Oh no, what do i do. Dieselgate is ruining my dreams and plans?

[MarkVw2017]

I was in this forum before xmas (oct) and with all your advice, decided to save up for a 2019 outright purchaee (so thank you) I have got £9k so someway to go yet but my goal is feb 19.

Now we have dieselgate and everyone pointing fingers at diesel and sayng they are bad.

Its not that im even bothered even if i bought one and the price fell quite a bit as its alifetime investment and wouod plan to keep it min 10 years, but dont like the talk of banning diesesl from cities and towns as that would make the ultimate go anywher vehicle, well, not so go anywhere and when and where does the ban stop?

Suppose my question is, should i still plan to save up for one or would it be now a unwise thing to do wth such uncertainty in thr air over diesel and petrol future?

Unless a PHEV is going to be available in (2019), but dealer laughed when i asked that ? :-0

Look forward tonyour advice and wisdom!!

 

[Jonathan Duke]

I think you're a bit premature in your analysis. Perhaps, if it was 2039 (perhaps even 2049,) your concern would be valid.

That's my view anyway..... I think we'll see Euro-6 engines, in cities for some time yet.....

 

[MarkVw2017]

I think you're a bit premature in your analysis. Perhaps, if it was 2039, your concern would be valid.

That's my view anyway..... I think we'll see Euro-6 engines, in cities for some time yet.....

Thats the vivo of confidence i kili to hear

 

[MarkVw2017]

Thats the vivo of confidence i kili to hear

Silly predictive text!! ...
"Thats the vote of confidence i like to hear!!"

 

[bigmac77]

Agree 100% but I have bought two new diesel vehicles in the last six months. Buy the vehicle you want and budget for potentially higher taxes and be happy you Cali is not pumping out lots of CO2.

 

[Hotel California]

Live now.....worry later...

Ps: this also counts for myself sometimes...

 

[WelshGas]

Unless a PHEV is going to be available in (2019), but dealer laughed when i asked that ?


And the Dealers are So So Knowledgeable - NOT. Some of them don't even know anything about the California Range.
VW Post 3 Year Warranty Gang - didn't even know that VW made the California. Thought it was a conversion by a 3rd Party, until I sent them the VW California Brochure, Price List and link to the video of the California Factory in Germany.

I'm sure there will be a Hybrid in the near future but Diesel and Petrol will be around for a lot longer than the Tree Huggers and Politicians will be.

 

[Dave Lowe]

Unless a PHEV is going to be available in (2019), but dealer laughed when i asked that ?


And the Dealers are So So Knowledgeable - NOT. Some of them don't even know anything about the California Range.
VW Post 3 Year Warranty Gang - didn't even know that VW made the California. Thought it was a conversion by a 3rd Party, until I sent them the VW California Brochure, Price List and link to the video of the California Factory in Germany.

I'm sure there will be a Hybrid in the near future but Diesel and Petrol will be around for a lot longer than the Tree Huggers and Politicians will be.

As usual WelshGas 100 percent right right

 

[kave]

If there is one engine that will disappear its the petrol due to the higher co2.
Get the vehicle you want, there is just one brand developing proper eletric vehicles now, others just experimenting and talking.

 

[Jonathan Duke]

I look forward to cleaner air in the future, and will embrace the EV once it's a proper alternative. I can understand the attraction of producing the energy (to produce and charge batteries) outside of our general habitation/life space (hopefully not in my back garden tho.) It does however somewhat "remove" us from the reality, a bit like how we are now far-removed from today's food-chain.

However, there's a long way to run on this development.... The appetite is there, as many consumers "wish" to jump into the clean(er) air future (and rid themselves of the guilt) but It'll take decades I expect.

 

[Bellcrew]

I look forward to cleaner air in the future, and will embrace the EV once it's a proper alternative. I can understand the attraction of producing the energy (to produce and charge batteries) outside of our general habitation/life space (hopefully not in my back garden tho.) It does however somewhat "remove" us from the reality, a bit like how we are now far-removed from today's food-chain.

However, there's a long way to run on this development.... The appetite is there, as many consumers "wish" to jump into the clean(er) air future (and rid themselves of the guilt) but It'll take decades I expect.

Don't worry they will find something else to make you feel guilty about, when everyone gives up smoking, drinking and buying hydrocarbons the tax take will plummet.

 

[Sad]

Keep saving... Buy what you want next year... Love it

 

[HectorPascal]

We have been considering purchase for several years. We were very close to pulling the trigger on a new cash purchase. We have rented for hols twice now and are pretty sure a Cali would enrich our lives as we approach retirement even though Calis are the world's most expensive production vans.

One thing is pretty clear to us though is that a sea change is underway. Taxes on oil burners will only increase as will restrictions on their use. The very freedom these vehicles offer as their chief USP is under threat. The transport world will look very different in another decade with all kinds of developments in battery technology which will make the argument conclusive and irrevocable.

