Matt Watson reviews the Cali Ocean

[Meoncoast]

Warning if you are buying a second-hand two-tone Ocean check for olive oil spillage on the front passenger seat.

 

[ArunAlec]

First time I've seen the guy, but I did find it an engaging 5 minutes. Probably better than I could do say on the merits of a Jaguar XF 2.0D (if such a model exists).

What really did impress me was the way he slammed, pulled, pushed on the doors, sliding window and seemingly every bit of trim, and that nothing fell off. A bit like the wife and kids did when we first got our van .

VW should definitely employ him in any product pre-release ruggedness testing.

Worth noting the reg plate and keep clear of it if it's on sale!

 

[Billywizz]

He does have valid points to be fair, a numb nuts but does have points.

 

[Amarillo]

Worth noting the reg plate and keep clear of it if it's on sale!

It was the same reg on both vehicles he reviewed.


Follow my blog: www.au-revoir.eu

 

[Volkywagen]

VW 51EEP is owned by VW uk apparently

 

[Bellcrew]

VW 51EEP is owned by VW uk apparently

Yes, the last one was fitted with the comfort front seats unfortunately VWUK didn't know the swivels would be deleted yet still sent it out for press road tests, whoops.

 

[motacyclist]

VW 51EEP is owned by VW uk apparently

I wonder who has VW 54ITE?

 

[GregW]

Well let me put it this way...

Person 1
I have £50 notes falling out of my back pocket as loose change, I know, I'll buy another toy these VW's seem popular.
Person 1 After 5 minutes of ownership
This is crap, wheres the en-suite and why the hell isn't there enough room on this bed for the two of us...I think I'll stick to my 5 star hotels and waiter service.
Person 2 (thats me and a lot of us here I'm sure)
Wouldn't a California be nice? ...if only I could justify one (thinking aloud as I buy unbranded breakfast cereals to make sure I don't over stress about the heating bills this winter).
Person 2 after 5 minutes ownership
I can't believe I have actually managed to get my hands on this beauty. It's taken a lot of thought and a lot of money now its up to me to make good use of it..you know what I don't care if it doesn't have a loo or that it's a bit cold out in the winter months I'm gonna make it fun.

You @GregW sound as if you are a bit more fortunate than person 2 and there is no rule that says if its an easier purchase financially that you wont love it. But it does follow that if its been more of a struggle you'll be more determined to.

There is a certain irony that if you can afford a new or nearly new Cali you can also afford to travel regularly and stay in a decent hotel. There are few brassic owners here. Not every decision is about wealth. I actually prefer to sleep in my van than a pricey hotel suite.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GrannyJen]

Who is Matt Watson?

I'm now told he is important on youtube. FFS what a career statement to have.

All these people jumping into California's and giving reviews, in fact jumping into anything from fire engines to cement mixers and giving reviews, are they important?

Youtube is full of them, all pontificating away whereas in the real world VW keep producing ever increasing quantities of the Cali to be sold at ridiculous prices because despite pontificating prats it rings all the bells for lots of people.

 

[Velma's Dad]

Can't say I spend much time reading reviews of things I already own, but couldn't resist this one because it's drawn such ire on here.

But I have to agree, a pointless review. A bit like reviewing a Swiss Army knife on a website about corkscrews.

 

[soulstyledevon]

He makes some good points.
Since moving from Beach to Ocean, two things are really bugging me.
1 - The downstairs bed is to small/narrow for two people.
2 - The electric roof is really getting on my nerves.

So much so, I’m contemplating going back to a Beach
So he does raise some valid points. But most importantly, not everyone loves camping but they do love the idea of it.

 

[motacyclist]

The downstairs bed is to small/narrow for two people.

Have you tried sleeping top to tail?

 

[soulstyledevon]

Have you tried sleeping top to tail?

No never thought of that. Could be worth a try.
After 6 years in a Beach, I think we got spoilt with all the space in bed
Will definitely try TtT

 

[Ocean Spirit]

There are few brassic owners here. Not every decision is about wealth.

Oh...so thats what I said is it? I never realised that I meant that.
My apologies.

The youtube guys opinions and reasons will resonate more in certain situations.

The California is not perfect but if you can afford one only because you have saved every penny for the last 10 years or because your job/lottery win / retirement pays you well enough to change every it year even though it has all the bells and whistles available already, there is always a pivotal moment that makes you say yes I'll take it or no I'll leave it.
Like it or not this moment is supported by what other options are on the table and most other options involve being able to afford them. So the more financially comfortable you are the more options you will probably have that make a smaller lower bed and no toilet etc less desirable.
I totally get that some people love the California and find its short comings a fun challenge even if they can afford to stay at the poshest hotels and also have a motor home.
So to reiterate...while buying and loving a California is more than a financial decision the guys comments likely fit for those with more options open to them.
For me? it was a massive financial burden but I'd still have one even if I was lucky enough to be flush and wouldn't miss the money spent on hotels and steak dinners and 5 start en suites as an alternative.
Equally I can think of people I am friends with that have far more money than me and frown on the idea of no toilet and a small hard bed......they are right there with you tube guy.
As are some people who can't afford a california....but the video is surely not poited at them?
That would be like pointing out to me the downsides of a mansion that I can't afford.

 

[ArunAlec]

Awkward to adjust lumber support with hand brake on, possibly, but the more relevant problem would have been the rotating of the drivers seat with the handbrake on.

 

[Bellcrew]

Awkward to adjust lumber support with hand brake on, possibly, but the more relevant problem would have been the rotating of the drivers seat with the handbrake on.

Removing the rear bed support/mattress was also odd, where did he store them?
Impressed at the the arm rests surviving being used to access the roof bed.
Nearly all none owner tests are laughable but strangely entertaining.

 

[Calimarie]

This could be contentious ....

It’s a good job we are all VW Camper fans!

What a poor assessment of a wonderful vehicle.

 

[Turfschipper]

I like this guy, and his videos. But man..... this is such an awefull review... more of a dumb hate video.

First thing you do when reviewing a car is how you are gonna use it.

Buy a tent or a motorhome he said. That is like saying buy a Lada instead of a ferrari, cause in the ferrari there is no room for a whole family.

He missed the point of this type of rides completely.

 

[GregW]

The Cali doesn’t need any more positive publicity. As it is VW charge top dollar for it.
A negative review or two may be a good thing.

After all, we all know this is a brilliant vehicle.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GrannyJen]

I am surprised people give him credibility.

I would not trust him with reviewing an out of date lottery ticket.

I'm told he is respected on you-tube... by whom?

 

[Steve&Bev]

He hated it so much he checked into a hotel. Lol.

Apparently he hated the hotel too as he was unable to drive off in it

 

[Mr T]

[QUOTE

[/QUOTE]

Something very wrong with this still picture.........

 

[SimonB]

[QUOTE

Something very wrong with this still picture.........[/QUOTE]

Why is the door on the wrong side, has he got a different style of VW or has the picture been reversed?

 

[Joker 1299]

[QUOTE

Something very wrong with this still picture.........[/QUOTE]
It’s a mirror image!

 

[westfalia]

[QUOTE

Something very wrong with this still picture.........[/QUOTE]



Thats the new Junker edition.
A little sweetener for when article 49 gets triggered.