Looking to buy Caddy maxi life

[Sammeka]

Hi, I'm hoping someone is driving the current model to share their experience. Just saw the vehicle this month & quite impressed with it - roomy & removal seats (that's a bonus feature). I got 2 toddlers n a baby so this 7 seaters layout seems to work well for my needs.

I never own a VW nor diesel vehicle & heard they can be expensive to maintain when it comes to service. Is this true ? I currently drive a rav4 2009.

Thx

[Lams]

hello
I have a current maxi life. It is good, pretty hard to fault. Does your RAV4 have 200 killer wasps? If so, then the caddy would probably feel slow.
It doesn't go as hard as my '06 manual 1.9TDI Caddy, but it's enough for daily use. My '06 is still in the family and has 80000km now, pretty cheap to run, but those who've missed a service or two, or used the wrong oil, the turbo is really sensitive to it and will quit if not looked after.

The maxi could cost a bit in brakes, I got a new set on the '06 and they weren't cheap.

the old DSG needed new oil at 60000km (expensive) but this new one uses dry clutches, I'm not sure what is required for maintenance??

I'm very happy with mine

[Sammeka]

Hi Lams, thanks for the response. I'm pretty happy with my rav4 but needed a 7 seaters cos mom has been missing out on a few outings.

Can you tell me if adults can seat comfortably in the back seat for a 2- 3hrs trip ? without getting pins & needles on their legs

Btw, what colour is your maxi ?

[Lams]

I have the toffee brown. It looks great in the sun

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/06/IMG_6624-1.jpg

I haven't had people in the back for 2-3 hours yet, but I don't see it being a problem. But the people this caddy moves are all asian, we're comfortable in anything!

[Sammeka]

Hi, nice pic & thank you for posting it too. I was looking to get the same colour :) but had my doubt cos there wasn't one for me to see. Parramatta only had the black & silver. Your wheels look nice too, they r the 17" ?

[Lams]

There are a few toffee brown cars on carsales now.
The wheels are 18", and the bus is running KW V2 coilovers
I find most people like the colour but some think it's really ugly. Not as ugly as that solid light blue I think!
we call it the big poo bus :-)

[Sammeka]

HAHAHA, that was my 2nd thought after walking out of the sale office looking at the brochure.... Poo ! However, looking at your pics bring me back to my 1st state if mind on the colour... I like it.

Btw, no idea what you mean by 'KW V2 coilovers', I take it not something standard.

[wai]

G'day,

I have just had a test drive of a TDI250 Caddy Maxi Life and was most impressed. I had heard some horror stories of the DSG being harsh at low speeds, but did not experience any of that. The left side indicator will take some getting used to. At least the windscreen will be clear :)

Colour seems to be an issue with white being the one available and others on a 4.5 month special order.

The other dilemma is whether to go with the TDI250 or TDI320 engine. I would prefer the TDI320 however the TDI250 seemed more than capable. My concern is when it has a full complement of passengers.

Any thoughts on which to go for?

Thanks.

[Lams]

Hi Wai, when I bought mine there was one TDI320 in the country. The Caddy was not built to be a fast car, and TDI250 was enough for me... when I am in the mood I can take my wife or my mother's Eos for a spin, both have the 2.0TSI with APR :-)

I've never towed anything with mine, but have moved house with it - it took the bedroom suite, fridge, other furniture, general crap with no issues. I've never had enough weight in the back that the car felt underpowered. There's always enough torque, but just don't expect it to have great overtaking performance...

I see a lot of these things on carsales. Perhaps try another dealer? White is probably the least desirable colour, as it's the same as most delivery van Caddys. I couldn't justify the $3000 for the stronger engine, when it wasn't going to be a fast car anyway

After my mate and I did the paint protection, the toffee brown had a nice deep finish and it reminded us of tasty chocolate...

I've put 9000km on it in 4 months. Perhaps we enjoy driving it a bit too much

[Lams]

I'm also told the TDI320 4motion is coming...

[wai]

Thanks for that.

I will be going from a Hiace ABV that has 88 kW at 4,800 rpm and 220 Nm @ 3600 rpm. The thing about these figures is that they are developed at wide open throttle. In the 10 years I have had the Hiace, I have never ever had to operate it at wide open throttle and never at anywhere near the rpm. Also, as you say, it is $3000 more, and while it might be nice, it may be something that is never used, but gives you a nice warm feeling.

The other thing is that this is "equating" a normally aspirated petrol engine capacity with a turbocharged diesel engine.

I have some feelers out regarding the colour. The toffee brown is a nice colour. One Beluga Blue (solid) colour is quite nice as well.

I am going to head over to the VW web site to see if they have something like a stock locator to see if I can chase down stock.

