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Used Volkswagen California cars for sale

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Why buy a used Volkswagen California?

If you're in the market for a camper conversion with plenty of power and space, then a used Volkswagen California is a great choice. The iconic style, paired with the comfortable accommodation, makes this van an excellent recreational vehicle option.

Latest used Volkswagen California

Volkswagen, California

2023 (73) - Volkswagen California

2023 (73) - Volkswagen California1

Low Mileage

£69,396

Finance available £1,405 pm

*Representative example

  • 2L
  • 5.0K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Semi Auto
  • People Carrier

Vindis Northampton Van Centre

01604273260 *

Volkswagen, California

2024 (73) - Volkswagen California

2024 (73) - Volkswagen California11

Reduced

£61,995

Finance available £1,253 pm

*Representative example

  • 2L
  • 800.0

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

Highstone Motors Ltd

01709264065 *

5/5 Stars

Volkswagen, California

2013 (13) - Volkswagen California

2013 (13) - Volkswagen California78

Low Mileage

£38,950

Finance available £779 pm

*Representative example

  • 2L
  • 79.5K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

Sports and Prestige of Lichfield Ltd

01543330457 *

Volkswagen, California

2024 - Volkswagen California

2024 - Volkswagen California63

£75,991

  • 2L
  • 3.0

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham

01212228622 *

Volkswagen, California

2017 (17) - Volkswagen California

2017 (17) - Volkswagen California12

Low Mileage

£47,994

Finance available £965 pm

*Representative example

  • 2L
  • 49.5K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Manual
  • People Carrier

The Southern Motor Group Limited

01732386321 *

2.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen, California

2019 - Volkswagen California

2019 - Volkswagen California

£46,995

  • 2L
  • 66.9K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Semi Auto
  • People Carrier

Marshall Volkswagen Van Centre Oxford

01235330570 *

Volkswagen, California

2020 (20) - Volkswagen California

2020 (20) - Volkswagen California14

Low Mileage

£64,777

  • 2L
  • 14.6K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Coventry

02476480662 *

Volkswagen, California

2021 - Volkswagen California

2021 - Volkswagen California35

Low Mileage

£59,975

Finance available £1,211 pm

*Representative example

  • 2L
  • 20.0K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Semi Auto
  • People Carrier

Nationwide Vehicle Solutions Ltd

01562569635 *

Volkswagen, California

2022 (22) - Volkswagen California

2022 (22) - Volkswagen California60

£64,999

Finance available £1,314 pm

*Representative example

  • 2L
  • 1.8K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

Zoom Automotive

01934784162 *

Volkswagen, California

2024 (73) - Volkswagen California

2024 (73) - Volkswagen California24

£94,999

  • 2L
  • 10.0

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Semi Auto
  • People Carrier

Lookers Van Centre Glasgow Baillieston

01418462726 *

Volkswagen, California

2023 (73) - Volkswagen California

2023 (73) - Volkswagen California16

Low Mileage

£65,777

  • 2L
  • 3.5K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Coventry

02476480662 *

Volkswagen, California

2023 (23) - Volkswagen California

2023 (23) - Volkswagen California15

Low Mileage

£72,994

Finance available £1,479 pm

*Representative example

  • 2L
  • 7.4K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

The Southern Motor Group Limited

01732386321 *

2.7/5 Stars

Volkswagen, California

2024 - Volkswagen California

2024 - Volkswagen California66

£72,991

  • 2L
  • 3.0

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham

01212228622 *

Volkswagen, California

2013 (13) - Volkswagen California

2013 (13) - Volkswagen California100

Low Mileage

£39,500

Finance available £790 pm

*Representative example

  • 2L
  • 90.8K

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • Not Supplied

Sports and Prestige of Lichfield Ltd

01543330457 *

Volkswagen, California

2024 (24) - Volkswagen California

2024 (24) - Volkswagen California

Low Mileage

£63,499

  • 2L
  • 50.0

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Automatic
  • People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Coventry

02476480662 *

Volkswagen, California

2024 (24) - Volkswagen California

2024 (24) - Volkswagen California21

£85,999

  • 2L
  • 1.0

    Miles
  • Diesel
  • Semi Auto
  • People Carrier

Lookers Van Centre Glasgow Baillieston

01418462726 *

Volkswagen California snapshot review

Pros

  • Refined and comfortable
  • Iconic styling
  • Easy to drive

Cons

  • A DIY conversion could be cheaper
  • Small compared to traditional motorhomes
  • Rather expensive

Volkswagen California by type

Automatic
Manual
Diesel
Petrol
5 Door
4 Door

Used Volkswagen California information

Engines and transmissions

Over the years, the VW California has been offered with a diesel powertrain with either front or 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed direct-shift automatic gearbox. Older models also include the option for a 3.2 V6 petrol engine, but diesel is a better option for travelling longer distances.

Diesel
  • The 2.0-litre California T6.1 produces 150bhp in the standard configuration, providing a 14.3-second 0-62 mph time.
  • Additional power is supplied to some models, pushing out 199bhp, cutting down the 0-62 mph time to 11.3 seconds and featuring a top speed of 123 mph.
  • Fuel economy varies depending on the model, with some earning as high as 36.2mpg and four-wheel-drive models only earning 32.8mpg.

