Hello All!

[Ruby Mouse]

Well I've been lurking for a while so now I'm seriously looking it seemed the right time to join in. I already have a really lovely van but at 6m long and 2.8 high it's just too big for everyday use and ends up coming out for special occasions only. This means I also have to run a car and I am only one person. Has anyone else here downsized? How was it? Is it realistic to think I could use a cali for an every day vehicle, driving through little villages and stuff? (Parking is not my strong point!)

 

[Jabberwocky]

I use my Cali as everyday car in the UK and have visited eleven other countries in the last two and a half years. No real issues - just have be a little vigilant over height restrictions but you are used to that I would say. As for parking? Select the front and rear proximity sensors with the rear facing camera and you'll become a parking wizard! All the best.

 

[Andy A]

I have been running a California as my only vehicle for the last 3 years. Used it more as a car than a Hotel, but things are changing fast. It is the best car I have owned for distance driving and no issues going anywhere a car normally goes. Be careful with low headroom Car Parks. Agree with JW about the sensors and camera.

 

[Hotel California]

Welcome allong !

 

[Gary&Heather]

You could always try it for a week see how you get on with it we use ours as a daily drive.

 

[TripleBee]

Sorry but I have only gone bigger. Starting with a Golf 2, 2 x Golf 4 and now the California. I now have this one as my daily driver, and would never go smaller again. Not looking to go bigger in the (near) future.
Small cities? The car isn't that big. Not 2 meters wide including rearview mirrors, it just touches 5 meters in length and fits under everything higher than 2 meters.
Péage in France is very crowdy on the right side? Go left under the 2 meters barrier, no problem.
Parking? With the incredibly small turning circle (for a 3 meter wheel base) you can fit almost everywhere where you put a decent VW Passat, Audi A6, BMW 5, Mercedes E, ...
But yes, please do take PDC and camera, this will come in handy.

 

[2into1]

I’ve downsized from your situation - indeed that’s where my forum name comes from. Cali is fine as a single vehicle for me, but I’m self employed and often working from home.

I’ve changed circumstances since I had a car and a specialised camper, but some of my reduced camping is from not having to see my camper sat there doing nothing and thinking “I must get away for a few days”. If my Cali isn’t doing much camping I don’t fret, as it’s getting used for days out and makes every journey special.

 

[gvick]

@2into1 really helped me to have the confidence to order a Cali to be my everyday vehicle.
It’s only as long as Volvo estate and at 1:98m just shorter than some largerv4x4.
Agree with parks but there is a safe height wise thread

 

[Perfectos]

Hi Ruby,

A Cali can go anywhere a family car can go. With the exception of some multi-storey carparks. Width is is not an issue in narrow roads.
Ditch the large van and car and get a Cali, you’ll look far cooler and have much more fun !