[Closed] VW California - Beach / SE or Alternative ?

i've just realised that...........

[b]THIS THREAD NEEDS PICS !!!!![/b]

cmon NZCol and all you other lucky buggers !

Here's mine in France last yr

[img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0082_zps89d34bc8.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0082_zps89d34bc8.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

[img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0277_zps17867f7a.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0277_zps17867f7a.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

Also saw this beast of a 4motion in Brittany:

[img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0117_zps1dc5ab74.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0117_zps1dc5ab74.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

In Cornwall..

[img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0529_zpsdad00b94.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0529_zpsdad00b94.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

[img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0316_zps5b4485ee.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0316_zps5b4485ee.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

In Devon with roof topper thing on. This was the old topper, the new design which the maker replaced this with has windows to match the poptop windows. [img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0235_zpsa0f12c8a.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0235_zpsa0f12c8a.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

This is what I really like about the Cali, being able to cruise around and find places like this that you just wouldn't stumble across if you booked up in a tent or holiday cottage. You just drive until you find somewhere you like, if it's late and you can't get in/ book on there's always an aire to overnight at and try again tomorrow...

[img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0182_zpse23b04fc.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0182_zpse23b04fc.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

[img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0176_zps950d4091.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0176_zps950d4091.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

[img][URL= http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0223_zps941ec3b5.jp g" target="_blank">http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m202/Burko_73/IMG_0223_zps941ec3b5.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL][/img]

Superb. Keep the inspiration coming please !

No camping pics of mine sorry but here's my new beach

[URL= http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/3B4D56A7-99ED-4A3F-B6FF-DC25C75D0D75_zpstdz6ryjq.jp g" target="_blank">http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/3B4D56A7-99ED-4A3F-B6FF-DC25C75D0D75_zpstdz6ryjq.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

And here's my old se

[URL= http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/calipic.jp g" target="_blank">http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/calipic.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Incidentally I had the se for 2 years and lost £1,500 on it when I sold it and also sold it on the first day! Get the right spec and colour and you won't regret it.

Went for a looksee at one today, just to see whether we were interested. Leisuredrive 4 berth 57 plate with 38k miles, might have ended up buying it. 😳

The woman said they have had it 2 yrs from new, done 10k miles in it and put it on the market yesterday, a guy phoned, came round this morning offering the asking price with half of the 20k in cash as a deposit and bank transferred the rest straight away. She bought it new a couple of yrs ago and sold it for £5k less than she paid for it

How come this says base model new prices start at 35,000? I'm confused!

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/volkswagen/california-camper-van

Squealer, what's your beaches specification ?

It's a 140 dsg with 3 seater rear bench and with pretty much every option available except parking heater. Picked it up as a demo with 12miles on the clock with a significant saving over new. I sold the black one which was 3 years old and ended up with a brand new beach and money in my Pocket!

I'm Not entirely convinced by the vw sat nav on the rns510 but the unit integrates really well for the phone and iPod connection so it's a must I suppose.

The wheels are 18" vw dakars and it's now also got a sportline front spoiler and black sidebars and the vw bike rack off the black one.

Personally, as I've mentioned before, I prefer the beach to the se for a whole load of reasons.

Kona bunny

Sorry, the £20k cash was half of the price, other £20 k paid by BACS or whatever. Sorry if I got your hopes up! 😉

we need the parking heater but have decided a beach is better for winter camping [sleeping downstairs] on the 3 seat bench too.

could you get some pics up of the inside please squealer ?

Lecht

You can sleep upstairs in winter with a topper. You can also get v expensive brandrup thermo liner for the inside of the roof that stays in place all the time.

The bed downstairs in the se is perfectly good for sleeping on and quite wide and long. We slept on our t4 rock and roll bed for 5 yrs when camping/ travelling and that was fine. The Cali bed is longer and wider.

You cant get the kettle on so easily in the morning in a beach!

I guess for me, the beach is about a simple overnighter after a bike ride or a surf trip etc, bit of a weekender van. The se is more about exploring, staying away longer and being self sufficent etc. I'd spend a week in the se in the alps skiing but wouldn't want to spend a week in the beach in the alps for example. You can live in a Cali se but the beach is more like spending the night on your mates couch after a night out.

Kona bunny

Sorry, the £20k cash was half of the price, other £20 k paid by BACS or whatever. Sorry if I got your hopes up!

Has anyone successfully claimed back the vat (or part of) on these as a vat registered business?

Mine (ours if the Mrs reads this) up near Oban with its new outfit (Vango Kela)

[img] [/img]

Life with a Beach starts with a trip to Wilkos/Ikea for some plastic boxes.

I really like the look of the steel wheels on your beach there scuttler. What size are they? Have you lowered it?

Nice looking campsite as well.

