Does a T5 Cali beat a bigger camper and a cheap car? DECISION MADE

[F5 JNR]

In our pre cali days we had a great white motorhomes, a black amg mercedes as my own company car and my wife has always owned a smart car for her own company car. We moved closer to her work place so we swapped and changed to now use the california for family travel, wife has electric bike or walks/runs to work and I just lease a new toy for each new contract I get. Works out best for us in many ways.

 

[welshwestie]

Good luck with the decision. I think you are going about it the right way by exploring the options and finding what setup suits you best at this time.

Try not to over think it, and limit as much as you can all those conscious and unconscious biases. The perils of cognitive dissonance can result in buyers remorse. Yes I'm getting all psychological, but consistency theory plays a massive part in decision making, especially when money is involved.

Basically, what ever decision you make, stick to it, if there are substantial doubts, then work through them. Don't ignore the doubts.

I learnt the hard way many years ago when buying and selling motorbikes. Lots of regrets, but I was a kid, and used the experience.

I'm resisting saying what I would do, because it's your decision, not mine. I will have different priorities and rank them to my needs.

Good luck

 

[Californiaman]

yeah, stuff happens and life changes. The only thing you'll regret is the thing you didn't have... Buy it, use it, wear it out, sell it, buy another or buy something different!

Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk

 

[2into1]

Currently on a site just yards from Poppit Sands in Pembrokeshire. I'm enjoying the 'test'!

 

[MattBW]

I've ditched my car and taken up the Beach as my main driver and also our holiday vehicle. We do have two t25 campers, one hightop and one poptop but as I feared, the Cali is just so much more modern that the T25s havent been moved since we got it a month ago.

I certainly havent regretted the change so far, the mpg isnt amazing but its not worse than my Brera and the versatility is amazing.

 

[sapto]

I've got my Cali since beginning of April 2015 and we use it as a bike&holiday car (We just love it!) For work/everydaydrive I have a old Skoda Octavia, AWD, 1.9 TDI (2003 Mod.) and we switch license plate everytime we drive with one or the other. Not cheap but good enough for me. Next spring I will go for an other everyday-car and I def look around for another Skoda - they are very reliable and fit our needs quit good.

 

[2into1]

If this was a debate about which is the most photogenic, the decision would have already been made! (At 'Cae Du' below Barmouth).
Oh, and if your first thought on seeing this wonderful sunset is "privacy glass... That van needs privacy glass", then WE BOTH need to get a grip.....

 

[2into1]

So the decision is made, and the winner (for me) is...............

It was a really close decision and I would have been happy either way, but in the end I decided to stick with my Westy 'mini motorhome' (Shown here at Wastwater) AND the Skoda. The T5 Cali has gone to a new family today. A member here.

It was perhaps more the everyday driving experience rather than the camping experience that swung it. Although I got more familiar and comfortable driving the Cali in everyday use, it still felt very precious and vulnerable compared to a cheap workhorse Skoda. 'Everyday' use for me is lots of short shopping trips, muddy dog walks, frequently carrying unrestored antiques full of cobwebs etc.

Other influences, not in any particular order: (All shared with the new owner so no surprises...)

* I need business use insurance cover, and whilst this was obtainable, it did bump my price up considerably once I answered "no" to the 'do you have access to another vehicle?' question. Also, bumping up my annual mileage (to 16k vs the 8k / 8k on the car and Westy respectively) pushed up prices.

* the potential for roof rot and failing computer problems were a worry out of warranty. (That doesn't stop it being the best pop-top / rock n roll bed camper....but is a worry all the same vs my Westy).

* The T5 Cali was a better camping experience than I'd expected. The built in water tanks and picnic chairs / tables really free up space vs the competition. Reading in bed (downstairs), properly propped up against the tailgate was more comfortable than the Westy solutions. The drive was more relaxing vs the Westy, then throw in 174hp Auto......very comfortable.

* Although the Westy is only a foot or so longer than a Cali, the 'car dimensions' of the Cali made parking it in touristy resorts was a real benefit. I'll be back to parking on the outskirts and taking my assistant in on my bike..........


* I was blessed with nice weather during my trial. I think in poor weather, the space in the Westy may become more important.

* If I ever change my mind or circumstances change, finding a T5 Cali will be easier than finding another Westy Exclusive or Club Joker

* The lack of maintenance options outside of VW: I think a few independents with some specialist knowledge are starting to emerge, but generally it feels like you still have to rely on VW. As Granny Jenny has experienced, that can be painful under warranty, but imagine paying that yourself?

* Having a 'dedicated' camper means it can really be 'ready to go'. I even leave the bedding in during the season and literally only have to add milk.

So, there we go. Back to where we were. Thanks for following my thought process. I hope it proves useful to other members debating the same points. The obvious 'rider' is that this just represents my experience and circumstances, which are at best, 'not typical'!

 

[CaliPuds]

Love the photo of your assistant!!

 

[2into1]

Love the photo of your assistant!!

When I had an electric bike she had a bigger box, but it was held on with cable ties. The new one (above) is smaller but more secure! Both boxes collapse to fit in the camper.
https://www.facebook.com/RosieBordoodle

 

[HowieDog]

Hi all

Picked up T4WFA's Cali this morning - early flight from Bournemouth to Manchester then a long drive back to the south coast. No issues at all and a great drive.

Drive was a bit longer than planned as managed to bag a VW bike rack which I picked up from Newmarket on the way home.

Fun weekend ahead getting sorted - top of the list will be the privacy glass and a call to SMG Cowfold to look at the 30mm lowering options.

 

[motacyclist]

Looks a bit grumpy after you selling the Cali

 

[motacyclist]

Hi all

Picked up T4WFA's Cali this morning - early flight from Bournemouth to Manchester then a long drive back to the south coast. No issues at all and a great drive.

Drive was a bit longer than planned as managed to bag a VW bike rack which I picked up from Newmarket on the way home.

Fun weekend ahead getting sorted - top of the list will be the privacy glass and a call to SMG Cowfold to look at the 30mm lowering options.

Welcome HowiDog

 

[2into1]

Looks a bit grumpy after you selling the Cali

We were outside Sandringham and I asked her to do her impression of the Queen. I think she nailed it!

 

[CaliPuds]

When I had an electric bike she had a bigger box, but it was held on with cable ties. The new one (above) is smaller but more secure! Both boxes collapse to fit in the camper.
https://www.facebook.com/RosieBordoodle
View attachment 9612

That is just priceless!! Unfortunately my 2 dogs won't fit in boxes like this, maybe I need a trailer on my e-bike!

 

[AlanC]

Hi all

Picked up T4WFA's Cali this morning - early flight from Bournemouth to Manchester then a long drive back to the south coast. No issues at all and a great drive.

Drive was a bit longer than planned as managed to bag a VW bike rack which I picked up from Newmarket on the way home.

Fun weekend ahead getting sorted - top of the list will be the privacy glass and a call to SMG Cowfold to look at the 30mm lowering options.

Welcome Howie.