How far is too far?

[The Blue Merle]

Here’s a silly question for a Monday morning. I wonder how far people have travelled to collect their Calis (and are we mad)? We live in Britain’s most easterly point, on the Norfolk coast and, after much deliberation, have ordered our T6.1 Coast from Liverpool Van Centre. So, according to Google Maps that’s 268 miles away, but we thought what the heck, it’s not a bad starting point to get to some lovely places and we’ll head straight from the forecourt, onto our first adventure! Anyone gone further?

Southampton to Edinburgh, hire car one way loaded up with camping gear. Then spent two weeks up in Scotland enjoying the van and had to pop back to get dealer to sort minor issue.
Had no other choice though as it was the only club joker for sale in the uk at the time.

 

[Graham T]

I have you all beat. I live in Dallas TX and will be picking my Cali up from the dealer in Amsterdam in the Autumn

Wow. Just Wow!!

 

[Graham T]

A mere 202 miles from London to Liverpool van centre. Another thumbs up for the train one way. In precovid times we enjoyed the scouse hospitality in the city centre overnight and then took the local train out to VW.

That’s our plan exactly. Now if the days could just count down a bit quicker...

 

[Anthony1]

Here’s a silly question for a Monday morning. I wonder how far people have travelled to collect their Calis (and are we mad)? We live in Britain’s most easterly point, on the Norfolk coast and, after much deliberation, have ordered our T6.1 Coast from Liverpool Van Centre. So, according to Google Maps that’s 268 miles away, but we thought what the heck, it’s not a bad starting point to get to some lovely places and we’ll head straight from the forecourt, onto our first adventure! Anyone gone further?

When I bought my second California, we were living in South London. We did a deal over the phone/internet for an very low mileage ex-display model and part-ex for my vehicle. We had to drive to Penrith - a round trip of 560 miles. Well worth it though.

 

[stephen watson]

I live in Kendal and flew to Northern Ireland from Liverpool to pick up my 3 month demo vehicle. Even with Ferry cost back it was the cheapest deal for me. Good little adventure as well.

 

[splitmike]

I live in Plymouth down in the Southwest and bought mine from a German dealership in Frankfurt am main. Was met at the train station. My insurance sorted Number plates fitted tank of fuel put in for me and away I went. That was a few years ago now. But if Brexit rules allow I'd happily go and get another.

 

[Croydongirl]

Why not? Treat it as an adventure. Go by train if possible and take a posh picnic.

I would have no qualms about going hundreds of miles to collect a vehicle if it was a really great deal. However that would only apply to a new vehicle which should always be fault free. However do discuss the handover with the garage before you go and tell them that you will require a full comprehensive handover by the person you have dealt with in person. Tell them that you are very fussy so if there are any faults it may result in a rejection. I believe the Liverpool Van Centre has a good reputation on the forum so everything should be fine. If there are any issues on the day it will be down to the garage to resolve to your satisfaction.

The main issue that will occur is where to get it serviced as returning to Liverpool would be impractical.

Don't be tempted to have it delivered.

Interested in your comment Borris - we have VW dealer offering to deliver our Cali Ocean this coming week. They said due to covid restrictions we cannot do a handover drive at the dealership. Would your caution about handover apply to this on a brand new vehicle? Thanks

 

[Borris]

Interested in your comment Borris - we have VW dealer offering to deliver our Cali Ocean this coming week. They said due to covid restrictions we cannot do a handover drive at the dealership. Would your caution about handover apply to this on a brand new vehicle? Thanks

Hello Croydongirl,

Yes, very much so. Unfortunately, even new vehicles can have issues. I sincerely hope yours is fine though.

I understand the current reasons why test drives aren't possible but they won't be able to do one at your home either so why have it delivered? What precisely do they suggest happens on your driveway? Will it be purely a dump and run exercise? I admit that I don't know how dealers are completing handovers at present but I am pretty sure they can't all be home delivering new cars without a proper handover.

If you're spending a whole heap of your hard earned on a new vehicle then the dealer should be giving you a full unabridged handover covid or no covid. This is important on any vehicle whether new or second hand but especially so on a California Ocean. These vehicles are complex and need explaining properly to a new owner. Whilst not ideal, I see no reason why that cannot be possible providing:

1. Masks are worn.
2. The 2 metre distance rule is adherred to.
3. And finally, the dealership offers you a coffee whilst they disinfect everything the salesperson has touched, at their expense.

If you allow them to deliver it, as others on this forum have done, then it may arrive dirty or damaged in some way or possibly missing some vital accessory. If that were to happen you could find yourself regretting the decision.

