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Advice please on used Cali.

J

JOC

Messages
6
Location
Surrey
Vehicle
Looking to buy
Hi All - hope you having a good weekend. I am look at a used Ocean 2.0 TDI 150PS 4motion registered in 2018 with just over 23k miles. Anything I should be aware of ? steer away from that year? known issues? or if it has been serviced as per spec then happy motoring? been dreaming of a Cali for many years but don't want to make a mistake with my hard earned cash ....... advice welcome please.

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JOC said:
Hi All - hope you having a good weekend. I am look at a used Ocean 2.0 TDI 150PS 4motion registered in 2018 with just over 23k miles. Anything I should be aware of ? steer away from that year? known issues? or if it has been serviced as per spec then happy motoring? been dreaming of a Cali for many years but don't want to make a mistake with my hard earned cash ....... advice welcome please.

​

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Welcome JOC,
usual, service history ?
possibly balance of extended warranty ?

23k miles is not even run in yet!

No particular year issues, although engine oil seals are a known issue (check warranty work) on this engine / year
usual habitation wear checks !

check roof seal rubber / roof corrosion issues

the search function is your friend !
 
JOC said:
Hi All - hope you having a good weekend. I am look at a used Ocean 2.0 TDI 150PS 4motion registered in 2018 with just over 23k miles. Anything I should be aware of ? steer away from that year? known issues? or if it has been serviced as per spec then happy motoring? been dreaming of a Cali for many years but don't want to make a mistake with my hard earned cash ....... advice welcome please.

​

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4 yrs old, 23k miles.
There are certain service items that are time related that should have been done, regardless of the milage.
Cambelt + water pump - 4 yrs
DSG and Haldex 4 motion - oil changes every 2 yrs
BrakeFluid 2 or 3 yrs
AirCon

Approximately 5000 miles/ yr means tyres, brake pads and disks should be carefully examined.

The California is based on a commercial vehicle designed for normal to high milage/year not standing around for 9 months each year, so check carefully.
 
JOC said:
Hi All - hope you having a good weekend. I am look at a used Ocean 2.0 TDI 150PS 4motion registered in 2018 with just over 23k miles. Anything I should be aware of ? steer away from that year? known issues? or if it has been serviced as per spec then happy motoring? been dreaming of a Cali for many years but don't want to make a mistake with my hard earned cash ....... advice welcome please.

​

Click to expand...
The 150ps 4 mo is a very relaxed engine and if the service history is in order, block it with a deposit and then taken your time to verify the history of service etc.

If not done, outlay for a cambelt and water pump change and also a haldex service and see if you can get a discount to pay towards the above mentioned items.
 
In the Resources section of the forum there’s a new van collection check list, usually used to make sure the dealer has done their job right. You could use this to do a thorough check on the functions and accessories I suppose?
 
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larrylamb said:
I would be very wary of doing that with a private sale. Scammers love a deposit.
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Not really a problem if you visit the house where the vehicle is registered and the owner/keeper is on the reg document.
Meeting someone in motorway services should get the alarm bells ringing.
 
Ozzy Pete said:
Not really a problem if you visit the house where the vehicle is registered and the owner/keeper is on the reg document.
Meeting someone in motorway services should get the alarm bells ringing.
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I was meaning before viewing.
 
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Worth asking if anyone local to you or the Cali being viewed could spare the time to come with you as they will have an 'eye' for potential faults that can't be written down easily.

If you do purchase VW are doing a good 2 year Service/warranty package.

www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Volkswagen All-In Service Plan & Warranty | VW Vans

Find out more about the new All-In service plan from Volkswagen Vans & protect your commercial vehicles with a 2 year warranty & 24/7 roadside assistance.
www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
 
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Thank you all! I am armed with lots of good questions - will see how I get on! Thanks
 
4Motions are always considered desirable over 2WD, so generally sell more quickly. Most are fitted with the more powerful, and hence less economical to run 199 or 204PS bi-turbo engine. The 4Motion is a delight to drive, so with the added bonus of economy, in the current climate, looks an excellent choice. BUY, as Carwow says, with caution of course.
 
The Cali does not have the shower connection on it - is it easy/not to costly to install ? - order parts and DIY or must take it in?
 
JOC said:
The Cali does not have the shower connection on it - is it easy/not to costly to install ? - order parts and DIY or must take it in?
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Easily fitted but the Forum shop has stocked a kit that clipped onto the kitchen sink tap and apparantly worked well.
 
JOC said:
The Cali does not have the shower connection on it - is it easy/not to costly to install ? - order parts and DIY or must take it in?
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As WG says - easy to install, but there are many options on that. I would say, focus on the mechanicals.

I had four things on my list as must have for my can - ACC, 4 motion, Split worktop glass, led headlight. Everything else, I would compromise on.

What's your list? Keep it short.
 
JOC said:
The Cali does not have the shower connection on it - is it easy/not to costly to install ? - order parts and DIY or must take it in?
Click to expand...
That’s one item I’d be relaxed about not having. We specified it, and never yet used it.
 
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