Greetings everyone. First proper post. The reason to come in now? And why this post? My MP has been ordered! So, new owners (shortly). Will try to cover it all in one go, so bear with me!
Interest started around 4 years ago on a camping trip to Cornwall with my wife. Kids are grown up now so we were back in a tent after a very long time. We pitched next to a VW Cali and, while driving around, became aware there were loads of camper vans about, which got me thinking. At our age, suddenly the idea of having a van rather than a tent appealed. The problem was the packing up every time you wanted to go out for a drive during the day - or so I thought.
We debated the bigger van (more space, but less manoeuvrable) against the smaller van (less space, but easier to drive). Given the amount of time that we would be likely to drive, decided the smaller vehicle would suit us better. The footprint of the Cali is about the same as my car and I want to enjoy the driving.
Then came the clincher. I discovered the drive away awning! The only debate at the time was actual Cali, or conversion - until the MP was announced in the UK. Really liked the look.
Waited for the reviews, then followed all the VW forum chat and watched all the you tube videos. I was going to need talked out of it, even though I hadn't even seen one in the flesh! Not many around up here. It was only couple of weeks ago we went to MB in Edinburgh where they had a demo model for sale - 220d Sport with a few extras on it.
Got the tour and a drive and it was everything I hoped it would be. Fortunately my wife was sufficiently, although perhaps not equally, as smitten as I was.
It was a nice van, decent price, but I thought a lot about it (you'll have gathered I do a lot of thinking!) and decided that if I was going to do it, and it was likely to be only once, I was going to get exactly what I wanted.
I had made an enquiry on Carwow back in October and the top discount was 7.2%. We decided the timing was right for us now, so I asked the lad at the dealer if he could match that discount and, if so, he would have my order that day. Well you could knock me down with a feather, he did! So I ordered.
250d AMG, Indium Grey (hoping it hides the dirt well!), driving assistance package (thinking of queuing traffic), towing package (for a tow bar bike rack), 360 degree camera, auxiliary night heater, COMAND online, me connect. Pretty much fully loaded.
I haven't even been in a Cali to compare. I've read all the debates, I get all the pros and cons of each, but I just prefer the look of the MP and could end up going round in circles forever! The dealer had a slot for an order they had made which they would have taken as a demonstrator, but changed all the spec for what I wanted. Van build date early May, then over to Westfalia with a delivery date early August.
Scott at the dealer has been very good, albeit he hasn't had much to do, but he saved me a wad of cash, so that makes him ok in my book.
Bit of a story, but thanks for hanging in there. Also, thanks to all who have contributed to the forum and helped me get to this point. For the moment I just have to keep reading and picking up helpful hints before my own adventure begins in earnest!
Cheers.