Hello! I am currently planning to join the cali club, yet to buy but really do like these compact litttle vans. After much pondering about what (i think) i want and doing nothing im going to go actually have a look at some today to make sure they “feel right” when i sit in one! I’m going to be changing from having a land rover defender 110 which i absolutely love, and is hard to plan to part with, but its not a campervan and i am ready for some campervannyness.
One of the things i keep going back and forward with is the 4 wheel drive (in part no doubt as im used to the defender!!), it isnt common on californias - for those that have experience of both with and without 4 wheel drive vans, how much value should i put on this? Im not in the market for something brand new, i woudnt have the nerve to drive something of new value for fear of getiing a wee scratch or someone breathing on it
the ohter thing that im struggling with is comparing models / features, google has not delivered, i don't suppose anyone can point me to a list?
Welcome on board and all the best with your research.
If not in a hurry, can I suggest that you rent one to see if it will work for you? My hunch is that it will work as you are used to a landy, and have not been yet (hopefully), spoilt by the extra space that a large motorhome provides .... but then the large motorhome also does not provide the manoeuvrability provided by the transporter platform.
OK, so the first on your list - 4 motion. If you are used to the landy 4wd, then I would recommend you go for it. May people will say - a good set of tyres will make do instead of 4MO. On normal highways, it may, but anything a bit demanding like you may be used to in your landy, 4MO is definitely recommended. 4Motion is not 4wheel drive - it is all wheel drive. If you really wish to get it anywhere near the basic capabilities of a land rover, see if you can get one with 4 motion and diff lock. Else, 4 Motion should be more that sufficient and recommended.
On models - primarily two:
The Ocean - has the kitchen and cupboards inside
The Beach - does not have the kitchen and cupboards.
There are some beach models that do not come with the diesel heater. To enjoy the van all through the year, ensure that your van has a diesel heater.
The ocean is preferred if you wish to have a brew ensconced in the coziness of the van with the diesel heater going and be self-sufficient.
The beach is preferred if you have to use the van to ferry children and grandchildren. The beach can also be fitted with a kitchen and be made as close to the functionality of the Ocean, but that will be some additional DIY, if you are interested in that route.
The beach further has a 3 seater or a 2 seater passenger area. The 3 seater provides more sleeping and sitting space. The 2 seater provides additional storage area on the sides.
Another key aspects that can differentiate are:
Electronic or manual roof. The ocean comes with an electro mechanical roof that can be raised and lowered with the touch of a button.
The beach may have a manual roof.
There is a "Coast" model that was available for a short while and sits between the Beach and the Ocean. It is more like an Ocean, but you could configure it with a manual roof and without some other ocean specifications.
These are the fundamental differences.
Create a list of the must haves and keep it to 4 or 5. Be ready to compromise on the rest of the features to get your right van. Too many permutations and combinations and you may be waiting for long.
My list of the must haves for my Ocean were:
1. 4 Motion
2. Adaptive Cruise
3. LED Headlights.
4. EDIT: Split worktop (just remembered
)
I was ready to compromise on all else.
All the best with your search and purchase. Any questions, post on here and the hive will be able to share their experiences.
![Comfort Insurance](https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/shop/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/square20ad20image.jpg"")