No, if possible it's always best to examine the vehicle thoroughly on their property BEFORE handing over any cash. That way, providing you keep hold of your debit card whilst doing so, if you do find anything dirty, missing, damaged or faulty then you will have their undivided attention. If you pay for it first and they then deliver it and rush off straight away, if there is anything wrong you are putting yourself at an immediate disadvantage. Mind you they would still be duty bound to resolve any matter but having already received your payment they might be less interested in giving it their full urgent undivided attention..

I remember reading about one poor forum member who had his Cali delivered to somewhere in Scotland. It arrived both filthy and damaged. If memory serves he was initially asked to have it repaired locally and they would pay! I don't know about you but taking delivery of a new vehicle should be a good experience, not one that leaves you very disapointed.

Good luck.

 

[Jandy61]

Don’t forget you will need a certain amount of equipment to go off camping straight from the forecourt, sleeping bags and a gas bottle for starters, or drive to the nearest camping supplies shop and do a trolley dash for kit, sounds like a great idea though,

 

[Graham T]

Don’t forget you will need a certain amount of equipment to go off camping straight from the forecourt, sleeping bags and a gas bottle for starters, or drive to the nearest camping supplies shop and do a trolley dash for kit, sounds like a great idea though,

Yes, good point Jandy61. We’re going to carry what we can and get the rest on the road. We won’t be far from the club shop too so maybe a few accessories (a club sticker or two at least) on the way home? Bonus!

 

[cowboyengineer]

Hello Croydongirl,

Yes, very much so. Unfortunately, even new vehicles can have issues. I sincerely hope yours is fine though.

I understand the current reasons why test drives aren't possible but they won't be able to do one at your home either so why have it delivered? What precisely do they suggest happens on your driveway? Will it be purely a dump and run exercise? I admit that I don't know how dealers are completing handovers at present but I am pretty sure they can't all be home delivering new cars without a proper handover.

If you're spending a whole heap of your hard earned on a new vehicle then the dealer should be giving you a full unabridged handover covid or no covid. This is important on any vehicle whether new or second hand but especially so on a California Ocean. These vehicles are complex and need explaining properly to a new owner. Whilst not ideal, I see no reason why that cannot be possible providing:

1. Masks are worn.
2. The 2 metre distance rule is adherred to.
3. And finally, the dealership offers you a coffee whilst they disinfect everything the salesperson has touched, at their expense.

If you allow them to deliver it, as others on this forum have done, then it may arrive dirty or damaged in some way or possibly missing some vital accessory. If that were to happen you could find yourself regretting the decision.

No, if possible it's always best to examine the vehicle thoroughly on their property BEFORE handing over any cash. That way, providing you keep hold of your debit card whilst doing so, if you do find anything dirty, missing, damaged or faulty then you will have their undivided attention. If you pay for it first and they then deliver it and rush off straight away, if there is anything wrong you are putting yourself at an immediate disadvantage. Mind you they would still be duty bound to resolve any matter but having already received your payment they might be less interested in giving it their full urgent undivided attention..

I remember reading about one poor forum member who had his Cali delivered to somewhere in Scotland. It arrived both filthy and damaged. If memory serves he was initially asked to have it repaired locally and they would pay! I don't know about you but taking delivery of a new vehicle should be a good experience, not one that leaves you very disapointed.

Good luck.

Because currently it’s illegal for them to do that. So it’s a dump and good bye or here are the keys and good bye please don’t step inside the showroom and goodbye

 

[Borris]

Because currently it’s illegal for them to do that. So it’s a dump and good bye or here are the keys and good bye please don’t step inside the showroom and goodbye

Thanks Cowboy engineer. You are right of course. I should have googled it first.

Apparently showrooms are allowed to open again on the 12th April. So @Croydongirl, you would be better off making an appointment to collect on or after that date.

 

[Max Wild]

We had ours delivered on 1st March as it was the only option.

Thankfully everything was fine bar 1 scratch on a plastic trim. Dealer travelled 3 hour round trip to come and replace the trim without a quibble - in fact I suggested they post it and I’d replace but they insisted.

 

[Croydongirl]

Hello Croydongirl,

Yes, very much so. Unfortunately, even new vehicles can have issues. I sincerely hope yours is fine though.

I understand the current reasons why test drives aren't possible but they won't be able to do one at your home either so why have it delivered? What precisely do they suggest happens on your driveway? Will it be purely a dump and run exercise? I admit that I don't know how dealers are completing handovers at present but I am pretty sure they can't all be home delivering new cars without a proper handover.

If you're spending a whole heap of your hard earned on a new vehicle then the dealer should be giving you a full unabridged handover covid or no covid. This is important on any vehicle whether new or second hand but especially so on a California Ocean. These vehicles are complex and need explaining properly to a new owner. Whilst not ideal, I see no reason why that cannot be possible providing:

1. Masks are worn.
2. The 2 metre distance rule is adherred to.
3. And finally, the dealership offers you a coffee whilst they disinfect everything the salesperson has touched, at their expense.

