Looking to buy a VW transporter for first time
Discussion
Hello,
I am looking to buy a van so i can go on adventures with my 8 yr old son next year. Is there anything i should be wary of when buying a VW transporter and also what is a good model to go for? I would like to have mileage under 100k and be able to convert to a camper.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Daniel
I am looking to buy a van so i can go on adventures with my 8 yr old son next year. Is there anything i should be wary of when buying a VW transporter and also what is a good model to go for? I would like to have mileage under 100k and be able to convert to a camper.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated
Thanks
Daniel
I have a t5.1, so 2010 to 2015(?) Ish...i looked specifically for the 140 bhp which has the stronger 6 speed 'box. The 180bhp twin turbo also has the 6 speed but has some serious bore/engine issues.
The other 2 in the range are something like 78 and 102 bhp
People pay a premium for tailgate and aircon. Lwb dont fit in a space in tescos but arnt too much hassle.
My converted van could be for sale!
The other 2 in the range are something like 78 and 102 bhp
People pay a premium for tailgate and aircon. Lwb dont fit in a space in tescos but arnt too much hassle.
My converted van could be for sale!
I assume you’re from London, or the Home Counties transporters aren’t the best and command a massive premium for the badge even if they are absolute ropeholes, I’ve had several for works and have now changed over to transit customs which are better in every single way.
The facelift is a better van especially with the auto 130 engine or 182, I had a 300 for a year and it was spot on, perfect driving position, adaptive cruise etc and a bigger payload and load bay than the equivalent transporter.
The facelift is a better van especially with the auto 130 engine or 182, I had a 300 for a year and it was spot on, perfect driving position, adaptive cruise etc and a bigger payload and load bay than the equivalent transporter.
Rust.
Other half has had loads and says for your budget he would look at an older low mileage fully restored T4 as they have stronger engines than the T5s which seem to be problem prone oil burners and more expensive to fix. T4 would hold its value too.
It’s worth joining the FB forums for both T4 and T5s so you can see what issues they have.
Other half has had loads and says for your budget he would look at an older low mileage fully restored T4 as they have stronger engines than the T5s which seem to be problem prone oil burners and more expensive to fix. T4 would hold its value too.
It’s worth joining the FB forums for both T4 and T5s so you can see what issues they have.
djgriff said:
So my budget is £17k, ideally a t32 transporter but not sure this not sure the best to go for. And yes there does seem to be a lot of variations. Really would like some guidance what I should look for.
Many thanks
Daniel
T32's require a different class of MOT, personally I went for a T30. Many thanks
Daniel
The Bitdi, have well documented EGR cooler issues that can and do write engines off. The 2.0 is fine and remaps to 180hp anyway without any major issues, the 6 speed box is stronger than the 5 speed.
I'd go for AC, I didn't and while not a major issue for me it does make resale more difficult.
Doors droop and then damage the paint where they hit the body in the bottom corner, they can be shimmed back into shape but eventually will need new hinges.
Some colours are more desirable too, blackberry is a personal favourite.
They take big mileages pretty well, mine had 255k on when I sold it and I've seen T5's with over 400k on the clock.
Gretchen said:
Rust.
Other half has had loads and says for your budget he would look at an older low mileage fully restored T4 as they have stronger engines than the T5s which seem to be problem prone oil burners and more expensive to fix. T4 would hold its value too.
It’s worth joining the FB forums for both T4 and T5s so you can see what issues they have.
Not sure I would agree with that. Avoid the bitdi and 300k plus with 10000 mile oil changes is perfectly achievable. Other half has had loads and says for your budget he would look at an older low mileage fully restored T4 as they have stronger engines than the T5s which seem to be problem prone oil burners and more expensive to fix. T4 would hold its value too.
It’s worth joining the FB forums for both T4 and T5s so you can see what issues they have.
They also don't rust that much, address any damage as it happens, they're pretty well galvanised. My 255k miler was still on its original exhaust after 10 years.
If you buy a low miler and don't use it or a high miler then they're as close to depreciation free motoring as you can get at the moment.
Most T4's will be hiding allsorts unless they've been restored, the youngest is nearly 20 years old now.
VW vans are a scene thing, if you are into the scene you have to have a VW, no other van will do. They aren't bad vans but are no better than any other van. There is a monumental scene tax, which cuts both ways, yes they are expensive but they don't really depreciate.
Some issues like ABS packing in are a sod to sort out.
Some issues like ABS packing in are a sod to sort out.
Gretchen said:
Rust.
Other half has had loads and says for your budget he would look at an older low mileage fully restored T4 as they have stronger engines than the T5s which seem to be problem prone oil burners and more expensive to fix. T4 would hold its value too.
It’s worth joining the FB forums for both T4 and T5s so you can see what issues they have.