Practicality

The California doesn't look big from the outside, but it's built to provide maximum room inside. The pop-up roof supplies more space and sleeping is comfortable.

Interior space
  • Standard configuration offers four-person seating, but a fifth seat is optional.
  • California 6.1 Beach Tour provides six- and seven-passenger configurations.
  • Two beds available – one double from the pop-up roof and another by folding the rear seats down flat.
  • A fully fitted kitchen allows for making meals from anywhere the journey leads.
Boot space
  • Large tailgate opening offers easy access to storage.
  • Fold-down roof storage compartment holds up to 45 litres.
  • Below the two-seater bench seat, items can be stored in the 60-litre drawer.

Safety

  • Front assist with city emergency braking prevents collisions.
  • Driver steering recommendation gives suggestions on the best inputs for stability.
  • Adaptive cruise control helps maintain an appropriate speed between other vehicles.

Technology

  • Full-colour digital 10.25-inch gauge cluster keeps the driver informed.
  • Camper control panel offers a digital unit for on-board cooling and auxiliary heating.
  • Standard 6.5-inch infotainment display keeps occupants connected. This can be upgraded up to a 9.2 inch Pro system on more advanced models.

Volkswagen California generations

Based on the Transporter van, the Volkswagen California is a campervan that has been on the roads since 2003, after it replaced the Volkswagen Westfalia Camper. That original platform was known as the T5, with current models now in the T6.1 variant.

Several campervans have been produced since, with a larger Grand California (based on the Crafter) released in 2019 and the smaller Caddy California (based on the Caddy) hitting the streets in 2022.

The T6.1 provided an update to the existing T6 with a restyled front and upgraded interior cabinets. More rigid doors were introduced to replace the previously offered tambour doors. VW also replaced the steering to add electronic fly-by controls for lighter control and to make room for advanced driver-assist aids.

Sixth Generation (2015 to 2020)

Replacing the T5, this next-generation California has an updated grille design with new headlamps. It's available in three different variants – T6 Ocean, Coast and Beach – with varying powertrain configurations. This generation is more practical than earlier models, with a push-button design that opens kitchen surfaces and a touchscreen display to control the temperature, bed and lighting.

Sixth Generation (2015 to 2020)
Fuel type:
Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:
2
MPG:
29 - 45
Acceleration:
10.5 - 19.4 seconds
Boot space:
L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:
stars
  • Greenest

    2.0 TSI Ocean 204 5dr DSG

  • Cheapest

    2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Beach 5dr

  • Fastest

    2.0 TSI Ocean 204 5dr DSG

Fifth Generation (2005 to 2015)

The California T5 includes a folding table that integrates into the sliding door, so it can be used inside or outside with two folding chairs. It also comes equipped with ABS brakes, air conditioning, optional cruise control, power front windows, various storage nets for holding smaller items, and a CD player. With varying powertrain options, there's plenty of customisation available.

Fifth Generation (2005 to 2015)
Fuel type:
Diesel
Engine Size:
2 - 2.5
MPG:
28 - 40
Acceleration:
12.4 - 16.9 seconds
Boot space:
L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:
stars
  • Greenest

    2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Beach 4dr

  • Cheapest

    2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Beach 4dr

  • Fastest

    2.0 BiTDI SE 180 4dr

Used Volkswagen California information

Used Volkswagen California FAQ's

How much does the VW California cost?

The lowest-priced option of the VW Californias is the Beach Camper, with 2024 models starting at around £60,000 from new. On the used market, it is simple to find a California model for a lower price, even some that are like-new.

Do VW Californias hold their value?

It can cost a lot to buy the California upfront, but the camper van is known for holding its value. There aren't a lot of options on the used market, so it's going to remain a valuable and sought-after model. For that reason, it's highly recommended for travellers who want a good investment.

What is the difference between the VW California Coast and the Ocean?

The VW California is available in varying models, such as the Ocean and the Coast. The Ocean is a higher level than the Coast, offering many of the previously optional features as standard equipment. For example, the Ocean includes a fully electric roof, whereas the Coast opens manually.

Where are VW Californias built?

The California is produced at VW's Hanover-Limmer plant in Germany. In July 2023, the 200,000th California model rolled off the production line, marking a huge achievement for the manufacturer.

Does the VW California have a fridge?

The fully fitted kitchen space in the VW California does provide a fridge for holding perishable items. There's also a two-ring gas stove and a sink with a cold tap, so occupants can live comfortably while away from home.

Is the VW California a motorhome?

The VW California is a camper van with modifications to enjoy travel. For a motorhome feel, consider the Grand California, which is part of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle lineup. This offers more space and upgraded features.

How many seats does a VW California camper have?

Some models offer the option of a standard four-seater configuration or the optional five-seater. With select trims, another seat can be added to increase capacity to either six or seven people, but this does cut down on the cargo space.

Find a specific Volkswagen California

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

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