Hi, newbie owners from Kent...

[Smalls74]

Hi all,

The Mrs and I are due to pick up our first ever van on Friday. We are both very excited as are our two kids. We cant wait. We really are looking forward to being part of something, and having the freedom to pick up and go whenever we want.

There is a lack of Cali’s around but we managed to find one in a motor home dealers in Chichester. We put down a deposit last week. It‘s a 2012 Cali with 58k on the clock, usual service history and a few extra bits like the 5th seat, bike rack and upgraded alloys. 35k is a lot of money for us to spend on a van but I believe they hold their value well, even if we are paying a bit of a premium in these strange times. ‍

I’ve been reading this forum for weeks, trying to absorb as much as I can. I have a few questions that I’m struggling to find answers to, or more likely not looked in the right place.

I noticed when looking at the van that there was what appears to be rust on the scissor arms of the pop top roof. Is this normal? Is it a sign I should look more closely at the roof area? Can I rectify the rust?

Also, are there any major things I should look for before signing on the dotted line? The van comes with 12 months warranty but I’d prefer not to get caught out and be pro-active in spotting any major flaws prior to collection.

Lastly, how long will the leasure batteries last for when we‘re ‘off-grid’ (I’m still learning the lingo!). Our intention is to head off in the van for the weekend but given the current situation re COVID and campsites being booked we may end up using the Park4night app.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you could throw our way,

Smalls74 & Co,

 

[Arie]

The 140hp cali looks to be a good and safe choiche!
2-3 days of grid with healthy batteries should be no problem without driving inbetween,
The frontpart of the roof needs attention, enough about this on this wonderfull forum.
Kind regards
Arjan, the Netherlands

 

[TripleBee]

Welcome.

A 140hp is a safe bet.
Check the roof, there should be a recall from VW, if not carried out already.
Check the function of the hydraulic roof. It needs to stay open evenly for more than 24 hours. If one side sags, there might be a problem with either a ram, pipe or hydraulic unit.
Check the date of the flexible gas pipe. There is a 4 or 6 year expiry date.
Check the 4 year cam belt change (for UK only).
Check the fridge and heater for functioning.
Check the interior for defects or breakage.
Check the canvas for cuts.

What else?

 

[Smalls74]

Cheers peeps for the rapid replies. Much appreciated.

I‘m assuming any work carried out to rectify a known fault should be logged in the service book? I’ll be sure to check. If said work hadn’t been carried out I guess I’m out of luck with VW and will just have to stump up and get it done. I’ll research the recall on here.

I hadn’t even considered things like the gas pipe! Thanks.

I know the Cambelt was done in 2017 at 47k miles so it’ll need doing next year again.

Thanks again!

 

[TripleBee]

Cheers peeps for the rapid replies. Much appreciated.

I‘m assuming any work carried out to rectify a known fault should be logged in the service book? I’ll be sure to check. If said work hadn’t been carried out I guess I’m out of luck with VW and will just have to stump up and get it done. I’ll research the recall on here.

I hadn’t even considered things like the gas pipe! Thanks.

I know the Cambelt was done in 2017 at 47k miles so it’ll need doing next year again.

Thanks again!

If the roof recall hasn't been carried out, it should be still on the waiting list, and still to be done under warranty.
And for the gas, I'd ask a proof of gas tightness test.

 

[Smalls74]

Ok, so your responses lead me to burn the midnight oil and I’ve been doing further research.
I’m now more aware of the roof issue and will have a thorough inspection of the front area where corrosion/bubbling starts. I can only hope that it was dealt with by the previous owners under warranty, as now being 8 years old I wouldn’t have a leg to stand on? I’ve read the trouble some of you guys went through, and that’s after buy direct from VW!

I assume that if the work has been carried out it should be pretty obvious, with no signs of corrosion and the repair tape visible?

Having read some more posts I’m now rather concerned with the amount of rust I saw on the struts of the pop top. I should have taken some photos really. Research says that this is indeed not normal and should be replaced by VW. Obviously that’s not an option on an 8 year old secondhand Cali. The (non VW) garage I’m purchasing the vehicle from supply a 12 month warranty but having read the small print it’s pretty limited and if I sign for the vehicle and drive it away with known faults I haven’t got much of a come back.

