The time has come for a change.

[WelshGas]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

 

[Mr T]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Good for you Paul. I hope the new vehicle is as reliable and enjoyable as your Cali has been for the past 10 years. It’s certainly taken you on some amazing adventures.
Glad you’re sticking around too Best wishes.

 

[Azteccamper]

Well may I wish you all the very best. You are a goldmine of knowledge and always willing to help others - it is always appreciated. I can certainly see the reasons for your new direction. Keep enjoying. Pete

 

[willwander]

New van sounds exciting, I can totally understand your reasoning, I do hope you‘ll continue to stick around.
I would miss you.
You are so knowledgeable, helpful, kind, sometimes infuriating, but always entertaining. The forum wouldn’t be the same without you.

 

[CaliforniaSeb]

Thank you for your help with various issues I have had with my Cali. Enjoy your new adventures in your multivan.

 

[colintfcolintf]

You have to do what’s best for you I must thankyou for the help and advice that you have helpfully given me in the past. Please don’t become a stranger on here WelshGas

 

[larrylamb]

Whaaaaaat! No Nordkapp 2025!

I agree with the sentiments above, enjoy your new ride.

 

[Meoncoast]

All the best. Looking forward to some pictures of your new van.

 

[Nick.C]

Hi Paul, thank you for all of the help and advice over the years. Many of us will hope to be able to continue to draw on your knowledge and experience so please don’t disappear from the Club.

 

[Californication69]

Good luck old pal.
You can always rent when you get the itch.

 

[Betsycalifornia]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Sounds like a well thought through decision to me. Enjoy the future and whatever it brings.

 

[Lambeth Cali]

Wow, good luck with the new wheels. Thank you for all your help and knowledge.

134k is quite impressive. I think we’re upto half that after 15yrs.

 

[KGCali]

Good luck with your new Hybrid Multivan Paul it sounds perfect for your future travel plans and the next 134,000 miles of life's adventures. Thanks for your many years of advice, knowledge and humour on the forum,

 

[calikev]

Yes good luck with your new van Paul and from me and Martin thank you for your input over the years

 

[JuanVecino2023]

Always enjoyed your posts since I joined this forum. And your depth of technical knowledge could be a solid retirement income as a consultant to the VW dealers…

Completely agree re your sentiment about comfort vs camping. I mix and match in ours, I see it as a family car we have the option of sleeping in.

Really interested as to your perception on what’s changed in camping post Covid. Were returners to the game as a family, having checked out of camping for 20 years.

Best wishes with the new wagon!

 

[WelshGas]

Whaaaaaat! No Nordkapp 2025!

I agree with the sentiments above, enjoy your new ride.

They have a Hotel.

 

[kurienp]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Time to open a SWB hybrid Multivan section in this forum to document your experiences. I am sure it will become a Well of knowledge in due course

Well, if you're getting one with those Flexi seats, you can use it with the seats folded as a bed I think. So you're not going very far!

Enjoy!

 

[IanE]

Thanks for all the amazing advice WelshGas - here’s wishing you much enjoyment in your next phase!

 

[pchmlk]

It was a post of yours that lead me to the forum initially and I’ve been amazed at the knowledge you have of these things! Thanks for being so generous with your input to the forum.
Enjoy the new adventure!

 

[Barbara]

Having just returned from almost 5 weeks in Australia, touring around New South Wales we have finally come to decision.
Over the past 50 + years we have holidayed in tents, caravans , from a small 4 berth to a twin axle 7 berth as the family grew, all over the U.K. and Europe and since retirement have Campervaned all over the U.K. and Europe covering over 134,000 miles in the past 10 years in our trusty 2014 T5.1 E 180 biturbo. ( which still doesn’t use oil between annual oil changes )
What the last 5 weeks have confirmed is, we do still like driving and visiting places but we do like the luxury of hotel stays, meals out, staying in European city/town centres rather than campsites on the outskirts and the fact that “ camping/campervanning “ has changed since Covid.
So, what to do?
We had our California valued at a VW Dealership just before our trip Downunder with a few to purchase a New California.
While at the Dealership we viewed a new SWB Multivan Hybrid Style.
Last week we contacted the Dealership salesman we had spoken to and have now completed the purchase of a Hybrid Multivan Style SWB in Black that we pick up on the 5th November. All done by email from Australia.
So after 10 yrs , virtually fault free ownership of our California a new Chapter opens up.

I’m sure I’ll still be around for a while, AND I won’t be asking for my Account to be deleted and so if I can be of any assistance, just ask.

Glad you will stay on the site your comments have been very valuable. Hope you enjoy your new car.

 

[RoB5urf]

Interesting choice. Presumably you need to provide a taxi service for grand kids etc? Good luck WG.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

So will your old van be up for sale or did you P/X. Good van for someone, hard to find a decent 180 with an honest full history.

 

[ArunAlec]

Glad you’re going to stay on the forum. Your input and knowledge has been invaluable.
Reckon you must have the record for the most posts?

 

[Benham]

Good for you! I do hope you stay on this forum as you are a superb encyclopedia of California information.

 

[WelshGas]

So will your old van be up for sale or did you P/X. Good van for someone, hard to find a decent 180 with an honest full history.

Part ex.