If you allow them to deliver it, as others on this forum have done, then it may arrive dirty or damaged in some way or possibly missing some vital accessory. If that were to happen you could find yourself regretting the decision.

No, if possible it's always best to examine the vehicle thoroughly on their property BEFORE handing over any cash. That way, providing you keep hold of your debit card whilst doing so, if you do find anything dirty, missing, damaged or faulty then you will have their undivided attention. If you pay for it first and they then deliver it and rush off straight away, if there is anything wrong you are putting yourself at an immediate disadvantage. Mind you they would still be duty bound to resolve any matter but having already received your payment they might be less interested in giving it their full urgent undivided attention..

I remember reading about one poor forum member who had his Cali delivered to somewhere in Scotland. It arrived both filthy and damaged. If memory serves he was initially asked to have it repaired locally and they would pay! I don't know about you but taking delivery of a new vehicle should be a good experience, not one that leaves you very disapointed.

Good luck.

That has given me a lot to think about @Borris - so thank you very much for taking the time to write back to me. I think my heart is ruling my head too much - Im on holiday for 2 weeks from this Friday and I think I was wanting to have the van to play with in my holiday. However as @cowboyengineer points out - we can't actually go to the showroom at the moment. I think that your advice of waiting until 12th April is a better idea as we live in south London and the dealership is down in Dorset - so a long trip for either party to put right any faults/omissions etc. T/he fact that @Max Wild had a problem suggest we maybe should not risk this - your point @Borris about how difficult it is to get some businesses to rectify a fault AFTER you've handed over the cash is a very strong one. Looks like I might have to hold on to my dream for another fortnight! aargh!! ;-(
I really appreciate how quickly you have all responded - what a great club this is!!

 

[Johnboy]

Well I did things slightly differently .....
I cycled from Swansea to Hereford for mine, I had the VW bike rack included for the drive back.

 

[Graham T]

Well I did things slightly differently .....
I cycled from Swansea to Hereford for mine, I had the VW bike rack included for the drive back.

A round of applause, I think.

 

[andyinluton]

That has given me a lot to think about @Borris - we can't actually go to the showroom at the moment. I think that your advice of waiting until 12th April is a better idea as we live in south London and the dealership is down in Dorset - so a long trip for either party to put right any faults/omissions etc.

I wouldn't wait.

There is nothing to stop you picking up an already purchased new vehicle from a showroom. What is not allowed is a showroom open to all & sundry to wander round just looking.

If there is a fault, the workshop should still be open to fix it straight away, the only difference is that you won't get a full handover demonstration. Nothing to stop you spending an hour inspecting & checking etc before you drive off, & if you are not happy get them to fix or at least acknowledge in writing that there is a fault.

The only inconvenience would be if there is something that needs sorting, you may have to go away for an hour or two, you may not be allowed to wait indoors at the dealers.

 

[Borris]

That has given me a lot to think about @Borris - so thank you very much for taking the time to write back to me. I think my heart is ruling my head too much - Im on holiday for 2 weeks from this Friday and I think I was wanting to have the van to play with in my holiday. However as @cowboyengineer points out - we can't actually go to the showroom at the moment. I think that your advice of waiting until 12th April is a better idea as we live in south London and the dealership is down in Dorset - so a long trip for either party to put right any faults/omissions etc. T/he fact that @Max Wild had a problem suggest we maybe should not risk this - your point @Borris about how difficult it is to get some businesses to rectify a fault AFTER you've handed over the cash is a very strong one. Looks like I might have to hold on to my dream for another fortnight! aargh!! ;-(
I really appreciate how quickly you have all responded - what a great club this is!!

I personally think the wait will be well worth it. It's far better to inspect and pick up a pristine fully prepared Cali straight from their showrooms with zero miles than to have your slightly used van dumped outside your house covered in road grime after having been thrashed down the motorway by someone who doesn't have anything invested in it.

If it were me I would start today by making an appointment to collect it. Discuss the handover with the salesperson. Tell them that you are very fussy and that you want he/she to deal with you in person on the day. You want to fully inspect it first and then receive a full handover before parting with any cash. If you are paying cash inform your bank/building society before hand of the forthcoming transaction and get them to note it down against your account otherwise you could experience problems on the day. You still might but a quick phone call should resolve that. Treat the trip as an adventure. Go by train and take a posh picnic. If possible, get the dealer to pick you up from the station.

Use the return trip back to get acquainted with your lovely new van. Finally, have fun.

 

[andyinluton]

I personally think the wait will be well worth it.

But what is the wait for? dealers are open for collection of vehicles & servicing etc, just not for speculative viewings.