They're winters from Benn on the Cali forum that I've been too lazy/busy to take off (fuel efficiency is the same). I'll probably leave them on now through the next winter. Aesthetically they're pretty ace for steel wheels - 215/60/17 with Cargo Vector M+S tyres for 475 quid new. I've not lowered the van but was thinking of it.

The campsite is Seaview north of Oban at Benderloch - An absolutely brilliant place to stay. The owner Duncan is first class and he really looks after the place and refuses to pack it full so there's loads of space. It's a five minute walk to the beach - http://www.seaviewcaravanandcamping.co.uk/

Curse this thread, it's making me think of going self employed again!

scuttler-ha i was there the other day, we spent 3 days and the little one loved it despite the torrential relentless rain! We then went to Kintail and abandoned the trip for a few days to dry out as it was minging and getting worse. Home for now and might head to dumfries area at the weekend.

Sorry haven't got hosting but will stick some pics up. The Topper was epic in the rain as were the awning sides which gave us some much needed room. The heater was well used ! Also recommend the mattress topper for downstairs, made the bed awesome. Cant recommend Comfort Leisure enough for service.

not too sure a California can be bought as a commercial vehicle though davosaurusrex. i know the Kombi can be bought commercially and converted, but that is never a California..........

We're off to look at a conversion Thursday night. Just out of interest though (and I especially like the fact you can move the seats on the SE right up front for carting the kids around and having a massive bike boot), TLR, what kind of deals were you seeing on drivethedeal? Mail in profile if you want - like the idea of a Cali holding its value and the sliding rear seats a lot! Need to figure if thats better than a top spec converted van at £30k though!

30K is cheap. Se was coming in at 49k ish on drivetheddeal !
That was fully decked out though. 180 dsg 4motion with some nice options but no in built sat nav.
I was quoted 52k from my local can centre in Aberdeen !!!!! I think there's a bit of room to negotiate however.

I tried drivethedeal when purchasing my SE and when it came down to committing to the contract they couldn't deliver,apparently it's due to build dates and limited build runs on the production line I was told by VW in Edingburgh.
So I ended up dealing with Edingburgh Van Centre, Dave Millar is the man to speak with, very clued up on all things California. The deal I got from him on a 180 BiTDI DSG 4 Motion ended up better than drive the deal anyway.
Did you go into Aberdeen Van Centre? I was told they stopped dealing Cali's as the commitment required on after sales, demo vehicles and warranty was to much for them so stopped it.
I am out by Alford if you want to have look round and pick my brains about them.

Thats what I thought. A guy has just sold his nicely done but converted himself van for £30k on the T5 forum. I thought it was a bit overpriced for a self conversion but it sold within a week of going up for sale. The one I'm off to look at is an ex-demo one for the conversion company and they're only selling it as they've built a new van to showcase their stuff.

By the way, the pics up there ^ are ace. Shows exactly what we're getting a van for...

You'll struggle to get really good deals on SEs as they are built to order, i got about 5% off list with a few bits and bobs chucked in. It came in 2k more than a s/h van with a lower spec that had done 8000 miles...so residuals are good. Mine is actually on a lease scheme now through work as I could do a tasty bit of tax writeoff on it as i was moving back to the UK. It is the only camper on the company partner car scheme i am told ! Oh and mine was about 53 list, had a lot of options - man 4m, xenons, climatronic, towbar, rcd510 dab+, reverse camera, mudflaps (essential if you use a towbar rack as it protects it) and some others i forget.

EDIT: And there are a few around, we counted 11 Calis in 5 days not including a load of conversions we saw. There were 4 on the site in Kintail.

scotsman - i'm in Elrick - can you let me know when is uitable o pop out 🙂

aberdeen van centre are back in business with the California - They've an SE in the showroom - lovely bit of kit !

I got my road fund licence reminder through for my 180 se yesterday - £230/yr so I was a bit out with my initial guess.

Dave Millar @ Edinburgh Van Centre - Great help when buying ours.

Regarding conversions, even the best ones are a compromise and the fittings/ base van trim levels and residuals just didn't stack up for me.

The residuals are amazing. My friend hired one for 2 weeks & a weekend high season, cost £1800. The guy hiring them was losing £5k on list when selling 2yr old vans. If you can stump up the cash it's a lot more fun than money in the bank and not a lot more expensive.

how many miles had the vans accrued in 2 years pictonroad ?

Come on everyone, this thread has to stop. 😆

I sit in an office, have grey hair and drive a grey estate car - I am just getting jealous of all you guys who have either of these vans.

