Are they really “the best”?

Hi all, I have been looking at buying a Cali now for the last few months and have been out to see a fair few.
I can honestly say I’ve not looked at one that hasn’t got something broken, be it tears to the roof, broken cupboard doors and that tambour door thing seems to be a terrible design as most are broken or won’t open properly.

The vans I look at are well looked after vehicles, regularly serviced and maintained but the camper interior seems to be the weak link.
Factor in the possible issues with the Bitdi engines (of which there seems to be many for sale and not shifting), the higher cost of buying one and the older van for your money I’m now starting to look at other converted vans.

Do people tend to find the interior a bit on the fragile side?

Anyway, apologies for the rant, maybe I just need reassurance that my Cali hunt is not in vain.

We sold our 2008 SE a couple of years back, the interior was well used and look/worked as good as new.
I'd absolutely say you need to be gentle, as it can be fragile.
But really, to us, the Cali is simply the best

Crikey! Possibly a dangerous question to ask on a forum full of dedicated California enthuasiasts! You may have a point tho’. We resisted buying one for many years, ended up with a couple of Fiat Ducato based panel van conversion, but in the end always hankered after a California. We also spent many many hours, days, weeks, months even (!) looking at how we could do our own conversion. Then, in the end, we realised we were trying to reinvent the wheeel!!

A California is an irrational purchase based on desire…….oh yes, they are are VERY desirable! There are lots of other aftermarket conversions out there but at the end of the day they are NOT a California!

Having owned one for only a couple of months now and stayed in it only 9 times I do not have the experience and advice to offer you that others on here can. I would say that there are a few components that are a little ‘tender’ to use but that is no different to most other campers. As @Sad says, you need to be gentle.

For me the issue is getting used to the limitations of the California compared to my previous vans, having said that none of my previous vans left me with that warm glow that I get as I walk out to the van ready for a trip, or when I look back at it once parked up somewhere

On a practical level, the California will reward you with the strongest resale values you could hope for.

Just my 2 pence worth

I believe there's quite a bit of consensus that the interior of the California build by VW (T5 and upwards) is inferior to the quality of the interior when it was build for VW by Westfalia. (T4 and earlier). Having owned a T4 and now a T5 I think both are just fine if you are the kind of person who cares for their things and teach your kids and visitors to do the same. I can't speak for the T6 and upwards though.

Mrb08 said:

Hi all, I have been looking at buying a Cali now for the last few months and have been out to see a fair few.
I can honestly say I’ve not looked at one that hasn’t got something broken, be it tears to the roof, broken cupboard doors and that tambour door thing seems to be a terrible design as most are broken or won’t open properly.

The vans I look at are well looked after vehicles, regularly serviced and maintained but the camper interior seems to be the weak link.
Factor in the possible issues with the Bitdi engines (of which there seems to be many for sale and not shifting), the higher cost of buying one and the older van for your money I’m now starting to look at other converted vans.

Do people tend to find the interior a bit on the fragile side?

Anyway, apologies for the rant, maybe I just need reassurance that my Cali hunt is not in vain.

Click to expand...

I’ve had two calis in the past, 1st was about 4yrs old when I got it and kept in for two years travelled all over with up to 3 dogs husky and two collies and a heavy handed ex and nothing broke or broken.
2nd one was an ex hire van only for about 6mths and then another owner for 6mths.
So I got that at 1 1/2yrs old again nothing broken when I purchased it.
I used that one to work out of and a daily driver, kept for about 2 1/2yrs.
Only things that broke was the bed latch (my fault as opened bed up and trapped something), the tamper door did start to separate (easy repair bit of gaffer tape inside).
The rear floor was a bit grotty (very hard to keep clean) best to use mats/carpet.

Conversion vans aren’t that much cheaper, and have they been crash tested?
Plus when you ever come to sell some don’t hold there price well.

Saying all that I have just sold a westfalia great vans, but probably just as expensive as a cali if not more.

