Some early research - VW California
Discussion
Just throwing this out now, by way of an early bit of research...
In spite of having the Superbrig and enjoying it when we're using it; it's something of a financial drain (2nd car to tax, service, storage fees etc) and so far (and so far the planning is such that) we've used just fully serviced campsites and the facilities on those campsites. So....I'm wondering whether we've bought the wrong vehicle.
Just wondering if anyone has any experience of the VW California and whether they'd recommend it.
My thought process is to move on the X5 and replace it with a VW Cali SE for both family duties and holiday duties. Therefore saving on storage and the duplication of fixed motoring costs.
Looking at the VW website, aside from the deposit (chunky @ 14k ish), the monthly's on a PCP are only a little more than I'm paying on the X5.
What are people's views on the van? If we did it, it'd probably be the 180bhp DSG (not sure about 4Motion or not).
In spite of having the Superbrig and enjoying it when we're using it; it's something of a financial drain (2nd car to tax, service, storage fees etc) and so far (and so far the planning is such that) we've used just fully serviced campsites and the facilities on those campsites. So....I'm wondering whether we've bought the wrong vehicle.
Just wondering if anyone has any experience of the VW California and whether they'd recommend it.
My thought process is to move on the X5 and replace it with a VW Cali SE for both family duties and holiday duties. Therefore saving on storage and the duplication of fixed motoring costs.
Looking at the VW website, aside from the deposit (chunky @ 14k ish), the monthly's on a PCP are only a little more than I'm paying on the X5.
What are people's views on the van? If we did it, it'd probably be the 180bhp DSG (not sure about 4Motion or not).
A friend has a California Beach, so no side units for cooker/fridge etc but still has the pop top and swivel seats and the rear seat converts to a bed as well. I think this is a good all round solution, the bed is bigger "downstairs" as there are no units so the seat is full width which is also a benefit for day to day use. He has added a portable fridge so all it is really missing is the cooking facilities but I am not sure how much they would be used anyway.
Loads of people use the vw as family taxi's , however bear in mind it will be so much more cramped than your motorhome unless your ok with having a decent awning.
Plus side though is you could get rid of your motorhome and bmw so back to 1 lot of road tax, servicing costs and it can easily be the sole family car.
Plus side though is you could get rid of your motorhome and bmw so back to 1 lot of road tax, servicing costs and it can easily be the sole family car.
Thanks guys.
Seem to be persuading Mrs Spuff as to the merits of these. Watched a fair few video reviews on the Cali last night and she appears smitten.
That said, we're going to see out the rest of the year and Spring in the Superbrig and see how things pan out. Whilst it's very tempting to make a c. 2.5k p.a. saving by combining both car and camper, I can't ignore the fact I've spent a good 3k on the Superbrig which I'd be unlikely to recoup come sale time - only make the van more saleable. So need to amortise that first.
Food for thought though.
Seem to be persuading Mrs Spuff as to the merits of these. Watched a fair few video reviews on the Cali last night and she appears smitten.
That said, we're going to see out the rest of the year and Spring in the Superbrig and see how things pan out. Whilst it's very tempting to make a c. 2.5k p.a. saving by combining both car and camper, I can't ignore the fact I've spent a good 3k on the Superbrig which I'd be unlikely to recoup come sale time - only make the van more saleable. So need to amortise that first.
Food for thought though.
We were in the same thought process for ages and finally bought a 180 DSG Four Motion. VW commercial web site had a few at the beginning of the year when we purchased. Although it was first registered in Sept last year it had only 200 miles on the clock. We've now done 4500 miles in France, Cornwall and the Lake District, also bought a driveway tent which works very well. Have a look at the VW California Owners Forum, loads of information will help you.
The Cali is a very clever vehicle, its not too big to go anywhere, it drives very well, long distances are not a problem and being higher you're able to look over traffic on the motorways, so safer. It is a heavy vehicle and fully loaded we get just under 30mpg. We've included a bike rack and tow bar, the tow bar for track days, we always take the bikes, best bike rack I've ever experienced. It's actually a fairly luxurious vehicle, also has a good second hand value because they are sought after. We researched a lot before we bought it, no regrets at all, it's easy to go away for the weekend or for a much longer period.