Just out of interest can I saw some high top models for sale earlier this year, with showers/toilet facilities. Only thing is they looked rubbish compared to the regular vans with pop up bed/roof things.

hired [url= http://www.bmvs-camperhire.co.uk/ ]From here[/url]

It's miles from you but they seem to be big in the cali scene, my mate was very complimentary of the owner and his knowledge.
As for mileage not sure, as an example the one my friend took to France on Sunday had £18k on the clock and was 1yr old, the 4m 180 he had the week before had 57miles and was LOVELY. 😳

My high top T4 managed to keep the 180 4 mo behind it up the hills on the way to Plymouth but it was producing A LOT of smoke and yes, the pop top did look a bit cooler..

here is mine.. 😆

http://www.autohausvw.co.uk/gallery/vw-t5-gp-campervans/autohaus-vw-t5-1-campervan-conversion-natural-grey-metallic/

Go the conversion route then you can get it how you want... This was the same price as a Cali.. but better in my book!

If you're in the market and a bit flush don't discount the Club Joker

[url= http://www.westfalia-mobil.net/en/modelle/club-joker/clubjoker-mobiler-komfort.php ]you can't see it from the inside.[/url]

whats your email and i will send you directions and a time that suits

That Westfalia is impressive! Hymercar Cape Town also quite nice.

Some rubbish pics of the inside as requested lech, sorry about the mess. Note the bed when folded down is higher than the one in the se but hasn't caused me a problem. I haven't got the multiplex board in mine in the pics which is the end of the bed.
The big grey waeco is the cool box I mentioned earlier. It fits under the multiplex board and is basically amazing!

[URL= http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/D05D2866-80E9-40CC-A393-931A021472C0_zpsmhn4rcca.jp g" target="_blank">http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/D05D2866-80E9-40CC-A393-931A021472C0_zpsmhn4rcca.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/ACF04F34-9B7F-49E5-B168-27604AE7A01B_zpsnh50yxi0.jp g" target="_blank">http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/ACF04F34-9B7F-49E5-B168-27604AE7A01B_zpsnh50yxi0.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/BD20B4F3-355D-471B-B2E3-425F5532426C_zpsijjheo7b.jp g" target="_blank">http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/BD20B4F3-355D-471B-B2E3-425F5532426C_zpsijjheo7b.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

[URL= http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/B216C650-8058-4EE5-9833-25A511FB9472_zpsnpq1girc.jp g" target="_blank">http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/B216C650-8058-4EE5-9833-25A511FB9472_zpsnpq1girc.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

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[URL= http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/63E31423-67DF-4318-84DA-A724C0177026_zpsuqtvrtpx.jp g" target="_blank">http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/63E31423-67DF-4318-84DA-A724C0177026_zpsuqtvrtpx.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

And one last pic to show how useful it is. 5 bikes in bags in the back, 5 people and luggage also in the van and ro on the rack for 4 more bikes!

[URL= http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/9F3EC7CA-7633-4A57-8162-527961AE37D1_zpsmkniwjz2.jp g" target="_blank">http://i765.photobucket.com/albums/xx292/squealer/9F3EC7CA-7633-4A57-8162-527961AE37D1_zpsmkniwjz2.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

Blimey ! And club joker..... Blimey !

That club joker is mental, lovely, but mental. It is like that extendable VW they had recently where the back slid out double length. Must be heavy as buggery with all that kit in the back, the Cali is no lightweight. Beach does look good, we looked at one long and hard but decided that the Cali works, i usually just stick my bike in it if I am alone, front wheel off it goes in with the back wheel just inbetween the seats.

That beach does look great for bike carrying duties but the bed just doesn't look like the sort of place I'd like to spend a week!

Horses for courses I guess and depends on intended use. I don't think I could cope with a beach after an se.

 is like that extendable VW they had recently where the back slid out double length.

That's the Danbury Conversions Doubleback. I'm looking at getting one of their "Surf" conversions.

Excuse my ignorance, but do the seats slide forward to the same extent in both the California Beach and SE? Seems a big plus point to me, that rear load area (in squeler's post) is massive.

Yep, the rear seats come forward right up to a position behind the drivers/ passengers seats so that there's enough room for someone to sit on them in the forward position. Looks like the same position as the beach pics. I'll try and put some interior shots up later.

With the se you obviously lose some width due to the cupboards, which also include the gas/ water storage/ fridge/ storage etc.

burko - you forgot the kitchen sink 😆

I’ve got a Beach and been very happy with it over the year and a half I’ve had it so far. There are two seating variants in the Beach: a 3 seater rear bench like Squealers pictured above and 2 seater rear bench + storage box one. I went for the 2 seater as I don’t need to carry loads of people and it left me more space to take the storage box out and replace it with a kitchen pod and 12/240v coolbox. On both variants the seats can slide right forward (completely up to the front seats if you remove a stopper in the floor rail).
The lower bed in the 2 seater bench Beach is lower and flatter than the one in Squealers photos, same setup as the SE. It still needs a bit of extra padding to be comfortable though. However unless it’s very cold I would use the upstairs bed in preference, its bigger and more comfortable.

