'New old van' for long time member

[GregW]

Love it. No shame in a great van, regardless of age. Nice find.

 

[AlisonF]

Was a good van, nice people doing the sale and good to catch up with you when you came to collect it...

 

[jts46]

Bought mine from deepcar at york show 2006

 

[2into1]

Bought mine from deepcar at york show 2006

Is yours LHD or RHD JTS46? I think the official ones arrived in RHD through VWUK in 2006, so I don't quite know the role Deepcar was playing in the market at that time. Perhaps it was a currency thing?
Also, was yours virtually new (believe this was showroom demo only) or older? Mine has a mph speedo (not a sticker) and uk lights.
Deepcar have imported many of the Westys I've had the pleasure to own.

 

[jts46]

Is yours LHD or RHD JTS46? I think the official ones arrived in RHD through VWUK in 2006, so I don't quite know the role Deepcar was playing in the market at that time. Perhaps it was a currency thing?
Also, was yours virtually new (believe this was showroom demo only) or older? Mine has a mph speedo (not a sticker) and uk lights.
Deepcar have imported many of the Westys I've had the pleasure to own.

mine is RHD and was brand new

 

[MrP]

You are not alone!
I'd always wanted a camper and in 2011 was researching and scouring the net. Jan 2012 I dragged the wife into VW to look at them and the dealer could offer us a showroom one for a good deal to do a turnaround. I actually knew it was a good deal but the wife was reluctant (in fairness we couldn't quite afford it was a young family, but over 7 years on if we had brought it, it would still be worth the same!!!). Instead, we agreed on a old T4 LHD Carthago. Cracking van and we loved it.

So much so, exactly 3 years ago I went in VW to buy a brand new one and had the excuse I was downsizing from 3 vehicles to 2!
The thing is... I bottled it as I knew I would be too precious and anal about it! But the dealer put me on to a private low mileage 2008 one, like you the owner had deceased. We have had it 3 years and loving it. No intentions to upgrade for a few years yet. Waiting to see what happens in the market place.

The only issue I didn't rectify is... It is such good condition for its age I am too anal and precious about it!!!! Hope this doesn't happen to you

 

[motacyclist]

Looks mint!

Will you be going 1into2 now or staying as you are?

 

[willwander]

Lovely van
I bought an older Cali (2011) for similar reasons, I admit mainly because of the money but if I’d bought a newer one I wouldn’t dare use it!

The one we have now came with a few scuffs and scratches and had a few bits wrong, it’s still got some scratches but I put everything right, it’s now got 85k on the clock but everything now works beautifully.

And we use it, hard. We camp most weekends, I use it as a daily driver and for dog shows and it’s usually full of muddy dogs.

There’s something about an older van, they’re ‘warmer’. We love it.

 

[soulstyledevon]

Good for you.
So what did you buy the 17plate Ocean for and sell it for.
What about the new/old van. What did it set you back considering it’s 13 years old...?

I couldn’t go back to an older van...
But then, I’m not so precious about my current tool.
I just use it and do what I like with it and have no concerns about spillages, marks, scuffs and future residuals. Use it, abuse it and for Gods sake don’t keep it pretty for the next owner. Life is to short...

 

[Amarillo]

Good for you.
So what did you buy the 17plate Ocean for and sell it for.
What about the new/old van. What did it set you back considering it’s 13 years old...?

I couldn’t go back to an older van...
But then, I’m not so precious about my current tool.
I just use it and do what I like with it and have no concerns about spillages, marks, scuffs and future residuals. Use it, abuse it and for Gods sake don’t keep it pretty for the next owner. Life is to short...

I think that’s the right philosophy. Use it as a tool, and care for it as you would your bedroom at home - and forget about future value.


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[viking]

I should contrast my experience with a 04 LHD I tried to buy on ebay a few weeks earlier. The advert said it was all complete and in 'near mint' condition. Further digging revealed a 12" zig zag cut to the side of the canvas (and possibly a bent/fixed roof), missing deck chairs, and table from the sliding door....all from an apparent Cali expert who hadn't chosen to photograph / mention the faults. He'd just imported it looking for a quick profit. That was just from asking questions based on my experience gained here and through ownership. God knows what else I would have found on viewing.

