Ultimate T4 Westfalia

[Herrie]

Another California/Westfalia specialist in the North of the Netherlands can be found in Tynaarlo, near the A28: www.westfalia-campers.nl/. Prices are on the high side yes, but both of these dealers know what they are talking about.

 

[bxl_lad]

Indeed - there's also 'Multicampers' in the Netherlands too... (http://www.multicampers.nl/) - Very freindly and helpful staff...

 

[Padraic]

Hi everyone, first of all thanks to everyone for their help and opinions on this post so far. I have spotted a Cali which has caught my eye, however it does not seem to have much main dealer service history, so I'm not sure yet if its worth the trip to go see it.
I seem to remember someone mentioning here on the forum before that that they have a checklist that is useful when going to see a cali to ensure that everything is checked, if anyone has a copy of this check sheet it would be great.
Regards Padraic.

 

[WelshGas]

Hi everyone, first of all thanks to everyone for their help and opinions on this post so far. I have spotted a Cali which has caught my eye, however it does not seem to have much main dealer service history, so I'm not sure yet if its worth the trip to go see it.
I seem to remember someone mentioning here on the forum before that that they have a checklist that is useful when going to see a cali to ensure that everything is checked, if anyone has a copy of this check sheet it would be great.
Regards Padraic.

Available in the VIP Download Section, along with lots of other useful information.

A VW Dealers Service history is not the be all and end all it used to be. There are some very good Independant VW specialists. What is important is that there is a Service history and the possibility that you can check out that history.

 

[Padraic]

Available in the VIP Download Section, along with lots of other useful information.

A VW Dealers Service history is not the be all and end all it used to be. There are some very good Independant VW specialists. What is important is that there is a Service history and the possibility that you can check out that history.

Hi, yes I know of two local guys who worked for VW for years, but now they have their own garages, so its the same quality of service but without the main dealer price tag.
It just becomes a bit more difficult to verify such a service history in a foreign country.
I'm in contact with the seller and getting as much info as possible and some more detailed pictures. I'm going to get a friend who can speak their language to give them a call to get more info before I decide to go and see it.

 

[sidepod]

Are we talking 4 or 5 here?

I'd be happy to make a check list of T4 stuff if you need it.

That said, I spent just shy of £24k knowing I was going to hand it over to my man for a full check over.
The resultant bill was £2.5k.
The van is almost as good as new now.

You pays yer money and takes yer choice.

I think the key is to make sure all the camping kit is good and works and the body is good. The rest is fixable easily.

The key is assessing the owner. Tosser or consciousness?
I know which one I bought from.

 

[Padraic]

Are we talking 4 or 5 here?

I'd be happy to make a check list of T4 stuff if you need it.

That said, I spent just shy of £24k knowing I was going to hand it over to my man for a full check over.
The resultant bill was £2.5k.
The van is almost as good as new now.

You pays yer money and takes yer choice.

I think the key is to make sure all the camping kit is good and works and the body is good. The rest is fixable easily.

The key is assessing the owner. Tosser or consciousness?
I know which one I bought from.

A T4 Freestyle is what I'm after.
Yes I understand that after buying that it, it will need checking and work done.
I believe that the mechanical stuff is straight forward, I am a rally mechanic so I can do a lot of work myself if needed, so yes the condition of the camping equipment and bodywork seems to be key.
You are right regarding the owner, I usually start an email conversation first to see if they are willing to provide info on the Cali, its a good way to asses to owner.
It would be great if you could get me a checklist.

 

[Padraic]

Hi all, I have been viewing a California freestyle for the past few weeks online, I have been in contact with the owner and had a few chats. He has sent me a lot of photos, and I'm happy with the look of it so far.
Its a 2003 California freestyle, 150 hp in silver
200,000 KM 2 owners
Fitted with Brandrup rail, Fiamma F45 awning, bike rack for three bikes.
Removable two hitch
Sat-Nav, ESP, CD Changer, cruise control, heated seats, night heater, dark glass.
The owner assures me that it has no rust and never had an accident.
It sounds like a nice Cali.

