£109k - No thanks

[GrumpyGranddad]

Some cool features but ………

 

[The Merle]

Some cool features but ………

I watched that the other day too.
If anyone pays over £100k for a transporter they need there head read!
Crazy price

 

[Camperfamily]

Best looking conversion I’ve seen. Not as good as a Cali though IMHO

 

[pjm-84]

Wheels look too big.

 

[Corradobrit]

Afflicted with saggy butt syndrome.

 

[SusiBus]

No, not for me. Really shows how good the California is. Well yes, the Cali hasn't got hot water, but it has lots of other plus features, plus style. A Cali everyday.

 

[The Merle]

And the Cali is atleast £30k cheaper

 

[Kernowboy]

Love that shower though, must be worth at least a couple of hundred of the £30k .

 

[NessL]

Like the blinds / fly screens and the power display. Overhead cupboards look a bit deep - suspect I’d repeatedly bump my head when using the kitchen.
Very surprised they’ve fitted tambour doors on the wardrobe. A component so poor that even VW have stopped fitting!

 

[subthree]

I have been realising lately that I am out of touch with prices generally. Yesterday's confirmation was £69 for a family of four to enter Beaulieu. But £109k!?!? You really have lost the plot if you spend that on a builder's van.

 

[Tarquers]

Not defending the price, but it can explain why VW do little to improve the Cali. VW have the advantage of making a profit once on a van, with cost for van plus conversion combined. An aftermarket converter has to buy the van from VW and then make a profit on the conversion and the van, it’s always going to be more expensive.

This means VW can pretty much do what they like to maintain sales, no gas tanks, no hot water option, use of the high spec builders van, and make the sale look attractive, not because it’s good value but because it is less than it close to a conversion cost.

Not coming down on one side or the other but just pointing out that small businesses are facing other challenges to just stay afloat, never mind making a profit.

 

[B J G]

Afflicted with saggy butt syndrome.

Air Suspension demonstrating ability to self level on a slope.

Can never have a saggy bottom on the road as constantly monitors ride height.

 

[GollyOlly]

Makes me wonder if the air suspension systems are really worth it? Looks like they do a great job but what are the repair costs when they go wrong? Can any shop repair them or do they need to be taken back to a specialist shop? Love the idea. Dubious of the repairs when they go wrong.

 

[Niborn]

I’d have one if it was offered…

 

[B J G]

Makes me wonder if the air suspension systems are really worth it? Looks like they do a great job but what are the repair costs when they go wrong? Can any shop repair them or do they need to be taken back to a specialist shop? Love the idea. Dubious of the repairs when they go wrong.

The video is very misleading on the ability of VB to 'pop up and down' quickly like can be seen on American cars. Needs a big compressor and air storage tank to achieve that speed of height change.

Air suspension is the ultimate in adaptability to suit the road conditions/surface.
ie Motorway down- A&B roads up to a mid position Off road on tracks etc up.

Also have the ability to level up on site using all four wheels, doubt if many carry 4 ramps to achieve this degree of adaptability.

I had it fitted as at the time VW would NOT fit lowered spring or advise it. Supplier of springs only wouldn't fit them either due to this VW position.

Air has the additional benefit of being able to lower when parked making the getting in-out process easier. This also applies to carpark height barriers.
Van will always be level regardless of load carried.

Recently more adjustable suspension options have come onto the Market (Koni, Bilstein) which would suit most owners needs.

 

[GollyOlly]

I’d have one if it was offered…

Yeah, me too. I'd sell it, buy a Cali and pocket the difference.

 

[GollyOlly]

The video is very misleading on the ability of VB to 'pop up and down' quickly like can be seen on American cars. Needs a big compressor and air storage tank to achieve that speed of height change.

Air suspension is the ultimate in adaptability to suit the road conditions/surface.
ie Motorway down- A&B roads up to a mid position Off road on tracks etc up.

Also have the ability to level up on site using all four wheels, doubt if many carry 4 ramps to achieve this degree of adaptability.

I had it fitted as at the time VW would NOT fit lowered spring or advise it. Supplier of springs only wouldn't fit them either due to this VW position.

Air has the additional benefit of being able to lower when parked making the getting in-out process easier. This also applies to carpark height barriers.
Van will always be level regardless of load carried.

Recently more adjustable suspension options have come onto the Market (Koni, Bilstein) which would suit most owners needs.

Understand the benefits. I was more interested in repair costs, etc., when they go wrong.

 

[BikerGran]

No electric roof - essential for me. Only one table. And for that money I'd want electrically operated bed and tailgate.
LOVE those wheels though!

 

[B J G]

Understand the benefits. I was more interested in repair costs, etc., when they go wrong.

I had VB & changed to Bilstein-a long story.

Repair costs are probably similar to the adaptive suspension setup for the front units.
Rear would be an airbag only as same shock absorber on rear.

Rear probably less likely to have an airbag failure than steel springs to break on todays roads.

Comparison would be difference in the cost risk between Coast & Ocean roof opening method parts.

 

[PhilR]

I feel so much better about what I’ve spent on my new Ocean now - a bargain it is

 

[calibusje]

Not defending the price, but it can explain why VW do little to improve the Cali. VW have the advantage of making a profit once on a van, with cost for van plus conversion combined. An aftermarket converter has to buy the van from VW and then make a profit on the conversion and the van, it’s always going to be more expensive.

This means VW can pretty much do what they like to maintain sales, no gas tanks, no hot water option, use of the high spec builders van, and make the sale look attractive, not because it’s good value but because it is less than it close to a conversion cost.

