Disappointed

[sidepod]

The original poster hasn’t been back since his original and pointless rant.

 

[motacyclist]

The original poster hasn’t been back since his original and pointless rant.

No, but he brought an up swelling of positivity from us all!

 

[soulstyledevon]

The original poster hasn’t been back since his original and pointless rant.

Do you think he’s a really annoyed MP owner with a big wooden spoon...?

 

[Ocean Spirit]

Do you think he’s a really annoyed MP owner with a big wooden spoon...?

That thought had crossed my mind. Sadly some people can be bothered to do that sort of thing

 

[flying banana]

buy one. you want regret it. they are complex machines these days. I read the self study download on the diesel engine and it is amazing what they do these days. oh by the way. had my beach over a year now and nothing at all gone wrong apart from one of my sticky coat hooks finally fell off. ha....now that's another story.

 

[GrannyJen]

Do you think he’s a really annoyed MP owner with a big wooden spoon...?

I queried that until I read his previous posts. He really did start with good intentions I believe.

The roof corrosion is a big thing for those who don't understand it, or understand that for 100,000 Cali's sold not all of those, probably a minority, possibly a small minority, have had corrosion. To come on a forum like this, where the issue was raised, the original case to be put forward to VW compiled, it would appear to many that it is inevitable it will happen and it's not corrosion, it's rust.

 

[westfalia]

buy one. you want regret it. they are complex machines these days. I read the self study download on the diesel engine and it is amazing what they do these days. oh by the way. had my beach over a year now and nothing at all gone wrong apart from one of my sticky coat hooks finally fell off. ha....now that's another story.

Are you selling yours now cos of the problems with your coat hooks ?
There´s one for sale like yours on here.

 

[KiwiCali]

.

 

[KiwiCali]

I joined the Forum few weeks ago with every expectation of being enthused to go out and place an order for a Cali Ocean but I've reluctantly come to the conclusion that I can't justify spending upwards of £50k on a product that has so many inbuilt faults added to which the dealer network seems to be a bit "patchy" to say the least. There are many minor warranty issues which one can accept (can you?) but there are some serious faults which VW seem unwilling to acknowledge and address (roof!).
I've not made up my mind where to turn next and what options are but for now it's not a Cali.

I totally understand your perspective - as reading the forum you will be influenced by what you hear. There is a truck load of positive posts on here! Our challenge is that we all 'hear what we want to hear' anyway. We decided we wanted a Cali to have as a weekend warrior and for every negative comment on the Cali - I just looked for a positive one to balance it out . All mechanical and technical Cars may have the odd challenge in their lifetime - for me it is all about risk mitigation. We have just ordered a new Cali that should be with us in the November time frame - and I intend to upgrade to the additional 3 year full factory extended warranty (NZ option). That will give us 6 years of worry free motoring. From the sounds of it some of the dealers in the UK are not that up to speed re the Cali, so in my experience choose one that really knows and specialises in the Cali. Fortunately I have one here in Auckland. Whatever you choose to do, good luck with you deliberations

 

[NZCol]

Hire one and see if it works for you. I’ve had 2 but would not have another as I want more space and can manage a 6m van in my garage. They are good vehicles , well designed but not a tardis so only you can tell if it works for you.

 

[KiwiCali]

Hire one and see if it works for you. I’ve had 2 but would not have another as I want more space and can manage a 6m van in my garage. They are good vehicles , well designed but not a tardis so only you can tell if it works for you.

Good point re hiring plus it not being a tardis! It is just the two of us, and frankly I would want more space if I had kids or animals. I think the other thing is that it's a Campervan versus Motorhome. So we just see it as an extension of camping. Plus how long are you planning to spend in it ... days, a week or so? longer - I'd go for something bigger.

 

[MattBW]

@Toffeeman1 ok brace yourself here is my list of issues in the 3 years since new and 29,000 miles.

