Camperfamily
VIP Member
Top spec, VB air, T6.1.
Price seems reasonable for a rare spec van that you can no longer buy new.
(Clearly you can buy a new Multivan Cali, but that’s a bit of a different proposition and assume you’ve already landed on a T6.1 meeting your needs better).
Price seems reasonable for a rare spec van that you can no longer buy new.
(Clearly you can buy a new Multivan Cali, but that’s a bit of a different proposition and assume you’ve already landed on a T6.1 meeting your needs better).
Ch1pbutty
Super Poster
VIP Member
Do your research on VB air.
W
Wannabecamperman
Find another ten grand and get the T7 version with 5+ promise.
B
Bear
T7 is not for me. Want the proper kitchen and AWD with diff lock to give me confidence on adventures as the solo driver.
Up10
Lifetime VIP Member
When you have made your final decision and/or have choose your van, would you post back here and let us know your decision?
I feel we have been on a journey with you and it would be lovely to hear the final outcome.
B
Bear
Yes I will. It’s always nice to follow through.
Sad
Top Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
'Always nice to follow through' sounds, well, not nice!
W
Wannabecamperman
I just can't reconcile nearly £70 grand for van that is over 4 years old and out of warranty! That's just absurd in my view. Even a 24 plate T6.1 Ocean 4m with most of the 5+ promise would be cheaper and still enough to get the VB air suspension left over, surely?
And how important is that Haldex 4m to you anyway? It's not like it's permanent 4WD, and UK usage case is almost nil for 99% of people.
Black Forest
VIP Member
Californication69
Bill
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
Although I always thought the 4M on the 6.1 was a great benefit. As the 6.1 is rear heavy and never enough grip on the front wheels.
The Cali Ocean MV / t7 is available in 4WD.
But not needed as it’s a much more planted drive.
A good set of winter tyres / Michelin cross climate will get you off 99.9% of wet grass with fwd.
I was a firm believer of 4WD.
But I just have never needed it.
In all my 30 years of driving in road and campsites.
But again 6.1 4m is better than 6.1 fwd.
W
Wannabecamperman
I always ran Mercedes and BMWs which were a mare with RWD in the winter and no weight over the rear wheels. They'd spin in a heartbeat with the slightest bit of mud, ice, or wet incline, so I upgraded my GLA to 4-Matic and loved the permanent 4WD.
But since owning a Tesla and buying my wife a cheaper Chinese EV, the FWD traction is amazing. Zero issues at all.
Modern cars with decent tyres very rarely need 4WD for 99% of UK usage cases, so why pay so much extra for a Haldex system. I just can't believe that this and VB air suspension justify nearly £70 grand for a 4 year + old van! Bonkers.
Up10
Lifetime VIP Member
Camperfamily
VIP Member
Yes, of course, the T6.1 California is the same base vehicle as the T6.1 Transporter/ Caravelle/ Multivan (the name of the Caravelle in various markets, but not the UK for T5-6.1). As was the case for the T4-T6.1 California.
The latest California however is based on the VW Multivan (itself build on the MQB platform), which is a different vehicle to the latest Transporter (built by Ford).
I was simply referring to the latest Cali being based on the latest Multivan, rather than the latest Transporter.
WelshGas
Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
Not quit correct.
The VW Transporter 4Motion is a permanent all-wheel-drive system that uses an intelligent coupling to detect wheel spin and instantly distribute torque to the wheels with the best traction. It is ideal for slick, snowy, or off-road conditions, offering superior stability, especially when towing.
Devaprem
VIP Member
Apart from the sound advice which others have posted, I just want to add a few things about the VB air suspension - I had this on my previous Cali (a T6 Ocean).
