Does the Cali Ocean offer Value for Money?

[mr_glasgow84]

didn't this start of is an ocean good value ? as in compared to a conversion ? surely a conversion also has a kitchen in it compared to a beach ? anyway i've had a beach and an ocean. in terrible weather the ocean wins. and we have a lot of terrible weather. as for the tea making race, we could have 1? . other than that they are both good.

I know...bit of a change in thread direction. I think that overall, I prefer the idea of the Beach. I do feel a bit put off by the whole electricity thing though...and all of the campsites I’ve looked at in France all seem to offer a 6A hookup which further complicates it in my head as I’m wondering if the Beach is just a lot of hassle when trying to power simple things like a fridge, kettle, toaster, hairdryer etc

 

[motacyclist]

Both are fine vehicles and I would be happy with either, but Mrs wanted Ocean. So you best get what your Mrs (or Mr) wants, makes for a happy life!

 

[kp64zl]

I don’t think I could go down the hardwiring route as I’ll be pcp’ing the car and don’t know what VW would say if I chose to return it?

I think it's just screwing an extra lead on to the leisure battery, so could easily be undone. Is that correct @Amarillo ?

 

[WelshGas]

I know...bit of a change in thread direction. I think that overall, I prefer the idea of the Beach. I do feel a bit put off by the whole electricity thing though...and all of the campsites I’ve looked at in France all seem to offer a 6A hookup which further complicates it in my head as I’m wondering if the Beach is just a lot of hassle when trying to power simple things like a fridge, kettle, toaster, hairdryer etc

Any Campervan or Motorhome will have the same problem with low amp mains supply. You just have to adapt.

 

[sidepod]

I know...bit of a change in thread direction. I think that overall, I prefer the idea of the Beach. I do feel a bit put off by the whole electricity thing though...and all of the campsites I’ve looked at in France all seem to offer a 6A hookup which further complicates it in my head as I’m wondering if the Beach is just a lot of hassle when trying to power simple things like a fridge, kettle, toaster, hairdryer etc

Wow!

 

[kp64zl]

@MTM84

How about

Hairdryer - find a campsite with an electrical socket in the bathrooms - most campsites have a socket somewhere.
Toaster - there are gas attachments available. could try living without?
Fridge - already discussed - no problem
Kettle - gas every time
Wifi - iPhone tethering

writing from my mobile office on top of the Berkshire Downs

 

[Sandyvan]

On our third Ocean now, never used or going to use the sink, tap or fill the water tanks. We cook outside as much as possible as feel (personal statement) a campervan is a fair weather vehicle. There is nothing worse than stuck in any vehicle in the rain, a wet weekend in Bognor comes to mind. Buy what ever suits you. Even though I don't use some of the camping kit in the Ocean I would not have a Beach I don't get them, again personal statement so don't hit the disagree button Well you can if you want. I've had v large motorhomes and spent three days solid listening to pita patter on the roof, all the comforts of home but still miserable hence the comment of a fair weather vehicle.
I've never had a beach, it just looks like a Caravelle with a manual roof to me but people own and love them so they must be good and suit their owners. How about hiring both to see what suits.

I think a poster said check the difference in spec between the two before deciding on value, I must admit I do like Grape yellow not available on the Ocean

At the end of the day they all have the same badge and are part of the family.

 

[kp64zl]

On our third Ocean now, never used or going to use the sink, tap or fill the water tanks. We cook outside as much as possible as feel (personal statement) a campervan is a fair weather vehicle. There is nothing worse than stuck in any vehicle in the rain, a wet weekend in Bognor comes to mind. Buy what ever suits you. Even though I don't use some of the camping kit in the Ocean I would not have a Beach I don't get them, again personal statement so don't hit the disagree button Well you can if you want. I've had v large motorhomes and spent three days solid listening to pita patter on the roof, all the comforts of home but still miserable hence the comment of a fair weather vehicle.
I've never had a beach, it just looks like a Caravelle with a manual roof to me but people own and love them so they must be good and suit their owners. How about hiring both to see what suits.

I think a poster said check the difference in spec between the two before deciding on value, I must admit I do like Grape yellow not available on the Ocean

At the end of the day they all have the same badge and are part of the family.

Better than being in a tent though!

i.e. depends where you are coming from --- for me the Cali was an upgrade to tents which can be somewhat miserable in November in North Wales etc, so it's luxurious what ever version I'm in.......whereas if you're used to comfort of home, hair dryers toasters etc then of course you will have a different set of expectations....

 

[Sandyvan]

Better than being in a tent though!

What a beach, ocean or just a van in general?

 

[soulstyledevon]

What a beach, ocean or just a van in general?

Any van is better than a tent...!!!

I have an Ocean. But still feel the Beach is possibly the best overall.
Perhaps, maybe, then again, I’m not sure...

 

[mr_glasgow84]

@MTM84

How about

Hairdryer - find a campsite with an electrical socket in the bathrooms - most campsites have a socket somewhere.
Toaster - there are gas attachments available. could try living without?
Fridge - already discussed - no problem
Kettle - gas every time
Wifi - iPhone tethering

writing from my mobile office on top of the Berkshire Downs

View attachment 42777

Brilliant, and thanks for your input.

