Used T5 Buyers Guide

California Dreaming...

Used T5 VW camper van buyer’s guide

ant to live the VW California dream, but don’t know where to start when browsing camper vans for sale? Read our top T5 tips – soon you’ll be on the road!

Few vehicles are as iconic as the Volkswagen California and with the introduction of the T6, prices of used T5s mean that ownership of a nearly-new model is more accessible than ever. Here’s how to buy a used T5 VW camper van with confi dence, thanks to our expert advice. It may be the name of a popular 1960s song, but ‘California Dreaming’ is also what many wannabe VW camper van owners do on a regular basis. The California had initially seen the light of day on Volkswagen’s T3, then converted by Westfalia Coachworks. Coachworks.

Coinciding with the launch of the VW T5 in 2003, the manufacturer announced that it was bringing the conversions in-house; but it wasn’t until 2005 when we fi rst saw right-hand drive examples in Blighty. The old maxim ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fi x it’ could well have been coined to describe the longevity of the VW camper van layout: a run of kitchen furniture down one side with a rock-n-roll double seat/bed towards the rear. Swivelling cab seats add to the seating compliment. The layout was designed to make the most effi cient use of space when the Volkswagen had a rear-mounted engine. It remains popular because it off ers so much uncluttered fl oor space, important in a conversion of modest dimensions. Although the original VW California models off ered a choice of roof type, this generation was stuck with a no-option, rear-hinged elevating one with fabric sides. Fair do’s, because it also off ers oodles of standing room on site. At under 2m high when retracted, the VW T5 California will squeeze into many multi-storey car parks and will suff er less wind resistance on the road. Nearly all included VW’s BlueMotion Technology (BMT). This consists of four main features: cruise control (later, adaptive), low-rolling-resistance tyres, regenerative braking and a start/stop engine. Power units at launch ranged from a 1.9-litre 85bhp TD to a 2.5-litre 174bhp TD, all at Euro 4. Transmission was a fi ve- or six-speed manual or a six-speed ASG robotised automatic gearbox. In 2009, the 2.0-litre Euro 5 engine was fi rst fi tted with either a six-speed manual ’box or the legendary super-smooth, seven-speed, dual-clutch DSG robotised automatic. Its 4Motion was an extra-cost all-wheel drive system. T5 VW Californias can be ordered in many shades and have an options list as long as a python. Be aware that there is a cheaper version called the VW California Beach which is really a minibus with seven seats, two beds and an elevating-roof. an elevating-roof. It isn’t really a camper van, but camper van, but can be fi tted with can be fi tted with extra cost kitchen extra cost kitchen and storage modules. modules.

The essentials

Volkswagen California on SWB VW Transporter T5 ● Base vehicle built and converted in Germany between 2005 and 2015. ● Elevating-roof camper on the Caravelle/Multivan fi ve-door people carrier. ● Overall length: 4.892m (16’ 6”). Parallel parking is made diff cult by the wardrobe

What to look for

A full main dealer or commercial-vehicle specialist service history is essential. Some were available to VW staff as company vehicles; these may well have VW staff as company vehicles; these may well have higher mileages than owner-driver leisure vehicles. higher mileages than owner-driver leisure vehicles. Conversion

It’s in a class of its own with special mouldings for a totally integrated look. Some fi nd the bed suff ers from transverse ridges, so try before you buy. The main snag is that VW didn’t hand the conversion for UK users, so a distracted parent could discharge the children into the road on the school run. Parallel parking is made diff cult by the wardrobe blocking over-the-shoulder nearside rearward sight lines. It beggars belief on something sold as safe and child-friendly. Read more at https://www.practicalmotorhome. com/advice/39903-used-t5-vw-camper-van-buyersguide#39GRUEDjv1I2shFd.99