How much does it cost to run a Cali?

[mountainman]

I haven't had to replace any rear springs after fitting uprated rear shockers as recommended from chat in the forum. VW wouldn't fit them, even if I supplied them, so had it done by local independent VW specialist. However, they fitted one of the springs upside down. Hey ho!

Sachs shock absorbers: Article №: 313 031 Manufacturer: SACHS

 

[WelshGas]

A shade short of 100,000 miles.
EGR changed at 900 miles/2 weeks old due to electrical fault.
Brake pads at 77,000 miles + front discs due to riding, my choice.
4 sets of tyres changed at 3-4 mm tread.
Cambelt etc at 4 yrs 77,000 miles.
4 Mots full pass.

 

[mountainman]

My annual update on Cali costs. Some would say, they don't want to know. I would say, look away now

 

[RockinNRollin]

My annual update on Cali costs. Some would say, they don't want to know. I would say, look away now

Definitely "Dull Men's Club" type material, but I love the stats! The EGR issue is a bit of a 180 oddity (although obviously is relevant to your costings). Now if you wanted bonus points, tracker graphs adjusted for inflation of the different costs would be interesting . . .

 

[dspuk]

Anyone looking for an ROI on a Cali will be sorely disappointed, most definitely a heart over head purchase that I'd never have any other way...

 

[66tim99]

My annual update on Cali costs. Some would say, they don't want to know. I would say, look away now

Quite nice to see it’s still worth almost what it was worth in 2017

 

[RockinNRollin]

I don't think anyone would ever go into Cali ownership expecting any kind of return, even if compared to hotels/B&Bs. By the time you factor in the increasingly expensive campsite costs, it really isn't a saver. But, it is a totally customisable, known place to lay your head at night that you can take with you to pretty much anywhere where there is a road and ferry connection, yet small enough to still do what you want in the daytime. Difficult to put a monetary figure on that value.

 

[CaliforniaSeb]

I also think it makes you get off your backside and go out an explore. We have gone to places we would never have visited if we were tied to hotels. If we see Audrey sat there on the drive for long we start planning a trip. A bit like having a dog you need to walk.

 

[Beeechke1]

My annual update on Cali costs. Some would say, they don't want to know. I would say, look away now

Thanks for posting this always interesting to compare. So we have owned a 2010 SE since 2018 and have had very similar costs under the maintenance/MOT line of your spreadsheet. On balance you are probably doing a little better as we have also had to replace washer pump, driver side mirror motor, rear nearside wheel bearing, one rear parking sensor and one DSG gear box service. Our van has now covered 104,500 and miles last year we managed 104 nights away including an extended trip to Corsica and Sardinia. So yes the real cost of Cali ownership is not cheap, but then how do put a price on the fun and adventure they facilitate.

 

[RockinNRollin]

Thanks for posting this always interesting to compare. So we have owned a 2010 SE since 2018 and have had very similar costs under the maintenance/MOT line of your spreadsheet. On balance you are probably doing a little better as we have also had to replace washer pump, driver side mirror motor, rear nearside wheel bearing, one rear parking sensor and one DSG gear box service. Our van has now covered 104,500 and miles last year we managed 104 nights away including an extended trip to Corsica and Sardinia. So yes the real cost of Cali ownership is not cheap, but then how do put a price on the fun and adventure they facilitate.

And all of those maintenance costs you can/will get in any other vehicle too (unless you replace a car regularly, in which case depreciation costs will be . . . well, a lot!).

 

[CamperFam]

Agree with @RockinNRollin . The cost of a Cali (as with any vehicle) will never give a return on investment, other than memories/experience (good or bad). The difference with a Cali is the cost of ownership is actually far better than most other vehicles, and when factoring in the savings on campsites, it does add up.

Case in point - 10 night holiday - Hotel room +£150 per night - £1500 - a campsite at £40 - £400. You throw that £1,100 at the cost of the van, and your overall cost of ownership is subsidised by a substantial portion.

My old Exige lost £25,000 in the two year, didn't reduce my holiday costs (infact, inflated them from roadtrips), and cost far more to run (fuel, service, insurance etc).

I kind of look at the Cali as one heck of a cheap vehicle to run.

 

[larrylamb]

My annual update on Cali costs. Some would say, they don't want to know. I would say, look away now

I think that's good value for 100k miles and 13 years ownership. Unlucky with some repair bills but overall less than 4.6k per year for all bills, fuel, depreciation etc.