Reliable California?

[BerndRos]

Am sure they do petrol versions of the heaters as petrol engined power boats have warm air heating......

Really if these engine issues could be resolved it would all be fine as apart from those the Cali is great...had to crack open another 5litre of engine oil this morn and pretty fed up with feeding the engine on a daily basis. Still made it to a couple of miles of the Spanish border....just another 1000 to go...fingers crossed.

 

[Bluestone]

Playing at being a racing driver - hilarious

I'm not too sure that the diesel engines are being over stressed GrannyJen, the amount of power from some of the petrol variants is incredible, plus diesel are heavier and stronger (much higher compression ratio so have to be stronger) that being said, petrol has the power these days, is lighter, and of course with all the electronics on diesels petrol engines are as reliable (gone are the days for a diesel where they would just run - fuel, compression and they would start and run), diesel do offer more torque though so not sure how that would equate into a Cali - but I'm sure they will get around it - most 'vans' in the US have been petrol for ages.

The 150 and 204 will be the same base unit, mapped differently and then another turbo added to the 204PS version. this is where manufactures make their profit - engines cost pretty well the same to produce but they sell them for a lot more money, hence why a dealer will always try to up sell - there's simply more margin in the bigger engine models.

I'm not saying that this was the case with KernowLad as it seems he was a bad problem with the Cali, but I used to get lots of people saying how my old Discovery 300 TDi (bought new and did 270,000 miles in it) was unreliable, I did 45K miles a year, the average then was 10K a year, so I said if something broke every year (which of course it did!!) then this was like the average driver having something fail every four years - which sounded a lot better.

GrannyJen, I think I'm most annoyed with some of the dealers with the story of the owners (you in particular but please correct me as I can't remember if you had issues with the dealer or just the charger panel) this makes me very angry (actually I wanted at the time to fix yours for you!!), if the dealers were much more proactive and helpful when dealing with Cali issues I'm sure we wouldn't be having these rather interesting and exciting conversations on here. It's a lot of money to invest into something which we clearly all love and to have poor service on top of what ever problem we have is totally unacceptable IMO

For the moment I also feel it's the best on the market, but if VW don't sort their act out in the future with the extra interest in glamping, then there will be others which are better and will VW ever get a chance to win those owners back, yes there will always be die hard followers, but even you are looking elsewhere - and you clearly love your Cali

 

[Neilgbj]

For some reason read all of this thread.....haven't got a clue what it's about.....anyway, we're enjoying our Cali....immensely...

 

[Bluestone]

For some reason read all of this thread.....haven't got a clue what it's about.....anyway, we're enjoying our Cali....immensely...

In summary, KernowLad used to have a Cali, had some problems with it (actually lots by the sound of it) but of course loves the idea of another Cali but is weary of getting one re previous problems. Lots of stuff about VW Cali being bad, good, some slating, not slating, funny stuff, oh yeah little deviation about racing.

Conclusion: Cali's are great, some have problems, some dealers could be better, VW UK could be better, probably small percentage of problem ones compared to all sold, Poor KernoLad seriously looked like he had a pup - tough to recommend to buy again (understandable), but at least he's interested enough to get some opinions on here, so maybe another future owner (again), depends on whether it was a one off or all VW Calis have problems - but I think we've established this probably isn't the case - all Calis have problems that is

 

[calikev]

Well put

 

[Hotel California]

Well put

+ 1

 

[WelshGas]

Seriously?!!?!?!

"Nothing to do with the vehicle itself..."????????

Errr, yes sir here is your new £50,000 camper van. Please note the 'free' roof - if it rots don't blame us, it's nothing to do with the vehicle or VW so consider yourself lucky to get a roof. Goodbye and thank you".

I don't think I have ever read of a single issue with a Westfalia GRP roof (or Reimo, SCA etc etc) ever warping or rotting or falling apart. Maybe the odd leak due to a dodgy seal but to suggest any campers have ever had any roof issues to really compare to the T5 Cali misadventure is surely a joke?

