Farewell to Cali 6.1

[GrumpyGranddad]

Nice explanation about your posts and also partly correct.
However: you not only wonder whether the T6.1 represent progress but you keep getting stuck in it and therfore to me you do not come across as objective but as an opponent of the T6.1. Could I be wrong? It's not just about post #46 ... Everything that has already been applied, you brush off the table or minimize or ridicule. Yes, you can question something and talk about it, you can have your own opinion but after all that has already been posted in this topic (and others), you can now see what changes there are in the T6.1 compared to the previous T6 and what the progress is.
Do you wonder what your T6 meant as progress for the T5.1? Or did you buy one just like we did and didn't want to be criticized for your choice?
Have a nice evening

At the next Club meeting perhaps we could have a T6 versus T6.1 owners tug-of-war contest.

 

[calibusje]

At the next Club meeting perhaps we could have a T6 versus T6.1 owners tug-of-war contest.

I had to look that up but, yes, could be fun a tug-of-war contest Good idea.
Anyway, it is not my intention to offend people on this forum and having an opinion is good but it should not become stubbornness and it seems to be like there are 'opponents' of the T6.1 and this I cannot understand. Why?
I just want to enjoy looking forward to our coast.
Greetings and hope to see you all at a meeting.

 

[flying banana]

I had to look that up but, yes, could be fun a tug-of-war contest Good idea.
Anyway, it is not my intention to offend people on this forum and having an opinion is good but it should not become stubbornness and it seems to be like there are 'opponents' of the T6.1 and this I cannot understand. Why?
I just want to enjoy looking forward to our coast.
Greetings and hope to see you all at a meeting.

the T6 guys are all younger than the T6.1 guys as it's only the old pensioners who can afford one, so i know who would win.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

the T6 guys are all younger than the T6.1 guys as it's only the old pensioners who can afford one, so i know who would win.

We’ll just have to introduce a handicapping system (and maybe dose up the oldies with Viagra. It won’t increase their strength, but will stop them being rolled over if they go to ground).

 

[Eber123]

Good afternoon,

I think what is important for first time owners of a T6.1 or owner of California's "upgrading" from TXX to T6.1 it is important that the vehicle is reliable.

A camper is a complicated beast of equipment and needs to be planned, designed and manufactured carefully. The new owner of the camper are out and about and might be far away from everything (northern Norway) or in the rain in the middle of the night and the last thing they need is a problem with the technic.

If the technic is electronic or mechanic I actually don't care. But, in this case VW, has the responsibility to ensure the vehicle they sold is well tested and reliably working. At the end we all have paid a premium for the privilege to drive a California.

I think it is unacceptable that the first T6.1 might have "teething problems"! All owner of a T6.1 paid the full price of their vehicle and are entitled that the camper works as good as previous models, including new functions. If there are teething problems, than VW has a real problem. But unfortunately they will not admit it and only things will change if sales is going down considerably. And this is very unlikely at the moment.

I would love to "upgrade" to a T6.1 (I would love to have the DSG and the 4motion), but the prices are far, far to high. A Westfalia Columbus 641E with extras (automatic, bigger engine etc), is considerably cheaper as a T6.1 in a configuration I would like (not wish). This makes me start to think, not if, but how much is the VW California overprized.

Never the less "Happy California"
Eberhard

 

[Jay20cali]

I don't agree it's getting too much defensive, more a realistic take on a product we have, whereas there's so many posts from non-T6.1 owners who apparently know more about the technologies and faults than actual owners.
I don't get it..

I think that’s just what people do until the jump ship to a 6.1 .
Our 6.1 was faultless and in my opinion after owning every variant of California it’s the best one yet!
The only one I had an issue with was my t5 130 California and that was the earth shunt the rest have been brilliant

 

[andyinluton]

I seem to think there’s a lot more vehicles leaving the factory with issues that need sorting?
Anyone else thinking the same?
Paul

No.

I remember similar levels of problems when the T6 came out.

All those 204 T6s that had to go for a remap, the adblu remap. Tambour doors falling apart, the knob on the control not working. that's without the minor questions from every new owner "what are these" with a photo of the rubber stoppers from the bed base fallen out. Then there were the falling out brake lights.


Makes the T6.1 look perfect in comparison.

 

[Borris]

Nice explanation about your posts and also partly correct.
However: you not only wonder whether the T6.1 represent progress but you keep getting stuck in it and therfore to me you do not come across as objective but as an opponent of the T6.1. Could I be wrong? It's not just about post #46 ... Everything that has already been applied, you brush off the table or minimize or ridicule. Yes, you can question something and talk about it, you can have your own opinion but after all that has already been posted in this topic (and others), you can now see what changes there are in the T6.1 compared to the previous T6 and what the progress is.
Do you wonder what your T6 meant as progress for the T5.1? Or did you buy one just like we did and didn't want to be criticized for your choice?
Have a nice evening

Wow!!! I seem to have rattled you.

