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A last minute purchase

C

CampingMist

Messages
19
Location
West Yorkshire
Vehicle
Looking to buy
Hi everyone,

First post here after much trawling for information in the past. I have finally had a chance to go down and drive an Ocean and was obviously extremely happy with what I saw. I have been toying with doing a conversion and ultimately decided I'd get more pleasure from using a camper than I would making one so getting a California was the only choice.

I have specified what I believe to be right for me with the dealer:

  • California SWB 2.0 TDI 150 Ocean DSG
  • N7N Seat Trim Covers in Alcantra
  • 3U1 Bed Extension + Comfort Sleeping Mat
  • 4HS Heated Rear Window with Wash / Wipe
  • 4Y2 Lockable Storage Compartment
  • 7X2 Front and Rear Parking Sensors
  • 9CE 4Stnd Intr Lights + 1 Flrsent-psng Cmpt
  • 9WT App Connect
  • II6 Cupboard in Dark Wood Wt Outdr Cnctn
  • NF1 Awning Housing and Rail in Black
  • NY2 Battery Upgraded 450A (95Ah)
  • PAD Adptv Cruise Cntrl+Frnt Asst+Cty Bke
  • QL0 Privacy Glass wit Heat Insulation
  • ZI6 Composition Media RAD+6.33in TuchScrn
  • 2G2 80ltr Fuel Tank
I'm quite happy negotiating new cars on PCP, but I'm not certain what is reasonable to ask for in terms of discount on a California. I do plan to buy GAP + smart insurance from this dealer. I have considered asking for metallic paint FOC, mud flaps FOC. I can't decide if I'm in a weak position as of the price rise on Wednesday or if they'll be happy to have more figures on their month.

Any advice, comments on the spec would be most welcome.

All the best.
 
Hello,
I ordered a new one on Friday and I think I was in a weaker position to negotiate as I also wanted to do the deal quick to avoid the price rise. I also wanted the van for next spring/summer. I only achieved a 2.2% discount but negotiating and sales are not part of my work or skill base! I also wanted Petrol which I also believed made it difficult to negotiate as minimal (if any) second hand ones are available. Dealer was helpful and I’m happy overall with everything.
 
Hello,
I ordered a new one on Friday and I think I was in a weaker position

Cheers Jerseyroberts, I have a feeling the is most likely the reality. The truth is that I'm quite happy to sit it out for a few years and build some cash, so that may be the most sensible choice rather than rushing a decision.
 
Hi everyone,

First post here after much trawling for information in the past. I have finally had a chance to go down and drive an Ocean and was obviously extremely happy with what I saw. I have been toying with doing a conversion and ultimately decided I'd get more pleasure from using a camper than I would making one so getting a California was the only choice.

I have specified what I believe to be right for me with the dealer:

  • California SWB 2.0 TDI 150 Ocean DSG
  • N7N Seat Trim Covers in Alcantra
  • 3U1 Bed Extension + Comfort Sleeping Mat
  • 4HS Heated Rear Window with Wash / Wipe
  • 4Y2 Lockable Storage Compartment
  • 7X2 Front and Rear Parking Sensors
  • 9CE 4Stnd Intr Lights + 1 Flrsent-psng Cmpt
  • 9WT App Connect
  • II6 Cupboard in Dark Wood Wt Outdr Cnctn
  • NF1 Awning Housing and Rail in Black
  • NY2 Battery Upgraded 450A (95Ah)
  • PAD Adptv Cruise Cntrl+Frnt Asst+Cty Bke
  • QL0 Privacy Glass wit Heat Insulation
  • ZI6 Composition Media RAD+6.33in TuchScrn
  • 2G2 80ltr Fuel Tank
I'm quite happy negotiating new cars on PCP, but I'm not certain what is reasonable to ask for in terms of discount on a California. I do plan to buy GAP + smart insurance from this dealer. I have considered asking for metallic paint FOC, mud flaps FOC. I can't decide if I'm in a weak position as of the price rise on Wednesday or if they'll be happy to have more figures on their month.

Any advice, comments on the spec would be most welcome.

All the best.
Factory Mud Flaps as aftermarket sets require some drilling as far as I am aware.
Towbar Prep makes things a lot easier if you might have a need later on and for possible resale.
Reversing camera is useful but not a must. I wouldn't be without mine.
Some insurance companies that specialise in Campers off New for Old in their policies and buying GAP and Insurance from the Dealer is rarely the most cost effective.
Some new buyers have managed 7 to 8% discount.
 
Hi everyone,

First post here after much trawling for information in the past. I have finally had a chance to go down and drive an Ocean and was obviously extremely happy with what I saw. I have been toying with doing a conversion and ultimately decided I'd get more pleasure from using a camper than I would making one so getting a California was the only choice.