* Do check that the self levelling has been fitted, as this was an optional extra when I bought it. Have it demonstrated to you or check it is there and works on the remote control functions. I found in a few situations that the self levelling didn't offer enough levelling range. I'm not sure of the spec for the maximum level function (definitely a 7 degree incline was too much) but at least it helped in those situations a little
* Has it also got the emergency inflation valves (also an optional extra)? These were fitted on mine near the vehicle starter battery - a quick look under the bonnet will be needed). In the event of an air leak, intermittently filling the faulty suspension valve using a tyre pump may get you home or to a garage somewhere, depending on how severe the leak is. Fortunately, I never had this happen but did give me peace of mind
* I liked some of the features, especially the reduction in road noise and ride comfort on long main road journeys but it did not handle potholes as well as I had hoped (although did offer a little improvement compared to the VW suspension). Don't expect this to be the same as the Citroen hydropneumatic suspension, for instance. I now have a T6.1 with DCC and this I find much better in handling potholes and offers good ride comfort.
* VB air is a trusted VW partner - I never had any problems with warranty work done on the vehicle because it was fitted
* Following recommendations, I had the VB air system serviced every year, although there a mixed opinions of frequency of service (with one dealer saying it is never needed!). If you do buy the vehicle, have a VB air dealer check it out. I do recommend Rosmia in West Sussex if they are near you
Good luck with whatever you decide!
* Do check that the self levelling has been fitted, as this was an optional extra when I bought it. Have it demonstrated to you or check it is there and works on the remote control functions. I found in a few situations that the self levelling didn't offer enough levelling range. I'm not sure of the spec for the maximum level function (definitely a 7 degree incline was too much) but at least it helped in those situations a little
* Has it also got the emergency inflation valves (also an optional extra)? These were fitted on mine near the vehicle starter battery - a quick look under the bonnet will be needed). In the event of an air leak, intermittently filling the faulty suspension valve using a tyre pump may get you home or to a garage somewhere, depending on how severe the leak is. Fortunately, I never had this happen but did give me peace of mind
* I liked some of the features, especially the reduction in road noise and ride comfort on long main road journeys but it did not handle potholes as well as I had hoped (although did offer a little improvement compared to the VW suspension). Don't expect this to be the same as the Citroen hydropneumatic suspension, for instance. I now have a T6.1 with DCC and this I find much better in handling potholes and offers good ride comfort.
* VB air is a trusted VW partner - I never had any problems with warranty work done on the vehicle because it was fitted
* Following recommendations, I had the VB air system serviced every year, although there a mixed opinions of frequency of service (with one dealer saying it is never needed!). If you do buy the vehicle, have a VB air dealer check it out. I do recommend Rosmia in West Sussex if they are near you
Good luck with whatever you decide!
W
Wannabecamperman
Nope, sorry WG. Haldex is not 'permanent 4WD' in any sense other than monitoring and reacting to tyre slip. It drives 2 wheels only until slip is detected. You're at risk of confusing people here.
Mercedes' 4-Matic is what's known as permanent 4WD as it drives all 4 wheels continuously, unlike VW 4- Motion which drives 2 wheels until needed, which is to say 99% of the time for most UK drivers.
B
Bear
Thank you for your reply. Do you think the van air suspension system - it is full air and does include the self levelling function - do you think it will put potential buyers off in the event of me selling the van down the line? Not planning on but there will be a lot of capital tied up in the van at this price point.Apart from the sound advice which others have posted, I just want to add a few things about the VB air suspension - I had this on my previous Cali (a T6 Ocean).
* Do check that the self levelling has been fitted, as this was an optional extra when I bought it. Have it demonstrated to you or check it is there and works on the remote control functions. I found in a few situations that the self levelling didn't offer enough levelling range. I'm not sure of the spec for the maximum level function (definitely a 7 degree incline was too much) but at least it helped in those situations a little
* Has it also got the emergency inflation valves (also an optional extra)? These were fitted on mine near the vehicle starter battery - a quick look under the bonnet will be needed). In the event of an air leak, intermittently filling the faulty suspension valve using a tyre pump may get you home or to a garage somewhere, depending on how severe the leak is. Fortunately, I never had this happen but did give me peace of mind
* I liked some of the features, especially the reduction in road noise and ride comfort on long main road journeys but it did not handle potholes as well as I had hoped (although did offer a little improvement compared to the VW suspension). Don't expect this to be the same as the Citroen hydropneumatic suspension, for instance. I now have a T6.1 with DCC and this I find much better in handling potholes and offers good ride comfort.