Am I an opponent of the T6-1?......................... Certainly not. However that doesn't mean I have to like every aspect of it anymore than I have with previous models.

Frankly your reply is bordering on offensive and seems to me to be an attempt to stifle further debate. You may not like every thing you read on the forum but you're not obliged to. If you don't like my posts then block them. Simples.

In the mean time my question still stands.

Btw I've owned both a T5-1 and T6 models and there was little of consequence between them. The Adblue system etc on the T6 was a necessary step but I wouldn't call it an improvement.

 

[andyinluton]

Yes, they've introduced some minor changes and styling tweaks but do they make it any better to own and use than previous models? It's now more complex and sports some up to date techy stuff but how does that make it any better at fulfilling it's prime role as a camper van?

OK we've talked about the driver aids etc now to the camping as you insist:

New rear bed base - makes accessing the boot far easier without needing a sliding draw.
Reclining bed base- no more leaning up against the rear window blind, choice of angle, brilliant for lounging around.
Heating - ventilation mode, gets cool air circulating
camping mode - keeps the lights you don't want on, off.
New cupboard doors - not just the handles, sliding instead of tambour, far more robust, less likely to jam
USB / USC sockets - more of them
Inverter - twice the wattage
Quick charge mode - charge the leisure batteries from the engine as quick as possible.
Level meter - bit of a gimmick - but if it saves an argument on arrival its fantastic.
Sliding door - soft close - its now just about silent, my hearing isn't brilliant but I have to look to check its actually shut properly, previous van always sounded embarrassingly loud at night.
Night heater - far quieter no ticking fuel pump, more of a low level quieter roar.
Extra pockets on the front seats - no more seat back branderup pockets,, there's extra ones sewn in as standard.

For me the bed base is the best bit, but overall lots of little improvements that add up to quite a lot.

Edited to add - then of course there is the improved upstairs bed & better bellows material.

 

[calibusje]

Good afternoon,

I think what is important for first time owners of a T6.1 or owner of California's "upgrading" from TXX to T6.1 it is important that the vehicle is reliable.

A camper is a complicated beast of equipment and needs to be planned, designed and manufactured carefully. The new owner of the camper are out and about and might be far away from everything (northern Norway) or in the rain in the middle of the night and the last thing they need is a problem with the technic.

If the technic is electronic or mechanic I actually don't care. But, in this case VW, has the responsibility to ensure the vehicle they sold is well tested and reliably working. At the end we all have paid a premium for the privilege to drive a California.

I think it is unacceptable that the first T6.1 might have "teething problems"! All owner of a T6.1 paid the full price of their vehicle and are entitled that the camper works as good as previous models, including new functions. If there are teething problems, than VW has a real problem. But unfortunately they will not admit it and only things will change if sales is going down considerably. And this is very unlikely at the moment.

I would love to "upgrade" to a T6.1 (I would love to have the DSG and the 4motion), but the prices are far, far to high. A Westfalia Columbus 641E with extras (automatic, bigger engine etc), is considerably cheaper as a T6.1 in a configuration I would like (not wish). This makes me start to think, not if, but how much is the VW California overprized.

Never the less "Happy California"
Eberhard

If I may respond, because I do not understand the criticism of those who already have a California and are happy with it: Teething problems are simply inherent in such changes, especially with regard to software. They will fix it and I have faith in that. And "as good as previous models"...
Being overpriced doesn't just apply to the T6.1.... We now have a 30 year old T4 westfalia and when it was new it was also overprised, especially if you compare with a conventional camper, but there it is: if that's your stumbling block then you miss the purpose of such a compact campervan. You cannot compare them with a normal camper: not in use, not in price. When we bought it 8 years ago, they declared us crazy to spend so much on such an old camper, you see? Second hand prices are also nuts, but if you want one, this is how it is.
Now we ordered a T6.1 coast: our 'upgrade' (because of the manual roof and reliability, you know) and with DSG. Unfortunately I did not know that the T6.1 was going to be the subject of so much suspicion and that everything must be questioned. Also: the delivery time that is so long; Must quickly cancel that order... and I had decided not to be influenced because of all that criticism about the T6.1
Greetings and stay positive.

