Does the Cali Ocean offer Value for Money?

[Kevthegas]

The rear seat does not look comfy. I cant imagine 3 passengers fitting in a seat the same size as an Ocean seat. Then the lack of decent boot storage, a pet hate of mine having loose items in the passenger area.

 

[andyinluton]

We seriously looked at these when they were first released | & at the time Wellhouse were investigating whether they could build me one with 3 front seats as used in the commercial version to make it a six seater.

The downsides were:

Its as long as a LWB T5
It was just over 2m high
The drivers seat doesn't swivel.
Strangely only the drivers seat is heated.
The none sliding rear seat was the biggest downer - the kids in the back are miles away from the front, the boot is small & a fixed size & it removes a lot of the versatility of the Cali ie being able to make it into a van.

They looked to be well made but I would always be worried about parts availability. Where are you going to go for body panels etc in ten years time? that has got to affect residuals. Think of the support for none VW 1960s campers.

 

[willwander]

What was that advert some years ago when a car salesman closes a car door and says “it sounds like a Volkswagen”.

As in...
My drivers door is twat to close, I keep trying to adjust the striker plate and think it might have dropped

 

[GillianC]

I had a very very expensive Timberland conversion before the Cali. It had everything, underfloor LPG tank, electric step and awning, solar panel, full sized cooker and shower room. Had no end of trouble with the flipping thing. Yes it had a warranty but getting the faults sorted (and there were many!) involved going to their factory near Hull. Quite a distance from Hampshire. They were nice as pie when selling the vehicle but not so obliging at fixing it. Lost loads of money on it.

 

[mr_glasgow84]

Interesting comments folks. Certainly the wide VW dealer network appeals.

 

[Perfectos]

That sums up what I could have added, I have had three now not lost very much on the first two. I have extended warranty. Would I have a conversion No. Would I consider another brand No. personal choice.

Great vans think alike !

 

[AndyPandy]

Now whilst I’m at the very early stages of looking at Campervans and as a current VW owner, I can’t help but wonder if the ocean is seriously overpriced.

I realise that it holds its value very well but with a starting price of £53k for a manual and lacking in some kit I really think should be standard at this price point, I find myself looking at what else is out there.

As an example, which I’d appreciate everyone’s *hopefully unbiased* thoughts on:

https://wellhouseleisure.com/our-brands/icamper/

For £46k, I think the Hyundai is a bit of a bargain in comparison - better kit as standard including an auto and bigger engine. I can only imagine the interior quality won’t be as great but then again, I wouldn’t need to add options and could potentially save about £15k compared to the price of a similar Ocean spec-wise. The 5 year vehicle and conversion warranty are also big plus points for me.

Ultimately, I think the Cali is a nicer looking van, although I do like the Hyundai and part of me is attracted to the ‘VW scene/history’ but even so, I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Cheers,

Martin

Hi Martin,

Not sure of your timescale but we’re gonna sell our van later in the year and it might offer the value for money you’re after. It’ll be just over a year old when we sell, DM me if you might be interested
Cheers,
Andy

 

[mr_glasgow84]

Hi Martin,

Not sure of your timescale but we’re gonna sell our van later in the year and it might offer the value for money you’re after. It’ll be just over a year old when we sell, DM me if you might be interested
Cheers,
Andy

Hi Andy,

To be honest, I’m not sure when we’ll take the plunge. Are you leaving the campervan club then?

 

[AndyPandy]

Hi Andy,

To be honest, I’m not sure when we’ll take the plunge. Are you leaving the campervan club then?

Hi Martin,

Not until we sell. I’m going to advertise it around August and I’ll stay on here til then

Give me a shout if you want to check it out before then

Cheers

Andy

 

[cazmatt]

After having a good poke around all the stalls at the CC&M show at the NEC this year, I am not so convinced that they are poor value for money vs other Campervans. They sit near the top end for sure, but I found most of the cheaper alternatives to be plainly lower quality (basic MDF interior, fixed seats, black plastic bumpers etc) and at the same time, there being much more expensive alternatives (some wonderful custom made campers by the likes of Dirty Weekender for example)

So I think really it is a case of getting what you pay for, the California is well thought out, practical, with a really high quality interior finish, with a broad dealer network, etc, so I think is fairly priced.