A couple more 'detail' images...speaking to how an early T5 can be at 13 years of 'old school' looking after. No broken blinds, tambour doors or cuts on the canvas.

View attachment 50806View attachment 50807View attachment 50808View attachment 50809View attachment 50810View attachment 50811View attachment 50812View attachment 50813View attachment 50814View attachment 50815

I should contrast my experience with a 04 LHD I tried to buy on ebay a few weeks earlier. The advert said it was all complete and in 'near mint' condition. Further digging revealed a 12" zig zag cut to the side of the canvas (and possibly a bent/fixed roof), missing deck chairs, and table from the sliding door....all from an apparent Cali expert who hadn't chosen to photograph / mention the faults. He'd just imported it looking for a quick profit. That was just from asking questions based on my experience gained here and through ownership. God knows what else I would have found on viewing.

Being the owner of an

I should contrast my experience with a 04 LHD I tried to buy on ebay a few weeks earlier. The advert said it was all complete and in 'near mint' condition. Further digging revealed a 12" zig zag cut to the side of the canvas (and possibly a bent/fixed roof), missing deck chairs, and table from the sliding door....all from an apparent Cali expert who hadn't chosen to photograph / mention the faults. He'd just imported it looking for a quick profit. That was just from asking questions based on my experience gained here and through ownership. God knows what else I would have found on viewing.

Being the owner of a 08 T5 for the last 10 years (this November) I’d be interested to know what was the mileage and how much did you pay.

 

[Abracadabra]

This post is a delight to read, despite the sad circumstances surrounding Ben's death. Brilliant result that his legacy should be passed to an equally caring and thoughtful Cali cognizant. We have known Ben and Sue since the mid 70's as neighbours and friends. He was an exceptional Engineer and Craftsman. I remember him buying a brand new Merc 4x4, 87 miles on clock, taking it completely apart and putting it back together 'properly'!!
Last summer he was doing hill repeats on Brown Cow Hill in the Cairngorm s. We had travelled in his van, not ours, to the Lecht from his home. Lasting memory of both Ben and his Cali was a glorious day together on the hill.
Thrilled to see all the above; helps the sadness and suddeness of it all.

(Sorry about the late contribution but am travelling in Iran - not in our Cali - and internet is either excellent or not at all.)

 

[2into1]

This post is a delight to read, despite the sad circumstances surrounding Ben's death. Brilliant result that his legacy should be passed to an equally caring and thoughtful Cali cognizant. We have known Ben and Sue since the mid 70's as neighbours and friends. He was an exceptional Engineer and Craftsman. I remember him buying a brand new Merc 4x4, 87 miles on clock, taking it completely apart and putting it back together 'properly'!!
Last summer he was doing hill repeats on Brown Cow Hill in the Cairngorm s. We had travelled in his van, not ours, to the Lecht from his home. Lasting memory of both Ben and his Cali was a glorious day together on the hill.
Thrilled to see all the above; helps the sadness and suddeness of it all.

(Sorry about the late contribution but am travelling in Iran - not in our Cali - and internet is either excellent or not at all.)

Wow, thank you so much for your post and further background to the van's story with Ben and Sue. Sorry for the loss of your friend. I've sent Sue a couple of the images once I got it home and washed after the 400 mile drive.

 

[2into1]

Being the owner of a 08 T5 for the last 10 years (this November) I’d be interested to know what was the mileage and how much did you pay.

Hi. Nice to meet the owner of another 'mature' Cali. I admit to being tempted by a set of Solace alloys.
There are a few early Cali's currently up for sale (here and elsewhere) to give an idea of the prices. I don't want to reveal what I paid but it was below the prices of those others, but I suspect the LHD has quite a big impact there.

 

[BikerGran]

@2into1

It's funny you should post this just now - I've just been telling someone how much I love my 2007 Cali, then reading about new ones that may or may not be produced, and thinking to myself, "What could a new van do for me that my current one doesn't?"

I can't think of anything really. I don't want a fancy sound system as I rarely listen while driving and I have a DAB radio for when I'm camping, I'm happier with my seperate Satnav, everything else does all I want it to do!

I'd be interested to see a picture of the tread on your all terrain tyres, they are the only thing I really want as most of my camping is in UK fields therefore generally somewhat muddy and I've had a few slippery moments! I'd also like to change my alloys for steels as in my book they suit the van better!