 

[Defender90]

If I may respond, because I do not understand the criticism of those who already have a California and are happy with it: Teething problems are simply inherent in such changes, especially with regard to software. They will fix it and I have faith in that. And "as good as previous models"...
Being overpriced doesn't just apply to the T6.1.... We now have a 30 year old T4 westfalia and when it was new it was also overprised, especially if you compare with a conventional camper, but there it is: if that's your stumbling block then you miss the purpose of such a compact campervan. You cannot compare them with a normal camper: not in use, not in price. When we bought it 8 years ago, they declared us crazy to spend so much on such an old camper, you see? Second hand prices are also nuts, but if you want one, this is how it is.
Now we ordered a T6.1 coast: our 'upgrade' (because of the manual roof and reliability, you know) and with DSG. Unfortunately I did not know that the T6.1 was going to be the subject of so much suspicion and that everything must be questioned. Also: the delivery time that is so long; Must quickly cancel that order... and I had decided not to be influenced because of all that criticism about the T6.1
Greetings and stay positive.

Don’t worry about what others say you will have many years of joy from your coast I am sure like me I can’t wait to enjoy the van and travel

 

[calibusje]

the T6 guys are all younger than the T6.1 guys as it's only the old pensioners who can afford one, so i know who would win.

ouch, now I feel old at 48 years old but don't worry, my pockets are empty due to the purchase of a T6.1 coast so I don't drag that along, we can still win.
but still it would be nice to do it sometime and by extension: the T5 and T5.1 owners. The winners have the best model, everything solved
Greetings

 

[Defender90]

ouch, now I feel old at 48 years old but don't worry, my pockets are empty due to the purchase of a T6.1 coast so I don't drag that along, we can still win.
but still it would be nice to do it sometime and by extension: the T5 and T5.1 owners. The winners have the best model, everything solved
Greetings

Not all old 44 years young lol

 

[Eber123]

Good evening,

There are many different groups and versions of campers, campervans, motorhomes and caravans. This is good because there are many different people out there with different needs and wishes.

Following the different posts in this forum it seems to me that there are some issues with the T6.1 for many users. I don't mind it if it is the T6.1, the T6 or T5.1 or T5 I still argue there should not be any issues with new functions and design. I also argue that not all of those issues can be sorted with software. If we can expect problems on new cars than the buyers of new cars should get a 10 or even 15 % discount to compensate for the trouble.

About the price. Because the market (actual we as users) accept the fact of the high price of the VW California (as mentioned now for decates) VW of course will not change it. It is not right that a VW California Ocean configured on the German VW webpage is EUR 92.000. I know I compare apples with pears but a (bigger) camper van is equal in price or even cheaper.
Yes, I am aware of the advantages of the California. I chose this camper and use it for almost 4x years. Also I paid the price (well demo model), but that doesn't mean that I have to think it is ok to charge so much.

Regards,
Ebehrard

 

[calibusje]

Wow!!! I seem to have rattled you.
Yes, you did.
Am I an opponent of the T6-1?......................... Certainly not. However that doesn't mean I have to like every aspect of it anymore than I have with previous models.
Yes, you are to me / No, you don't have to.
Frankly your reply is bordering on offensive and seems to me to be an attempt to stifle further debate
This is your idea about it, not my intention -so sorry for that- but I can also write down my thoughts about your criticism, just like you do about the T6.1.
You may not like every thing you read on the forum but you're not obliged to. If you don't like my posts then block them. Simples.
The same goes for you.
In the mean time my question still stands.
Please, read all the answers....
Btw I've owned both a T5-1 and T6 models and there was little of consequence between them. The Adblue system etc on the T6 was a necessary step but I wouldn't call it an improvement.
Very good for you, I have a 30year old T4 westfalia, what does this prove?

I will leave it at this, I will not let myself be brought down, not by any negative attitude towards the T6.1. I am very happy with the arrival of our new campervan.
Have a nice evening and maybe we'll meet and hopefully we can be on good terms with each other:
this is so much more enjoyable so for me this is done and closed.

 

[subthree]

ouch, now I feel old at 48 years old but don't worry, my pockets are empty due to the purchase of a T6.1 coast so I don't drag that along, we can still win.
but still it would be nice to do it sometime and by extension: the T5 and T5.1 owners. The winners have the best model, everything solved
Greetings

Woo hoo! Another member of the 6.1 48 year old club. (Although only 7 weeks until i join the 49 club).

 

[Borris]

I will leave it at this, I will not let myself be brought down, not by any negative attitude towards the T6.1. I am very happy with the arrival of our new campervan.
Have a nice evening and maybe we'll meet and hopefully we can be on good terms with each other:
this is so much more enjoyable so for me this is done and closed.

Look I sincerely hope your new Coast proves to be a fantastic purchase that will give you and your family many happy adventures and memories. As I've said before, I suspect that the vast majority of owners are very happy with their T6-1s and have experienced little or no issues.

