Volkswagen’s California camper has achieved iconic status and, according to VW, has become Europe’s best-selling campervan ever – and if you can find one, a used Volkswagen Grand California makes a fantastic pre-owned buy.
It comes on the Transporter base vehicle, one which we considered good enough to make it onto our best van for a camper conversion list. It was also the first European motorcaravan for decades sold in the UK that was converted by the company which built the base vehicle. The last European one I remember was the Commer Caravan, back in the 1960s.
So what’s the big deal, then? It’s that the conversion has a more automotive style than many from second-stage converters. In addition, the interior has a contemporary vibe and is totally integrated with the base vehicle, as someone looking for the best VW camper van could be prioritising.
Another advantage is that warranties will not involve a dispute over whether the base vehicle manufacturer or the converter is responsible for remedial work.
The Volkswagen Grand California has the same build advantages as the VW Transporter Cali, but in a much bigger package; as a result, it is better suited to those less hardy and to those planning extended trips.
Currently, there are two models of Grand California. Most people will be aware of the difference in lengths, but perhaps not the difference in heights. The longer (LWB) 680 is 2.84m/9’ 4” high, while the shorter (MWB) 600 is loftier, at 2.97m/9’ 9”.
The latter is to accommodate the L-shaped overcab bed, which is described as ‘suitable for children’, although the rearward extension provides a length of 1.9m/6’ 2” for a single longitudinal sleeper.
Both are available in right-hand drive, although the conversion is not handed for the UK. The habitation side door is on our offside, and those using it on the school run must take extra care when discharging children.
On entering the 600 via the sliding door aperture (you also get a two-part flyscreen here, by the way), you are immediately in the lounge-diner, which consists of the swivelling cab pews and two forward-facing seats on the UK nearside. These are also well-engineered travel seats.
Moving rearwards, the washroom is behind the rear travel seats and the kitchen is across the aisle.
All of the cabinetwork in general, and the kitchen in particular, looks fantastic… because it is!
However, there’s just a two-burner hob, no grill, gas oven or microwave, which might give cause for concern among UK purchasers. Developing the theme, there isn’t really an obvious location for retrofitting these items, which, if you’re prioritising when choosing the best used camper, could be an issue.
On the plus side, this gives you the ideal excuse for dining out and/or cooking al fresco. The latter option is aided by a personal ‘fave’ of ours, a fridge (in this case a sliding-drawer type) which can be easily accessed from the interior and the exterior.
The washroom appears to be a genuine wet-room, so no irritatingly clingy shower curtain is required. The washroom was also one of the features which impressed us when we reviewed the 2020 VW Grand California 680.
The sluice-style handbasin divided opinion at the vehicle’s launch, but VW has clearly not been inundated with complaints, otherwise they would have changed it.
A transverse double bed is at the far rear. It can be left made up or folded out of the way for serious load-lugging.
The 680 is longer, and only available as two-berth – but still with four travel seats, hooray! The lounge/diner is the same as in the 600, but significantly, the 680 offers a longer kitchen and the choice between sleeping longitudinally as singles on a double mattress. This provides both partners with easier egress for nocturnal visits to the toilet.
The bed in the 680 folds out of the way in the same manner as the 600’s.
After a smaller VW instead? One that impressed our reviewer Peter Baber was the Volkswagen Caddy California, a two-berth with a
What we like about a used Volkswagen Grand California
- Iconic brand cachet
- Driving experience
- Isofix rear travel seats
- Moulded furniture
What we don’t like about a used Volkswagen Grand California
- UK offside sliding door
- Basic cooking gear might not appeal to everyone
Used VW Grand California essentials
- Grand California on VW Crafter
- Built and converted in Poland by Volkswagen
- Five-door high-top steel panel van conversion with GRP roof crown
- Overall length: 600: 5.99m/19’ 8”; 680: 6.84m/22’ 5.5”
What to look for in a used VW Grand California
Base vehicle
This generation of Crafter features warp-factor improvement over its predecessors and after decades in the wilderness, the big VW van has become the base vehicle of choice for many motorcaravanners.
It is wonderful to drive, and features softer suspension than the SEVEL rival, which actually isn’t saying a great deal, because in my opinion the SEVEL’s ride can be on the unforgiving side of hard.
The most significant point to watch out for is drivers’ licence entitlement. Only the front-wheel-drive 600 is available at 3500kg. The 4Motion versions (4×4) and all 680 variants
will require Group C1 entitlement.
Conversion
Basically, if it isn’t immaculate, just walk away. That said, aftermarket companies are now offering vinyl coverings to add ‘interest’ to the all-white gloss cabinetwork.
Each to their own, but I’d steer clear of those so adorned, simply because the ones I’ve seen have been inset panels rather than a full wrap, which, because of UV fading, will mean a visible colour difference on the same surfaces if they are ever removed.
Our pick
The 600 for families, 680 for solo/duo ‘van owners. 4Motion preferably, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
What to pay for a used Volkswagen Grand California
Buyers of new models will have saved hard to make the windscreen price, so are not likely to change on a whim. This limits the number of pre-owned examples available, so you’ll have to be prepared to travel and pay north of £65,000.
Alternatives to consider
There are no direct alternatives on the Crafter that have sold in volume here. The closest is a used Lunar Landstar on LWB Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. But bespoke converters, such as IH and WildAx, have converted quite a few on the similar MAN TGE 3.140.
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