I can only think that some of the people commenting as to: 'The roof issue? Pah - no issue, who cares?" have not read this through:

(start a way in or you will be jumping off a tall building after hours of it)

http://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/roof-corrosion-latest-updates.9000/page-77

Obviously I am wrong. NOT. That thread has about 10% factual/informative posts and the rest is related to how long the repair process is taking and comments about VWCS.
Lots of Google hits regarding Fibreglass roof problems/repairs and you only get a 1 yr warranty with many of them.

I suggest you read very carefully exactly what I posted.
The California is a top of the range T5 VAN - that is the VEHICLE.

VW then take this VEHICLE and add an elevating roof together with significant structural strengthening , Aluminium kitchen with fridge, gas holder fresh and grey water tanks, leisure batteries etc. Rear seat/bed etc:. It then becomes the California.

VW had a problem with the roof. They have accepted this and have a process in place to repair the fault. They are not going as quickly as some would like but it is more a cosmetic problem rather than structural and does not require immediate repair.

Oh and the roof doesn't rot, nor does it de-laminate like some fibreglass roofs. You mentioned names of roof manufacturers. I cannot be bothered to look them up . I'm sure you are right.

I've got what I want and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

 

[Bluestone]

The California is a top of the range T5 VAN - that is the VEHICLE

I must admit that the vehicle is the VW California not a T5 van.

If you say that the T5 Van is then converted to a California, then this would make it a conversion like so many other mentioned. The California is a factory built vehicle, therefore it's the same as saying all other vehicles which are based on the T5 platform are just T5 vans -converted into Kombi, Caravelle, etc etc.

It's also like saying that a top of the range car is the same as the bottom of the range car but converted to add all the extras.

This of course is why it is subject to the same paint warranty as the rest of the vehicle - it's a factory vehicle, and also why we love it so much

I spent a lot of time in Detriot in the 80's (haha scary place!!) and a friend worked for a company called Cars and Concepts - not many people know this but at the time they made 100% of the convertible cars for the US market - Ford, GM etc would ship the normal car to them and they would do the conversion, cut the roof off then roof stiffening etc. This might be more like you are describing, but IMO anything made in the factory and sold by the manufacture is the vehicle - in this instance the VW California.

I have a theory though - I bet VW didn't take into account our rubbish weather and all the damn rain we get !!

 

[GrannyJen]

The truest words said are if VW do not sort their act out ...

Their act is quite simply the best camper on the market.

Their failure is quite simply the worst dealer response that I have ever experienced.

I have experienced the best of a cali, and the worst of the customer response.

If I could ever find a Camper tomorrow, sold by someone keen to want a customer, hungry to sell a vehicle and could match the whole composite efficiency of the California then I would tell VW where to stick it's totally arrogant nose up it's totally arrogant ....

However at best no such perfect vehicle exists so I just want to experience the fun of what I have and by heck it's fun. The best smile that I have worn in years.

 

[motacyclist]

In summary, KernowLad used to have a Cali, had some problems with it (actually lots by the sound of it) but of course loves the idea of another Cali but is weary of getting one re previous problems. Lots of stuff about VW Cali being bad, good, some slating, not slating, funny stuff, oh yeah little deviation about racing.

Conclusion: Cali's are great, some have problems, some dealers could be better, VW UK could be better, probably small percentage of problem ones compared to all sold, Poor KernoLad seriously looked like he had a pup - tough to recommend to buy again (understandable), but at least he's interested enough to get some opinions on here, so maybe another future owner (again), depends on whether it was a one off or all VW Calis have problems - but I think we've established this probably isn't the case - all Calis have problems that is

Wish I had read this post to start with .....