* VB air is a trusted VW partner - I never had any problems with warranty work done on the vehicle because it was fitted
* Following recommendations, I had the VB air system serviced every year, although there a mixed opinions of frequency of service (with one dealer saying it is never needed!). If you do buy the vehicle, have a VB air dealer check it out. I do recommend Rosmia in West Sussex if they are near you
Good luck with whatever you decide!
WelshGas
Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
Read the following . 40-60 split at engine start then variable depending on traction requirements. I think you would call that permanent?
4MOTION All-Wheel-Drive Technology | VW Vans
Explore the Volkswagen’s 4MOTION technology, designed to maintain traction while off-road with improved road holding and safety in poor surface conditions
www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
Ch1pbutty
Super Poster
VIP Member
Possibly.. We looked into it and only live a few miles from the installer, but decided that could be a huge issue if we had issues when far from home as only a few garages have the expertise to fix it, so we stuck with conventional suspension.
VB air ride failure - what replacement?
Hi , I mounted 3 years ago the VB air suspension, front and rear . Since then the VB dealer replaced 3 times the front suspensions because of a failure . The last time they've been replaced lasted until today when the front left started again to leak air . I decided to take it off and replace...
Devaprem
VIP Member
It may affect resaleability. Your question reminded me of the time I was considering trading in my T6 for a 6.1 being sold by a VW main dealer. The dealer asked if I had full service history for the VB air system. I recommend that you ask the seller for the full service history for the system (ideally done at yearly intervals).
Also, for more info on my previous Cali's VB air suspension system, see my post at https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/vb-air-suspension.42843/
Also, for more info on my previous Cali's VB air suspension system, see my post at https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/vb-air-suspension.42843/
W
Wannabecamperman
That just confirms what I stated, WG, 'When needed' is NOT 'permanent' 4WD. I think we're agreeing here, but semantics make this confusing for some, WG. : - (Read the following . 40-60 split at engine start then variable depending on traction requirements. I think you would call that permanent?
4MOTION All-Wheel-Drive Technology | VW Vans
Explore the Volkswagen’s 4MOTION technology, designed to maintain traction while off-road with improved road holding and safety in poor surface conditions
Many 4WD systems are permanently engaged 4WD, such as Mercedes' 4-Motion, others such as VW Haldex system (and dual-motor Teslas for example), send 4WD power WHEN NEEDED, so we agree it's monitored and instant, but means that in reality only 2WD is the case for the majority of the time.
Hopefully that clears up the distinction between permanently-engaged 4WD and permanently-monitored 2WD with a 4WD suchg as the VW 4-Motion Haldex system.
WelshGas
Retired after 42 yrs and enjoying Life.
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
If you read the information you always have drive to ALL 4 wheels , just the % to each axle/wheel will vary. With a Diff Lock then this becomes fixed across the axle. Very similar to the Mercedes system, but VW use a 60/40 split on the Transporter.
Types of 4MATIC Systems
Mercedes utilizes different configurations depending on the vehicle type: [1, 2]
- Variable 4MATIC: Ideal for efficiency, this setup can switch from front- or rear-wheel drive to an even front-rear split when conditions worsen.
- Permanent 4MATIC: Commonly found in larger SUVs, this configuration maintains a fixed torque split (e.g., 45:55 for the E-Class) for consistent stability and comfort.
- 4MATIC+: A high-performance version found in AMG models that can send up to 100% of torque to either the front or rear axle. It often features a "Drift Mode" that temporarily turns the car into a rear-wheel-drive vehicle
W
Wannabecamperman
Again, this is not my understanding or experience. Any 4M owner will confirm that the vast majority of the time only the front 2 wheels are powered, by design to reduce emissions and consumption. Haldex AWD technology is a part-time AWD system that constantly keeps the rear driveshaft engaged, however, the differential it connects to remains inactive under normal driving conditions, as I mentioned.
So I guess we'll have to agree to differ, WG. The point is that for most UK drivers, 4WD is very rarely needed, thus doesn't justify the huge premium being charged on this thread's 22 plate, £67k van. In my view.
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