Does anyone know if a ‘California Inspection service’ is provided by anyone? I’d feel happier getting the van inspected by an independent specialist prior to taking ownership.

Sorry for all the questions! But as I said above, it’s a once in a lifetime purchase for us and I want to make sure we’re doing the right thing and not getting caught out.

its quite stressful all this!

Cheers,

 

[Smalls74]

If the roof recall hasn't been carried out, it should be still on the waiting list, and still to be done under warranty.
And for the gas, I'd ask a proof of gas tightness test.

Thanks TripleBee.
I’ll check all the documents and make enquiries on Friday when I pick her up. We’re so excited!

 

[TripleBee]

Do'nt worry about warranty or not.
If the recall isn't done yet, it will still be open, and then you can take pictures of the corrosion, show them to any VW dealer (commercial vehicles), and then they should take the van in for the recall.

 

[Perfectos]

If the van has been serviced at a VW dealer and had any warranty worked carried out, it will be on VW system for all dealers to view, a call to a dealer explaining that you are about to purchase, give them the Reg / vin number and they should be able to email you the history of the van including all service and warranty work.
You can also ask the dealer if there are any outstanding recalls or workshop actions to be carried out.
I would ask to speak to the Cali master tech, after the service department, and have a conversation about your concern with the corrosion to the roof struts
Can you describe what and where the corrosion is I.e. scissor arms or hydraulic rams ?

 

[Perfectos]

There is a Collection check list in the VIP section , which will assist In Identifying if everything is present and correct.
I presume you have checked out the MOT, Tax history etc. Online
To check all is as it should be, no big unexplained time gaps etc.
The Mot history online will show any advisory issues and any failures etc.

 

[Perfectos]

Buyers guide

Volkswagen California Buyer’s Guide | The VW California

This article has now been updated -- you can find the new version here:https://thevwcalifornia.com/buying-a-volkswagen-california/

thevwcalifornia.com

 

[Smalls74]

If the van has been serviced at a VW dealer and had any warranty worked carried out, it will be on VW system for all dealers to view, a call to a dealer explaining that you are about to purchase, give them the Reg / vin number and they should be able to email you the history of the van including all service and warranty work.
You can also ask the dealer if there are any outstanding recalls or workshop actions to be carried out.
I would ask to speak to the Cali master tech, after the service department, and have a conversation about your concern with the corrosion to the roof struts
Can you describe what and where the corrosion is I.e. scissor arms or hydraulic rams ?

Thanks for the reply/advice.

I‘ll contact VW tomorrow and have a chat. Hopefully they’ll be able to answer my questions re the warranty work being completed.

The rust I noticed was on the scissor arms themselves, not on the hydraulic arms. I thought at the time they needed sanding and repainting but having done some research I’m just a bit concerned. Like you said a call to VW might shed some light on it.
We’re really keen to get the van on Friday but I want it to be right. My enthusiasm for Cali ownership is only being strengthened by spending this week away in a tent. It’d be so much nicer in a Cali!

I’ll call VW tomorrow.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Smalls74]

Buyers guide

Volkswagen California Buyer’s Guide | The VW California

This article has now been updated -- you can find the new version here:https://thevwcalifornia.com/buying-a-volkswagen-california/

thevwcalifornia.com

Awesome. I’ll have a read through tonight whilst stuck in my tent!

Thanks very much.

 

[Smalls74]

Buyers guide

Volkswagen California Buyer’s Guide | The VW California

This article has now been updated -- you can find the new version here:https://thevwcalifornia.com/buying-a-volkswagen-california/

thevwcalifornia.com

Thanks very much, much appreciated.

 

[Perfectos]

Presuming the rust is on the arms not the pivots ?
Imo the rust on the scissor arm would only be surface corrosion and should be relatively easy to remedy.
The arms are galvanised / plated from factory and could be painted with a zinc primer once the corrosion has been removed. Obviously protecting the canvas whilst paining with a brush or treat with ACF50 or similar.

Pop the top, bring a hop up or something like a step ladder, to get you up to the correct height and have a good look. It will alllow you to inspect the top of the roof for dents buckles etc. At the same time.

