2008 SE Advice

[bitter_mick]

Hi all, in the market for our first family camper and went to see this 2008 SE California at the weekend. I've viewed a few converted T5s before but this was first California and just wanted some advice if possible.
The price seemed fair compared to others on the market, bodywork was good and it drove well. Interior was a bit of a mixed bag, some black mould spots on cab interior as well as some tears and mould spots in pop top canvas. The bench seat was a bit of a pain to move but did go forward and back with some encouragement. Some swelling to floor in back due to water ingress which the dealer is having repaired aswell as replacing electric unit.
Obviously it's a 16 year old van so it's gonna have a fair bit of wear inside but given I have nothing to compare it too was just wondering whether people think this is all pretty common on a van of that age?
Budget is limited to around 25k so really it's a case of getting a slightly newer converted T5 with with high mileage or a Cali like this which has all the nice extras but a bit more wear and tear.
I get the feeling it won't hang around long so any advice or tips would be really welcome. Have found lots of useful stuff on here already.

 

[m10chkcalifornia]

Well that looks like one you don't want to walk away from ... run! Surely that indicates lots of damp / water ingress issues.

 

[colintfcolintf]

Have you looked on the classifieds here?

 

[bitter_mick]

Well that looks like one you don't want to walk away from ... run! Surely that indicates lots of damp / water ingress issues.

Yeah not ideal. The dealer sent it to a camper specialist who they use and they said the water damage was something to do with how the aftermarket head unit was fitted. They were getting quite a few things fixed and replaced on it but yeah worry is anything water related could have spread and caused other issues right?

 

[bitter_mick]

Have you looked on the classifieds here?

New to the forum but yes have been looking through. Just ideally need to find something up North within our budget

 

[TripleBee]

Mine is 14 years old, but to be honest, mine looks almost as it comes straight from the showroom, compared to this one.

 

[bitter_mick]

Mine is 14 years old, but to be honest, mine looks almost as it comes straight from the showroom, compared to this one.

Thanks for the reply, that was my feeling when I first saw it. Didn't really envisage spending £25k on a camper and having to clean up mould and patch up rips etc.

 

[ArunAlec]

If the photos are an indication of how well it’s been cared for I wouldn’t touch it!
in general I think Californias tend to be better cared for than “normal “ cars, so to see one like that is surprising. It could be a money pit!

 

[Elmo3]

That bellows is knackered. Mind you, it’s possibly more watertight than a current replacement from VW.…

4 odd tyres. Doesn’t look like a loved or well maintained Cali. Take your time, something decent will turn up.

 

[bitter_mick]

That bellows is knackered. Mind you, it’s possibly more watertight than a current replacement from VW.…

4 odd tyres. Doesn’t look like a loved or well maintained Cali. Take your time, something decent will turn up.

Thanks for the reply and good advice

 

[TripleBee]

Thanks for the reply, that was my feeling when I first saw it. Didn't really envisage spending £25k on a camper and having to clean up mould and patch up rips etc.

To make a comparison. We were in a thunderstorm one day, having a walk in the mountains. By the time we came back to the California, we were soaked.
Unfortunately, by the time we got to the campsite, the rear bench was almost soaked as wel, just by sitting on it, even after drying ourselves.
As a result, the rear seat looked like this:


Trying to clean it didn't really work out as I was hoping for.
So I put the fabric in the washing machine:


And after I put everything back together, now it looks again like new:


That is what I meant with: showroom state

 

[Lambeth Cali]

We have a 2008 SE and it’s pretty pristine. I don’t think that’s worth it. I assume ours would be about £26/28k but not selling.
Some people don’t look after stuff. That mold looks like water got in and was sat for months.
Did you mention the mileage?

Keep looking. Good luck.
Just an idea but you could find a pretty fab T4 Westfalia maybe. But likely LHD

 

[bitter_mick]

We have a 2008 SE and it’s pretty pristine. I don’t think that’s worth it. I assume ours would be about £26/28k but not selling.
Some people don’t look after stuff. That mold looks like water got in and was sat for months.
Did you mention the mileage?

Keep looking. Good luck.
Just an idea but you could find a pretty fab T4 Westfalia maybe. But likely LHD

Thanks for replying. Mileage was 98k but yeah I was pretty disappointed when I saw it inside. Just trying to get a sense of whether I need to change my expectations, increase my budget or just wait for something better.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

VW California SE 130

Genuine factory-built VW California SE 130. Great condition inside and out. Seats have had covers on since new. Only 92K miles on this 2.5L 130 BHP highly sought-after, economical engine. Complete with radio/CD, heated seats, heater (including remote heater switch on), Fiamma awning, original VW...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

*SOLD*California SE (2009), 2.5TDI, FSH, Lots of Extras

A well-maintained, much loved, and ready to go VW California, 99,000 miles, 2 owners, FSH (last service 97,000), 6-speed manual (no cam belt issues), with over £2000 worth of extras. Included: - 100W solar panel, no need for EHU (RRP £400). - Roof bars (RRP £150). - Wind-out awning (has been...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

A very quick glance.