 

[Gasgas]

I have done over 20k in my first 16 months of ownership,I've had a few niggles but all have been sorted under warranty by my local dealer ... I love my Cali and can truly say that it has inhanced my lifestyle and would not dream of changing it for any thing other than another Cali (t6 4 motion please) but then I am very brand loyal and not old enough for a Mercedes mp yet

 

[Chinny]

Hi my 2004 t5 has 212000 miles on the clock and counting I'm just about to invest £3800 on a California roof second hand fitted call me crazy but I can't afford a new bus I've got a 174 chain driven cam belt I look after it if something blows I fix I am a Vw anorak have been since I was 17 mk1 golf when I spoke to a lad called Mirko from premium campers about my roof fitting I foolishly said its a old van 2004 he said that's not old I should of realised I've had old vws my point is love cherish embrace the vehicle it will return the favour I plan to keep mine for a long time yet

 

[sidepod]

Bluestone - Not rapid prototype related perchance?

 

[KernowLad]

Obviously I am wrong. NOT. That thread has about 10% factual/informative posts and the rest is related to how long the repair process is taking and comments about VWCS.
Lots of Google hits regarding Fibreglass roof problems/repairs and you only get a 1 yr warranty with many of them.

I suggest you read very carefully exactly what I posted.
The California is a top of the range T5 VAN - that is the VEHICLE.

VW then take this VEHICLE and add an elevating roof together with significant structural strengthening , Aluminium kitchen with fridge, gas holder fresh and grey water tanks, leisure batteries etc. Rear seat/bed etc:. It then becomes the California.

VW had a problem with the roof. They have accepted this and have a process in place to repair the fault. They are not going as quickly as some would like but it is more a cosmetic problem rather than structural and does not require immediate repair.

Oh and the roof doesn't rot, nor does it de-laminate like some fibreglass roofs. You mentioned names of roof manufacturers. I cannot be bothered to look them up . I'm sure you are right.

I've got what I want and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

If the issues were only about the conversion, I would have given ours more time - it is after all a complex upgrade and also fairly bespoke. But it's the base van that's the issue. It's the 180 engine (it would appear) with it's useless EGR valve (and cooler), it's DPF and in some cases, the turbos.

Here's a few others I know of personally (not lifted from the 'net)

2011 180 LWB Combi - entire new ENGINE at 10 months old. Now sold.
2011 180 Caravelle - issues with EGR valve. DPF and one new turbo. Now sold.
2014 (64 plate) 180 Sportline Transporter - only recently bought, loads of issues with DPF and emissions light coming on. Not yet sorted and considering selling.
2012 top spec Cali 180 4motion - an enormous list of issues both with the conversion and the van. Busted electric door, EGR valve, DPF, paint problems, parking sensors, control panel, etc. Desperately trying to sell.
2011 Cali 180 (owned by a well known member here) - another long list of van and conversion related issues.

And from my local indy garage;
Entire fleet (12 vehicles) of VW Transporters replaced for Citroens after multiple issues. He is absolutely sick of modern VWs coming in for diesel related issues.

So IMO it's the base van that is the real issue not the conversion.

 

[Bluestone]

Bluestone - Not rapid prototype related perchance?

If you are referring to the C&C plant in Detroit, then oddly no, I was given a tour of the factory and they had normal production lines etc. Was odd seeing a Ford, then a GM - all in the same plant.

This was a while ago now though so I doubt this is still the case - anyway in the states most cars are built in the union free southern states now - leaving Detroit in an even worse state Some great museums (OK motor related!!) worth visiting though.

Anyway sorry off topic - again

 

[KernowLad]

Well I'm enjoying the off topic stuff; far more cheerful than broken down van talk!

 

[calimera]

Ok. Enough of the problems PLEASE. Our eyes are wide open about the issues.
Glad we changed from T5 180 DSG to T6 150 DSG . Having hired VW t5 ,looked closely at Ford Terrier by Wellhouse leisure & Marco Polo. Had madza Bongo in the past .We have decided to take the plunge with T6. Best way to travel with our terriers. Looking forward to lots of adventures & helpful, encouraging comments by fellow VW campers. The leisure battery change thread is a good example.

 

[sidepod]

talk about a thread hijack, not interested in people playing at being racing drivers lol

HaHa good stuff. People confusing ambition with ability.

 

[sidepod]

like you I would be first in the queue.

