Written by Graham King Updated: 31 December 2024

Overview

There’s a real romance to the campervan. You’re not beholden to the availability of hotels or Airbnbs, you can saddle up and go travelling whenever and wherever you want. And it’s a controllable space that you can set up to work for you. You definitely can’t do that in a hotel. The Volkswagen California is widely regarded as one of the best campervans out there, but is that actually the case?

Say ‘campervan’ and most people will immediately picture a classic VW camper. Volkswagen endorsed dozens of camper conversions but it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that it started marketing its own. That first VW California was based on the T3-generation Transporter van and built by specialist Westfalia, as was the T4-gen follow-up. But the T5 was the first California that VW built in-house, and that’s the version we’re focusing on here.

Launched in 2005, the new California is based on the T5-generation Caravelle people carrier, itself based on the T5 Transporter van. A facelift – often referred to as T5.1 – was applied in 2009, bringing new front-end styling and a new range of engines. A further facelift in 2015 saw the T5 morph into the T6 California which was only replaced in 2024 by the Multivan-based T7 California. The family expanded, as well, encompassing the smaller Caddy California and the bigger, Crafter-based Grand California.

The T5 California has four berths – two in the pop-up roof compartment and two in the main interior, once the back seats have been folded down. The interior layout is entirely conventional. The sliding side door (on the right-hand side) opens to reveal or a two-person bench seat and a kitchen unit with gas cooker, fridge and cupboards on the opposite side. A fold-out table can be fitted and the front seats swivel round to face it. Open the tailgate and you’ll find more cupboards on the left-hand side.

It may be conventional, but everything is built with a solidity and attention to detail that’s very difficult to find in other T5 campers. We spent some time living with the California back when it was launched to assess whether reality lived up to the promise. You can read more about how we test vehicles of all sorts at Parkers.

The T5 California was only available with diesel engines in the UK, plus a choice of a manual or automatic gearboxes and front- or 4MOTION four-wheel-drive. We’ll get into exactly what the options are in the Engines section of this review. Most Californias are in SE spec, which comes very well equipped for the era. Post-facelift, a lower-spec Beach version was offered without the kitchen and cupboards, and there’s the rare Berghaus special edition.

There were no other factory-built campervans when the T5 California was launched, though it was later joined by the Mercedes Marco Polo. Otherwise, you had comb through the massed ranks of camper conversions based on the T5 and other comparable mid-size vans such as the Ford Transit and Renault Trafic.

Keep scrolling down this page and you’ll find our buying guide for the T5 Volkswagen California, which highlights everything you need to look out for if you’re thinking about buying a used one. Then click through the following pages to find out how practical it is, how much it costs to run, what it’s like to live with, how it feels to drive. Then you can read our verdict to find out whether we recommend buying one.

Volkswagen California (T5) known faults and common problems

The T5-generation Volkswagen California is pretty much bulletproof – if looked after. Unlike other contemporary vans such as the Ford Transit and LDV Maxus, it doesn’t have a significant propensity to rust, the engines are fundamentally very reliable, and the interior is solidly put together. But there are some issues to watch out for.

Fuel injection system

The T5 California shares its diesel engines with the T5 Transporter van. Badged TDI PD, they feature high-pressure fuel injection, and that system can cause problems. They usually manifest as difficulty starting and rough running. The fault could lie with any of the following: fuel injection pump and injectors, exhaust gas recirculation valve and its cooler, balance shafts. A good VW specialist will be able to trace the problem.

Make sure any T5 California you’re interested in buying has lots of service history showing it has been maintained properly. Having combed those on the market, it seems most have been.

DSG gearbox

The DSG dual-clutch gearbox fitted to some post-2009 Californias needs servicing every 40,000 miles. Check the service history to make sure its been done; if not, budget for getting it serviced yourself. Gear changes will be jerky if it’s badly in need of maintenance.

The Tiptronic automatic gearbox fitted to some earlier Californias also needs regular transmission fluid changes. Again, jerky gear changes signal new fluid is needed urgently.

Body rust

Volkswagen thoroughly rust proofed the California – and every other T5 derivative – however there are two areas where rot can develop: around the side door runner and side door handle. If you catch it early, rust can simply be ground away and the area repainted. More serious rust might necessitate new metal being grafted in.

You should still have a good look around the vehicle for any signs of rust. Surface corrosion is to be expected underneath; any rust that’s eating through metal is likely caused by a bodged repair.

Electrical issues

There are no known electrical issues to look out for, however don’t take for granted that the electrics work in any California you’re looking at. Test all the electrical equipment up front and in the living area including the light switches, sockets, external hook-up and auxiliary heater.

Gas and water systems

The gas system in any campervan needs servicing periodically, particularly to make sure there no leaks. Check the service history to find out when it last done, or just get one done yourself for peace of mind.

Similarly, harmful bacteria can develop in the water system if it isn’t regularly cleaned. Find out when it was last done, or just get the system flushed yourself.

Diligent owners have a carbon monoxide detector in their campervan. If one isn’t fitted, get one as a matter of priority.

Solid joinery

Make sure the built-in cupboards are still solid, and the drawers and doors open smoothly and close tightly. Same goes for the storage lockers, beds and pop-top. Though the T5 California is very well made, careless use can cause damage and DIY repairs may be flimsy.

Water leaks

Window and pop-top seals may get damaged and start letting water in. Check for streaks on glass and staining on fabric and plastic surfaces.

Lack of use

Many campervans cover relatively low mileage – certainly much lower than the commercial vehicles they’re based on were designed for. That’s true of the T5 California, as well, and lack of use can cause problems.

First thing to check is the age of the tyres. Look for the date code on the sidewall; if they’re more than five years old, budget for replacement. Diesel engines from this era need a regular long, fast run to prevent various elements of the fuel and exhaust systems clogging up. Bacteria can develop in the water system if it’s left part-full. As a result, it can often be better to buy a California with higher mileage, as it’s less likely to have developed these sorts of problems.