Blinds wouldn't return up - fixed under warranty
Boot handle lost some paint - fixed under warranty (well waiting on the new part to be painted for fitting).

Yup that's it, my entire list. No roof problems (VW body shop checked it with me really carefully a couple days before warranty expired)..

Agree with all of the above, its easy to read an online forum and think these problems are really really common. It's a bit like the news, as they tend to report the negative, it gives us the impression the world is the worst its been when its probably the most peaceful its ever been.

The remedy is to go and read all the threads about exciting trips and good times, they'll convince you they are a great purchase. I love my van so much, best purchase I ever made.

 

[Velma's Dad]

My kitchen tap went a bit wobbly and the rear cupboard shutter needed some new tape.

And I got a puncture. Bloody VW.

 

[flying banana]

Are you selling yours now cos of the problems with your coat hooks ?
There´s one for sale like yours on here.

I am. but on hold now as off to Europe In it. I think I won't need the coat hooks there as it will be hot.

 

[Spitfire]

I joined the Forum few weeks ago with every expectation of being enthused to go out and place an order for a Cali Ocean but I've reluctantly come to the conclusion that I can't justify spending upwards of £50k on a product that has so many inbuilt faults added to which the dealer network seems to be a bit "patchy" to say the least. There are many minor warranty issues which one can accept (can you?) but there are some serious faults which VW seem unwilling to acknowledge and address (roof!).
I've not made up my mind where to turn next and what options are but for now it's not a Cali.

As others have said, only a tiny number of people registered on this forum report issues. For the record, our Cali is 20 months old and has had no faults at all. More importantly, I’m currently sat under the awning in glorious sunshine overlooking a stunning seascape. That’s what owning this vehicle is all about, not worrying about issues that might never occur.

 

[OConnors]

What about the new Mercedes Benz. I think it’s the Marco Polo it certainly looks more luxurious, possibly too luxurious for a campervan. I havent seen one in the flesh. Comparable price to the Cali too. Anyone else seen one?

 

[GrannyJen]

What about the new Mercedes Benz. I think it’s the Marco Polo it certainly looks more luxurious, possibly too luxurious for a campervan. I havent seen one in the flesh. Comparable price to the Cali too. Anyone else seen one?

Quite a few threads where the various merits/comparisons of the MP are discussed.

It really is down to personal choice, but having sat in one and fiddled with it, not my choice. A fine vehicle nonetheless but not available in 4WD UK spec.

 

[Gary&Heather]

I feel you would have to put your slippers on before going into the Marco polo and don't get me wrong it is a very nice vehicle which I almost got tempted to buy but I feel it is too upmarket for a campervan where the VW beach and ocean are there to be used and they do stand up to punishment quite well.

 

[RichardH]

Ours is now in its fifth year. We've done 58,000 miles in it and well over 400 nights. Just back from a two month 5,500 mile round trip to Greece via Albania and we'll be off for another month in August. It's been tough, reliable and comfortable. We've had very little go wrong (the usual tail light, the reading light and the over-head controller switch) and we've been pleased with our local dealership (West Yorks Van Centre) who have fixed them all quickly with no fuss. The Forum is a fantastic resource - for any issues there is almost always a practical answer. Don't be put off by the negative comments, the Cali is an excellent vehicle with a very well designed interior giving more usable space than many bigger vans (especially if you sleep "upstairs"). The more I've looked at alternatives the less I've been tempted by them. We've never regretted the outlay.

 

[T6 CFO]

OP posted a week ago and has not responded to any of the 40+ thoughtful replies.
Can’t see the point.

Thread needs killing.


Mike

 

[Digger]

OP posted a week ago and has not responded to any of the 40+ thoughtful replies.
Can’t see the point.
Mike

Thread needs killing.
Totally agree. Obviously they had made up their minds or were just complaining. Sad really as they have lost out on the best campervan out there.

 

[GrannyJen]

This thread is going nowhere.

We have given the OP enough time to respond.