Finally an owner saying hi

[Ryemslie]

Hi everyone,

Names Ryan & I'm from Aberdeen up in north east Scotland. Looking to buy my first California. Currently interested in a late 2014 180 bitdi dsg 4mo. Any advice is more than welcome. I'm up to speed with the roof issues but one area I'm not so clear on is the 180 engine. I've read countless threads on 2010-2011 faulty engines but is it only this period or are all 180 engines up to the last 2015 registered likely to suffer the same faults. Can't seem to find any specific info to suggest that owners of the later registered models have suffered. Thanks in advance.

 

[Meoncoast]

(to the start of your Cali journey)

 

[Seaview]

Welcome Ryan, we live in Aberdeenshire and bought our Cali last year, fantastic vehicle.

I'm no engine expert but I believe latter 180 engines are absolutely fine it was just the period that you mentioned when there was a fault. As far as the roof goes it's a known problem and VW deal with it. In saying that you may be lucky and have no roof problems at all.

Have you got your eye on a particular vehicle or do you need to find one? When looking last year I couldn't get one locally and ended up going down to Newcastle.

There's a VW van show on this weekend down in Biggar, plenty of VW's to drool over, although not a lot of Cali's but there are usually some.

 

[Ryemslie]

Welcome Ryan, we live in Aberdeenshire and bought our Cali last year, fantastic vehicle.

I'm no engine expert but I believe latter 180 engines are absolutely fine it was just the period that you mentioned when there was a fault. As far as the roof goes it's a known problem and VW deal with it. In saying that you may be lucky and have no roof problems at all.

Have you got your eye on a particular vehicle or do you need to find one? When looking last year I couldn't get one locally and ended up going down to Newcastle.

There's a VW van show on this weekend down in Biggar, plenty of VW's to drool over, although not a lot of Cali's but there are usually some.

Thanks Seaview. I'm originally from Peterhead. All the cali's I'm interested in are down south but always worth traveling for the right one. The wife & I have spoken about one for years now but now seems the right time. The varying prices is the biggest struggle, it's hard to put a value on them. Haven't made any offers yet but I have a figure in mind for one that stands out. Hopefully I've priced it right & the offer doesn't offend the owner!

 

[Seaview]

I know Peterhead, had to visit a few times for work meetings.

Hopefully you will get the van you have your eye on. At this time of year you will have to act quickly if you see one for sale that you like. I had to put a deposit subject to viewing and jump on a train the next day. Fortunately I bought the van as it was as described so worth the trip.

 

[jts46]

 

[Max-Felix]

Welcome! If you have a link to the ad or more details then lots of advice will be coming I'm sure. Prices are all over the place - many are crazy but some are not and these ones tend to sell within a day or so. Remember the asking price is only a start - negotiate hard.

 

[rich-s]

Welcome to the forum.

Are you set on 4 motion? Mine will be for sale after Glastonbury (end of June) Oct 2014,180 dsg, 10k miles, but not 4 motion. Dark Wood colour. Will most likely be advertising on Cali's for Sale here, or making donation accordingly.

 

[Hotel California]

Welcome on board.

 

[Jabberwocky]

Hi Ryan, I'm no expert but there are many here - you get some great advice.
Welcome, and again to your Cali Journey - it begins here!

 

[WelshGas]

Ask away and I'm sure collectively we'll be able to answer or advise.

 

[Ryemslie]

Thanks all. I have had my heart set on a 180 with dsg & 4 motion up till now but the more I read about the terminal problems people are experiencincing the more it puts me off.




The seller up till now has been very helpful, even sending me some walk around videos. He has mentioned this morning though that someone has placed a deposit so may be out the window already

 

[Ryemslie]

Thanks all. I have had my heart set on a 180 with dsg & 4 motion up till now but the more I read about the terminal problems people are experiencincing the more it puts me off.




The seller up till now has been very helpful, even sending me some walk around videos. He has mentioned this morning though that someone has placed a deposit so may be out the window already

It would appear I'm not allowed to post the link as it has been removed??

 

[calikev]

Please pm with your links as it is unfair on people that have placed adds on here to show links to vans for sale

 

[Ryemslie]

Welcome to the forum.

Are you set on 4 motion? Mine will be for sale after Glastonbury (end of June) Oct 2014,180 dsg, 10k miles, but not 4 motion. Dark Wood colour. Will most likely be advertising on Cali's for Sale here, or making donation accordingly.

At the moment I'd consider any California

 

[Brianc26]

We would sell our 2010 model

 

[Ryemslie]

We would sell our 2010 model

Hi Brianc26. If you could pm some details.

 

[Glyn]

I bought a new 180 DSG three years and 34k miles ago, no problems to date and really pleased with it. No roof problems either but I have seen pictures on here of the corrosion which can be really bad. There is a dent in the rear bumper caused by myself and a tree, but probably can't blame VW for that.
Happy hunting!

 

[B J G]

When going to view one it may be worth asking, on here, if anyone near the viewing address would be willing to meet you for advice and guidance assistance.

 

[Ryemslie]

So my search has changed a little. I have decided to focus on finding a good 2.5L Cali ideally low mileage but more importantly well maintained of course. If a later 140 model comes up in that time then of course I'd consider it but 180 models are no longer a consideration. If anyone knows of one or has one for sale please get in touch.

 

[Brianc26]

The 2.5 engine is a good engine but it can be very expensive to repair. I always said it was the 2.5 that I would only own(pre facelift) but after driving the 1.9 that is my preferred engine (pre Facelfit). The only engine I would consider now is the 140/150bhp models

 

[Ryemslie]

Pros & cons with all I guess. I was the same, only ever spoke of the 2.5 as it's a proven workhorse. I would definitely consider a 140, not going to stretch to a 150 yet. 140 would have to have 3zone for me personally

 

[Brianc26]

The worst thing that happened to my 130 was the gearbox blew up(not a Cali) but all you hear about is turbos and camshafts if the wrong oil is used.

 

[Ryemslie]

Still looking. Missed out on a low mileage 174 4motion recently. If anyone knows of or has a 2.5 174 or the later 140 model cali se for sale please let me know.

 

[Ryemslie]

As above still looking if anyone has a cali for sale now or in the near future that isn’t in the for sale section right now. Open to anything t5 or t5.1 apart from 180bi-turbo