It may well be that diesel Cali's value is actually enhanced at that stage due to a nostalgia for internal combustion and existing vehicles surely will enjoy some grandfather rights of use. You might have to wait a long time for that though and the more likely outcome would be devaluation. The only reason values are where they are is because VW control supply very carefully and there is still no credible alternative. People like us justify that ticket price to ourselves because it is an emotional life-purchase, would save significant amounts in traditional holiday costs and the knowledge that historically reliable residuals limit the risk.

For now it is a risk we are not prepared to take - having arrived at the stage in life where we would be able to buy cash - has taken a lifetime of sensible decisions and that is a habit that is very hard to cast off especially if some of the justifications above start to look doubtful.

It is of course, ironic that this should all come to pass just as the diesel engine reaches its apogee of development. It is the 'right' power unit for the Cali and does not deserve to be lumped in with older oil-burners which were, let's face it, filthy things.

I am sure we will become owners of a Cali at some stage but probably not one which you need to pour oil and urea into. Which means we will have to wait even longer, and for that we are saddened.

 

[Ryemslie]

We have been considering purchase for several years. We were very close to pulling the trigger on a new cash purchase. We have rented for hols twice now and are pretty sure a Cali would enrich our lives as we approach retirement even though Calis are the world's most expensive production vans.

One thing is pretty clear to us though is that a sea change is underway. Taxes on oil burners will only increase as will restrictions on their use. The very freedom these vehicles offer as their chief USP is under threat. The transport world will look very different in another decade with all kinds of developments in battery technology which will make the argument conclusive and irrevocable.

It may well be that diesel Cali's value is actually enhanced at that stage due to a nostalgia for internal combustion and existing vehicles surely will enjoy some grandfather rights of use. You might have to wait a long time for that though and the more likely outcome would be devaluation. The only reason values are where they are is because VW control supply very carefully and there is still no credible alternative. People like us justify that ticket price to ourselves because it is an emotional life-purchase, would save significant amounts in traditional holiday costs and the knowledge that historically reliable residuals limit the risk.

For now it is a risk we are not prepared to take - having arrived at the stage in life where we would be able to buy cash - has taken a lifetime of sensible decisions and that is a habit that is very hard to cast off especially if some of the justifications above start to look doubtful.

It is of course, ironic that this should all come to pass just as the diesel engine reaches its apogee of development. It is the 'right' power unit for the Cali and does not deserve to be lumped in with older oil-burners which were, let's face it, filthy things.

I am sure we will become owners of a Cali at some stage but probably not one which you need to pour oil and urea into. Which means we will have to wait even longer, and for that we are saddened.

If you have the money now then I’d say the sensible thing would be to buy a T5.1 for sensible money & enjoy what it has to offer instead of missing out on something you’ve clearly longed for several years. Any vehicle is going to lose you money & even if dieselgate does start impacting on residuals then I can’t imagine it’s going to fall off a cliff, that would put a lot of companies specialising in motorhomes out of business. What’s the alternative right now or in the next few years?

 

[Cali-on-Camping]

It saddens me when I see posts from people who over analyse things and are too careful when it comes to purchase, even though they have the means.

Both my parents were nervous spenders to the point where they were paranoid about consequences that, looking back, were unlikely. They had dreams but were aftaid to invest in achieving them, unfortunately they both died relatively young and I would say they didn’t get the most out of life.

As most have said, any dramatic change in law around Diesel engines that would really limit the enjoyment of having a California is unlikely to be overnight, and more likely a generation away.

When my mum passed away last year, 5 days later I bought our Cali. We had been taking about it for a few months and I didn’t want to just talk, action was required. We haven’t looked back and the 20 nights we’ve spent away in it as a family has brought us closer and we are relishing our 2018 adventures.

If you have the means, invest in your dreams and enjoy life.

 

[soulstyledevon]

I just took delivery of a fully electric work van (Nissan).
Max range, just over 100 miles.
Had the heating on and radio and killed the battery with just 45miles.

Not going to make any judgements yet.

 

[Sad]

We have been considering purchase for several years. We were very close to pulling the trigger on a new cash purchase. We have rented for hols twice now and are pretty sure a Cali would enrich our lives as we approach retirement even though Calis are the world's most expensive production vans.

One thing is pretty clear to us though is that a sea change is underway. Taxes on oil burners will only increase as will restrictions on their use. The very freedom these vehicles offer as their chief USP is under threat. The transport world will look very different in another decade with all kinds of developments in battery technology which will make the argument conclusive and irrevocable.

It may well be that diesel Cali's value is actually enhanced at that stage due to a nostalgia for internal combustion and existing vehicles surely will enjoy some grandfather rights of use. You might have to wait a long time for that though and the more likely outcome would be devaluation. The only reason values are where they are is because VW control supply very carefully and there is still no credible alternative. People like us justify that ticket price to ourselves because it is an emotional life-purchase, would save significant amounts in traditional holiday costs and the knowledge that historically reliable residuals limit the risk.