Also any on the 2nd hand market will probably have a bunch of extras that you'll pay extra for on the i-Camper (eg roll out awning)

Of course all campervans are a bit of a rip-off when you compare them to what the equivalent would get you with a motorhome..!

 

[jason.oneill4]

Now whilst I’m at the very early stages of looking at Campervans and as a current VW owner, I can’t help but wonder if the ocean is seriously overpriced.

I realise that it holds its value very well but with a starting price of £53k for a manual and lacking in some kit I really think should be standard at this price point, I find myself looking at what else is out there.

As an example, which I’d appreciate everyone’s *hopefully unbiased* thoughts on:

https://wellhouseleisure.com/our-brands/icamper/

For £46k, I think the Hyundai is a bit of a bargain in comparison - better kit as standard including an auto and bigger engine. I can only imagine the interior quality won’t be as great but then again, I wouldn’t need to add options and could potentially save about £15k compared to the price of a similar Ocean spec-wise. The 5 year vehicle and conversion warranty are also big plus points for me.

Ultimately, I think the Cali is a nicer looking van, although I do like the Hyundai and part of me is attracted to the ‘VW scene/history’ but even so, I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Cheers,

Martin

In a word; “no”.

 

[SidStrom]

To be honest, it as a bit like saying do I want a Porsche or a Golf GTI. A Tesla or a Nissan Leaf. A Porsche is ovepriced, but it is a a Porsche. The Cali is top of the tree when it comes to campers, and hold their value. We brought one brand new on PCP with maximum aloowable deposit. Payments are about what you would put out for an exec saloon. At the end of contract the Cali will have plenty of value for the next deposit, plus some cash back. Final payment is 24k, I reckon 3 year trade in value is around 45k. Max deposit is arounf 15k, so that means a cash back of about £5k. So for me this makes good sense. The van is always worth more than the loan, so feels pretty safe bet to me. We have 150ps auto DSG 17 plate with a few extras. We love it and use it every day as a family car.

Now whilst I’m at the very early stages of looking at Campervans and as a current VW owner, I can’t help but wonder if the ocean is seriously overpriced.

I realise that it holds its value very well but with a starting price of £53k for a manual and lacking in some kit I really think should be standard at this price point, I find myself looking at what else is out there.

As an example, which I’d appreciate everyone’s *hopefully unbiased* thoughts on:

https://wellhouseleisure.com/our-brands/icamper/

For £46k, I think the Hyundai is a bit of a bargain in comparison - better kit as standard including an auto and bigger engine. I can only imagine the interior quality won’t be as great but then again, I wouldn’t need to add options and could potentially save about £15k compared to the price of a similar Ocean spec-wise. The 5 year vehicle and conversion warranty are also big plus points for me.

Ultimately, I think the Cali is a nicer looking van, although I do like the Hyundai and part of me is attracted to the ‘VW scene/history’ but even so, I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Cheers,

Martin

Now whilst I’m at the very early stages of looking at Campervans and as a current VW owner, I can’t help but wonder if the ocean is seriously overpriced.

I realise that it holds its value very well but with a starting price of £53k for a manual and lacking in some kit I really think should be standard at this price point, I find myself looking at what else is out there.

As an example, which I’d appreciate everyone’s *hopefully unbiased* thoughts on:

https://wellhouseleisure.com/our-brands/icamper/

For £46k, I think the Hyundai is a bit of a bargain in comparison - better kit as standard including an auto and bigger engine. I can only imagine the interior quality won’t be as great but then again, I wouldn’t need to add options and could potentially save about £15k compared to the price of a similar Ocean spec-wise. The 5 year vehicle and conversion warranty are also big plus points for me.

Ultimately, I think the Cali is a nicer looking van, although I do like the Hyundai and part of me is attracted to the ‘VW scene/history’ but even so, I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Cheers,

Martin

T

Could be worse ....
View attachment 42491

Now whilst I’m at the very early stages of looking at Campervans and as a current VW owner, I can’t help but wonder if the ocean is seriously overpriced.

I realise that it holds its value very well but with a starting price of £53k for a manual and lacking in some kit I really think should be standard at this price point, I find myself looking at what else is out there.

