50 Used Volkswagen California cars for sale

Volkswagen California2020 (70) - 2.0 TDI Ocean 199 5dr DSG Diesel Estate

Low Mileage

£60,950

2L
22.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Volkswagen Van Centre Hereford

01432801714 *

Volkswagen California2023 (23) - 2.0 TDI Beach Camper DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£53,995

Finance available £1,160 pm

2L
20.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen California2025 - 2.0 TDI Ocean DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£70,491

Finance available £1,366 pm

2L
8.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Volkswagen Van Centre Liverpool

01515417923 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen California2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI 680 5dr Tip Auto [3.88T] Diesel Estate

£62,950

2L
5.9K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Volkswagen Van Centre Hereford

01432801714 *

Volkswagen California2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Beach 150 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£37,999

Finance available £760 pm

2L
72.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Best Car 4 You Ltd

01416118629 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen California2024 - 2.0 TDI Ocean DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr Automatic

Low Mileage

£78,995

2L
1.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Sinclair Volkswagen Van Centre (Swansea)

01792001691 *

Volkswagen California2023 (23) - 2.0 TDI Surf DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

£59,995

Finance available £1,291 pm

2L
17.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Just Audi VW

01522459180 *

Volkswagen California2024 (74) - 2.0 TDI Ocean 5dr DSG

Reduced

£78,790

2L
3.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Worcestershire

01904917559 *

Volkswagen California2015 - BMT 180PS 4Motion DSG Auto 4-Door

Low Mileage

£40,995

2L
41.7K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Volkswagen Van Centre Birmingham

01217288868 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen California2023 - 2.0 TDI Beach Tour DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr Automatic

£52,995

2L
24.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Sinclair Volkswagen Van Centre (Swansea)

01792001691 *

Volkswagen California2012 (62) - 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Tech Beach 4dr

Reduced

£14,995

2L
100.1K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
People Carrier

Thames Street Auto Salvage

01158224073 *

4.9/5 Stars

Volkswagen California2023 - 2.0 TDI Beach Tour 5dr DSG

Reduced

£49,495

Finance available £996 pm

2L
18.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Isaac Agnew Van Centre

02894330830 *

Volkswagen California2010 (60) - 2.0 BiTDI SE 180 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£28,999

2L
90.1K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Coventry

02476936632 *

Volkswagen California2025 - 2.0 TDI Coast DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 4dr

Reduced

£65,991

Finance available £1,277 pm

2L
8.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Volkswagen Van Centre Liverpool

01515417923 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen California2025 (25) - 2.0 TDI 600 5dr Tip Auto (3.5T)

£99,999

2L
10.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Coventry

02476936632 *

Volkswagen California2020 (20) - 2.0 TDI Ocean Camper 4dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (150 ps)

Low Mileage

£58,995

Finance available £1,191 pm

2L
16.2K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Alpha Cars

01748900791 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen California2025 (74) - 2.0 TDI Ocean 5dr DSG

Reduced

£78,499

2L
15.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Coventry

02476936632 *

Volkswagen California2024 (24) - 2.0 TDI Ocean 4dr DSG

Low Mileage

£77,999

2L
1.5K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Coventry

02476936632 *

Volkswagen California2013 (62) - SE 140BHP DSG Automatic 4Berth UK Camper 4-Door

100

Low Mileage

£38,500

Finance available £770 pm

2L
68.3K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Sports and Prestige of Lichfield Ltd

01543224528 *

Volkswagen California2025 (25) - 2.0 TDI 600 5dr Tip Auto [3.5T]

£87,990

2L
10.0
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
People Carrier

Listers Volkswagen Van Centre Worcestershire

01904917559 *

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.

Used 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

Read our Volkswagen California review

Volkswagen California video review

lite-youtube[videoid='JHtcjbpsXUg']{cursor:initial;background-image:url("https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/JHtcjbpsXUg/sddefault.webp")}lite-youtube[videoid='JHtcjbpsXUg']::after{background:no-repeat center/68px 48px url('data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 68 48"><path d="M66.52 7.74c-.78-2.93-2.49-5.41-5.42-6.19C55.79.13 34 0 34 0S12.21.13 6.9 1.55c-2.93.78-4.63 3.26-5.42 6.19C.06 13.05 0 24 0 24s.06 10.95 1.48 16.26c.78 2.93 2.49 5.41 5.42 6.19C12.21 47.87 34 48 34 48s21.79-.13 27.1-1.55c2.93-.78 4.64-3.26 5.42-6.19C67.94 34.95 68 24 68 24s-.06-10.95-1.48-16.26z" fill="red"/><path d="M45 24 27 14v20" fill="white"/></svg>')}

Used Volkswagen California buying guide

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.

Different generations of used Volkswagen California

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.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2
MPG:: 28 - 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.

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 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.

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.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Volkswagen California snapshot review

Pros