By the way, I had the Hiace as I used it to transport my wheelchair bound father. He has passed away and my 91 year old mother is not in a wheelchair, but finds it more and more difficult to get into the Hiace, even with some steps - hence the Caddy Maxi Life. I need the carrying capacity because on occasions I have to carry bulky items in my job as a consulting engineer.

[jackmax]

I have the toffee brown. It looks great in the sun

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2011/06/IMG_6624-1.jpg

I haven't had people in the back for 2-3 hours yet, but I don't see it being a problem. But the people this caddy moves are all asian, we're comfortable in anything!

Hi Lams
It is a very nice car under sun.
Jackmax

[wai]

Well, I ordered my new Caddy Maxi Life TDI250 with 7-speed DSG yesterday. Depending on availability, my first preference is for a metallic natural grey, otherwise a metallic reflex silver. Both of these are supposed to be in stock. I also asked for 2011 build and compliance plate dates. I don't care if it is 1/2011, just as long as it is 2011.

Got a great deal, and was very grateful that the sales rep found out that I could get 10% off the base price plus 50% off the dealer delivery charge just because I was a member of a professional association. I had not bothered to check, and NONE of the other dealers told me of this. The only extras I ordered (other than the paint) were a car alarm, and headlight covers. They also gave me the best price on my trade-in, taking into account its condition, service log, and the fact that I had all the original documentation (right down to the original tag for the keys). I also have kept a fuel consumption log from the day I bought it around 12 years ago.

I should have it before the end of the month. The wait is frustrating (we want everything immediately), but I am gathering a lot of information from this forum.

[Lams]

cool. Hope you get it soon.
Volkswagen Australia approved RPEQ for corporate discount a week after I picked mine up, the pricks!

[Sammeka]

I've yet to order mine. Tell me more of this 'discount' how do you eligible for such. I might know someone who could be in the industry.

Wai, can you tell me which dealership you've been to ?

I was going to opt for the 2.0 but only test drive the 1.6. It feels ok. I thought with 2.0 it might be better (with 3kids, 3 baby seats & in a hilly neighborhood). Are you guys saying not really ?

[jackmax]

Can I ask how much?
thanks
Jackmax

[jackmax]

why not C4. $35990 on road. 2.0L TDI 7 seats. 5 start impact test. 7airbags

Regards
jackmax

[wai]

I've yet to order mine. Tell me more of this 'discount' how do you eligible for such. I might know someone who could be in the industry.

Wai, can you tell me which dealership you've been to ?

I was going to opt for the 2.0 but only test drive the 1.6. It feels ok. I thought with 2.0 it might be better (with 3kids, 3 baby seats & in a hilly neighborhood). Are you guys saying not really ?

The dealership is Volkswagen Penrith (NSW) (Nepean Motor Group).

The discount was because I am a Professional Engineer (CPEng and RPEQ) and a member of the Institution of Engineers Australia. As long as you have been a member for at least 3 months and are currently one, then the arrangement between Engineers Australia (IEAust trading name) and Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) is for members to get up to a 10% discount on the basic price of a new vehicle, and a dealer delivery cost of $1,645.00. This applies to Skoda and VW vehicles.

If you belong to another association, then you should check out the member benefits to see if they also have a similar arrangement with VGA. This is not a cost to the dealership as VGA are the ones who reimburse the dealer for the difference.

On the engine size you need to look at the torque and not the capacity when comparing a turbo diesel to a normally aspirated petrol engine.

My traded Hiace has a 2.4 litre petrol engine that has 220 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm. On a petrol engine, this is achieved at wide open throttle; something rarely achieved in normal operation. The 1.6 litre TDI250 has 250 Nm of torque at 1500 to 2500 rpm. This is at a much more usable speed. The TDI320 has 320 Nm @ 1500 to 2500 rpm. It is better, but compare the torque specification of your current car against that of the TDI250.

At the end of the day, if you feel more comfortable with a 2 litre unit, then there is the cost factor (around $3,000), a 6 speed DSG transmission, and a slightly higher fuel consumption.

[wai]

why not C4. $35990 on road. 2.0L TDI 7 seats. 5 start impact test. 7airbags

Regards
jackmax
I considered the Citroen, but there were a number of reasons for not going that way. At the time of making the decision to go with a VW, I was not aware of the discount available.

I know that many who post in forums do so because they have a problem, and there were problems reported with general finish. I know that some such comments were made when the C4 Picasso was briefly viewed by Jason Plato on Fifth Gear. Top Gear had a comment that once all the bits had fallen off it would run perfectly for years! There were comments made to the effect that the HUGE windscreen that wraps onto the roof was a "stone magnet". Another was regarding the software controlling the transmission that would suddenly put you into service mode.

The other thing is that because the third row of seats folds into the floor, leg room is quite limited and really only suited to young children. There are of course many good things about it.

