GOLF SAVANNA 499 POP TOP

Mike
A short time ago in thread 143001 the same van is discussed. That may be of interest!

I bought that exact van late last year. While I was very happy with the value for money, and the layout was perfect for our specific needs, I was eventually very disappointed with some of the workmanship on it. To cut a very, very long story short, mine was a 2021 build and is one of what people are calling "Pandemic Vans". Built in a huge rush to try and satisfy the incredible rush for vans. The workmanship in places is unbelievably bad.

Having said all that......

It tows beautifully. I am towing it with a 200 Series so there's a bit of an advantage there. Sometimes I honestly forget it's there. But I reckon it will tow nicely behind the BT as well. I had 2 x 120 ah Lithiums, and a 2000 watt inverter fitted. I did this mainly to run my computer and monitors as I often work while away. But I can also make toast any time I like! (draws 140 amps while doing it though!)

I'm a smidge under 6ft and a bit on the heavy side and I find the combo ensuite very tight for a shower, but way, way better than heating a bucket of water over the fire. The toilet is also so much more civilised than our old camper trailer days.

If you're going to look at one, make sure of the following;

1) Get on yer back and look underneath before making final payment. I sure wish I had, but I must say, haven't had any problems yet and I can fix most of the stuff under there myself anyway (mainly poor protection against sharp edges for pipes and electricals)

2) Try the ensuite out for size before buying. It does have an external shower as a plan B though.

3) Make doubly sure you know the tare weight and just how much you can carry. You'll use up the standard payload very quickly. Consider a GVM upgrade for the van if you can't travel very lightly. Mine has a 500 kg payload but that is not standard.

4) Mine has a 180 litre three way fridge. Had no problems so far but some people complain they don't work very well on gas when it's very hot outside. Some prefer smaller compressor fridges but beware of how much battery power you'll have for that.

5) Consider the seating layout. Mine is an L shape, others are a cafe style.

6) Be prepared for dust if you go offroad. I fitted my own positive air pressure system consisting of a marine bilge fan, flexible hosing, a small Donaldson air filter and an external pre cleaner.

7) Go here; https://www.facebook.com/groups/golfvansforsale and do as much homework as you can on the Golf vans. I bought thinking it was a very good brand with a good reputation. I have been a bit disappointed but to be honest, I haven't had any real major dramas in the first three months and 4500 kms of ownership. Don't know how long that will last though. Many others have no complaints at all, but there's a few other unhappy campers like me as well.

Good luck. Do your homework, inspect thoroughly, and stand your ground.