What have you read about the corrosion on the scissor arms ?

Make sure you ask to speak to the Cali Master Tech regarding anything specific, the service desk will be clueless

Edit whilst your at roof level pull the rubber seal back ( downward) on the roof and inspect for corrosion on the actual roof, Cali roof rubbers fail allowing the steel in the rubber to make contact with the roof panel which is aluminium and it causes corrosion ( search on this wonderful site)

 

[Smalls74]

Presuming the rust is on the arms not the pivots ?
Imo the rust on the scissor arm would only be surface corrosion and should be relatively easy to remedy.
The arms are galvanised / plated from factory and could be painted with a zinc primer once the corrosion has been removed. Obviously protecting the canvas whilst paining with a brush or treat with ACF50 or similar.

Pop the top, bring a hop up or something like a step ladder, to get you up to the correct height and have a good look. It will alllow you to inspect the top of the roof for dents buckles etc. At the same time.

What have you read about the corrosion on the scissor arms ?

Make sure you ask to speak to the Cali Master Tech regarding anything specific, the service desk will be clueless

Edit whilst your at roof level pull the rubber seal back ( downward) on the roof and inspect for corrosion on the actual roof, Cali roof rubbers fail allowing the steel in the rubber to make contact with the roof panel which is aluminium and it causes corrosion ( search on this wonderful site)

The rust was on the arms themselves and not the actual pivots, as far as I recall. My first impression was a bit of a clean up and paint and they would come up nice.

I’ve spoken with VW this morning after the advice given on this fantastic site. I spoke with my nearest brach which is Tonbridge. They confirmed the vans service history and said it appears to have been serviced with the schedule.
They stated the roof work had not been actioned but they would honour it if it requires doing. However there is currently a two year waiting list.....But at least it would get done if need be. I’ll have a thorough inspection on Friday as detailed above and make a decision based on what I see I guess.

I asked to speak to the Cali specialist but he was busy. I was going to quiz him re the rust on the scissor arms. I’ll call back later.

Thanks everyone for their input, it’s greatly appreciated,

Cheers,

 

[Perfectos]

The rust was on the arms themselves and not the actual pivots, as far as I recall. My first impression was a bit of a clean up and paint and they would come up nice.

I’ve spoken with VW this morning after the advice given on this fantastic site. I spoke with my nearest brach which is Tonbridge. They confirmed the vans service history and said it appears to have been serviced with the schedule.
They stated the roof work had not been actioned but they would honour it if it requires doing. However there is currently a two year waiting list.....But at least it would get done if need be. I’ll have a thorough inspection on Friday as detailed above and make a decision based on what I see I guess.

I asked to speak to the Cali specialist but he was busy. I was going to quiz him re the rust on the scissor arms. I’ll call back later.

Thanks everyone for their input, it’s greatly appreciated,

Cheers,

Hi Smalls
The two year wait is for VW to carry out the required fix to roof corrosion either front cap or whole roof panel.
You should book it in for VW to apply the remedial tape to the edge of the roof, which purportedly fixes the known issue with the metal part of the rubber edge seal, to the entire roof, causing corrosion to the roof panel, at the same time VW should inspect the roof rubber (edge seal) and if need be replace under the work shop action ( my 12 month old van seal had failed and was replaced as it’s a know issue that causes roof rot) quite different from the front cap issue
If you search my posts you’ll find the post where I show photos etc and give details of the workshop action number

 

[Perfectos]

Here is the full thread, I found it more quickly than I thought

Just announced - T6 recall for roof corrosion beneath the seal

posted to assist other and make as many people aware of this issue as possible. below are photos of a Brand new seal fitted following the second failure of a roof seal. This seal was fitted two weeks ago ! you can clearly see the rust on the tape (tape applied by the dealer, at my request...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Smalls74]

Here is the full thread, I found it more quickly than I thought

Just announced - T6 recall for roof corrosion beneath the seal

posted to assist other and make as many people aware of this issue as possible. below are photos of a Brand new seal fitted following the second failure of a roof seal. This seal was fitted two weeks ago ! you can clearly see the rust on the tape (tape applied by the dealer, at my request...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Cheers Perfectos,