For me, there was one other thing. I might be relocating to Bendigo in the not too distant future, and there is no Cirtoen dealership in Bendigo. There is a service garage that specialises in Citroens, but the nearest dealership is in Ballarat. It is also the same across Australia if you feel you need dealership support.

I have seen one in the car park at the local supermarket, and it certainly looks nice.

[wai]

On the discount deals, if you do not know if your group has a an agreement with VGA, ask the sales rep at the dealership. It is no cost to them,and if that makes you buy there, then the sales rep gets his commission. There is no reason for the sales rep not to give you a discount that is available.

[jackmax]

I considered the Citroen, but there were a number of reasons for not going that way. At the time of making the decision to go with a VW, I was not aware of the discount available.

I know that many who post in forums do so because they have a problem, and there were problems reported with general finish. I know that some such comments were made when the C4 Picasso was briefly viewed by Jason Plato on Fifth Gear. Top Gear had a comment that once all the bits had fallen off it would run perfectly for years! There were comments made to the effect that the HUGE windscreen that wraps onto the roof was a "stone magnet". Another was regarding the software controlling the transmission that would suddenly put you into service mode.

The other thing is that because the third row of seats folds into the floor, leg room is quite limited and really only suited to young children. There are of course many good things about it.

For me, there was one other thing. I might be relocating to Bendigo in the not too distant future, and there is no Cirtoen dealership in Bendigo. There is a service garage that specialises in Citroens, but the nearest dealership is in Ballarat. It is also the same across Australia if you feel you need dealership support.

I have seen one in the car park at the local supermarket, and it certainly looks nice.




Hi Wai

Thank you very much for that.

Jackmax

[Lams]

I'd love to see a 2.0TSI option in the Caddys, just like the Multivans will get...

[jackmax]

I'd love to see a 2.0TSI option in the Caddys, just like the Multivans will get...

Hi Lams,

I have question for your caddy max life toil bar. Per the manual page 138(if I am not wrong), it comes as standard. The U shape bar placed inside one of the compartment under floor / behind driver seat.

Do you have that bar and how do you fit it in to your car?

Thank you very much.

Regards

Jackmax

[jackmax]

[QUOTE=jackmax;689773]Hi Lams,

I have question for your caddy max life removable ball coupling .
Per the manual page 138(Fig.93,94 and Page 144 Fig. 95), it comes as standard. The U shape removable ball coupling is placed inside one of the compartment under floor / behind driver seat.

Do you have that bar and how do you fit it in to your car?

Thank you very much.

Regards

Hi Lams,
I have question for your caddy max life removable ball coupling .
Per the manual page 138(Fig.93,94 and Page 144 Fig. 95), it comes as standard. The U shape removable ball coupling is placed inside one of the compartment under floor / behind driver seat.

Do you have that bar and how do you fit it in to your car?

Thank you very much.

Regards

[Lams]

Hi jackmax,
I don't have a tow bar. The manual will cover a lot of stuff for different markets, and not everything is applicable to the car.
For example, it will talk about how to sync your bluetooth to your car. Unless you have phone prep then you won't have bluetooth...
that's how VW does manuals, I am sure the tow bar is a dealer-fitted accessory

[jackmax]

Hi jackmax,
I don't have a tow bar. The manual will cover a lot of stuff for different markets, and not everything is applicable to the car.
For example, it will talk about how to sync your bluetooth to your car. Unless you have phone prep then you won't have bluetooth...
that's how VW does manuals, I am sure the tow bar is a dealer-fitted accessory

Hi Lams,

Thank you very much. I have this car only 2 weeks, just 400km. This morning it had smoke after 7km drivring, like some electrical burning. now it is ok. Do you have samething during your new car run in?

Regards

Jackmax

[Lams]

well, it did smell like stuff was burning (running in) but not really smoke...

[jackmax]

well, it did smell like stuff was burning (running in) but not really smoke...

Hi Lams,

You are right. It was something smell like stuff burning. What was wrong with that? How could happened? Did you do anythig to prevent?
Thanks and regards

Jackmax

[Lams]

hey mate, it probably isn't something worth worrying about. New cars have all sorts of stuff that would burn off. Protective coatings, sealants, loctites etc etc. Then there's the DPF regen cycle every 700km or so and that really smells, you'd notice it - the car will idle higher and be noisier.

How many km have you put on it now?

[jackmax]

hey mate, it probably isn't something worth worrying about. New cars have all sorts of stuff that would burn off. Protective coatings, sealants, loctites etc etc. Then there's the DPF regen cycle every 700km or so and that really smells, you'd notice it - the car will idle higher and be noisier.

How many km have you put on it now?

Hi Lams

I just have this new car 3 weeks. It has 650Km on the clock today. The smell came last week, aroud 400kmm after normal driveing 7k in the moring (on the way to work). It has gone now.
Best regards
Jackmax