Older Cali question - Buying advice

[Daveb999]

Hi

After losing my job I had to pull out of getting a shiny new Cali back in May. Now I have the opportunity of picking up a low mileage (50k) 2007 T5 Cali 180BHP SE. It has a full service history and recent MOT.

Any issues I should ask about before buying?
Although low mileage what’s the thoughts on a Cali this age? (Although it seems they run for years)
Price range for this age / mileage of vehicle?
- It has heated seats, cruise control, Awning and overall seems in very good condition

Thanks in advance

 

[Alan Andrews]

There are buying guides/checklists in the VIP area that you can download.

 

[T6 CFO]

Hi Dave.

I’ve no personal knowledge but recall seeing threads on the issue.

I did a search for 180BHP and found this which may be of some help.

Early 180bhp engine problems - is this still 'a thing' in 2020?

Hi folks - looking to buy our first California and budget will stretch to an early 5.1 model. I am aware of the engine issues on the 180bhp cars, thanks to this forum, but there seems to be many more 180 than 140bhp vehicles around of this vintage. Also a more powerful engine would be preferable...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Mike

 

[2into1]

If it’s 2007 it’s not a 180. Maybe a 174 or a 130, both with the 5 cylinder engine. Cracked exhaust manifolds are a common issue. Auto gearboxes can give trouble and are an expensive repair. But they are great value and the same camping experience.

 

[Azteccamper]

Hi

After losing my job I had to pull out of getting a shiny new Cali back in May. Now I have the opportunity of picking up a low mileage (50k) 2007 T5 Cali 180BHP SE. It has a full service history and recent MOT.

Any issues I should ask about before buying?
Although low mileage what’s the thoughts on a Cali this age? (Although it seems they run for years)
Price range for this age / mileage of vehicle?
- It has heated seats, cruise control, Awning and overall seems in very good condition

Thanks in advance

My first conversion was in a 2007 2.5 T5 which I am sure this is based on. Fantastic engine, lovely tone and pulls like a train if the 174bhp version - the 130 bhp was also good. As with anything this age a couple of things can go wrong. When I sold mine 4 yrs ago at 100k miles I had changed the dpf, clutch and dmf and egr valve along with usual springs, brakes, etc. The one above has covered 4k miles per year average which is low - some might say this is good, others not as these vans do like to get used. They are expensive to repair - so factor this into price.
The Cali you are interested in will offer the same camping experience of newer models - be warned though - they are addictive!

 

[Sad]

We had a 2008 174 up until last year, loved it, and even on the meets people couldn't believe the van was as old as it was. Has the same layout and usability for a fraction of the cost.
My advice would just be to check everything, get the checklist from the VIP section. When you first get there, turn the fridge on and make sure it cools - but with engine off and not on hook-up (earth shunt hadn't been done on ours). Press every button and make sure it does what it's supposed to, roof up and down a few times, check the gas connector hose has been replaced. Other things to consider? Maybe check the roof drains are clear, the roof WILL have rust, make sure all the front window blinds are there. If it's clean and tidy and everything works
The rest of it's just a van! Tyre wear, wheel bearings, servicing...

 

[Cali Virtuoso]

... Check the leisure batteries and when they were replaced!
We have a 2013 180 SE and love it, bought four years ago but we did need to replace the batteries. We were rather green and just fell in love at first sight ... Good luck with everything.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi

After losing my job I had to pull out of getting a shiny new Cali back in May. Now I have the opportunity of picking up a low mileage (50k) 2007 T5 Cali 180BHP SE. It has a full service history and recent MOT.

Any issues I should ask about before buying?
Although low mileage what’s the thoughts on a Cali this age? (Although it seems they run for years)
Price range for this age / mileage of vehicle?
- It has heated seats, cruise control, Awning and overall seems in very good condition

Thanks in advance

As others have said, check the year and engine size/type as 2007 and 180hp are incompatible.

 

[cooky73]

At 50k miles the running gear will be OK as long as it has been serviced...

I would say you are looking at <£30k for a 2007...

 

[Sad]

When you first get there, turn the fridge on and make sure it cools - but with engine off and not on hook-up (earth shunt hadn't been done on ours).

Confusing myself now!! The heater is to do with the earth shunt, not the fridge ‍ So yeah, make sure the heater works with no hook up or engine running...

 

[Sad]

Confusing myself now!! The heater is to do with the earth shunt, not the fridge ‍♂ So yeah, make sure the heater works with no hook up or engine running...

Hmmm... Interesting use of emoji!!

 

[Daveb999]

Hi Dave.

I’ve no personal knowledge but recall seeing threads on the issue.

I did a search for 180BHP and found this which may be of some help.

Early 180bhp engine problems - is this still 'a thing' in 2020?

Hi folks - looking to buy our first California and budget will stretch to an early 5.1 model. I am aware of the engine issues on the 180bhp cars, thanks to this forum, but there seems to be many more 180 than 140bhp vehicles around of this vintage. Also a more powerful engine would be preferable...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

Mike

Thats a really helpful thread - I should have done a better search before posting - thanks for pointing it out

 

[Daveb999]

Lots of great feedback, thanks.

It’s a friend and i have been offered ‘mates rates’ of £25k. It’s has FSH and MOT history doesnt show many issues, anything raised has been remedied.

 

[Paulro]

We have an 07 Cali.
80k.
We are the second owners from 3 yrs and 36k.
Full VW history. (I’m not entirely convinced this is any better than a good independent specialist).
Firstly, it’s great. Has everything you’d ever need and everything works.
It’s a 130 manual and I’m sure the 174 will be a great engine.
Theres no cambelt to worry about with these engines.
We have had a couple of things go wrong in the last 2 years.
Replacement turbo. O/s drive shaft. New manifold. New egr valve and intercooler.
So, not cheap at main dealer prices.
I could afford to upgrade but don’t feel a need to.
I’d say, do your research and go for it.
Please feel free to pm me if you need more help.

 

[Daveb999]

We have an 07 Cali.
80k.
We are the second owners from 3 yrs and 36k.
Full VW history. (I’m not entirely convinced this is any better than a good independent specialist).
Firstly, it’s great. Has everything you’d ever need and everything works.
It’s a 130 manual and I’m sure the 174 will be a great engine.
Theres no cambelt to worry about with these engines.
We have had a couple of things go wrong in the last 2 years.
Replacement turbo. O/s drive shaft. New manifold. New egr valve and intercooler.
So, not cheap at main dealer prices.
I could afford to upgrade but don’t feel a need to.
I’d say, do your research and go for it.
Please feel free to pm me if you need more help.

Really good details, thanks

 

[Karlos]

... Check the leisure batteries and when they were replaced!
We have a 2013 180 SE and love it, bought four years ago but we did need to replace the batteries. We were rather green and just fell in love at first sight ... Good luck with everything.

Hi if that's your postcode in your details I would advise changing it, you don't want to advertise your vans location.

 

[reserves]

For £25k it’s good value. Especially during these times.

 

[Karlos]

Posted on another thread but I’m buying a 2009 Beach, a LHD 2.5 130 manual in what seems quite remarkable condition for its 111K miles for £15K. Sold the Ocean with a view to getting something a little bigger with more facilities and end up with a Beach!

From one extreme to the other, enjoy.

 

[Cali Virtuoso]

Hi if that's your postcode in your details I would advise changing it, you don't want to advertise your vans location.

 

[Cali Virtuoso]

Thanks very much indeed, didn't realise that the postcode was visible to others ...

 

[Karlos]

Thanks very much indeed, didn't realise that the postcode was visible to others ...

My pleasure.