 

[Borris]

But what is the wait for? dealers are open for collection of vehicles & servicing etc, just not for speculative viewings.

Well it's a choice @Croydongirl has to make.

If she hasn't owned a california before then a full hand over could be very instructive and save her getting into difficulties later on or worse still, damaging something. Mind you the worth of a full handover seems to vary from dealer to dealer. From what members have reported some just seem to throw you the keys whilst others e.g SMG Tonbridge, take great pride in explaining every feature and the pit falls of not doing things correctly.

If she is going to be offered a full handover then I agree, there is no point in waiting. However there seems to be some doubt as to whether the dealers are doing that at present. Not having purchased a vehicle during the pandemic I am not certain what level of service they are providing to new car buyers. However, I am certain of what level of service I would require.

 

[Croydongirl]

So Ive decided to bite the bullet and go for this model rather than wait until Christmas. The dealership have offered to drive it up to my house tomorrow and do a handover at social-distance. The delivery fee is £640 .They said they are paying for fuel for both the van and the spare car to take the salesperson back to the dealership. It will be about a 7 hour round trip for them I suspect. Has anyone else taken a home delivery in the past year? If so how was it?

 

[Dodge1311]

So Ive decided to bite the bullet and go for this model rather than wait until Christmas. The dealership have offered to drive it up to my house tomorrow and do a handover at social-distance. The delivery fee is £640 .They said they are paying for fuel for both the van and the spare car to take the salesperson back to the dealership. It will be about a 7 hour round trip for them I suspect. Has anyone else taken a home delivery in the past year? If so how was it?

Hi,

I have had a few cars that have been driven deliveries I must admit i don't normally pay for it though, they normally ask for a charge if its being transported to me.

Yours is a little different as you are i guess paying for 2 mens wages.

Only think i would say is that when i have had cars delivered i haven't ever had a hand over as such. I have simply taken ownership and then driven the driver to the nearest train station ( i live in the sticks) and it has been a "professional driver" that has made the delivery not a "sales person". As a california is fairly specialised, i would suggest you get a video hand over done in the morning post it here or ask someone on here that has some credibility to review what it is you are being shown and use one of the handover checklists to go through once the car arrives.

You are obviously a little distance away from the dealer so dont want to need them to retrospectively fix things for you, so take as long as you need to check everything tomorrow. I am a little bit secretly jealous i wish my new van was arriving tomorrow but wont be too long now i hope. Good luck and don't forget the pictures.

 

[Krispy]

So Ive decided to bite the bullet and go for this model rather than wait until Christmas. The dealership have offered to drive it up to my house tomorrow and do a handover at social-distance. The delivery fee is £640 .They said they are paying for fuel for both the van and the spare car to take the salesperson back to the dealership. It will be about a 7 hour round trip for them I suspect. Has anyone else taken a home delivery in the past year? If so how was it?

I took a home delivery of a demo Ocean that had previously only been on showroom display. This was back in December. Was covered in road salt when it arrived, which was kinda disappointing but understandable given that it was a sub zero.

Got a nasty surprise when after handing over the keys the dealer informed me that while I was the registered user, the official owners of the vehicle would be the dealer for the next couple of months in order to meet VW's rules on selling demo models. They didn't telll me this until after I had paid and it had been delivered.

I read up on the situation after they set off, and I wasn't happy about it at all. So I called them while they were still on the road driving back to the dealership, and told them they should come and pick up the van again. 10 minutes later they called back to say it was all sorted, and I was now the official owner. V5 came a couple of days later.

Had I collected from the dealership, don't imagine they would have tried to pull this one on me. And it would have looked (and been) brand spanking new. Then again, it would have involved me taking a train plus taxi to the dealership in the height of lockdown and then driving it 3 hours home again - risking my life with Covid. So all things considered, I'm glad I did it this way.

 

[Abx]

25 minutes away for me when I collect my 6.1, but more than happy to travel for a new toy and would have if I had needed to for the right deal, my old 5.1 came from Wales, my M3 from Nottingham and my A45 from Aberdeen....and I live in Kent, the Aberdeen trip was a train, a tube and then a flight and then a day and a half drive home!

 

[AlisonF]

So Ive decided to bite the bullet and go for this model rather than wait until Christmas. The dealership have offered to drive it up to my house tomorrow and do a handover at social-distance. The delivery fee is £640 .They said they are paying for fuel for both the van and the spare car to take the salesperson back to the dealership. It will be about a 7 hour round trip for them I suspect. Has anyone else taken a home delivery in the past year? If so how was it?

I collected mine recently. I said I wanted to do a thorough check before leaving so they parked it up in a quiet area and left me to check it over.
With the forum check list and access to ask questions on here whilst you are there - you would probably get more help than from many sales guys who don’t really know the Cali.