As an example, which I’d appreciate everyone’s *hopefully unbiased* thoughts on:

https://wellhouseleisure.com/our-brands/icamper/

For £46k, I think the Hyundai is a bit of a bargain in comparison - better kit as standard including an auto and bigger engine. I can only imagine the interior quality won’t be as great but then again, I wouldn’t need to add options and could potentially save about £15k compared to the price of a similar Ocean spec-wise. The 5 year vehicle and conversion warranty are also big plus points for me.

Ultimately, I think the Cali is a nicer looking van, although I do like the Hyundai and part of me is attracted to the ‘VW scene/history’ but even so, I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Cheers,

Martin

 

[HectorPascal]

Every business charges what it can get away with. VW is getting away with it.. for now.

 

[Turfschipper]

To be fair, when i look at the kittchen unit and seats in a marco polo, it does annoy me a little. Looks way better.

I really think marco polo is a true competitor.

But... lets wait and see what a Cali T6.1 will look like. New dashboard, so maybe also other Cali upgrades.

 

[mr_glasgow84]

Well I visited a dealer in Glasgow today with my wife and daughter and although the Campervan specialist wasn’t in, I was given the keys and we had a good opportunity to get inside the Ocean and have a good nosey around. Now whilst this one looked good with the cream leather, I couldn’t help but think that given the nature of a Campervan, it would be pretty hard to keep that clean. I’d go for a dark cloth and would buy seat covers all round. The same was also true of the plastic floor and carpet areas - what was VW thinking making these all shades of cream?

The quality did seem very good and the fridge, ‘wardrobe’ and other areas surprisingly roomy. We’re going to make an appointment for over the Easter holidays so that we can see the beds made up and try them out etc.

Ps. Is there a way to PM members on here?

 

[KiwiCali]

'Value' is a very hard thing to define... it's personal. For us, the outlay for our 4Motion MY19 Cali was significant, and we could have brought a very nice motorhome with all the bells and whistles. However, we wanted a Cali. We did not try to justify the purchase in terms of ROI - as it does not work. Our Cali is purely used as a weekend warrior - and not a daily vehicle. So having a 70,000 pound vehicle for occasional use is not something any accountant could justify. Fortunately I'm not an accountant! I owned a 1972 Kombi in the UK, and we went round Europe in it .. and I still have fond memories of the 'feeling'. I think this is the crux of my thinking ... the modern Cali has the VW Kombi DNA - that feeling. It can't be replicated ... there will be many pretenders (ie Marco Polo) - but I don't think it has the X factor of the California. The amount of interest that the Cali generates (including this amazing forum) is due to it's heritage, and the complete factory package that it offers. It really is the swiss army knife of campervans. Other campervans may offer better bang per buck, in the short term, however, they will never put the smile on your face like a Cali will!

 

[WelshGas]

Well I visited a dealer in Glasgow today with my wife and daughter and although the Campervan specialist wasn’t in, I was given the keys and we had a good opportunity to get inside the Ocean and have a good nosey around. Now whilst this one looked good with the cream leather, I couldn’t help but think that given the nature of a Campervan, it would be pretty hard to keep that clean. I’d go for a dark cloth and would buy seat covers all round. The same was also true of the plastic floor and carpet areas - what was VW thinking making these all shades of cream?

The quality did seem very good and the fridge, ‘wardrobe’ and other areas surprisingly roomy. We’re going to make an appointment for over the Easter holidays so that we can see the beds made up and try them out etc.

Ps. Is there a way to PM members on here?

Only if both members are VIP members.

As regards the interior colours there are a number of variations. If you are fitting seat covers, well you won’t see the cream leather, and it could be a selling point. Not difficult to keep clean with the right products. Floor, most people fit carpets of one sort or another and in fact you can get front, middle and rear carpet sets.
The Dealership obviously believe they can sell it, but if you order from new you can choose your own colour scheme.

 

[MarkVw2017]

I looked everywhere for a cheap conversion as just wanted the campervan life, but all seem to be very expensive so when you take in to account lack of depreciation of VW, the genuine love and admiration people have for the vw camoer, the quality, the fact is made in house by vw and the fact its so much fun compared to just a car, then i Suppose it is.

 

[motacyclist]

To be fair, when i look at the kittchen unit and seats in a marco polo, it does annoy me a little. Looks way better.

I really think marco polo is a true competitor.

But... lets wait and see what a Cali T6.1 will look like. New dashboard, so maybe also other Cali upgrades.