It’s really down to what suits you but if o was to have a pop top again it would be a cali.

I used to think this too and understand why you're asking, however: they've been around for so long now and there’s not so much that breaks down over the years. I even suspect that misuse, forcing or something like that are more likely to cause broken parts. That tambour door is probably the only thing in the interior that really isn't a great design but easily fixable with tape. The engine you mention… there was a whole discussion about it not so long ago, I have my idea about it but be sure to read that recent topic.
I for myself don't want an electric hydraulic roof, so I ordered a t6.1 coast a long time ago (and am still waiting for it). I think this roof is the weakest point of the California built by Volkswagen and I don't want to experience the problems one can have with it while traveling. Recent used prices are crazy and if an older one isn't a problem for you I'd say go for it.
We currently have a 30 year old T4 westfalia california and that is an indestructible interior. But also heavy and voluminous, from the T5 it is in aluminum and plastic so the durability is of course not like before. Still, I think it can stand the test of time very well. Worth buying.
Greetings and happy hunting.
Calibusje

Thanks for all the replies.

As most have mentioned, I am coming out of a T4 with Reimo conversion from new and it certainly felt much better built than the Cali.
It was 26 years old and covered 170000 miles and everything worked perfectly and nothing broke.

I think my budget is realistic at £42000 and I am happy with the fact that’s getting me a T5.1.

Anyway, I suppose the hunt must continue!
More miles and hopefully no more disappointment!

I'd say don't be too concerned about going slightly older, people at meets were always shocked at how good our 2008 was, and has just the same functionality.
The general concensus is the 174 engine is bullet proof - probably because it was a carry over from the T4

From a non-California owner. As said earlier it all depends what you want. Californias are good vehicles, no question, but they do not suit all prospective campervan owners - like us.We went conversion because we wanted more space (LWB), hot water, built in toilet, external hot shower, high top fully insulated and no pop top to worry about and thought the control system for all the habitation stuff just too complicated and liable to fail - just look at all the question raised on this site. It is true some conversions are plain awful, while all California's are pretty good. So if going conversion choose your converter with care. Some on here think conversions have poor warranty on both the vehicle and habitation areas. Not true - but some converters offer better warranty than others. We had our van from new, came with full VW 3 year, extendable, warranty (choose a VW approved converter - not all are) and a three year habitation warranty. Our converter, Autohaus in Minehead, has given us excellent warranty service. Raise a problem and they immediately try to talk you through the issue, if they can't then they will give you a quick appointment to take it to them and fix with no quibble. Minehead may be a bit far for some but other converters out there will be as good - again some are dreadful! On resale value, a poor conversion will deprecated fast a good conversion will not. I know times are strange but we have been offered far more for our 4 year old conversion that I paid for it. Get it DVLA registered as a Motor Caravan and then the DVLA treat it the same as a California. We would not swap out conversion for a California, as good as they are. Lastly a good converter will try to give you what you want, it is all a compromise, but VW will only give you a California. To finish - California's are great if that is what you want. Good conversions are great if that is what you want - not all converters are good converters.

Wildcamper said:

To finish - California's are great if that is what you want. Good conversions are great if that is what you want - not all converters are good converters.

Click to expand...

Mrb08 said:

Hi all, I have been looking at buying a Cali now for the last few months and have been out to see a fair few.
I can honestly say I’ve not looked at one that hasn’t got something broken, be it tears to the roof, broken cupboard doors and that tambour door thing seems to be a terrible design as most are broken or won’t open properly.

The vans I look at are well looked after vehicles, regularly serviced and maintained but the camper interior seems to be the weak link.
Factor in the possible issues with the Bitdi engines (of which there seems to be many for sale and not shifting), the higher cost of buying one and the older van for your money I’m now starting to look at other converted vans.

Do people tend to find the interior a bit on the fragile side?

Anyway, apologies for the rant, maybe I just need reassurance that my Cali hunt is not in vain.

Click to expand...

