Latest California with manual gear box

sbmcd · Apr 13, 2023

Toying with the idea of upgrading my 2014 California with a later model, don't really want DSG so my question is what year were the last manual models made?

Corradobrit · Apr 13, 2023

sbmcd said:
Toying with the idea of upgrading my 2014 California with a later model, don't really want DSG so my question is what year were the last manual models made?

Manual is still available in Europe, so I guess you're referring to the UK market.

sbmcd · Apr 13, 2023

Corradobrit said:
Manual is still available in Europe, so I guess you're referring to the UK market.

I was but Europe may well provide better options albeit with LHD.

Jabberwocky · Apr 13, 2023

I got a new manual in July 2019 with 150 engine. I think this was close to when VW withdrew this option in UK.

soulstyledevon · Apr 13, 2023

I used to be a DSG hater.
However, it really suits the California. In fact any touring vehicle, it’s a perfect match.

I reserve manuals for proper sports cars now…

sbmcd · Apr 13, 2023

Jabberwocky said:
I got a new manual in July 2019 with 150 engine. I think this was close to when VW withdrew this option in UK.

Thanks

Corradobrit · Apr 13, 2023

soulstyledevon said:
I used to be a DSG hater.
However, it really suits the California. In fact any touring vehicle, it’s a perfect match.

I reserve manuals for proper sports cars now…

DSG, 4Mo, ACC...... a match made in heaven. Stressfree driving at its best.

andyinluton · Apr 13, 2023

Corradobrit said:
DSG, 4Mo, ACC...... a match made in heaven. Stressfree driving at its best.

With 1350 miles to cover to get home this weekend it’s what I need. Add in the Alpine upgrade to the stereo, a fridge full of cool drinks & I’m struggling to think of any vehicle I would rather do it in.

soulstyledevon · Apr 13, 2023

andyinluton said:
With 1350 miles to cover to get home this weekend it’s what I need. Add in the Alpine upgrade to the stereo, a fridge full of cool drinks & I’m struggling to think of any vehicle I would rather do it in.

5 series…

sbmcd · Apr 13, 2023

andyinluton said:
With 1350 miles to cover to get home this weekend it’s what I need. Add in the Alpine upgrade to the stereo, a fridge full of cool drinks & I’m struggling to think of any vehicle I would rather do it in.

We do love our Cali, bought 9 years ago and enjoyed using it to go full, 2 to 3 months in Europe every year and regularly used for trips at home winter and summer.

Just thinking these may be last of these wonderful vehicles.

andyinluton · Apr 13, 2023

soulstyledevon said:
5 series…

Nope had one, and a 760iL, much prefer the Cali, it’s 99.99% motorway & at a fairly constant speed so handling doesn’t really come into it, just seating position & noise really. Latest van with the acoustic pack seems a lot quieter at very high speed,
Didn’t really notice that the speed had crept up to over 160kmh at one point on the way down.

If it was A roads & overtaking to be done it would have to be a 911, but the wide body ones I’ve had whilst having decent seats, have suffered very badly from tyre noise & daughter wouldn’t be too impressed with being stuck in the back.

If we had a “normal” car we would have booked a hotel somewhere & then you are really stuck in that you have to stop when you get there or conversely keep going until you get there. With the Cali we will just stop overnight when we feel like it, or maybe just for an afternoon snooze if that’s what suits.

It’s why we’ve gone back to an Ocean, the flexibility combined with the high speed cruising ability is unbeatable.

We have food & drink on board, a porta Poti if the footprint either side of a hole WCs are too grim.

The only bit of the drive I really am not looking forward to is Folkestone to home on Sunday evening.

The Tall Luthier · Apr 13, 2023

Why on Earth would anyone want to change gears themselves?
For the last thirty years I’ve driven nothing but autos in the uk.
What a wholly unnecessary pain in the neck to do it yourself

sbmcd · Apr 14, 2023

The Tall Luthier said:
Why on Earth would anyone want to change gears themselves?
For the last thirty years I’ve driven nothing but autos in the uk.
What a wholly unnecessary pain in the neck to do it yourself

Each to their own,

ArunAlec · Apr 14, 2023

The Tall Luthier said:
Why on Earth would anyone want to change gears themselves?
For the last thirty years I’ve driven nothing but autos in the uk.
What a wholly unnecessary pain in the neck to do it yourself

I wonder if the “Stick Shift” fans relish the pre synchromesh days!

Jay586 · Apr 14, 2023

I really liked my manual T6s so would have had a manual by preference but my Coast is pretty relaxing with a DSG. Well, it was right up until it started flashing warning lights, but I digress. The DSG is fine and as the dealer said I might as well get used to it.

sbmcd · Apr 14, 2023

Jay586 said:
I really liked my manual T6s so would have had a manual by preference but my Coast is pretty relaxing with a DSG. Well, it was right up until it started flashing warning lights, but I digress. The DSG is fine and as the dealer said I might as well get used to it.

The problem is I really enjoy my driving and for me manual gear changes are part of that. I am sure the DSG would be ok but I'd rather not have to get used to it unless I have no other choice.

Jay586 · Apr 15, 2023

sbmcd said:
The problem is I really enjoy my driving and for me manual gear changes are part of that. I am sure the DSG would be ok but I'd rather not have to get used to it unless I have no other choice.

Yep, me too. But the man said if I wanted the only van available at that time (covid shortage peak) that I would have to get used to the dsg and that I had no choice.

I can't tell you how much I hated automatics previously. I used to test drive cars as my job and have had some really awful experiences.

Couple that with I wouldn't own a VW van without a long warranty and here I am with my dsg. I do miss the gears coming onto motorways but I think I probably just need to boot it more.

But I did 10 hours driving last week, first 5 on the motorway in shite traffic and last 5 on A roads due to a warning light (see comment on warranty) and even I would admit it would have been much worse with a manual and no acc.