For now it is a risk we are not prepared to take - having arrived at the stage in life where we would be able to buy cash - has taken a lifetime of sensible decisions and that is a habit that is very hard to cast off especially if some of the justifications above start to look doubtful.

It is of course, ironic that this should all come to pass just as the diesel engine reaches its apogee of development. It is the 'right' power unit for the Cali and does not deserve to be lumped in with older oil-burners which were, let's face it, filthy things.

I am sure we will become owners of a Cali at some stage but probably not one which you need to pour oil and urea into. Which means we will have to wait even longer, and for that we are saddened.

As difficult as it may be, and as expensive as the Cali can be, I'd try not to let an unknown future spoil your now...

Agree with Ryemslie, look at sensibly priced second hand if you don't want to spend all your cash...

 

[jts46]

It saddens me when I see posts from people who over analyse things and are too careful when it comes to purchase, even though they have the means.

Both my parents were nervous spenders to the point where they were paranoid about consequences that, looking back, were unlikely. They had dreams but were aftaid to invest in achieving them, unfortunately they both died relatively young and I would say they didn’t get the most out of life.

As most have said, any dramatic change in law around Diesel engines that would really limit the enjoyment of having a California is unlikely to be overnight, and more likely a generation away.

When my mum passed away last year, 5 days later I bought our Cali. We had been taking about it for a few months and I didn’t want to just talk, action was required. We haven’t looked back and the 20 nights we’ve spent away in it as a family has brought us closer and we are relishing our 2018 adventures.

If you have the means, invest in your dreams and enjoy life.

Agree entirely with you. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, six months before her sister aged 50 died of the same disease.
After her operation and radiotherapy we decided to buy our first campervan a T4 2.4 diesel home conversion. We have never looked back.
We now have a Cali 2006 from new, and have travelled all over Europe and planning a trip to New Zealand in 2019 and hiring a camper

 

[Kmann]

If rumours speak true VW will end production of the petrol California after summer (sept). And the 100% electric ID Buzz will be produced as a camper not earlier than 2020. Meanwhile the diesel will continue production in some form and I think you will see diesels around for many years to come. That said it is a technology that is on its final round. In a distant future we will all transport us around on differend energy supplies - if we stay long enough. In other words: Enjoy your life now!

 

[Digger]

HectorPascal has concerns and perhaps should just hire as this would still allow enjoyment of the California. I must admit the negativity created by the hysteria of the press and politicians amazes me. The end date suggested for new diesels is more than 20 years away. The reality is they will be around a lot longer.
I visited some of the largest wind farms in the country and one thing was confirmed by their engineers. Wind can never produce anything like the requirements today and if there was a massive uptake of electric vehicles - their words - not a hope in hell. Miracles happen but it would require nuclear or some undiscovered source to meet demand. As things stand 65% of Germans power is produced by coal and even more in China. Live today and use resources properly and enjoy life.

 

[Bellcrew]

HectorPascal has concerns and perhaps should just hire as this would still allow enjoyment of the California. I must admit the negativity created by the hysteria of the press and politicians amazes me. The end date suggested for new diesels is more than 20 years away. The reality is they will be around a lot longer.
I visited some of the largest wind farms in the country and one thing was confirmed by their engineers. Wind can never produce anything like the requirements today and if there was a massive uptake of electric vehicles - their words - not a hope in hell. Miracles happen but it would require nuclear or some undiscovered source to meet demand. As things stand 65% of Germans power is produced by coal and even more in China. Live today and use resources properly and enjoy life.

27 percent of Germany's electricity comes from lignite, now that stuff makes coal look good.

 

[Borris]

Hello Mark,

The way I see it is:
1. The future of the petrol Cali is uncertain.
2. The future of the diesel Cali is uncertain.
3. The future with a hybrid Cali is uncertain.
4. The future with an all electric Cali is uncertain.
5. And for that matter, the future with any Cali is uncertain.

Is your future with a Cali uncertain? I suspect you've already made up your mind to have one and if that's the case and you have the funds to get one now, my advice would be to sieze the day and buy a diesel version now. Think of all the fabulous adventures you will have missed if you wait for all of the above to get sorted out.

Despite all of the current ballyhoo about diesels they will be around for many years to come and IMO represent the most sensible and environmentally friendly Cali option at present. You can think about a hybrid or all electric Cali IF they ever materialise, which I doubt will be anytime soon.

Yes, the diesel Cali may be subjected to higher levels of tax and diesel may eventually be restricted from certain inner city areas. However the taxation levels on all vehicles will rise and that will inevitably include the current panacea of all current environmental transport troubles - the electric vehicle. As for entering inner city areas, how many Cali owners use their vans in these areas?

Do it. You won't regret it.

 

[SLHT6PEARL]

Well said borris ,go for it have a diesel I’m sure the residual value over a petrol will be better, who’d buy a petrol with high mileage knowing you’ll be rebuilding the engine a lot sooner than diesel?

 

[Wongo]

Super clean diesel also on the way from Norway

 

[Aubisque]

One thing I am certain of is no-one will be on their deathbed regretting buying a Campervan.