I have a few questions though?
The three connectors in the middle console, at the bottom, what are these for?
Is the ESP worth having?
Is the tinted glass double or single glazing? If it is single glazing, is it going to be much colder?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Regards Padraic.

 

[sidepod]

The three inputs are for AV into the MFD1.

I have the same setup. Basically throw it in the bin. The MFD is ancient tech as is the CD player.
Replace the CD player with the storage cubby hole (see separate thread) and the MFD with an up to date double DIN head unit.

No idea what ESP is?

Sounds like you have tinted double glazing, same as mine.

Is this the one on eBay with the snapped cambelt?

I did start to think about a "Westy check list" but I couldn't really come up with anything worth mentioning.
Apart from the basic T4 sills and arches thing there is bugger all goes wrong.
Just common sense, make sure everything works and it's been looked after.

 

[Padraic]

The three inputs are for AV into the MFD1.

I have the same setup. Basically throw it in the bin. The MFD is ancient tech as is the CD player.
Replace the CD player with the storage cubby hole (see separate thread) and the MFD with an up to date double DIN head unit.

No idea what ESP is?

Sounds like you have tinted double glazing, same as mine.

Is this the one on eBay with the snapped cambelt?

I did start to think about a "Westy check list" but I couldn't really come up with anything worth mentioning.
Apart from the basic T4 sills and arches thing there is bugger all goes wrong.
Just common sense, make sure everything works and it's been looked after.

Yes I saw your other tread, yes that would be my plan, to fit a new modern double din unit, I believe that the modern units, have all the features such as, DAB Radio, sat-Nav, bluetooth phone, DVD Player, Rear Camera input etc, etc.
I also believe its better to have one with a factory fitted Sat-Nav, as there is no cutting required when fitting a new double din unit.
I think the ESP is a electronic stability program, probably some sort of traction control.
I'm confused about the windows though, reading the specification westfaliat4.info, it reads like the tinted windows are not double glazed, have a read and let me know what you think.

Regards Padraic.

 

[2into1]

For what it's worth, my 1999 exclusive has double glazing and limo tint FILM. I'm guessing they were clear before the film. I don't know if factory tinted = single glazed. I suspect they had the technology even back then to do tinted double glazed.

 

[sidepod]

.......price?

 

[Padraic]

.......price?

Price of which?

 

[Padraic]

Hi all, I have made a check list, just to ensure that I don't overlook anything when calling or viewing a Cali.
Is there anything else I should add to it??

Make
Model
Year
Milage
Number of previous owners
Has it ever had any accident
Has it ever had any bodywork repair
Last engine service
Last timing belt replaced
Condition of the tyres

What is included in the sale?
Awning
Bike rack
Porta poti (toilet)
Extra seating for two people
Additional storage pockets
Anything else??

Equipment fitted
Sat-Nav
ESP
Heated front seats
Cruise Control
Hands Free Telephone
Airconditioning
Fridge working okay
Level sensors working for the fresh & waste water tanks
Night heater Fitted
Night heater working
Sunroof
Any Interior damage
Double glasing
Please give details of any defects or known issues

 

[sidepod]

Put the roof up and check its condition.

Check the fridge works properly.

Check the hook up works. I.e. Confirm voltage inside. Take your own cable along.

Open up the battery charger cupboard and make sure it's (a) present and (b) the correct unit.

Check alll the curtains are present including windscreen.

If an awning is fitted, wind it out and check condition.

Fresh water tank. Fill it and check tap operation. Check for leaks.

Similar waste water tank.

Check overhead control panel works and controls heating and fridge correctly.

Check heating works. Let it run for half an hour min.

Check leisure batteries.

Drive it. Straight? Goes well? A 150 will pull like a train.

The overall condition of the van should tell you if it's a good one.

 

[sidepod]

Oh......an easy way to spot a gen 150 is the position of the intercooler. It's across the front with the radiator NOT on top like the lower powered units.

