Faults:

Overheating is the biggest weak point; because it is a naturally aspirated engine that is put under heavy load during climbs, it tends to accumulate heat. If the cooling system fails, whether it’s the thermostat, the fans, or the air flaps, it is easy to blow the head gasket or crack the cylinder head. It has never happened to me, but this is something that should be checked frequently.

Wear of the brake vacuum pump pushrod: This causes a characteristic metallic sound in the upper part of the engine, resulting from wear on the plunger that actuates the brake vacuum pump.

With 78 hp and the extra weight of the Westfalia equipment in the California version, the vehicle is very slow on inclines and steep climbs, requiring you to downshift. But you get used to it, and for me, it’s not a problem.

Since I owned it for a long time, I had new brakes installed, replaced the timing belt, and also took care of the power steering. Even though I live in Iceland, a rather isolated country, everything was actually easy to purchase and obtain online. Kudos to Volkswagen for that.

General Comments:

What a spectacular van!

It’s a 1991 model; I bought it when it was still quite new—back in 1997. In those days, people often bought used vehicles, so a van that was only six years old was practically brand new, even though it already had 40,000 [kilometers/miles] on it when I purchased it.

The California is one of the most beloved and sought-after versions. It comes quite well-equipped, especially for a van that is nearly 35 years old, featuring a variety of accessories typical of a camper. It includes air conditioning, power steering, and four-wheel disc brakes, among other amenities. Very well-appointed from the factory, the Westfalia-style California came equipped with a bed, tables, and chairs, all designed for recreational use.

It’s the kind of vehicle about which you can only say good things. It’s not at all difficult to drive, sure, it’s not quite like a van from 2020 or later, but it’s very comfortable, with reclining, well-cushioned seats. It’s designed for long trips, and honestly, you never get tired of taking them. I’ve traveled all over the island in it several times.

I owned it for a long time, so, as I mentioned earlier, I had some work done on it, such as replacing the brakes, steering components, belts, and so on. The maintenance is basic; it really only requires oil changes and new batteries. Over 20 years, I only replaced the battery three times, yes, I’m not kidding, just three. It’s incredibly durable and inexpensive to maintain.

Well, the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated diesel engine is, quite literally, an indestructible gem. It’ll take you wherever you want to go, asking for nothing but diesel. It didn’t consume much fuel, either, especially considering it’s a heavy van. I personally put 355,000 kilometers on mine, but the truth is that, with normal driving, it can easily reach or even exceed a million kilometers, and I’m not exaggerating. I’d even go so far as to say it’s more durable and reliable than the Volvo 240 I owned previously; I think that pretty much sums up the reliability of this T4.

Selling it was the saddest day of my life, but the fond memories it left me, and how much my family, my children, and I enjoyed it, will never be forgotten.

Faults:

The van gradually loses acceleration and at times does not go above 2000 to 3000 rpm.

Turbo control relies on the N75 valve and vacuum hoses. If the vacuum hoses dry out, crack, or come loose, the engine will enter "safe mode."

Air leak in the diesel fuel system : If it's difficult to start after being parked, the fuel system may have lost its prime.

The injection pump wears out at its gaskets and seals.

When the engine is cold, a burnt-out glow plug will cause it to start roughly. If the warning lights come on when you turn the key, but the starter motor doesn't even move, it's usually the infamous Relay 109 (easy and cheap to replace).

General Comments:

In terms of reliability, it's by far the best vehicle I've ever owned. Its mechanics, even though they're newer, are very reminiscent of the old VW Kombis; of course, it's no longer water-cooled, but it has a virtually indestructible diesel engine capable of doing almost 400,000 km without major repairs.

My van was the classic delivery van, with no seats or anything like that, just a large storage space. Back in the day, they were very popular here for camper conversions (you still see several today; the love for Transporter vans is almost a hobby).

Inside it was rather basic, it didn't have air conditioning (we don't use it in Finland so it's not a problem), although it did have power steering, which made it easier to drive. I think if we compare it with other vans from the 90s, especially the Transit and the Sprinter, I think the Transporter is easier to drive.

Regarding the sheet metal, the biggest problem is rust; it wasn't galvanized, and the cold weather causes it to rust, especially if it's left outside for a long time. Beyond that, I don't see any other negative points regarding the quality.

Finally, and returning to the engine, it's the most powerful diesel it had, a 2.5 TDI, which performed very well in the van. On the highway, you can comfortably travel at 120-130 km/h and it has no major problems overtaking trucks and buses. Furthermore, for a large commercial vehicle, it's fuel-efficient, averaging 10 liters per 100 km.

Anyone who owned one of these understands why they were and still are so highly valued. Great vehicle!.