Hopefully joining the club...

[KernowLad]

Hi all - very useful looking forum!

Subject to a little more cooperation (i.e. negotiation!) from a dealer up North, we should hopefully be Cali owners next week.
Got a refundable deposit on one - 180PS 4 Motion with a few goodies fitted.

We live in Cornwall (me, wife, a 1 year old and a 3 year old plus a black lab) and have just sold our LR Defender 110 and 95% there on the above van. If all goes well, I plan to fly up, check it over then drive it home.

Bit of a "detailer" so quite good at spotting flaws but anything mechanical I need to be aware of? It's a pre-reg 61 plate van with delivery miles on the clock.

I'm half nervous, half very excited!

Oh and accessories too - a few have recommended the roof cover to stay warmer/drier. Any hints on where to get one from? And finally (!!) we might need to stick the 1 year old near us (she's not the best sleeper, especially when camping!!). Any decent front cab "hammock" type options? Luckily the 3 year old sleeps like a log!

Cheers all!! :mrgreen:

 

[calikev]

Good morning and welcome along
Hopefully I can answer some of your questions
The vw engine is bulletproof so no worries there.
The vanorak is a great bit of kit it can be bought from wwwthecalifornia.com.there is a new version made
By kyham called the camper cosy it is cheaper and as far as I know untested on this site so can't comment to much.
The cab bunk is available from www.swcampers.co.uk. Not cheap. I know several people that have made their own
Using a camp bed from go outdoors cut down a very easy job I understand total cost £15. I think they cut the poles down each side and then refitted the ends I will try and find a picture for you.
I can assure you once you have collected your new van you won't be taking it back
Please enjoy your van and the club
Calikev

 

[Californiaman]

Which dealer? Maybe someone is local on here that could have a quick look for you and potentially save you an expensive trip (that said, it's pretty much guaranteed to be perfect....)

 

[KernowLad]

Cheers! Its at the Lancs van centre in Preston. Seems well regarded on here?

 

[Anonymous]

180PS 4 Motion.. very nice, would that have a DSG box as well? :mrgreen:

Where in Cornwall are you - we've just come back from there and going again next month.

Watched Caroline Quentin's travels around Cornwall on the TV this week -- can't wait to go back there

 

[KernowLad]

180PS 4 Motion.. very nice, would that have a DSG box as well? :mrgreen:

Where in Cornwall are you - we've just come back from there and going again next month.

Watched Caroline Quentin's travels around Cornwall on the TV this week -- can't wait to go back there

Yep - watched that too. Made me want to live in Cornwall...

Where do you tend to go?

Not going for the DSG box - I'm not keen on semi autos and it ups the consumption a fair bit plus jumps up a tax band. After owning a £460 per year (to tax) Defender, I'm gunning for a slightly better fuel/emissions hit! Tried a few and never really got on with them plus the BM is a full auto so I need a manual somewhere on our drive and I still have a fully functioning left leg!

We're near Truro overlooking the River Fal - not bad TBH but the driveway (with loads of overhanging trees) means RWD or AWD is pretty much essential - MANY delivery vans get stuck on it!! :lol:

Not going to get too excited until I have the keys in my grubby mitts. Otherwise I'll curse the whole thing!

 

[KernowLad]

Just sent the confirmation email... Yikes!! Hope to pick it up Monday - 350 mile drive home should give me a good taste of whether its the right decision!!

 

[calikev]

Don't worry mate your love it

 

[KernowLad]

Time is moving very slowly..!

Dropped the Defender off today and got the money straight in the bank. They are another vehicle that depreciates very slowly thank gawd! Been a fun vehicle but had a lot of issues so looking forward to comfier, more reliable motoring! Not often that I can't wait for a Monday!!!

 

[Anonymous]

Where do you tend to go?

We tend to go along South coast, Fowey, St Mawes, Roseland...beautiful coastline.

Ann's Pasty Shop near Lizard -- best pasties in Cornwall

 

[KernowLad]

And it's ours! 350 mile drive home confirms that...


...it's utterly BRILLIANT!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

Guy (Lancashire Van Centre) was excellent despite my unfair demands (!), the payment worked and I love it! The Kenwood multimedia thing really is very good, it pulls really well (delivery miles so I was gentle!), easy to drive, etc.

Will report in more detail tomorrow and get some pics done but VERY pleased indeed!

 

[calikev]

Don't worry mate your love it

Congrats. Mate told you so

 

[Anonymous]

I was watching that one on their website too. Well played.

 

[Californiaman]

 

[Iain&Shani]

I've only got about 30 miles to do on Thursday but I might come back the long way! I bet my smile is as wide as yours!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtqwL-ZPhAA