VW California

[SWH]

Not sure if this should be in the VW section or maybe Tents, Caravans etc, but let's try here first....

Does anyone own or have experience of the newer VW California SE? I'm looking at a 6k mile 64 plate 2.0 BiTurbo 180 7spd DSG one soon and would be interested in experience based feedback...

...random opinions also welcome of course, this is PH after all, and yes I'm well aware of what else I could get for the money etc etc

Many thanks

[Blakeatron]

Not a California but we have a kombi with the 180dsg, although ours is 4motion.

Brilliant engine and gearbox, very impressed so far - but we not had it long!

Looked at a few California's and I was always impressed with the layout and little features/touches they cram in!

[justanother5tar]

Never owned/driven a Cali but we use T5's at work. Even as a van, they drive very well.

Been a passenger in a BiTDi Amarok too, shifted well enough even with all that weight to be dragged around.

Family member had a converted T5 camper, I thought it was great. Much better than a tent, and had all the mod cons you could want really. Id love one myself but I couldn't bring myself to spend the cash they command.

[SWH]

Cheers, yes not heard anything particularly bad about the Transporter version, other than being costly to acquire.

4motion is tempting although somewhat rarer and correspondingly expensive... 8mth lead time for a new one too. I don't think I'd actually be brave enough to make use of the 4x4 capabilities if it snowed anyway and I think the regular California has a diff lock at the front in anycase... for those slippy campsites etc.

[valiant]

Been umming and arring myself on one of these. Use it everyday, no bother to park and go touring when the mood takes. What's not to like? Yes, they are very expensive but they hold their value very well and when compared to motor homes they can actually seem reasonable.

Is it a VW you're set on? Only ask as Mercedes recently revealed their version called the Marco Polo which gives you an alternative.

Anyway, I've found this forum pretty useful,
.

http://vwcaliforniaclub.com/forums/

Moving next year hopefully so unfortunately the Cali plan been put in the back burner for now.

[SWH]

Useful forum that, thanks.

Looked at the Merc but not that keen, Mrs SWH mentioned a camper van should be a VW of course.

Would be a daily drive and despite the eye watering initial cost, they seem to just hold their value, probably just as well(!)

[gtidreamer]

Top gear magazine have been running a California for months now. Read the thoughts in the back of the magazines. This month comment is that the day box with lower powered engine is a good combo and that traction with 2wheel drive only is an issue on steep minor county roads.

[SWH]

That's in fact what we've gone for, spec'd up ex-demo that hasn't actually been in to be the demo car yet, with delivery miles only, California Beach 2.0 TDI 140 DSG, collecting at the end of November Not really going to get the use out of the cooker, sink, wardrobe, cabin heater and multiple batteries compared to having 7 seats and more space to sleep in the main area.

Anyone fancy offering me more than the p/x for our Touran in say mid November?!

[normalbloke]

Be aware that the 2.0 Bi TDi has a tech bulletin doing the rounds from VW. It seems that engines with as low as 35k miles are showing signs of excessive oil useage ( ie a litre in under 350 miles) . VW solution is a new long engine, CAT and DPF at £12k. Seems that post warranty goodwill,is 'less than forthcoming' too. Do your research before falling victim to the VAG advertising guff/faceless corporation.

[rehab71]

Does it have to be a VW? You pay a big premium for them.

Wellhouse make one on the new Transit, check it out http://www.wellhouseleisure.com/ford/home/

[SWH]

It'll be used daily and rack up the miles soon enough, so anything untoward should be well within the warranty, but... Good to know and something to look out for.

It's unlikely to rival our GTV for oil consumption...(!)