Much appreciated. I’m digesting all the info.
My plan is to get down to the motor home dealer on Friday as scheduled and have a thorough inspection of the roof area of the van (something I didn’t do when we initially found it) IF I find signs of corrosion on the front part of the roof/cab or on the pop top then I’ll have to make a decision based on what I see. Alrhough VW say they will carry out a repair under warranty I still feel it’s a bit of a gamble. I’ve read the trials and tribulations some of you guys have had with VW, and that’s when you’ve bought new vehicles from them. It’d be different if I was purchasing from VW themselves but this is a non affiliated motor home dealership. I think I’d be foolish to spend a large amount of money on our dream machine knowing that it has corrosion issues that need dealing with. Best case scenario is VW honour their word and it’s a 2 year waiting list. Worst case scenario is they don’t and I’m then stuck with a decaying van that needs thousands more money spent on it to rectify the fault.
I think I’ll have to walk away if I find anything. I’m really hoping I don’t as we’ve got our heart set on it......

 

[Perfectos]

Cheers Perfectos,

Much appreciated. I’m digesting all the info.
My plan is to get down to the motor home dealer on Friday as scheduled and have a thorough inspection of the roof area of the van (something I didn’t do when we initially found it) IF I find signs of corrosion on the front part of the roof/cab or on the pop top then I’ll have to make a decision based on what I see. Alrhough VW say they will carry out a repair under warranty I still feel it’s a bit of a gamble. I’ve read the trials and tribulations some of you guys have had with VW, and that’s when you’ve bought new vehicles from them. It’d be different if I was purchasing from VW themselves but this is a non affiliated motor home dealership. I think I’d be foolish to spend a large amount of money on our dream machine knowing that it has corrosion issues that need dealing with. Best case scenario is VW honour their word and it’s a 2 year waiting list. Worst case scenario is they don’t and I’m then stuck with a decaying van that needs thousands more money spent on it to rectify the fault.
I think I’ll have to walk away if I find anything. I’m really hoping I don’t as we’ve got our heart set on it......

Roof panel corrosion can be sorted by a good body shop, the front cap is what is more complex, but still can be sorted without VW approved repair,
budget this into your negotiations with the MH dealer and express your concerns to them regarding the warranty they offer etc

 

[Twunt]

Smalls74 where abouts in Kent are you?

 

[Smalls74]

Smalls74 where abouts in Kent are you?

Hi McSnuff,
Aylesford mate, just outside of Maidstone.

 

[Perfectos]

Roof panel corrosion can be sorted by a good body shop, the front cap is what is more complex, but still can be sorted without VW approved repair,
budget this into your negotiations with the MH dealer and express your concerns to them regarding the warranty they offer etc

How did it go today Smalls? Any good ?

 

[Smalls74]

How did it go today Smalls? Any good ?

We are now proud owners of our first Cali, named Daisy! (‍)
I did find a small amount of paint bubble on the pop top below the seal. Nothing major. There is no damage to the main roof/front van area. I negotiated a discount (not much but better then nothing). I’m happy with it. I’ll book in to VW to have it looked at. If they don’t rectify I’ll get it done myself. But to be honest we’re just over the moon with the van and I can live with it at the moment.
She is packed up now and we’re just heading off for our first adventure. No idea where we are going. That’s the fun part though right??!

Thanks to all who provided info on this thread. It is very much appreciated.
I will be back with an update and probably loads of questions too!!

Cheers.

 

[Smalls74]

We are now proud owners of our first Cali, named Daisy! (‍♂)
I did find a small amount of paint bubble on the pop top below the seal. Nothing major. There is no damage to the main roof/front van area. I negotiated a discount (not much but better then nothing). I’m happy with it. I’ll book in to VW to have it looked at. If they don’t rectify I’ll get it done myself. But to be honest we’re just over the moon with the van and I can live with it at the moment.
She is packed up now and we’re just heading off for our first adventure. No idea where we are going. That’s the fun part though right??!

Thanks to all who provided info on this thread. It is very much appreciated.
I will be back with an update and probably loads of questions too!!

Cheers.

For some reason the emoji I used comes up as a different symbol!