I have specified what I believe to be right for me with the dealer:

  • California SWB 2.0 TDI 150 Ocean DSG
  • N7N Seat Trim Covers in Alcantra
  • 3U1 Bed Extension + Comfort Sleeping Mat
  • 4HS Heated Rear Window with Wash / Wipe
  • 4Y2 Lockable Storage Compartment
  • 7X2 Front and Rear Parking Sensors
  • 9CE 4Stnd Intr Lights + 1 Flrsent-psng Cmpt
  • 9WT App Connect
  • II6 Cupboard in Dark Wood Wt Outdr Cnctn
  • NF1 Awning Housing and Rail in Black
  • NY2 Battery Upgraded 450A (95Ah)
  • PAD Adptv Cruise Cntrl+Frnt Asst+Cty Bke
  • QL0 Privacy Glass wit Heat Insulation
  • ZI6 Composition Media RAD+6.33in TuchScrn
  • 2G2 80ltr Fuel Tank
I'm quite happy negotiating new cars on PCP, but I'm not certain what is reasonable to ask for in terms of discount on a California. I do plan to buy GAP + smart insurance from this dealer. I have considered asking for metallic paint FOC, mud flaps FOC. I can't decide if I'm in a weak position as of the price rise on Wednesday or if they'll be happy to have more figures on their month.

Any advice, comments on the spec would be most welcome.

All the best.
4HS Heated Rear Window with Wash / Wipe
I am not sure about the 4HS option within MY17 so please double check (I am happy to be corrected) but choosing this option from MY16 was not compatible with a double glazed tailgate window which means you won't get the double glazing when choosing this option. The double glazing means there is no need to demist the window which is why the standard spec doesn't include a heating element.
.
 
Factory Mud Flaps as aftermarket sets require some drilling as far as I am aware.
Towbar Prep makes things a lot easier if you might have a need later on and for possible resale.
Reversing camera is useful but not a must. I wouldn't be without mine.
Some insurance companies that specialise in Campers off New for Old in their policies and buying GAP and Insurance from the Dealer is rarely the most cost effective.
Some new buyers have managed 7 to 8% discount.

I agree re the mud flaps. I always have them fitted on my vehicles as they just help lower stone chips and tar and most of the VW installs require some level of drilling that I just don't have the appetite for.

We don't have any plans to tow so we didn't think about towbar prep.

Thank you for the % of what is possible, it at the very least gives me an idea of what I can ask for.

All the best.
 
choosing this option from MY16 was not compatible with a double glazed tailgate window which means you won't get the double glazing .

I wasn't aware of this admittedly. Speaking to the dealer yesterday all he said was that the option was there for those who didn't want to fit a bike rack. I can't find much more information online either, the configurator doesn't remove anything when you add that feature.
 
4HS Heated Rear Window with Wash / Wipe
I am not sure about the 4HS option within MY17 so please double check (I am happy to be corrected) but choosing this option from MY16 was not compatible with a double glazed tailgate window which means you won't get the double glazing when choosing this option. The double glazing means there is no need to demist the window which is why the standard spec doesn't include a heating element.
.

I stand corrected, just re-done the configurator. If I add a heated rear it removes the insulated rear glass. I'll not knocking the heated rear off my list.
 
I've just ordered from VW Van Centre (West Yorkshire), they are ace and sorted me a fantastic deal.

Have a word with Mark Wheelwright there and say that Will Legge sent you :)

There is currently a PCP deal from VW that is £1000 deposit contribution and 2 free services. This is on top of the 7 to 8% discount dealers offer.

With Mark there was no messing about, just the best price I could find anywhere in the country right off the bat. Top bloke.

Just remember to get it ordered ASAP!!!!
 
I wasn't aware of this admittedly. Speaking to the dealer yesterday all he said was that the option was there for those who didn't want to fit a bike rack. I can't find much more information online either, the configurator doesn't remove anything when you add that feature.
You can still fit a Tailgate bike rack with either option. Ive got the Heated rear screen etc: there have been reports of the Double glazing unit failing and misting up internally as do House Double Glazed units and expensive to replace, also if damaged by hooligans then difficult to replace as not carried by the likes of Autoglass, they have to be ordered from VW.
The Heating elements clear the ice or condensation on the outside quickly and I've never had a problem with internal condensation. Might have been a different decision if ALL windows were Double Glazed but they are not. Windows in sliding door and above kitchen + windscreen are definitely not.
 
I've just ordered from VW Van Centre (West Yorkshire), they are ace and sorted me a fantastic deal.

Have a word with Mark Wheelwright there and say that Will Legge sent you :)

There is currently a PCP deal from VW that is £1000 deposit contribution and 2 free services. This is on top of the 7 to 8% discount dealers offer.

