Living With The VW ID. Buzz: The Truth After 7,500 Miles

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A transcript, cleaned up by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.

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Transcript:

Host: Hello again. We’re here with Dilip. You might remember him from nine months ago when he took delivery of this beautiful ID. Buzz back in March.

Dilip: Yes, nine months ago. After waiting about seven years, I finally got the Buzz—and I’m still loving it. I use it for local driving, road trips, and camping. I’ve taken it to Oregon, Northern California, and even Canada.

Host: Canada—wow. So you’ve really been using it. Let’s get into it.

Dilip has now owned his ID. Buzz for nine months. Time really does fly. If you recall, we filmed a video when he first took delivery. Today, the odometer shows just over 7,500 miles—7,574 to be exact.

Host: You’re checking that from the app, not the dash.

Dilip: Yeah, sometimes the mileage doesn’t show right away on the dash unless you do certain things, so I usually just check the app.

Host: And this is your first EV ever?

Dilip: First EV in my life. My parents had a Westfalia camper, though, so camping has always been part of my background.

Host: So now you’ve combined EV ownership with camping. Did you feel limited at all going into this?

Dilip: At first, yes. I had concerns about charging, battery drain overnight, and the lack of a dedicated camping mode. I wondered if I’d wake up with no battery or freeze overnight.

My first trip was just a one-night local trip to figure out what I was missing. I had no window coverings, and there happened to be a restaurant and RV lot nearby—so it was very much a learning experience. That trip helped me build a checklist.

First thing: window coverings. Second: a comfortable sleeping mattress, which I already had. I also used the camping chairs and blanket VW gave customers, plus a sleeping bag.

Each trip added something new. At one point I realized I needed a garbage bin. It’s been a gradual setup.

Host: And you’re using the camping box now. What kind of camping have you done?

Dilip: A mix. I’ve camped at a local campground near Seattle with full infrastructure, which I really enjoyed compared to tent camping—no cold ground, no rolling off a mattress, no rocks. I slept warmer and better.

I’ve also stayed at RV lots and done beach camping. Waking up and opening the back to see the Pacific Ocean is something I’ve always wanted to do.

It’s not primarily a camper or my daily driver—I have another car for errands—but it fits both needs well. When I don’t need the camping setup, I can lift it out, even though it’s a bit heavy. Otherwise, it drives like a normal car.

Host: You’ve done trips to Oregon, Northern California, Vancouver, and British Columbia. That California trip must’ve been around 1,500 miles round-trip.

Dilip: Easily. Early on, those trips were also about learning—how the infotainment works, charging networks, and just being a first-time EV owner. There was some normal range anxiety at first.

Over time, I learned how Electrify America works, how different charging apps work, and how each region sometimes needs a different app. And of course, everyone wants to talk to you while you’re trying to figure out a charger because the Buzz is such an icon.

I almost wanted to wear AirPods sometimes just to focus. That happens less now.

Host: Now you also have access to Tesla Superchargers with the adapter.

Dilip: Yes, even though the car still has a CCS port, that access really helps. On one trip back from Northern California, I noticed fewer chargers along the coast compared to I-5, so I adjusted my route.

Having access to Tesla Superchargers effectively doubles charging options, which really reduces anxiety.

Host: Have you charged at a Tesla Supercharger yet?

Dilip: Not until today. I actually just tried it for the first time. I already had the Tesla app and the VW adapter. I unlocked the stall through the app, attached the adapter, plugged in, and it started charging.

The only thing I noticed was that when charging stopped, I had to unlock the connector using the key—just a double press and it released.

Host: In Europe, this is simpler since everyone uses the same plug.

Dilip: Exactly. I charged at Tesla Superchargers there years ago. I wish it were that simple here.

Host: One thing worth mentioning is the moonroof.

Dilip: Yes. Sleeping in the back with the moonroof makes it feel much less claustrophobic. I’m sensitive to enclosed spaces, and that openness really helps. It doesn’t wake me up at night, though early morning light does come through a bit. You can dim it, and even then, some light comes in—but not enough to bother me.

Host: You also added a rooftop tent.

Dilip: Yes, though we’ve only tested it here in the driveway so far. It’s a Dometic 140 Air. It’s compact, mounts to the roof racks, and inflates automatically. You do have to access it from outside, so you don’t get the car’s heating or cooling—you’re on your own out there.

We’re looking forward to trying it, especially for trips with multiple people. Everyone gets their own space.

Host: Sounds like you’ll have a dedicated camping video coming.

Dilip: Definitely.

Host: After nine months, how do you feel overall?

Dilip: I still love it. I’m still learning—especially the infotainment system. Every week I discover something new.

I’ve had both recalls done. One was the brake issue, which was quick, and the other was a seat adjustment related to the camper box. The service experience was smooth.

Host: Would you do it again?

Dilip: Absolutely. If you offered me a second camping box, I’d take it.

Host: That says it all. Thanks so much for catching up.

Dilip: Thank you.

Host: Subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode, and we’ll see you next time.