Newbie looking for a used Cali (Berks)

[nic765]

Hello,

Complete newbie here; 've been (and slept) in a T4 Cali a couple of times. Never owned a car, I've been working in several countries (spain, US, UK) without the need for it.
Company just relocated west of London (Slough..) and I need a Van to get out of there; aim would be sailing in the South (Weymouth) for as long as I can and then cyclocross biking (somewhere). So 2-3 days a week.
Hoping to spend something around 30-35k so I guess my options are 2008ish T5. Also looking for an automatic.
Any thoughts/comments/recommendations?

Thanks,
Nico

 

[Hotel California]

Welcome on board , take a look in the for sale section of the forum on here we are only selling using an add.

 

[Sad]

Welcome on board , take a look in the for sale section of the forum on here we are only selling using an add.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/classifieds/vehicles-for-sale

 

[2into1]

With up to 35k you should be looking for a facelift model (2010 on) which has the dsg gearbox rather than the tiptronic, and is I think 1 class better in emissions, which will be important around London.

 

[nic765]

any thoughts on this one from autotrader / [URL='https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201808219695629?transmission=Automatic&radius=50&model=CALIFORNIA&supplied-price-to=45000&postcode=sl60he&advertising-location=at_vans&supplied-price-from=500&sort=sponsored-supplied&make=VOLKSWAGEN&page=1#']Citygate Van Centre?[/URL]
37k from 2012, 23000 milles.
Thanks,
Nico

 

[larrylamb]

any thoughts on this one from autotrader / Citygate Van Centre?
37k from 2012, 23000 milles.
Thanks,
Nico

Seems expensive and some Biturbo 180bhp vans from that era can develop serious engine problems. You need to research engine/year choice before buying.

 

[reserves]

Personally I’d avoid any 180bhp California’s from 2010-2012. There’s enough to choose without risking potential engine trouble with these.

With 30-35k I’d definitely be looking for a facelift (2010 onwards)

You’re buying at the right time, so as long as you’re patient you’ll find one.

 

[Azteccamper]

Hello,

Complete newbie here; 've been (and slept) in a T4 Cali a couple of times. Never owned a car, I've been working in several countries (spain, US, UK) without the need for it.
Company just relocated west of London (Slough..) and I need a Van to get out of there; aim would be sailing in the South (Weymouth) for as long as I can and then cyclocross biking (somewhere). So 2-3 days a week.
Hoping to spend something around 30-35k so I guess my options are 2008ish T5. Also looking for an automatic.
Any thoughts/comments/recommendations?

Thanks,
Nico

Nico.
I bought ours from this forum 2 yrs ago October. Had a great deal on the van and it had been very well looked after with low low mileage. Worth waiting and looking - you will get a great van in that price range.
Aztec

 

[GrahamCardiff]

Personally I’d avoid any 180bhp California’s from 2010-2012. There’s enough to choose without risking potential engine trouble with these.

With 30-35k I’d definitely be looking for a facelift (2010 onwards)

You’re buying at the right time, so as long as you’re patient you’ll find one.

Hello - thanks for the tip about 180bhp units. Is this a generic issue in your view, or confined to the 2 years you mentioned?

 

[reserves]

Hello - thanks for the tip about 180bhp units. Is this a generic issue in your view, or confined to the 2 years you mentioned?

I'm no expert but it seems confined to 180bhp California's made in 2010 & 2011, however there could be 2012 registered vehicles that were manufactured in 2011.

Plenty of reading here https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/increased-oil-consumption-problem-2010-t5-cali-180-bhp.15142/