Get a Beach and fit your choice of new kitchen pod. Manual roof so has less to go wrong.

chockswahay said:

Crikey! Possibly a dangerous question to ask on a forum full of dedicated California enthuasiasts! You may have a point tho’. We resisted buying one for many years, ended up with a couple of Fiat Ducato based panel van conversion, but in the end always hankered after a California. We also spent many many hours, days, weeks, months even (!) looking at how we could do our own conversion. Then, in the end, we realised we were trying to reinvent the wheeel!!

A California is an irrational purchase based on desire…….oh yes, they are are VERY desirable! There are lots of other aftermarket conversions out there but at the end of the day they are NOT a California!

Having owned one for only a couple of months now and stayed in it only 9 times I do not have the experience and advice to offer you that others on here can. I would say that there are a few components that are a little ‘tender’ to use but that is no different to most other campers. As @Sad says, you need to be gentle.

For me the issue is getting used to the limitations of the California compared to my previous vans, having said that none of my previous vans left me with that warm glow that I get as I walk out to the van ready for a trip, or when I look back at it once parked up somewhere

On a practical level, the California will reward you with the strongest resale values you could hope for.

Just my 2 pence worth

Click to expand...

chockswahay said:

Crikey! Possibly a dangerous question to ask on a forum full of dedicated California enthuasiasts! You may have a point tho’. We resisted buying one for many years, ended up with a couple of Fiat Ducato based panel van conversion, but in the end always hankered after a California. We also spent many many hours, days, weeks, months even (!) looking at how we could do our own conversion. Then, in the end, we realised we were trying to reinvent the wheeel!!

A California is an irrational purchase based on desire…….oh yes, they are are VERY desirable! There are lots of other aftermarket conversions out there but at the end of the day they are NOT a California!

Having owned one for only a couple of months now and stayed in it only 9 times I do not have the experience and advice to offer you that others on here can. I would say that there are a few components that are a little ‘tender’ to use but that is no different to most other campers. As @Sad says, you need to be gentle.

For me the issue is getting used to the limitations of the California compared to my previous vans, having said that none of my previous vans left me with that warm glow that I get as I walk out to the van ready for a trip, or when I look back at it once parked up somewhere

On a practical level, the California will reward you with the strongest resale values you could hope for.

Just my 2 pence worth

Click to expand...

Yeah, but where better to

Ch1pbutty said:

Get a Beach and fit your choice of new kitchen pod. Manual roof so has less to go wrong.

Click to expand...

A Beach is on my list, but the 3 seat bench as a bed, who thought that was a good idea!

I was looking at Slidepod ££££ or there are some slightly cheaper options and they are removable too.

Ha ha not sure what’s happened there

Mrb08 said:

Yeah, but where better to

A Beach is on my list, but the 3 seat bench as a bed, who thought that was a good idea!

I was looking at Slidepod ££££ or there are some slightly cheaper options and they are removable too.

Click to expand...

3 seat bench is great if you want use the van for other things besides camping as allows you to shift the bench forwards/back and get full width of the van so can carry alot of gear.

These guys are just down the road from us and make good quality removable units. Think they can also customise as they manufacture on site.

7 years ago we decided to look for a way of touring Europe without either getting soaked or baked to death. We had been touring on a motorbike for 15 years right back to the days when you had a paper map.
We thought about it for some time looking at conversions, small motor homes and eventually the California. We decided eventually on a California as it looked “Proper” and not made up from bits and carpet stuck to the walls and roof. Obviously there are some nice conversions out there but we kept coming back to the California. At the time it was expensive “ to us” £44,000 which is about half what some are paying to get their hands on one without waiting 2 years.
We have had some lovely holidays and like all vehicles it’s had it’s faults but nothing that hasn’t been sorted by spending a few quid.
We are booked on the ferry to France in Early September and return from Spain in late September with two cancellations due to Covid.
After that we think we will either get something a bit bigger or just rely on easyJet to get us away. We need more comfort in our old age. In 7 years it’s only done 24k miles.

