 50% interest free it seems a no brainer

Went to view garage last week and there’s so many questions I have un answered
Regarding spec
What I want what the dealer recommended so I would be greatful if you bear with all the coming questions that are probably already in threads ( if they are I apologise .
As a character ( as my wife would tell you I over analyse instead of gut instinct
So hear goes a few puzzlers I have
3.5 or 3.88t
I’m over 44 so no worries but Asan ex owner of a car garage depreciation a big thing to me
Will 3.88 put resale a problem re c1 licence needed . It means my children can’t drive it so it made me think cut spec

Spec dealer says
Over heads bed ( yes might use once in a while but not much ) this seems a needed option in resale market ?

Driving pack d - I think he’s right

Vision pack a - probably

Awning - agree

Diesel heater. - torn as want but weight a problem could do with idea on amount of gas used for heating ( don’t want to be short as will hopefully be doing wild pub car parks etc more often than sites question is is it worth tipping the 3.88

He says heated window ( I had an issue years ago where all I did was focus on the wires not the road , the question is is it important

He says blind spot and folding mirrors etc ? Had bling spot on a macan and never used it but this is bigger ?

He says a must is the 1200 light upgrade ? Spent £2400 on a car lights once and never felt benefit , thoughts ?

Toilet sog ? He says a must ? Again looking at weight ? Thoughts pkease

Bike rack ? Anyone had one fitted after market ?

Wheel pressure monitor ? I will probably uograde wheels to off road tyres and black alloy Im guessing monitor not transferable ?

Wifi and satellite ? Weight wise snd cost i think mobile hotspot for Netflix ? Thoughts on buy or not

Mudguards ? Needed or not

Solar this for me I think I must have ?

Any answers greatful for ad need to order next week

Or any thought on things I must add

Click to expand...

I recommend ......go for the 680 grand california over the 600.... it's amazing we LOVE ours . 2 birth .
Don't worry about selling until you are.
You'll won't have any problems selling it .

Michelle and John said:

I recommend ......go for the 680 grand california over the 600.... it's amazing we LOVE ours . 2 birth .
Don't worry about selling until you are.
You'll won't have any problems selling it .

Click to expand...

Thanks