 

[Padraic]

Hi there, thanks for all the tips, looks like I missed a lot of things.!!!
How do I know if the charger is the correct one and if its working properly.
What checks should I carry out on the leisure batteries? Is there one or two batteries.
Good tip regarding the inter-cooler.

 

[Padraic]

I also got details of the service history, VW dealer history with its first owner, and then serviced and sold by a California westfalia specialist to its current owner. The current owner has been servicing it with his local mechanic.

 

[sidepod]

Ref charger. When plugged in on hook up and no engine running you should see the "plug" icon on the display.
Pop a voltmeter on the battery terminals and you should see 14.4v.

Visually it will look like this.....the black box at the bottom.

 

[sidepod]

Number of batteries depends on heater fitment.

 

[Padraic]

Ref charger. When plugged in on hook up and no engine running you should see the "plug" icon on the display.
Pop a voltmeter on the battery terminals and you should see 14.4v.

Visually it will look like this.....the black box at the bottom.

View attachment 20020

Hi and thanks for the detailed information, I will bring a multimeter with me. Which battery should I check, the leisure or engine battery, to ensure that the charger is working on hookup? Is the engine battery charged also while on hookup?
Is there any test to check the condition of the leisure batteries, or is it just down to age?

 

[Padraic]

Updated check list.

Make
Model
Year
Milage
Number of previous owners
Has it ever had any accident
Has it ever had any bodywork repair
Last engine service
Last timing belt replaced
Condition of the tyres
What is included in the sale?
Awning
Bike rack
Porta poti (toilet)
Extra seating for two people
Additional storage pockets
Anything else??
Equipment fitted
Sat-Nav
ESP
Heated front seats
Cruise Control
Hands Free Telephone
Airconditioning
Fridge working okay
is the fridge basket present
Level sensors working for the fresh & waste water tanks
Is the tap working
Is the sink basin present
Night heater Fitted
Night heater working
Sunroof
Any Interior damage
Double glasing
Is the electrical hookup working ok and is there a cable with the camper?
Is the charger working for the leisure batteries?
Are all the curtains present
Please give details of any defects or known issues

 

[sidepod]

Engine battery charging is only if the van has a replacement Westy charger apparently.

Its unlikely a later Freestyle will have this.

Just check the output at the leisure battery.

Re condition, not much you can do.
Ask if the owner keeps it plugged into the mains when the van isn't in use. If not then ask how old the batteries are.
Anything over 5 years and not maintained on charge are past their best.

Prob best to budget for new batteries.

Come on then, spill the beans......what, where and how much?

 

[Padraic]

Engine battery charging is only if the van has a replacement Westy charger apparently.

Its unlikely a later Freestyle will have this.

Just check the output at the leisure battery.

Re condition, not much you can do.
Ask if the owner keeps it plugged into the mains when the van isn't in use. If not then ask how old the batteries are.
Anything over 5 years and not maintained on charge are past their best.

Prob best to budget for new batteries.

Come on then, spill the beans......what, where and how much?

Ok, thanks for clarifying the charging setup.
Well its a silver 2003 VW California freestyle.
200,00 KM
Awning and bike rack fitted, removable tow bar. Porta potti.
Bought new in Stuttgart, the first owner obviously spent a lot of money on it, factory fitted sat nav, removable tow bar, ESP, cruise control, Heated seats, Brandrup rail, brandrup pockets, extra seats for two people.
VW service history with the first owner.
I'm haven't talked about money yet until I'm happy about the condition.

 

[sidepod]

Ok, thanks for clarifying the charging setup.
Well its a silver 2003 VW California freestyle.
200,00 KM
Awning and bike rack fitted, removable tow bar. Porta potti.
Bought new in Stuttgart, the first owner obviously spent a lot of money on it, factory fitted sat nav, removable tow bar, ESP, cruise control, Heated seats, Brandrup rail, brandrup pockets, extra seats for two people.
VW service history with the first owner.
I'm haven't talked about money yet until I'm happy about the condition.

Porta Poti?????

Walk away NOW!!!!