Good luck
The Cali is a very clever vehicle, its not too big to go anywhere, it drives very well, long distances are not a problem and being higher you're able to look over traffic on the motorways, so safer. It is a heavy vehicle and fully loaded we get just under 30mpg. We've included a bike rack and tow bar, the tow bar for track days, we always take the bikes, best bike rack I've ever experienced. It's actually a fairly luxurious vehicle, also has a good second hand value because they are sought after. We researched a lot before we bought it, no regrets at all, it's easy to go away for the weekend or for a much longer period.
Good luck
Thanks for that, Rhodie. Seems to mirror both my expectations and a good list of desires too.
Have see they fetch really strong money second hand which is another good reason to go all out and potentially spec one and buy new - pre-reg-ish like yours.
I'm getting av 21mpg in the Superbrig and av 26mpg in the X5 so c. 30mpg would be a winner over both of those.
We'll see. We're away this weekend at Thetford Forest and next weekend somewhere else (potentially Essex coast) so we'll see how we fair. I've no regrets I've done the motorhome thing, but think I might've been better off looking at the camper before we took the plunge.
Have see they fetch really strong money second hand which is another good reason to go all out and potentially spec one and buy new - pre-reg-ish like yours.
I'm getting av 21mpg in the Superbrig and av 26mpg in the X5 so c. 30mpg would be a winner over both of those.
We'll see. We're away this weekend at Thetford Forest and next weekend somewhere else (potentially Essex coast) so we'll see how we fair. I've no regrets I've done the motorhome thing, but think I might've been better off looking at the camper before we took the plunge.
Rosscow said:
Alternatively, sell the Campervan and keep the X5.
Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
Have thought about that, given what loveliness can be bought for that money in caravan world. Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
BUT - it doesn't really fit in with our lifestyle; being "outdoorsy" people we tend to like to go either to remote-ish places or do a lot of walking / cycling. I have the feeling, a camper would get us closer to the action and be a bit more useable on a more regular basis. There's a certain amount of effort involved in both motorhoming & caravanning, which I guess we could forego if we went in our "regular" vehicle.
Not sure.
First step is to look around one in a showroom and if that looks positive, then I think I might hire one for a few days and see how we get on.
Spuffington said:
Rosscow said:
Alternatively, sell the Campervan and keep the X5.
Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
Have thought about that, given what loveliness can be bought for that money in caravan world. Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
BUT - it doesn't really fit in with our lifestyle; being "outdoorsy" people we tend to like to go either to remote-ish places or do a lot of walking / cycling. I have the feeling, a camper would get us closer to the action and be a bit more useable on a more regular basis. There's a certain amount of effort involved in both motorhoming & caravanning, which I guess we could forego if we went in our "regular" vehicle.
Not sure.
First step is to look around one in a showroom and if that looks positive, then I think I might hire one for a few days and see how we get on.
There are, literally, thousands of small CL sites to choose from if you don't need EHU.
Obviously it's more of a hassle towing than just jumping in a motorhome but then at least you have sensible size transport when you get to your destination.
There are pro's and con's for both but when we made the decision the value for money of a caravan far outweighed the pro's of motorhomes.
Obviously motorhomes are 'cooler' than poor old caravans but the price they command and the money required to run and service one make caravans a no brainer for us.
Especially when you've already got a more than capable tow car....
Each to their own, though!
Rosscow said:
Spuffington said:
Rosscow said:
Alternatively, sell the Campervan and keep the X5.
Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
Have thought about that, given what loveliness can be bought for that money in caravan world. Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
BUT - it doesn't really fit in with our lifestyle; being "outdoorsy" people we tend to like to go either to remote-ish places or do a lot of walking / cycling. I have the feeling, a camper would get us closer to the action and be a bit more useable on a more regular basis. There's a certain amount of effort involved in both motorhoming & caravanning, which I guess we could forego if we went in our "regular" vehicle.
Not sure.
First step is to look around one in a showroom and if that looks positive, then I think I might hire one for a few days and see how we get on.
There are, literally, thousands of small CL sites to choose from if you don't need EHU.
Obviously it's more of a hassle towing than just jumping in a motorhome but then at least you have sensible size transport when you get to your destination.
There are pro's and con's for both but when we made the decision the value for money of a caravan far outweighed the pro's of motorhomes.
Obviously motorhomes are 'cooler' than poor old caravans but the price they command and the money required to run and service one make caravans a no brainer for us.
Especially when you've already got a more than capable tow car....
