The Burning Question: How Much Does Your Dream California Ocean Cost? (And Is It Worth Selling Your Left Kidney?)
Ah, the VW California Ocean. The pinnacle of #vanlife dreams. It's got everything: a pop-up roof that screams "look at me, I'm living my best wilderness life!", a mini-kitchen that says "who needs fancy restaurants when you can burn questionable sausages over a camping stove?", and enough sleeping space for...well, two adults and a particularly enthusiastic small dog (let's be honest).
But before you dive headfirst into van #influencer territory and convince yourself that selling your worldly possessions is a wise financial decision, there's a crucial question that needs answering: how much does this beauty actually cost?
Fasten Your Seatbelts (Because Buckle Up, Buttercup)
Let's just say the price tag of a VW California Ocean can range from "hey, that's not too bad!" to "hold on a second, is this a typo?". Here's the breakdown:
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The Base Ocean: This is your starter pack for #vanlife. Think Ikea furniture that folds up cleverly, rather than bespoke mahogany countertops. We're looking at a starting price of around £60,000 (or roughly $79,310 in USD). Not cheap, but hey, it's an adventure, right?
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The Ocean With All the Trimmings: Now we're talking! We're adding fancy features like a more powerful engine (because who doesn't love hurtling up mountains in a campervan?), an upgraded sound system (because singles karaoke sessions under the stars are essential), and maybe even a fancy awning (because who wants to get rained on while admiring the view?). Expect the price to nudge towards £77,000 ($101,000 USD) for this tricked-out version.
But Wait, There's More!
Of course, that's not the whole story. There's additional stuff to factor in:
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Location, Location, Location: Prices can vary depending on where you buy your Ocean. Just like houses, campervans cost more in fancy areas (shocking, I know).
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The Haggling Hustle: Don't be afraid to negotiate! You might be surprised at what a charming smile and a sob story about your nonexistent inheritance can achieve.
So, Is It Worth It?
Ultimately, that's for you to decide. If your idea of a perfect weekend involves battling for a campsite amongst hordes of tourists and dodging rogue rogue squirrels while you "cook" dinner, then the VW California Ocean might be your perfect match.
But, if your bank account screams silently in the corner and the thought of questionable sausages fills you with dread, there are perhaps cheaper ways to achieve that #vanlife aesthetic. Think converted vans, second-hand bargains, or even just pitching a really good tent (they come in some pretty fancy styles these days!).
The Final Verdict:
The VW California Ocean is undeniably cool. But is it cool enough to justify potentially selling a vital organ? Probably not. Although, if you do decide to take the plunge, make sure to document your adventures on social media. After all, what's the point of living your best #vanlife if nobody sees it, right?
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