With Mark there was no messing about, just the best price I could find anywhere in the country right off the bat. Top bloke.

Just remember to get it ordered ASAP!!!!

Mark, cheers for that. I have no idea why but I didn't bother to try West Yorkshire VC. You don't have an email for Mark Wheelwright do you?
 
Mark,

Thanks for that. I assumed he'd be rushed off his feet so my plan is to email him what I want and follow it up with a phone call so he's got everything to hand.

Cheers!
 
Lol! Hope you get on well with him and he can sort you the deal you’re looking for.

There are several of us who have ordered from him over the last week or so, so I can see us all having a collection party at this rate!!
 
Hi everyone,

First post here after much trawling for information in the past. I have finally had a chance to go down and drive an Ocean and was obviously extremely happy with what I saw. I have been toying with doing a conversion and ultimately decided I'd get more pleasure from using a camper than I would making one so getting a California was the only choice.

I have specified what I believe to be right for me with the dealer:

  • California SWB 2.0 TDI 150 Ocean DSG
  • N7N Seat Trim Covers in Alcantra
  • 3U1 Bed Extension + Comfort Sleeping Mat
  • 4HS Heated Rear Window with Wash / Wipe
  • 4Y2 Lockable Storage Compartment
  • 7X2 Front and Rear Parking Sensors
  • 9CE 4Stnd Intr Lights + 1 Flrsent-psng Cmpt
  • 9WT App Connect
  • II6 Cupboard in Dark Wood Wt Outdr Cnctn
  • NF1 Awning Housing and Rail in Black
  • NY2 Battery Upgraded 450A (95Ah)
  • PAD Adptv Cruise Cntrl+Frnt Asst+Cty Bke
  • QL0 Privacy Glass wit Heat Insulation
  • ZI6 Composition Media RAD+6.33in TuchScrn
  • 2G2 80ltr Fuel Tank
I'm quite happy negotiating new cars on PCP, but I'm not certain what is reasonable to ask for in terms of discount on a California. I do plan to buy GAP + smart insurance from this dealer. I have considered asking for metallic paint FOC, mud flaps FOC. I can't decide if I'm in a weak position as of the price rise on Wednesday or if they'll be happy to have more figures on their month.

Any advice, comments on the spec would be most welcome.

All the best.

If you plan to do much driving in the evenings, I would look at the LED headlights.
They are really excellent and make a fantastic difference in unlit areas.
Simon
 
If you plan to do much driving in the evenings, I would look at the LED headlights.
They are really excellent and make a fantastic difference in unlit areas.
Simon

Simon,

The LED headlights look aesthetically fantastic too. Are they a necessity? I've always coped with standard headlamps on all my previous cars and £1500 seems a big premium for lights.

Cheers
 
Lol! Hope you get on well with him and he can sort you the deal you’re looking for.

There are several of us who have ordered from him over the last week or so, so I can see us all having a collection party at this rate!!

@itguy A few hours into the morning got an email from Mark, everything super easy. Nailing down the spec tonight and most likely placing my order in the morning (literally last minute!).

That collection party could happen!
 
@itguy A few hours into the morning got an email from Mark, everything super easy. Nailing down the spec tonight and most likely placing my order in the morning (literally last minute!).

That collection party could happen!
We’ll be there for the party too. We just have to decide on a venue now :):thumb:happy
 
@Jo ho ho definitely then! Have you had a build week confirmed yet?
No Mark processed our order today as I asked him to leave it as late as possible.
Lovely guy. We’ve been in to see Mark twice and I must have had 15 emails from him. Very pleased with his honesty and willingness to help.

Will let you know when we hear anything. :)
 
@Jo ho ho ah I didn't realise you were the same as me! Almost certainly be getting the same delivery then. I've had the exact same experience, he's a top guy. I knew exactly what I wanted and was really surprised to be given such an open and honest response with no smoke and mirrors; very refreshing!
 
Simon,

The LED headlights look aesthetically fantastic too. Are they a necessity? I've always coped with standard headlamps on all my previous cars and £1500 seems a big premium for lights.

Cheers

Depends where you live & how you use the Cali.Our biggest regret was not to spec the LED headlights.

The standard lights in our opinion are poor, there is a thread on this.
We live on Dartmoor ,small country roads. Have already lost two wing mirrors.
We drive slowly. The headlights are worse than those on our Citroen C3. We use the Cali regularly at night.
 
@Jo ho ho ah I didn't realise you were the same as me! Almost certainly be getting the same delivery then. I've had the exact same experience, he's a top guy. I knew exactly what I wanted and was really surprised to be given such an open and honest response with no smoke and mirrors; very refreshing!
Yes we did all the paperwork last week and asked him to wait until today to put it through. I’m unsure if different options mean different delivery dates ??? You are probably more clued up on delivery dates than I am.
 
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