The MP came out while we had our previous 2014 Cali and I thought by by comparison the Cali looked pretty dull. A few years later ... we bought another Cali, and don’t regret it. Beauty is only skin deep, and some eye catching designs date very quickly.

 

[gvick]

Well I visited a dealer in Glasgow today with my wife and daughter and although the Campervan specialist wasn’t in, I was given the keys and we had a good opportunity to get inside the Ocean and have a good nosey around. Now whilst this one looked good with the cream leather, I couldn’t help but think that given the nature of a Campervan, it would be pretty hard to keep that clean. I’d go for a dark cloth and would buy seat covers all round. The same was also true of the plastic floor and carpet areas - what was VW thinking making these all shades of cream?

The quality did seem very good and the fridge, ‘wardrobe’ and other areas surprisingly roomy. We’re going to make an appointment for over the Easter holidays so that we can see the beds made up and try them out etc.

Ps. Is there a way to PM members on here?

You have to be a vip member to PM. Hope that helps?

 

[GerryM]

As an example, which I’d appreciate everyone’s *hopefully unbiased* thoughts on:

https://wellhouseleisure.com/our-brands/icamper/
Ultimately, I think the Cali is a nicer looking van, although I do like the Hyundai and part of me is attracted to the ‘VW scene/history’ but even so, I’d be interested in your thoughts.

Cheers,

Martin

Hi Martin,

I’ve recently bought a Wellhouse Hyundai conversion used with 6180 Miles in it for £26k, It’s almost seven years old and the pre purchase inspection report describes most of the components as like new.

It’s not a VW so doesn’t get the kudos or make me part of a club which is a downside when it comes to getting tips on extra bits to add on etc.

The build quality seems good to me, I’ve been told by a couple of independent mechanics that the Hyundai i800 van should be mechanically sound for very a high mileage if maintained and it’s generally very reliable model so fingers crossed.

I was as ambivalent about the Hyundai as I was about what 25k would get me in a VW, the Hyundai won my money in the end because it offered such a lot of kit by comparison £ for £.

My intention is to look after it and run it for as many years as it’s feasible to mechanically and aesthetically.

Things I dislike about the Hyundai are;

The drivers seat doesn’t swivel
The rear seat is fixed in to position
Hyundai campers don’t have a community based around them like the VW campers so I’m not part of a club Parts may be more difficult to get over time.


Things I like;

The cost (even with anticipated depreciation)
The conversion is done to a good standard and includes high quality components ie. Reimo, Webasto etc.
Not many about
Tried and tested van dependable for high mileage

For most people no camper van makes sense financially, it’s a lifestyle choice and enjoying an experience is priceless.

If you’d like a mooch around a Wellhouse Hyundai conversion I’m up in Glasgow in mid April for a few days, just let me know and you’re welcome to take a look.

It’s impossible to put a figure on the value of the enjoyment/ kudos and community belonging you get by owning a VW over A N Other camper as it’s such an individual experience. If that’s a priority I’d say go with a VW.

I’m a member of a coffee forum, there are people that own machines which cost a couple of hundred £’s and make a great espresso and there are others with machines that cost several thousand £’s and generally capable of making a better espresso with the correct technique and paired with a good grinder.

Both types of machines do the job, some of the more expensive ones can make the process easier, more fun, look more stylish, gain kudos and community approval for the owner.

It’s down to personal choice, financial means, sense of priority etc.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide to buy.

Gerry










Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GerryM]

Be a trend setter and get the Hyundai...

Does it come with a bag to pop over your head whilst driving...?
Probably gonna need a garage to, so you can hide it from the neighbours.
Do they have special places at campsites out of the way. If I was pitched opposite one of these I would probably complain to the warden.

It’s a bit of an eyesore, isn’t it...?

LOL soulstyledevon, you’ve seen me driving my Hyundai then, the bag for head covering isn’t standard albeit I understand the confusion as it looks like part of the bespoke conversion, coincidentally my wife insisted on making them for me long before we became Hyundai owning trend setters.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MarkVw2017]

Hi Martin,

I’ve recently bought a Wellhouse Hyundai conversion used with 6180 Miles in it for £26k, It’s almost seven years old and the pre purchase inspection report describes most of the components as like new.

It’s not a VW so doesn’t get the kudos or make me part of a club which is a downside when it comes to getting tips on extra bits to add on etc.