One question mark would be what to do for heating given that I spend a good deal of my time where it's cold.

Yup, petrol heater options avail, in fact I have spare unit for mine udner the bench that's petrol powered.

 

[Bluestone]

HaHa good stuff. People confusing ambition with ability.

Awesome - I get to be a child again Go on then, think I play at being a racing driver - any track, any time, I'll even give you some lessons before you go out to make it a bit more fair on you

All tongue in cheek of course, but on a serious note, racing is dangerous and sadly there are many racers who die every year, so respect for those who have given their life for something which we enjoy.

So we don't 'play' at racing - that's for people who have superchipped Caddy's And it's not ability I'm lacking - just the damn money it cost every year to race!!!

 

[GrannyJen]

Now, a totally irrational fear of mine would be how safe would petrol be compared to diesel. I say irrational because in an almighty leap of faith I would presume they would not exist if safety concerns were there.

 

[Bluestone]

Now, a totally irrational fear of mine would be how safe would petrol be compared to diesel. I say irrational because in an almighty leap of faith I would presume they would not exist if safety concerns were there.

I don't think it's irrational, this was something I thought about - it's a few years down the line which would concern me with a petrol heater - of course the standard diesel heater could stay but it would need a separate tank.

I know there was mention of heaters in boats, well one of the most common and dangerous aspects of owning a power boat is the risk of fire - happens more than you may think and with devastating results sadly.

I would hope that this would be addressed - after all the is a risk with the gas cylinder as well - I would think good annual inspection and certification of the heater would address any fears

 

[KernowLad]

Awesome - I get to be a child again Go on then, think I play at being a racing driver - any track, any time, I'll even give you some lessons before you go out to make it a bit more fair on you

All tongue in cheek of course, but on a serious note, racing is dangerous and sadly there are many racers who die every year, so respect for those who have given their life for something which we enjoy.

So we don't 'play' at racing - that's for people who have superchipped Caddy's And it's not ability I'm lacking - just the damn money it cost every year to race!!!

I'd be more than willing to get some tips; just need more practise. Good enough on the road (IAM and Cop trained) just need more practise on the track. By the time I'd learned all the corners with tuition, it was the timed laps and then it was all over!

Jen; we had a shed fire in March; proper block built, tiled outbuilding with three cans of petrol in it; by the time we'd spotted it, it was totally up in flames. Then the petrol caught; three huge booms that blew our six pétanque balls about 20ft and completely incinerated a heavy duty strimmer. Yikes! The upside is a better mower and strimmer and a non leaking new shed.

But as a means of propulsion, I will always favour petrol.

Calimera; surely terriers should go in a Ford Terrier?!

 

[Bluestone]

I'd be more than willing to get some tips; just need more practise. Good enough on the road (IAM and Cop trained) just need more practise on the track. By the time I'd learned all the corners with tuition, it was the timed laps and then it was all over!

It was actually directed at Sidepod and the other who suggested that we 'play' at racing and the remark sidepod made about ability etc.

It's normal for people who haven't raced to think it's easy or they can do better etc. Get it all the time with people who've done a couple of track days, think they're fast, end up at the back of the grid a few seconds slower than the slowest racer and give up.

You sound like a different story KernowLad, well trained and willing to learn - damn it's tough sometimes racing - 30 cars all the same racing a few inches from each other without knocking each other off and still trying to make a place without losing one - I did Rockingham in the (very wet) this year and went from 12th on the grid to 4th off the start, then lap 2 out braked myself at the hairpin and ended up in last place - only to have to fight the whole race to get back in the top ten

Seat time is the only way to learn on track, but seriously (so we don't get told off for going off topic again ), if you want to have a go at racing then let me know and I can put you in touch with a few people - it's not cheap, but damn it's worth it and so much fun.....mmmm reminds me of another vehicle we all talk about

 

[Bluestone]

Although reading back what sidepod wrote I probably owe them an apology perhaps he was saying I do have ability if so, sorry sidepod and thanks for supporting me, if not see above