I certainly harbour no bad feeling and look forward to meeting you one day.

 

[Sunstoner]

Christ, a canny read this.

I hope the OP enjoys his new van. It does look good. Good to see VW sorting him out properly n all. Wishing you good luck with that one @Leonidas1872

We're all here to enjoy our Cali's no matter how technically advanced or how old, no matter of cost or indeed how we intend to use them. Theyre fantastic motors and give some marvellous opportinities for not only adventure and getting oot and aboot but can provide different view of this world even on a working day as it had done briefly for me before good ol' lockdown. Lets just focus on why we on 'ere buy'em in the first place.

Im just putting it down to the dark nights and being locked up or rather lock(ed)down thats caused the extra edge in the 'debate' within this thread. Fun read though

 

[dartmoordingoe]

Awaiting ours from Sheffield. I went for a Coast not least because of the manual roof. I had worried about an electric roof and how it might run into expensive problems after a few years.
So sorry to hear you news .... but wonder if this will make a coast an even more popular choice as time goes by?

 

[Corradobrit]

Exactly well said ,it’s like the 4 motion discussion people talk about not needing it just get better tyres etc but the truth be told everyone would have it if they could afford it,The new dash might not be as functional as the t6 from a commercial view but it looks modern and better suits a premium vehicle.Going back to the coasts manual roof yes it probably is more reliable but again how far do you go manual windows no heating system again I bet most people would have the hydraulic roof and the ocean spec if funds allowed.

Not me. I don't like the darker interior panels and wood effect floor in the Ocean. The Coast suits me perfectly and I'm not paying for features/options I won't use, don't like or don't need eg electric roof, ACC, digital dash etc etc. I prefer the pick'n'mix mode to vehicle buying

 

[Corradobrit]

4 motion is good but our local Ben Nevis guides manage fine with 2wd + winter tyres + chains on the odd time. The forest mountain track to 300 metres elevation is not cleared and they manage fine.
For me its not the purchase cost but weight, overall fuel cost of lugging something around 99% of the time I don't need.

There's more to the 4motion system than just getting you out of wet fields.

 

[BeagleMum]

Well, I certainly don't want an electro-hydraulic lifting roof, even more: if the coast didn't exist, I didn't buy a California. So it is not about funds but about preference with us. We added a heater and a few more options and for the rest the coast is good enough for us. We pay on delivery and that's that.
Oh, we do have electic windows.
Enjoy your ocean, we will enjoy our coast just as much
Greetings

Exactly, people buy what suits their needs, it’s not one size fits all.
As you rightly say it’s down to preference.

 

[Cali Phillip]

There's more to the 4motion system than just getting you out of wet fields.

Indeed, in winter the limiting factor seems to be ice or sheet snow depth. As for muddy fields, i feel tyres help and choosing your terrain with an eye on the weather.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Not me. I don't like the darker interior panels and wood effect floor in the Ocean. The Coast suits me perfectly and I'm not paying for features/options I won't use, don't like or don't need eg electric roof, ACC, digital dash etc etc. I prefer the pick'n'mix mode to vehicle buying

I can’t fathom why Volkswagen don’t offer the Coast with the bigger engine and 4motion.
That’s where my money would be.

I will probably change vans in 2 years time. Really want another California, but it may not be possible if it means another electric roof or no option for the bigger engine...

I might have to revert back to a conversion

 

[calibusje]

I can’t fathom why Volkswagen don’t offer the Coast with the bigger engine and 4motion.
That’s where my money would be.

I will probably change vans in 2 years time. Really want another California, but it may not be possible if it means another electric roof or no option for the bigger engine...

I might have to revert back to a conversion

hello, sorry that you are indeed quite limited with the possibilities for the coast; here (Belgium) the coast is reasonably basic, but the possibilities are legion (if you want a fully specced out coast like an ocean but with a manual lifting roof, that is possible; also in terms of engines or 4motion). The price
from a fully equipped coast will of course go towards an ocean, but you will not have an electro-hydraulic roof if you no longer want that.
For me the advantage on the coast is that you can dress it up to your liking; you don't order what you don't need.
We only wanted more horsepower than our old T4, an air conditioning, dsg and the conveniences of the california such as the chairs and tables. That is why we kept it fairly simple: the coast is also closest to our 30 year old westfalia if you think of it. The price is also more pleasant...
Maybe you also get the chance to start with a basic coast and then configure it completely according to your wishes and with the manual roof.
For those who want just about all options, there is still the ocean and that makes it beautiful: the choice to order what you want.
Good luck and enjoy the one you got now.
Greetings