 

[Sandyvan]

Any van is better than a tent...!!!

I have an Ocean. But still feel the Beach is possibly the best overall.
Perhaps, maybe, then again, I’m not sure...

I agree re the tent statement, in regard to the age old Beach verses Ocean as so often personal choice

 

[Rich20]

Sorry Mark, Branston are the best.

Even better with some hot chilli powder added.

 

[mr_glasgow84]

So I decided to pay a little visit to my local Lookers Van centre today and had a good look around the Beach in the showroom.

Whilst the campervan specialist wasn’t in, another chap did his best to answer a few questions I had.

On the subject of discounts, I said my research indicated that 8% was achievable, but he categorically advised that there was no chance of this much discount. 7% would be the maximum and even that wouldn’t be guaranteed. I was quite surprised by this as hey have witnessed a slow down in sales, which may be to do with Brexit.

Overall though, very helpful but interesting to guage their stance on discounts.

 

[larrylamb]

So I decided to pay a little visit to my local Lookers Van centre today and had a good look around the Beach in the showroom.

Whilst the campervan specialist wasn’t in, another chap did his best to answer a few questions I had.

On the subject of discounts, I said my research indicated that 8% was achievable, but he categorically advised that there was no chance of this much discount. 7% would be the maximum and even that wouldn’t be guaranteed. I was quite surprised by this as hey have witnessed a slow down in sales, which may be to do with Brexit.

Overall though, very helpful but interesting to guage their stance on discounts.

Give Guy Vincent a call at Lancashire vw van centre, Preston. He knows his onions and will give a good discount.

 

[mr_glasgow84]

Give Guy Vincent a call at Lancashire vw van centre, Preston. He knows his onions and will give a good discount.

Thanks, it’s too early for me yet but good to know about different people out there willing to do a deal.

 

[kp64zl]

Try autoebid

 

[Borris]

"Does the Cali Ocean offer value for money?"

Well it's arguably the best camper van in this sector. It is expensive but does hold it's value well. It's beautifully made, has lots of sexy shiny bits and comes packed with many standard features but this is where you have to start questioning the value for money thing.

Are you actually going to cook in it or will you be one of the cuppa soap or pot noodle brigade? The term "never cooked in" often features in the club Calis for sale section.
The same can be said of the sink and water tanks. So many people never use them including me when I had an SE.

The list goes on but in essence what I am saying is that you must ask yourself if you will ever use said features because unless you do then you will not be getting value for money.

The same goes for factory options. Unless you're going to use it then scratch it off your wish list. Example, 4motion is only worth paying out for if you are likely to be going off road and I don't mean a grassy campsite. If you buy it for that eventuality in mind then a tenner to get pulled out once in a blue moon would be thousands cheaper.

I'm merely saying that IMO, what ever you buy is only value for money if you use it.

 

[mr_glasgow84]

Try autoebid

Yes, I haven’t calculated the percentage but their discount seems pretty good.

 

[mr_glasgow84]

"Does the Cali Ocean offer value for money?"

Well it's arguably the best camper van in this sector. It is expensive but does hold it's value well. It's beautifully made, has lots of sexy shiny bits and comes packed with many standard features but this is where you have to start questioning the value for money thing.

Are you actually going to cook in it or will you be one of the cuppa soap or noodle brigade? The term "never cooked in" often features in the club Calis for sale section.
The same can be said of the sink and water tanks. So many people never use them including me when I had an SE.

The list goes on but in essence what I am saying is that you must ask yourself if you will ever use said features because unless you do then you will not be getting value for money.

The same goes for factory options. Unless you're going to use it then scratch it off your wish list. Example, 4motion is only worth paying out for if you are likely to be going off road and I don't mean a grassy campsite. If you buy it for that eventuality in mind then a tenner to get pulled out once in a blue moon would be thousands cheaper.

I'm merely saying that IMO, what ever you buy is only value for money if you use it.

Yes, since posting, I’m pretty convinced that the Beach is a better prospect. Having configured one with yellow paint, the interior heater, heated seats, DSG, bed extension and a few other bits n bobs, it has more of what I want at the price point and remains £10k cheaper.

Does anyone know when a California T6.1 or whatever it’s called, is due to be released?

 

[kp64zl]

Hi @MTM84 2 or 3 seat Bench?

 

[mr_glasgow84]

Hi @MTM84 2 or 3 seat Bench?

2 as the bed is apparently flatter and more comfortable as a result. I’d opt for the bed extension and storage box as well.

 

[flying banana]

I showed someone round my ocean today and she said ' I prefer my static caravan'. I think she misses the point somewhere there about freedom etc but who am I to slate her caravan. All personal choice... As for the beach I think I said earlier I had a yellow one and must admit it was great. Both buses are worth it... Such a shame the coast is not an option though don't you all think?

 

[kp64zl]

2 as the bed is apparently flatter and more comfortable as a result. I’d opt for the bed extension and storage box as well.

That’s what I have and am happy with it. Box and bed extension come with the van. One dealer told me they were extra!!

 

[mr_glasgow84]

That’s what I have and am happy with it. Box and bed extension come with the van. One dealer told me they were extra!!

Interesting...there’s definitely a bed extension option which mentions the storage box, on the configurator.