Looby
An ever-changing view through the arch window
VIP Member
Lifetime VIP Member
Pippa, our California SE has been sold but the wonderful memories will be with us forever.
It doesn't feel like more than 5 1/2 years since our deliberations about whether to buy a Cali or not. The forum was a great source of inspiration and also of info on the realities of possible issues with the roof, control panel, engine etc etc.
We eventually decided on spec and colour then had a frustrating wait when ferry issues delayed deliveries but it finally arrived just under 5 yrs ago.
I have got to say that we have had an amazing time in our van. Initial apprehension at driving the bigger vehicle soon went and I can honestly say that I enjoyed driving the 180 dsg van, more than any other vehicle we've ever had (and as my husband enjoys variety, there have been many) The rear view camera made parking it a joy.
Despite still working, we managed over 200 nights in it and many more day trips to
places and annual events we had never even considered before. We've winter camped and gone day trips to the snowy slopes and delighted at returning to a nice toasty warm van.
I love cooking and so the kitchen was well used. It does take a bit of organisation in the small space, getting things out of cupboards before starting to cook but we soon got the hang of it. The slide out table and its ability to suspend over the bench seat as an extra worktop are ingenious, not to mention the storage of the other table and the chairs. On one trip, the kind people in a van next to us offered their table and chairs, thinking we couldn't possibly have room for any.
Being keen to enjoy the van and not feel anxious about the interior, we used Brandrup seat covers and easily washable floor mats in the rear. That worked a treat for us. We took on a forum members suggestion of putting a bacon box (long narrow storage container) in for cutlery and removing the large moulded insert. This gave plenty room for long handled cooking utensils and kitchen knives in the drawer.
Reliability- reading people's problems on a forum can sometimes give the impression that problem issues are more widespread than they are. In our 5 years we have never once had to call VW assist. The only warning lights we ever had were for 2 slow punctures and for a faulty light bulb. The only warranty issues we had were a squinty roof when closing, the struts were swiftly replaced in warranty and were fine after that, the other was the infamous loose brake light, again replaced. I have hand washed the van and roof since new and there has been no sign of any corrosion. We chose not to worry about it or look for it under the seal, possibly worsening things. Initially we thought we'd check under the seal in yr 3 before the warranty expired but after confirmation from VW that it would be covered for 6 years, we left it well alone. I have read on the forum that VW are now doing a check themselves at the service. Thank you to all the members who have fought with them over the years to make them address the issue. Having seen posts about issues with the earlier 180 engines, we opted for annual oil changes from the first service at 2 yrs.
If you are wondering whether or not to go ahead and make such a big purchase, I hope our story will help to inspire you. We have been the length and breadth of the UK. Our first longer outing was to Calis on the farm 2014 and we have since been down to Cornwall where driving it was no problem. We joined a few Scottish meets and they were a good way to meet other owners. Our visits to the Scottish Islands were an absolute pleasure in a vehicle this size. Small enough to get to the best scenic spots with ease but much less weather dependant than a tent. Actually, sleeping in the upstairs bed is another delight. It's like being in a tent but cosier. Listening to the birdsong and nearby rivers is delightful and we even 'slept' up there in a thunderstorm on Aran a couple of years ago. The view was spectacular as the lightening circled the campsite for hours.
We've had lots and lots of wonderful times with many great memories and photos to treasure.
Thank you to the forum organisers and to everyone who has contributed during the years we've been here. It's been an invaluable source of advice, information and inspiration.
We're off to try out the dark side for now but keeping my zone sleep........just incase.
It doesn't feel like more than 5 1/2 years since our deliberations about whether to buy a Cali or not. The forum was a great source of inspiration and also of info on the realities of possible issues with the roof, control panel, engine etc etc.
We eventually decided on spec and colour then had a frustrating wait when ferry issues delayed deliveries but it finally arrived just under 5 yrs ago.
I have got to say that we have had an amazing time in our van. Initial apprehension at driving the bigger vehicle soon went and I can honestly say that I enjoyed driving the 180 dsg van, more than any other vehicle we've ever had (and as my husband enjoys variety, there have been many) The rear view camera made parking it a joy.
Despite still working, we managed over 200 nights in it and many more day trips to
places and annual events we had never even considered before. We've winter camped and gone day trips to the snowy slopes and delighted at returning to a nice toasty warm van.
I love cooking and so the kitchen was well used. It does take a bit of organisation in the small space, getting things out of cupboards before starting to cook but we soon got the hang of it. The slide out table and its ability to suspend over the bench seat as an extra worktop are ingenious, not to mention the storage of the other table and the chairs. On one trip, the kind people in a van next to us offered their table and chairs, thinking we couldn't possibly have room for any.
Being keen to enjoy the van and not feel anxious about the interior, we used Brandrup seat covers and easily washable floor mats in the rear. That worked a treat for us. We took on a forum members suggestion of putting a bacon box (long narrow storage container) in for cutlery and removing the large moulded insert. This gave plenty room for long handled cooking utensils and kitchen knives in the drawer.
Reliability- reading people's problems on a forum can sometimes give the impression that problem issues are more widespread than they are. In our 5 years we have never once had to call VW assist. The only warning lights we ever had were for 2 slow punctures and for a faulty light bulb. The only warranty issues we had were a squinty roof when closing, the struts were swiftly replaced in warranty and were fine after that, the other was the infamous loose brake light, again replaced. I have hand washed the van and roof since new and there has been no sign of any corrosion. We chose not to worry about it or look for it under the seal, possibly worsening things. Initially we thought we'd check under the seal in yr 3 before the warranty expired but after confirmation from VW that it would be covered for 6 years, we left it well alone. I have read on the forum that VW are now doing a check themselves at the service. Thank you to all the members who have fought with them over the years to make them address the issue. Having seen posts about issues with the earlier 180 engines, we opted for annual oil changes from the first service at 2 yrs.
If you are wondering whether or not to go ahead and make such a big purchase, I hope our story will help to inspire you. We have been the length and breadth of the UK. Our first longer outing was to Calis on the farm 2014 and we have since been down to Cornwall where driving it was no problem. We joined a few Scottish meets and they were a good way to meet other owners. Our visits to the Scottish Islands were an absolute pleasure in a vehicle this size. Small enough to get to the best scenic spots with ease but much less weather dependant than a tent. Actually, sleeping in the upstairs bed is another delight. It's like being in a tent but cosier. Listening to the birdsong and nearby rivers is delightful and we even 'slept' up there in a thunderstorm on Aran a couple of years ago. The view was spectacular as the lightening circled the campsite for hours.
We've had lots and lots of wonderful times with many great memories and photos to treasure.
Thank you to the forum organisers and to everyone who has contributed during the years we've been here. It's been an invaluable source of advice, information and inspiration.
We're off to try out the dark side for now but keeping my zone sleep........just incase.
), it is about the people with this kind of car/idea of life.
