S
Spunyarn
Hi all,
Like most new people to the forum I feel like I've consumed about half the content on this site in the past few months. Have been lurking in the background and now find myself in the same position as a lot of others asking for advice before jumping in and purchasing a used cali. I'll keep it brief as I know these opening posts can make for hard reading sometimes.
Budget of about £35K which looks like it will get me a reasonable late T5.1 Cali SE. T6 are just slightly out of reach for my budget and I'd rather buy a good T5 than the cheapest T6. I'm steadfast on grey, black, dark blue or silver, and the 140 engine. I'd much rather an auto but will settle for a manual, and reliability is my main concern given that I've plans to take my other half and our 2 children to the continent in this thing. Not a complete newcomer to VW vans as 10 years ago I converted a 2008 T5 panel van with 190k miles on it, into a camper. Most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, and sold it 3 years later for about 30% more than I paid. Have missed owning a camper ever since, and so started flirting with the idea of a brand new California at the start of this year. I don't like the shape particularly, they have less space generally although I know that is a contentious topic for some, and there certainly appeared to be less room between the bed and seats (we have a labrador who needs somewhere to sleep). Those things plus the cost made me look at used Calis, and with interest rates not brilliant on used approved T6.1s, I'd rather pay cash for something a bit older and atleast if I fancy changing the wheels or adding a solar panel then it's mine to do as I please. Knowing my luck, I will buy one and the rock solid residuals that T5s and 6s have will collapse!
Reason for the post is not about my potential van choice (although if you have opinions please share as I'll take all the advice I can get) - my post is about what the REALITY of using a Cali SE will be like with a mrs, a 5 year old and a 2 year old. And the dog! Obviously space is at a premium in a cali, but they are designed to sleep 4 after all and we have experience of a VW camper so know what it's like living out of one for a few days at a time. Obviously with kids (car seats, potties, etc.) it might be completely different. So if you can offer an alternative point of view, good or bad, and have any experience to share - then I am all ears!?
You know what it's like - you buy one of these vans with your heart, based on the dream and I'm just keen to keep myself grounded so that I'm not going into this new venture with my head in the clouds!
Like most new people to the forum I feel like I've consumed about half the content on this site in the past few months. Have been lurking in the background and now find myself in the same position as a lot of others asking for advice before jumping in and purchasing a used cali. I'll keep it brief as I know these opening posts can make for hard reading sometimes.
Budget of about £35K which looks like it will get me a reasonable late T5.1 Cali SE. T6 are just slightly out of reach for my budget and I'd rather buy a good T5 than the cheapest T6. I'm steadfast on grey, black, dark blue or silver, and the 140 engine. I'd much rather an auto but will settle for a manual, and reliability is my main concern given that I've plans to take my other half and our 2 children to the continent in this thing. Not a complete newcomer to VW vans as 10 years ago I converted a 2008 T5 panel van with 190k miles on it, into a camper. Most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, and sold it 3 years later for about 30% more than I paid. Have missed owning a camper ever since, and so started flirting with the idea of a brand new California at the start of this year. I don't like the shape particularly, they have less space generally although I know that is a contentious topic for some, and there certainly appeared to be less room between the bed and seats (we have a labrador who needs somewhere to sleep). Those things plus the cost made me look at used Calis, and with interest rates not brilliant on used approved T6.1s, I'd rather pay cash for something a bit older and atleast if I fancy changing the wheels or adding a solar panel then it's mine to do as I please. Knowing my luck, I will buy one and the rock solid residuals that T5s and 6s have will collapse!
Reason for the post is not about my potential van choice (although if you have opinions please share as I'll take all the advice I can get) - my post is about what the REALITY of using a Cali SE will be like with a mrs, a 5 year old and a 2 year old. And the dog! Obviously space is at a premium in a cali, but they are designed to sleep 4 after all and we have experience of a VW camper so know what it's like living out of one for a few days at a time. Obviously with kids (car seats, potties, etc.) it might be completely different. So if you can offer an alternative point of view, good or bad, and have any experience to share - then I am all ears!?
You know what it's like - you buy one of these vans with your heart, based on the dream and I'm just keen to keep myself grounded so that I'm not going into this new venture with my head in the clouds!
. We use the wardrope between me and the mrs (she has 2 shelves and i have the top one) - video here for shelves we use.