Each to their own, though!
egor110 said:
Rosscow said:
Spuffington said:
Rosscow said:
Alternatively, sell the Campervan and keep the X5.
Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
Have thought about that, given what loveliness can be bought for that money in caravan world. Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
BUT - it doesn't really fit in with our lifestyle; being "outdoorsy" people we tend to like to go either to remote-ish places or do a lot of walking / cycling. I have the feeling, a camper would get us closer to the action and be a bit more useable on a more regular basis. There's a certain amount of effort involved in both motorhoming & caravanning, which I guess we could forego if we went in our "regular" vehicle.
Not sure.
First step is to look around one in a showroom and if that looks positive, then I think I might hire one for a few days and see how we get on.
There are, literally, thousands of small CL sites to choose from if you don't need EHU.
Obviously it's more of a hassle towing than just jumping in a motorhome but then at least you have sensible size transport when you get to your destination.
There are pro's and con's for both but when we made the decision the value for money of a caravan far outweighed the pro's of motorhomes.
Obviously motorhomes are 'cooler' than poor old caravans but the price they command and the money required to run and service one make caravans a no brainer for us.
Especially when you've already got a more than capable tow car....
Each to their own, though!
I was comparing it to his mammoth campervan that he currently owns.
Also, the living accommodation in a T5 is incomparable to that of his current motorhome or an average caravan.
Rosscow said:
egor110 said:
Rosscow said:
Spuffington said:
Rosscow said:
Alternatively, sell the Campervan and keep the X5.
Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
Have thought about that, given what loveliness can be bought for that money in caravan world. Then just spend £10k to £15k on a lovely caravan
BUT - it doesn't really fit in with our lifestyle; being "outdoorsy" people we tend to like to go either to remote-ish places or do a lot of walking / cycling. I have the feeling, a camper would get us closer to the action and be a bit more useable on a more regular basis. There's a certain amount of effort involved in both motorhoming & caravanning, which I guess we could forego if we went in our "regular" vehicle.
Not sure.
First step is to look around one in a showroom and if that looks positive, then I think I might hire one for a few days and see how we get on.
There are, literally, thousands of small CL sites to choose from if you don't need EHU.
Obviously it's more of a hassle towing than just jumping in a motorhome but then at least you have sensible size transport when you get to your destination.
There are pro's and con's for both but when we made the decision the value for money of a caravan far outweighed the pro's of motorhomes.
Obviously motorhomes are 'cooler' than poor old caravans but the price they command and the money required to run and service one make caravans a no brainer for us.
Especially when you've already got a more than capable tow car....
Each to their own, though!
I was comparing it to his mammoth campervan that he currently owns.
Also, the living accommodation in a T5 is incomparable to that of his current motorhome or an average caravan.
Agree with the reduction in living space if he takes the vw route, hence why he should rent one to see if they can live with the lack of space.
Bill said:
It's not just living space, there's much less space to transport crap. And all that crap has to go somewhere when the bed gets unfolded. There's also the (missus's) issue of the trek for a wee in the night.
You learn that you don't actually need to take as much stuff though.If you have the pop up roof then you can store all your stuff up there.
If I had the cash to throw at a Cali, being a t5 camper owner currently (self built), would I buy a Cali? No probably not.
They are a lovely piece of kit and if there's just 2 of you who like to roam around, travelling reasonably light then they're a nice thing to have. How much extra are they worth over a top line conversion is debatable. I've been camping beside 2 of them these last few days and whilst they are without doubt more luxiourious than mine (not necessarily more cosy or comfortable) they are not worth 4 times the cost.
If I had that cash, it would probably be a caravan rig with money left over or buy a smaller auto sleeper type van and run a second car.
We are camping with baby now which takes an unbelievable amount of stuff! We have managed but with a side conversion like the Cali's we would never have managed due to lack of storage.
They are a lovely piece of kit and if there's just 2 of you who like to roam around, travelling reasonably light then they're a nice thing to have. How much extra are they worth over a top line conversion is debatable. I've been camping beside 2 of them these last few days and whilst they are without doubt more luxiourious than mine (not necessarily more cosy or comfortable) they are not worth 4 times the cost.
If I had that cash, it would probably be a caravan rig with money left over or buy a smaller auto sleeper type van and run a second car.
We are camping with baby now which takes an unbelievable amount of stuff! We have managed but with a side conversion like the Cali's we would never have managed due to lack of storage.
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