Normally with a road (or TT) bike I transport it sat on the rear multiflex board (front wheel off). With MTBs they usually go on a tailgate bike rack to keep all the mud outside the van. Someone in VW thought it was a good idea to partner an outdoor/camping vehicle with light grey seat trim! Rather than the VW rack I went for the Atera tailgate version, after the initial setup I can put it on or take it off the van in less than 5 minutes which is quicker than it used to take me to put roof bars & rack on my previous (grey estate) car.

Tlr, the offer still stands, if you tell me your email we can arrange.

simonkeyessixtynine AT gmail DOT com

note the sixtynine is 69

🙂

Can't believe the residuals on these sometimes. It's making me think about investing/spending a lot more than I would normally! I'm after a 6 or 8 seater to do >5k miles per annum hence having £20k+ stood on the drive defies my usual 'car' logic...

Does anyone know of a decent dealer down South where I could have a look at an SE?

See my hire link above, big Cali dealer on the south coast.

still undecided, but looking like we will venture to the campervan show at the NEC in October.

when's the T6 coming ??? 😯

T6 panel van out in October, rumors are there will not be a T6 California, apparently VW are in talks with Westfalia about doing all future campers for VW.

folks - looks like mercedes benz are bringing in the new marco polo activity at a competitive price. thoughts ?

Not into the UK though so you would need to source it overseas. I saw a prior version a few weeks back in Oban, had a good look at it as did the owner with my Cali. Different, not quite as much space strangely and less well put together, he decided he wanted my van more which said it all.

nzcol - they are bringing the activity in first [beach equivalent] with the full fat version thereafter, price is also competitive !

I HATE YOU ALL!!!

sorry, not jealous at all...

aim to get some sort of transporter in the next year.

can i slight hi jack...

the aim is to do a good few european trips, myself, the wife and our daugter who's currently 4

i'd obviously buy a model with the 2 person passenger bench upfront, but i've heard they are dead uncomfortable on long runs.

1 - is this true?

2 - is it posisble to fit two seperate front passenger seats of better quality? I'm guessing the cab is just not wide enough

cheers

I've had mine a fortnight now. Twin captains chairs up front with arm rests is the perfect way to travel I've found. Its like driving a sofa around. Its flippin brilliant.

And heres a pic for all you big wheel/lowered suspension etc haterz:
[img] ?oh=9f742d26cb2861d724a66b83229172e0&oe=549BDBC6[/img]

Apologies, last I saw MB Uk said it wasn't being brought in. Might be worth a look but still reckon the Cali is spot on.

iagree the Cali is a cracker, but it is due an upgrade and the MB has literally stole the upgrade "thunder"......

iagree the Cali is a cracker, but it is due an upgrade and the MB has literally stole the upgrade "thunder"......

Why upgrade it, it works and still looks good.

Pictonrd - I can't believe a t4 102 bhp high top can out drag a 180 bhp Cali up a hill. Perhaps the owner wasn't trying or you've got some serious tune up going. I used to have a std 102 ex aa t4 with a decat and couple of bits and my t5.1 Cali 180 is waaaay quicker.

i'd obviously buy a model with the 2 person passenger bench upfront, but i've heard they are dead uncomfortable on long runs.

1 - is this true?

I'm 6'2 and have just done Bristol > South France in a mates T5 with the bench seat, I found sitting in the front bench and driving really comfortable, more so than my car annoyingly.

The middle bench seat does not have a lot of legroom for anyone other than a child though!

So TLR any update, did you go for a California or are you waiting for the Merc? Still deliberating here 🙂

Ah yes interested here as well. Love my diesel heater, sit and have a cuppa, ping the remote, 20 mins later go out to a completely warm frost free van ! riding the other night i got back to van which was warm as had programmed heating and had a nice cup of tea.

Going to get an Eberspacher (sp?) fitted to ours next year so we can use it all next winter. Bilstein B14s getting done soon after xmas too. And MFSW.

Not a California, but just given our new vw a spin. Hillside cromford, lwb. Got good use of the diesel heater. Got a built in toilet cassette at the back which is handy.[URL= http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o784/petetallboy/20141204_101537_zps3tdynwem.jpg [/IMG][/URL][URL= http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/petetallboy/media/20141204_101522_zpss3omiifc.jpg.html ][IMG] http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o784/petetallboy/20141204_101522_zpss3omiifc.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o784/petetallboy/20141204_101537_zps3tdynwem.jpg [/IMG][/URL][URL= http://s1343.photobucket.com/user/petetallboy/media/20141204_101522_zpss3omiifc.jpg.html ][IMG] http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o784/petetallboy/20141204_101522_zpss3omiifc.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

My deliberation didn't last long. Beach on its way soon 😀

Riofer - we need photos