Not coming down on one side or the other but just pointing out that small businesses are facing other challenges to just stay afloat, never mind making a profit.

Wow, that's a not so positive view of a - in my humble opinion - gradually evolved, originally well-designed small campervan: the Volkswagen California.
Everyone has their own opinion and this is mine:
The california: compare the price with another vehicle with in many eyes are 'class' (not for me, it doesn't bother me: I drive an Opel) as refer to a lot on the forum (bmw, audi, porsche,...): not such a crazy price I think and it's a campervan!; puts it into perspective, doesn't it? There is also a factory where californias are built by workers, that did not come for free and still has to be paid. Compare with a hangar where the converted ones are made (and many especially need a lot of carpet for the walls).
And why is that price (and of many converters) so unbelievably high: they are indeed mostly a one-off; they sell a fraction of what Volkswagen sells (if they sell more than their show car at all). Don't look too far for an explanation. And yes: that price tag is ridiculously high! By the way, Volkswagen does ask a lot for the California, but it is also their super-selling model and they make a good profit on it. Can they?
Bases on a builders van… based on what should they make it then? All the converters do it also.
I like to watch youtube and regularly see videos of converted vans and base my opinion on that. Don't get me wrong: I have nothing against converted transporters that are a result of a van, an existing idea (sometimes even california items) supplemented with existing items of the after market (high tech or not). And a price equal to (seldom) or even higher than the California (mostly). Good for the others who do see something in it. I choose the well designed campervan california (original lay out from westfalia but that is another story) with its furniture -and many other components- designed and manufactured by Volkswagen itself.
Hopefully I won't offend anyone with what i wrote, but let's put it into perspective: of course a California is expensive, but how much should it cost in your eyes: 30,000 pounds? It's just like many see Californias as something that shouldn't be worth much and therefor can't cost that much (but try to explaine 109.000 for a converted transporter...). I don't understand this and can understand the price of the california; Just like there are those who understand the price of a BMW, Audi or Porsche. Each to his own on this.

 

[PhilR]

Retained value is one of the biggest advantages of the Cali. Depreciation is the single biggest expense by far, so to minimise this is very advantageous. It’s not just about retained value either - Cali’s will always be easier to sell on. Conversions are very “unique” and will not appeal to as wide an audience.

 

[Tarquers]

Makes me wonder if the air suspension systems are really worth it? Looks like they do a great job but what are the repair costs when they go wrong? Can any shop repair them or do they need to be taken back to a specialist shop? Love the idea. Dubious of the repairs when they go wrong.

Wow, that's a not so positive view of a - in my humble opinion - gradually evolved, originally well-designed small campervan: the Volkswagen California.
Everyone has their own opinion and this is mine:
The california: compare the price with another vehicle with in many eyes are 'class' (not for me, it doesn't bother me: I drive an Opel) as refer to a lot on the forum (bmw, audi, porsche,...): not such a crazy price I think and it's a campervan!; puts it into perspective, doesn't it? There is also a factory where californias are built by workers, that did not come for free and still has to be paid. Compare with a hangar where the converted ones are made (and many especially need a lot of carpet for the walls).
And why is that price (and of many converters) so unbelievably high: they are indeed mostly a one-off; they sell a fraction of what Volkswagen sells (if they sell more than their show car at all). Don't look too far for an explanation. And yes: that price tag is ridiculously high! By the way, Volkswagen does ask a lot for the California, but it is also their super-selling model and they make a good profit on it. Can they?
Bases on a builders van… based on what should they make it then? All the converters do it also.
I like to watch youtube and regularly see videos of converted vans and base my opinion on that. Don't get me wrong: I have nothing against converted transporters that are a result of one of van, an existing idea (sometimes even california items) supplemented with existing items of the after market (high tech or not). And a price equal to (seldom) or even higher than the California (mostly). Good for the others who do see something in it. I choose the well designed campervan california (original lay out from westfalia but that is another story) with its furniture -and many other components- designed and manufactured by Volkswagen itself.
Hopefully I won't offend anyone with what i wrote, but let's put it into perspective: of course a California is expensive, but how much should it cost in your eyes: 30,000 pounds? It's just like many see Californias as something that shouldn't be worth much and therefor can't cost that much (but try to explaine 109.000 for a converted transporter...). I don't understand this and can understand the price of the california; Just like there are those who understand the price of a BMW, Audi or Porsche. Each to his own on this.

Wasn’t exactly the point I was making. Convertors are never going to achieve the same price for the same product because they don’t enjoy transfer pricing on the base vehicle. Like for like, a converted van will be more expensive. This forces the market to adjust and offer greater customisation options to compete.

 

[B J G]

Ignoring any residual factors I think that Cali Owners have the advantage of knowing what makes a practical campervan and what is merely cosmetic (bling),
Van to campervan converters appear to add quite a bit of bling to generate sales. big wheels, two tone paint, multicoloured internal lighting etc. Basically they provide a much more customised product than VW can with their production line process. VW does have the advantage of scale to reduce costs.

For £109K I can think of many Motorhomes and 3,500 Tonnes van conversions that would better suited to parting with that level of finances. They do sell them so that doesn't apply to everyone.

 

[Corradobrit]

Personally I would not have a complex air ride system especially if I wild camped a lot. If it fails can the vehicle even be driven? I assume it can but compromised. Finding a qualified repair center wherever you happened to be nigh on impossible. These utilitarian vehicles are already too complex with their electronics. I would go with this option or a similar design. Not cheap (at least the German made variant I saw) but offers the same functionality ie leveling capability without the potential headaches.

Pardon our interruption...