first California

jon67 · May 25, 2016

Hello everyone, we have recently purchased a 1997 California exclusive Westfalia, German import, LHD. Great van, long wheelbase, high top, which looks a bit cumbersome compared to the pop-ups. No problem on motorways though. 2.5 Tdi. (180k Km) 112k miles on clock.
Hope to be heading for a few tester trips in half term holidays (wife and 11 yr + 12yr old kids).
Regards Jonathan

Meoncoast · May 25, 2016

Hi Nice van - as you will know there are a few Westies owner on the forum :thumb

T6 CFO · May 25, 2016

Hi Jonathan, Very nice. Looks in great condition and you won't be partaking in our pop up roof issues. Good luck on your first trips

Mike

Hotel California · May 25, 2016

Hi and welcome to the green smurftop

mrcheesbrough · May 27, 2016

Welcome to the world of Westies @jon67. The Exclusive has a great layout, my folks have one in the same colour. Built to last too, but each have their own quirks so if you find any you know where to come asking. Enjoy your half term.

sapto · May 27, 2016

Hello and welcome! Longwheelbase: Great! I am sure that gives an extra bit of space! Have fun!

2into1 · May 27, 2016

Welcome from another Exclusive

Borris · May 27, 2016

The T4 is great vehicle. Very reliable, not over complicated and very well made. Yours looks in amazing condition. Is a LWB version a rarity? What is the exclusive version?
Happy holidays.

2into1 · May 28, 2016

Borris said:
What is the exclusive version?

Although the shower tray in this one is a modification.

There are no decent videos showing how great they are inside. The Exclusive became the new 'Joker' and this video gives you an idea of the space / headroom / separate kitchen, living and loo areas.

Borris · May 28, 2016

T4WFA said:
Although the shower tray in this one is a modification.

There are no decent videos showing how great they are inside. The Exclusive became the new 'Joker' and this video gives you an idea of the space / headroom / separate kitchen, living and loo areas.

Thanks T4WFA,
Wow! What an amazing vehicle. I think if I was looking for a new camper van now I would be very tempted. However they must be quite rare now.
I had a very low mileage sky blue T4 LWB panel van for nine years until quite recently. It was a lovely solid, well made and uncomplcated van that was always a pleasure to drive. Unfortunately when I packed in my self employed activities it became surplus to requirements. I still miss it.

jon67 · May 28, 2016

mrcheesbrough said:
Welcome to the world of Westies @jon67. The Exclusive has a great layout, my folks have one in the same colour. Built to last too, but each have their own quirks so if you find any you know where to come asking. Enjoy your half term.

Thanks mrcheesbrough. I have had to buy a new charger/inverter, the original Westfalia one was burnt out. I got the 20amp one from http://www.travelvolts.com/Battery-chargers-.html, £95 inc delivery.

jon67 · May 28, 2016

Borris said:
Thanks T4WFA,
Wow! What an amazing vehicle. I think if I was looking for a new camper van now I would be very tempted. However they must be quite rare now.
I had a very low mileage sky blue T4 LWB panel van for nine years until quite recently. It was a lovely solid, well made and uncomplcated van that was always a pleasure to drive. Unfortunately when I packed in my self employed activities it became surplus to requirements. I still miss it.

Thanks T4WFA, great videos of the Exclusive! Does yours have a shower?

2into1 · May 28, 2016

jon67 said:
Thanks T4WFA, great videos of the Exclusive! Does yours have a shower?

No, mine is just standard.
I trust you've found the 'Exclusive' thread on the T4 forum (all 155 pages of it!). It's a good resource for specialist Exclusive knowledge if this forum can't turn up an answer. This forum is good for getting trip ideas etc.
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=75351&page=156

jon67 · May 28, 2016

T4WFA said:
No, mine is just standard.
I trust you've found the 'Exclusive' thread on the T4 forum (all 155 pages of it!). It's a good resource for specialist Exclusive knowledge if this forum can't turn up an answer. This forum is good for getting trip ideas etc.
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=75351&page=156

Yes I have spotted that thread.
Mine standard too.