The build quality seems good to me, I’ve been told by a couple of independent mechanics that the Hyundai i800 van should be mechanically sound for very a high mileage if maintained and it’s generally very reliable model so fingers crossed.

I was as ambivalent about the Hyundai as I was about what 25k would get me in a VW, the Hyundai won my money in the end because it offered such a lot of kit by comparison £ for £.

My intention is to look after it and run it for as many years as it’s feasible to mechanically and aesthetically.

Things I dislike about the Hyundai are;

The drivers seat doesn’t swivel
The rear seat is fixed in to position
Hyundai campers don’t have a community based around them like the VW campers so I’m not part of a club Parts may be more difficult to get over time.


Things I like;

The cost (even with anticipated depreciation)
The conversion is done to a good standard and includes high quality components ie. Reimo, Webasto etc.
Not many about
Tried and tested van dependable for high mileage

For most people no camper van makes sense financially, it’s a lifestyle choice and enjoying an experience is priceless.

If you’d like a mooch around a Wellhouse Hyundai conversion I’m up in Glasgow in mid April for a few days, just let me know and you’re welcome to take a look.

It’s impossible to put a figure on the value of the enjoyment/ kudos and community belonging you get by owning a VW over A N Other camper as it’s such an individual experience. If that’s a priority I’d say go with a VW.

I’m a member of a coffee forum, there are people that own machines which cost a couple of hundred £’s and make a great espresso and there are others with machines that cost several thousand £’s and generally capable of making a better espresso with the correct technique and paired with a good grinder.

Both types of machines do the job, some of the more expensive ones can make the process easier, more fun, look more stylish, gain kudos and community approval for the owner.

It’s down to personal choice, financial means, sense of priority etc.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide to buy.

Gerry










Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree with Gerry, the wellhouse conversions are great. After months and months of research, it came down to Wellhouse v VW Cali, and i went with VW. Several reasons really, but you wont go wrong with either option both great quality and even wellhouse hold their prices really well now

 

[mr_glasgow84]

Hi Martin,

I’ve recently bought a Wellhouse Hyundai conversion used with 6180 Miles in it for £26k, It’s almost seven years old and the pre purchase inspection report describes most of the components as like new.

It’s not a VW so doesn’t get the kudos or make me part of a club which is a downside when it comes to getting tips on extra bits to add on etc.

The build quality seems good to me, I’ve been told by a couple of independent mechanics that the Hyundai i800 van should be mechanically sound for very a high mileage if maintained and it’s generally very reliable model so fingers crossed.

I was as ambivalent about the Hyundai as I was about what 25k would get me in a VW, the Hyundai won my money in the end because it offered such a lot of kit by comparison £ for £.

My intention is to look after it and run it for as many years as it’s feasible to mechanically and aesthetically.

Things I dislike about the Hyundai are;

The drivers seat doesn’t swivel
The rear seat is fixed in to position
Hyundai campers don’t have a community based around them like the VW campers so I’m not part of a club Parts may be more difficult to get over time.


Things I like;

The cost (even with anticipated depreciation)
The conversion is done to a good standard and includes high quality components ie. Reimo, Webasto etc.
Not many about
Tried and tested van dependable for high mileage

For most people no camper van makes sense financially, it’s a lifestyle choice and enjoying an experience is priceless.

If you’d like a mooch around a Wellhouse Hyundai conversion I’m up in Glasgow in mid April for a few days, just let me know and you’re welcome to take a look.

It’s impossible to put a figure on the value of the enjoyment/ kudos and community belonging you get by owning a VW over A N Other camper as it’s such an individual experience. If that’s a priority I’d say go with a VW.

I’m a member of a coffee forum, there are people that own machines which cost a couple of hundred £’s and make a great espresso and there are others with machines that cost several thousand £’s and generally capable of making a better espresso with the correct technique and paired with a good grinder.

Both types of machines do the job, some of the more expensive ones can make the process easier, more fun, look more stylish, gain kudos and community approval for the owner.

It’s down to personal choice, financial means, sense of priority etc.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide to buy.

Gerry










Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Brilliant - really appreciate that!

 

[MarkVw2017]

I even stopped the other day at a North wales toyita garage as it had a wellhouse conversion with pop up and full kitchen on display. Really lovely and of course Toyotas massive 5 warranty as standard, was around £44k, maybe cheaper after haggling