5 months old and my 6.1 Ocean has had one broken plastic kitchen cupboard latch so far. I’m not sure how it broke, but they are a bit flimsy. I wonder why they’re not metal. That said, VW charged me £11 to fix it so pretty reasonable.
No tambour doors any more - VW do sometimes learn their lessons…

Mrb08 said:

Yeah, but where better to

Click to expand...

Absolutely
It has to be that the large majority of members here have been through the same dilemma, I know we did

We bought an Ocean because of the brand. Is it the best, in some respects absolutely, in others possibly not.

If something breaks in five years time, I can order parts from VW to get it fixed and looking new again. A conversion company’s supplier may have deprecated those parts after one year of manufacture making it impossible to source a replacement.
This very much adds to the brand for us and that helps to give it a resale value. We’ve only just bought our Cali, it’s perfect and we highly anticipate being able to resell it in September for the same price, because it is the best brand!

Unless it’s completely fallen apart by then of course!

Mrb08 said:

Ha ha not sure what’s happened there

Click to expand...

I can only speak for my own.
Bought new in 2014, now on 107,500+ miles.
Everything works as it should, nothing repaired/replaced regarding habitation area/equipment. We cook in the van, we use the water tank for its intended purpose .
And it's a 180 Biturbo and uses 250 mls of oil between 20,000 mile services. It is also used as a daily driver .
Off to Knordkapp in 4 weeks .

Mrb08 said:

Do people tend to find the interior a bit on the fragile side?

Click to expand...

I'd say yes!
But when treated with a little respect annoying problems can be kept to the minimum.
I've had the kitchen door guide at the the bottom snap by nature of it's brittle material bt other than that, everything else is as new (touch wood).
You don't have to nurse it, just be mindful of it is what I'd say.
This still out guns conversions though for me.
They are generally heavier construction but that has plenty of downsides such as being built on lower power engine models which is pretty common.
VW start at around 140 or 150 depending on the age of the van for good reason.
Converters build on what ever they have got hold of.
Anyway if you have the respect for the interior...very little problems in my opinion.

WelshGas said:

Off to Knordkapp in 4 weeks .

Click to expand...

Fantastic stuff! Nordkapp is one of our fave places (along with just about the whole of Norway!). See if you can get to Knivskjelodden, it’s the ‘proper’ North tip of Norway…..bit of a trek tho’

I nearly bought a Beach a few years ago, then got a panel van and had it part-converted. Now have a California and somethings are definitely more refined but if you need a LWB or something else, then it's a conversion that's needed. It's horses for courses, as above.

However, one change has been the DVLA no longer reclassifies conversions as motorhomes. They are now vans with windows.

I never got ours done as it didn't meet their regs before they changed and other than the speed limits, there was no issues.

Interiors are well built and fine if used properly.
Some owners have no mechanical sympathy.

Ch1pbutty said:

Get a Beach and fit your choice of new kitchen pod. Manual roof so has less to go wrong.

Click to expand...

I second that, wish we had. Endless issues with the motorised roof on our brand-new Ocean.

Mrb08 said:

Hi all, I have been looking at buying a Cali now for the last few months and have been out to see a fair few.
I can honestly say I’ve not looked at one that hasn’t got something broken, be it tears to the roof, broken cupboard doors and that tambour door thing seems to be a terrible design as most are broken or won’t open properly.

The vans I look at are well looked after vehicles, regularly serviced and maintained but the camper interior seems to be the weak link.
Factor in the possible issues with the Bitdi engines (of which there seems to be many for sale and not shifting), the higher cost of buying one and the older van for your money I’m now starting to look at other converted vans.

Do people tend to find the interior a bit on the fragile side?

Anyway, apologies for the rant, maybe I just need reassurance that my Cali hunt is not in vain.

Click to expand...

If you are concerned about things breaking on a California, don’t look at a Marco Polo!!!