CALIFORNIA BUYERS GUIDE – PART 2

In this section of our California buyers guide we will be concentrating on the kitchen and food preparation area, along with the comfort of the rear heater.

KITCHEN, COOKER AND FRIDGE

Check that the ignition works on the cooker and there is no smell of gas.

There is a tap just below the hob to isolate the gas, and it should also be turned on and off at the gas bottle when driving (securely housed in the rear). If there is no gas bottle ensure all the fittings and regulators are there to install a new one.

Check that the fridge works – it is probably a good idea to turn it on when you arrive to ensure it has cooled down by the time you have looked around everything. The overhead display will indicate that the fridge is working by means of an illuminated snowflake icon

Check all fixtures and fittings, doors handles and hinges including those on the pull out table – note that shelf clips can go missing but they also cost pennies to replace. Best to just open all doors, drawers and cupboards. The small plastic washing up bowl can melt while cooking, so don’t forget to check this too.

INTERIOR HEATING

Operating the independent rear heating is done from the heads up control panel in much the same way as the fridge; there is an icon on the overhead display that illuminates when operational. The warm air is blown from a vent on the door column. There will be a slight smell of diesel on startup, but after this make sure there are no ongoing fumes in the vehicle and that the air is hot. Check that the remote fob to operate the heating is present and works.

HEADS UP DISPLAY AND CONTROL

If you have been following this guide in order, you should have already used this overhead control to operate the roof, the heating system and the fridge.

Having been show all of the features this should highlight any potential problems with unresponsive controls, dead pixels etc.

There is an icon on the left of the display to tell you how much water is in the tank – If the the tank is full check that it says so as there maybe a problem with the sender unit.

CALIFORNIA BUYERS GUIDE – PART 3

Continuing our guide to buying a Volkswagen California, in this section we will be focusing on the rotating captain seats and main living area.

CAPTAIN SEATS AND MAIN BED

Check the swivel seats in the front for any loose trim, this can drop a little and catch on the fixtures as it spins. if the seats have been turned incorrectly there may be scuffing in the door trims and seat columns as we will explain below.

The armrests on the driver and passenger seats should be checked in case someone has stood on them to get into the top bed.

The door cards on the front can become scuffed in the seats are turned without opening the door or badly positioned – a good tip is to locate the optimal position for swivelling the seat, and marking it with a sticker so that you can line it up in future with minimal fuss.

The bench seat at the rear is released by pulling up the lever to the right of the drawer. Check it slides freely and the stopper is in place to position it correctly.

Drop the headrests back via the button and ensure the pull-strap is not damaged. We would suggest if the vehicle does not have a sleep pack or mattress topper that you invest in one to give a more comfortable night.

There is a panel in the base, near the kitchen, that comes off to allow storage of long items like skis etc.

PLEASE NOTE. For the Beach with a third seat, we suggest you get a full demonstration of the operation as there is a specific sequence to use this correctly.

Also, for vans with three floor rails there is an option to put a fifth seat on board. You can not have this addition if there are only two rails so if you require a fifth seat then make sure you go for the three rail model.

WINDOWS AND BLINDS The privacy screens are nearly all different depending on the part of the van and the model year. Pull down all blinds to make sure they all stay down – it’s easy to miss if you don’t know where it is, but there is a small sideways running blind for the window next to the wardrobe. On UK T5 and Beach models, there is a pack of 3 blinds that covers the windscreen and front side windows, it should have a front blind and driver and passenger blind. On the T6 Ocean and older European models the windscreen has a built in blind that extends over the dashboard, and as such the pack will only contain blinds for the front side windows. Pay special attention to the blind above the sliding door as it can become accidentally bent from people climbing in and out and bashing their heads. Operate all windows to ensure they all open and close correctly – the rear windows operate by pinching the middle catch together.

CALIFORNIA BUYERS GUIDE – PART 4

In this, the fourth section of our VW California buyer’s guide we will spend some time looking at the provided tables, stowaway chairs and optional roll-out sun canopy.

TABLES

There are two tables with the California. The inner table, stowed next to the kitchen units and a larger removable table that fits into the sliding door. Check this moves freely, the leg is secure, look underneath especially at the rivets to ensure no weight has been applied to the table.

For the inner table there is an included strap that hooks around the head restraint to turn the kitchen area into an L shaped work surface – check that this is included. If it is missing a new table strap can be replaced relatively simply.

There is an outdoor table that is stowed in the sliding door. Check that the ledge it sits in is firm and has not been stepped on or scuffed. Open the table to check that it has a levelling screw for uneven ground on one of the legs, and that the legs clip open and close smoothly.