T5 SE is a fabulous vehicle.

 

[bitter_mick]

VW California SE 130

Genuine factory-built VW California SE 130. Great condition inside and out. Seats have had covers on since new. Only 92K miles on this 2.5L 130 BHP highly sought-after, economical engine. Complete with radio/CD, heated seats, heater (including remote heater switch on), Fiamma awning, original VW...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

*SOLD*California SE (2009), 2.5TDI, FSH, Lots of Extras

A well-maintained, much loved, and ready to go VW California, 99,000 miles, 2 owners, FSH (last service 97,000), 6-speed manual (no cam belt issues), with over £2000 worth of extras. Included: - 100W solar panel, no need for EHU (RRP £400). - Roof bars (RRP £150). - Wind-out awning (has been...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

A very quick glance

Yeah thank just seen these, both look in good shape. First one is within a couple of hours drive too so will likely follow up on that.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Yeah thank just seen these, both look in good shape. First one is within a couple of hours drive too so will likely follow up on that.

FaceTime them and ask them to show you the vehicle and have a chat. Definitely worth travelling for a good one. Your budget seems reasonable but £26k is worth it for something that won’t then cost you later. They cost a lot new so people should have looked after them.
We’ve had ours since 2009 and never planning on selling it. It’s my only really valued object.
I make an album after every summer holiday

 

[sidepod]

With a vehicle that age, I’d budget an extra £3k to have a good mech go over it and make it perfect.
Obvs depends on your viewpoint but this is something you want to be right, reliable and long term.

 

[Azteccamper]

Totally agree with @Lambeth Cali - the majority of Cali owners (particularly in this forum) appear to really look after their vans. I bought privately off here 8 years ago and it’s still going strong (albeit with the usual wear and tear items being replaced). It gets serviced every year and we love it. I wouldn’t hesitate in buying an older well looked van.

 

[Nik_campervan]

2years back i bought a 2011 neglected cali for 31k off here. Both heaters needed fixing, clutch & flywheel, tyres allround numerous trim parts replaced wheel bearings rear and front strut top mounts. Ignoring normal service items since and headunit/reverse cam etc parts bill est 5-6k. My canvas had been trapped and needed patches but that ones toast.

 

[andrew bazeley]

I have one the same year and model. Although there are several little signs of age, it has certainly never leaked. I'll be selling mine soon (a bit of a "luxury model" in many ways), but I'm afraid I live in the West Country.

 

[jungliebird]

VW California SE 130

Genuine factory-built VW California SE 130. Great condition inside and out. Seats have had covers on since new. Only 92K miles on this 2.5L 130 BHP highly sought-after, economical engine. Complete with radio/CD, heated seats, heater (including remote heater switch on), Fiamma awning, original VW...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

*SOLD*California SE (2009), 2.5TDI, FSH, Lots of Extras

A well-maintained, much loved, and ready to go VW California, 99,000 miles, 2 owners, FSH (last service 97,000), 6-speed manual (no cam belt issues), with over £2000 worth of extras. Included: - 100W solar panel, no need for EHU (RRP £400). - Roof bars (RRP £150). - Wind-out awning (has been...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

A very quick glance.

T5 SE is a fabulous vehicle.

Hi @bitter_mick,
I’m the seller of the 2009 Cali SE with all the extras, it’s in excellent condition, and certainly has never had any of the issues you highlighted in the one you viewed.
If you want to get in touch directly my number is on the advert and we can happily do a video call to show you the van. Rachel

 

[BigPritch]

Thanks for replying. Mileage was 98k but yeah I was pretty disappointed when I saw it inside. Just trying to get a sense of whether I need to change my expectations, increase my budget or just wait for something better.

Can I ask, is this for sale in Colne, silver ? We looked at one very similar, outside was pristine and didn't look like 98k, inside was just like the above and looked 198k. Soft spongy spot between driver & passenger...we walked away. Dealer said he would ave to 'do it up before putting back out'. We ended up buying one from here, 2007, 77k and compared to your pics (and the one we saw in Colne), its pristine.I know its a case of 'you want one', but the right one will come along, and your budget, will, get you one. Good luck

 

[WelshGas]

Can I ask, is this for sale in Colne, silver ? We looked at one very similar, outside was pristine and didn't look like 98k, inside was just like the above and looked 198k. Soft spongy spot between driver & passenger...we walked away. Dealer said he would ave to 'do it up before putting back out'. We ended up buying one from here, 2007, 77k and compared to your pics (and the one we saw in Colne), its pristine.I know its a case of 'you want one', but the right one will come along, and your budget, will, get you one. Good luck

All Californias have a “ soft spongy spot “ between the front seats . There is a thick pad with cutout channels on the underside to protect wiring looms between the 2 seats. Normal.

 

[pearcejim]

that looks terrible!!!!!!!!!
makes me feel our 2012 Beach which is in great condition is immaculate.........and we can't seem to shift that for slightly less money!

 

[pearcejim]

Contrary to what anyone says it is a buyers market at present so take your time and negotiate hard!!!!!