 

[bassbikemike]

Wow, thanks. I do have one of those brains that sees both sides of any decision - so much that I often get completely stuck and question every decision #sometimesacurse!

I can identify with that. I've had an 06 RHD Cali SE 174 4 Motion for a few years now and I love it... despite it's faults. It gets us around on occasional roadtrips and family holidays and gets me in and out of ski areas in Scotland and the Alps with effortless ease.

 

[2into1]

So as much as I was taken with the 16" steels and wheel trims, I think I prefer it on the 17" winter steels (which I hated when fitted tomy 2017 Bamboo Ocean)

Privacy Tints next. Been quoted £180 which seems very fair.

 

[2into1]

Just an update of this thread to those interested in the older / cheaper Cali life.
My liking of the steel wheels didn't endure so I picked up a set of the correct Solace alloys which were optional extras back in 2006. I've shod them with 235 55 17 Cross Climates SUVs and will sell the winter steels next autumn.
I've had the windows done with privacy tint, and together with the wheels, I'm very happy with the new look.....

I've also bought a vw bike rack (towel dryer...) which will be fitted next.

I managed to bag a nice set of seat covers from a kind member here in the freecycle section. They have a little bit of wear on them but perfect for my 'non precious' life with my dog. You can see the first one going on here with the Inka waterproof covers they are replacing.

With my auto electrician Cali owning mate we've fitted a £30 hidden attachment to bring music streaming to the original 'period' stereo I was keen to keep. We also fitted new leisure batteries. I've blown the 'budget thinking' with an Isotop which is in the queue for fitting.

I'm still fighting a few gremlins with the mechanical side of the van, but progress is being made. Approaching owning a Cali as a hobby was mentioned on another thread and I think it's a really useful idea. I'm trying to see this as a fun project to enjoy, rather than get 'triggered' by everything that doesn't operate perfectly first time.

 

[Jay20cali]

Just an update of this thread to those interested in the older / cheaper Cali life.
My liking of the steel wheels didn't endure so I picked up a set of the correct Solace alloys which were optional extras back in 2006. I've shod them with 235 55 17 Cross Climates SUVs and will sell the winter steels next autumn.
I've had the windows done with privacy tint, and together with the wheels, I'm very happy with the new look.....
View attachment 54693
I've also bought a vw bike rack (towel dryer...) which will be fitted next.

I managed to bag a nice set of seat covers from a kind member here in the freecycle section. They have a little bit of wear on them but perfect for my 'non precious' life with my dog. You can see the first one going on here with the Inka waterproof covers they are replacing.
View attachment 54694
With my auto electrician Cali owning mate we've fitted a £30 hidden attachment to bring music streaming to the original 'period' stereo I was keen to keep. We also fitted new leisure batteries. I've blown the 'budget thinking' with an Isotop which is in the queue for fitting.

I'm still fighting a few gremlins with the mechanical side of the van, but progress is being made. Approaching owning a Cali as a hobby was mentioned on another thread and I think it's a really useful idea. I'm trying to see this as a fun project to enjoy, rather than get 'triggered' by everything that doesn't operate perfectly first time.

Lovely van lovely wheels

 

[AlisonF]

Loving the new look with alloys and window tints. Does Rosie approve of her new kennel on wheels? That’s the ultimate test in my opinion ;-)

 

[2into1]

Does Rosie approve of her new kennel on wheels?

Well spotted. She never misses a photo opportunity!

 

[AlisonF]

Well spotted. She never misses a photo opportunity!

I hadn’t spotted her - so had to go back and check. Haha! Bless her. Ellie sends regards.

 

[Coops1964]

The combination of the Van colour and the alloys look brilliant, well done sir!

 

[kurienp]

Lovely transformation. Yes, the Cali as a project - following various modding threads on the t6forum - the sky's the limit. Hope you get the mechanical gremlins sorted as well.

If you planning on selling the 17 steels in autumn, can I put my hands up first please

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[larrylamb]

Looking really good, you have taken your Cali up a level with your calculated improvements. Careful, you are in danger of your "new old van" becoming more precious I have the same seat covers, they are excellent. Keep up the good work, i think you really enjoy it.