TAILGATE STOWAWAY CHAIRS

In the tailgate there is a zipped compartment for stowing chairs. Check this holder that the chairs are there; check the zips and rings that hold the seats in place. Take the deck chairs out and open them and check for wear and make sure that all the bolts are in place and tight – these do work loose and so we recommend you tighten every once in a while.

ROLL-OUT SUN CANOPY

If included, check that the winder and pegs are with the vehicle. Unwind about 45cm and bring the legs down for support. Then wind the canopy out to its full span. Check the legs and the fittings, check the canvas for stretching and tears.

See that everything winds out and in reasonably smoothly and that the legs lock into position. Check that the tent pegs are still in place, but if not they can be replaced relatively cheaply.

When winding out the canopy the handle and legs can knock against the bodywork – be careful when doing this by positioning your arm between the bodywork and the handle – and check for scuffs and dents that you might not otherwise notice.

CALIFORNIA BUYERS GUIDE – PART 5

In this, the fifth section of our VW California buyer’s guide we will focus on the positioning of the toolbox and the shower sometimes found below the rear parcel shelf. We also include a checklist of included and optional camping / comfort equipment.

REAR PARCEL SHELF AND BOOT AREA

Chances are that there will be a degree of wear and tear around the boot area – make sure that this is at an acceptable level. Check that the parcel shelf / bed frame can be removed and moved up to or down to the next level as the fixtures for this can suffer a few knocks.

One thing to be aware of is that the rear cupboard shutters can sometimes split, and while they may sometimes be repaired under warranty, this may not be available for all vehicles.

Whilst in the back you should also check the mattress for any signs of damage, and also (depending on options) check that the rear shower is present and working.

Fitted to the rear bench / bed and accessed from the bottom rear is the toolbox. Check the contents for Jack, Screwdriver, Centre Cap remover, Wheel brace and locking wheel nut key. Depending on options there is also a shower attachment stored under the shelf above the gas bottle – check that this fits into its bayonet mount correctly, switches on and operates properly.  

ITEM CHECKLIST

Other items you may have with the vehicle as standard (depending on options).

• Two sets of Keys
• Remote Heating Fob
• Water Cap Key
• Handbook/Roadside Assistance Book/ Service Book
• Cutlery Insert
• Emergency Roof Strap
• Table strap
• Plastic sink bowl
• Sink Plug
• Fridge Basket
• EU hook up Lead
• Sun Canopy Winder
• Four Tent Pegs
• Curtain/Blind Pack
• Mosquito Mesh for Sliding Window
• Rear Mattress
• Top Bed Mattress
• Top Bed Safety Net
• First Aid Kit
• Warning Triangle
• Gas Fittings
• Toolkit
• Locking wheel nut

There maybe other extras sold with the vehicle that are not listed above, and you can always download our multi-point checklist that is linked above.

We would recommend going to your main dealer or a big Camping and Caravanning Show to check out a new California to see what the vehicle entails and whether it suits your needs, and to use this demonstration as your guide to inspecting a used vehicle.

One of the best ways to get to know a campervan is to hire first; a test drive and demo won’t let you get a feel for what it would be like to live in a 5m by 2m box for any extended period. If you do choose to hire, then we highly recommend you read our article on choosing a hire company.

CALIFORNIA BUYERS GUIDE – PART 6

While it is always important to check the mechanical workings and history of any vehicle prior to purchase, for this guide we have focused mostly on the unique fixtures and fittings associated with the live-in aspects of a Volkswagen California; this final addendum gives a brief overview of what to look for mechanically when buying second hand.

ENGINE AND MECHANICAL

There really is no reason to buy a T5 or T6 California without a full service history. People love these vans and tend to keep them serviced and looked after for many years. If there are missing stamps in the book then this may be evidence of neglect at some point.

The T5 and T6s are very resistant to rot, even around common areas. If it shows signs of rust then do not be scared to walk away, even if the vehicle is relatively new — there will always be other vans to choose from.

There have been some reports of bubbling paint around the perimeter of the elevating roof, and although VW agreed to repair vans up to 6 years old under their warranty, this rare issue is something you should check for on the off chance it was missed.

Listen out for any vibrations when it’s running a T5 as the dual mass flywheel is prone to failing; do not worry so much about vibrations from the camping interior as this typically contains a lot of equipment. The steering column in the T5 has also been reported to knock – this does not affect all T5 vans, but beware when buying an older second hand model.

There have been reports of problems with the older bi-turbo engines – apparently there has been an oil pressure issue with this engine, that is also sometimes evidenced by a loud knocking noise.

As with all vehicles, everything will be subject to wear and tear, and there may be issues we have missed through oversight or changes to spec. As such it is always best to have a suitably qualified professional with you when going to view any potential purchase.