Another new member hoping to buy a T5 Cali 180 DSG this winter !

[JTP]

Hi , I’m Jonathan with user name JTP. So after selling our caravan, now our two kids have grown up, we have decided on campervan adventures. Hiring one in a few weeks and now starting to think about vans.
Definitely want some advice. I suspect the answers are on the forums so will explore them. But for now 1) what is the easiest way to tell a factory build California from one converted from a van. Is there a failsafe measure eg chasis numbers. 2) Who do we know nationally that could check out a private purchase as if not from a dealer there is no warranty.
Thanks look forward to many more posts and meeting up at events in time. Jonathan JTP

 

[WelshGas]

Hi , I’m Jonathan with user name JTP. So after selling our caravan, now our two kids have grown up, we have decided on campervan adventures. Hiring one in a few weeks and now starting to think about vans.
Definitely want some advice. I suspect the answers are on the forums so will explore them. But for now 1) what is the easiest way to tell a factory build California from one converted from a van. Is there a failsafe measure eg chasis numbers. 2) Who do we know nationally that could check out a private purchase as if not from a dealer there is no warranty.
Thanks look forward to many more posts and meeting up at events in time. Jonathan JTP

Welcome. All Californias have 1 sliding door on the Drivers side if RHD.
You can check the Reg Nos and get a history from DVLA website or Reg or VIN at a VW Dealership.

 

[AlisonF]

Cali’s typically have
- 2 rotating front seats (rather than fixed and / or a 2 seat passenger bench)
- sliding bench seat that folds down to make a bed (Rather than fixed bed)
- discrete window blinds (Rather than curtains)
- tailgate (rather than barn doors)
- for the SE the kitchen is on the LHS with a top loading fridge (rather than front opening)

Hope that helps.

 

[JTP]

Thanks both. The door is obvious but somehow I missed it. So realistically if it is a drivers side door it should in all probability be a factory built California. I think I read the adverts where people stated a factory built Cali and assumed there are others who may be ‘ fakes ‘ to use a nasty word. There is a member of this forum Colin oxfordt5 who built a California with a near side not drivers side door from parts.
Perhaps there is no problem with copies and I just got the wrong misconception. That is good news.

 

[Legin]

Do your homework on the 180 engine oil consumption issue. Reputedly affects the early ones. As you have asked for advice then I would look for a 140 based california.

 

[AlisonF]

Thanks both. The door is obvious but somehow I missed it. So realistically if it is a drivers side door it should in all probability be a factory built California. I think I read the adverts where people stated a factory built Cali and assumed there are others who may be ‘ fakes ‘ to use a nasty word. There is a member of this forum Colin oxfordt5 who built a California with a near side not drivers side door from parts.
Perhaps there is no problem with copies and I just got the wrong misconception. That is good news.

There are factory built Cali’s and Conversions. There are owners of both on this forum. Also, plusses and minuses of each - so it boils down to knowing what you want and making your own choices.
If in doubt, post on here for advice. Use the search function to help answer any queries. And also, follow the vans for sale thread on here.
Happy hunting.

 

[Karlos]

JTP, you will get a wealth of knowledge here and it will be intelligent experience led in the most part.

Best of luck with your search.