Rubbish. Quite why anyone would choose a 20 year old t4 is beyond me. Other half has had loads and says for your budget he would look at an older low mileage fully restored T4 as they have stronger engines than the T5s which seem to be problem prone oil burners and more expensive to fix. T4 would hold its value too.
It’s worth joining the FB forums for both T4 and T5s so you can see what issues they have.
Newarch said:
VW vans are a scene thing, if you are into the scene you have to have a VW, no other van will do. They aren't bad vans but are no better than any other van. There is a monumental scene tax, which cuts both ways, yes they are expensive but they don't really depreciate.
Some issues like ABS packing in are a sod to sort out.
I agree, there's also an anti-scene where they're derided for no other reason than they're VW vans. Some issues like ABS packing in are a sod to sort out.
They're one step below Tesla with their fanboys and haters.
Transits better in every way… ok 
The only thing a Transit does better is fit in with those cheeky loveable tinkers.
As above, avoid the 180 and get the 140/150 6 speed box, T30 and watch out for the 4 year/120k cam belt and dsg service.
I love my T6, I’ll be buried in mine, by far the most practical vehicle money can buy.
Camping, mountain bikes, tip runs, airport runs, Le Mans road trip 4 up etc.
The only thing a Transit does better is fit in with those cheeky loveable tinkers.
As above, avoid the 180 and get the 140/150 6 speed box, T30 and watch out for the 4 year/120k cam belt and dsg service.
I love my T6, I’ll be buried in mine, by far the most practical vehicle money can buy.
Camping, mountain bikes, tip runs, airport runs, Le Mans road trip 4 up etc.
Newarch said:
VW vans are a scene thing, if you are into the scene you have to have a VW, no other van will do. They aren't bad vans but are no better than any other van. There is a monumental scene tax, which cuts both ways, yes they are expensive but they don't really depreciate.
Some issues like ABS packing in are a sod to sort out.
Good post.Some issues like ABS packing in are a sod to sort out.
They are also one of very few vehicles that you can throw extras onto them and it isn't always wasted money.
I've seen tarted up vans, home made Combis, half arsed camper conversions, make silly money over standard vans.
My local VW specialist told me to avoid the 2.5Tdi, and the 180bhp Bi turbo ones.
But I think there was a modification to the Bi Turbos, do your research..
Nickbrapp said:
I assume you’re from London, or the Home Counties transporters aren’t the best and command a massive premium for the badge even if they are absolute ropeholes, I’ve had several for works and have now changed over to transit customs which are better in every single way.
The facelift is a better van especially with the auto 130 engine or 182, I had a 300 for a year and it was spot on, perfect driving position, adaptive cruise etc and a bigger payload and load bay than the equivalent transporter.
So i am based in bristol, hadn't considered a Ford tbh. I guess the reason im thinking of VW is i have fond memories of when i was 18 and picking up a left hand driver, 1971 westfalia in Switzerland for £300, now they have gone through the roof and doubt very much i can find one like it these days for sensible money. The facelift is a better van especially with the auto 130 engine or 182, I had a 300 for a year and it was spot on, perfect driving position, adaptive cruise etc and a bigger payload and load bay than the equivalent transporter.
I have some know how on how to convert, but just want a clean honest newish van. I guess one thing which i am not clear on is., is it better to get a 2012 swb, clean body with 60k miles ( £15000-16000) or go for a 2017 swb, 100k miles for slightly more, £17000 - 18000 with the bluemotion engine 102hp.
Are the bluemotion engines worth the extra?
As for the use i look to a bit of everything from trips abroad, wild camping to rolling up to a site.
Really want a solid van, but i guess what dictates a solid van is the primary question.
Thanks for all the feedback so far, much appreciated
Daniel
ChocolateFrog said:
Gretchen said:
Rust.
Other half has had loads and says for your budget he would look at an older low mileage fully restored T4 as they have stronger engines than the T5s which seem to be problem prone oil burners and more expensive to fix. T4 would hold its value too.
It’s worth joining the FB forums for both T4 and T5s so you can see what issues they have.
Not sure I would agree with that. Avoid the bitdi and 300k plus with 10000 mile oil changes is perfectly achievable. Other half has had loads and says for your budget he would look at an older low mileage fully restored T4 as they have stronger engines than the T5s which seem to be problem prone oil burners and more expensive to fix. T4 would hold its value too.
It’s worth joining the FB forums for both T4 and T5s so you can see what issues they have.
They also don't rust that much, address any damage as it happens, they're pretty well galvanised. My 255k miler was still on its original exhaust after 10 years.
If you buy a low miler and don't use it or a high miler then they're as close to depreciation free motoring as you can get at the moment.
Most T4's will be hiding allsorts unless they've been restored, the youngest is nearly 20 years old now.
A 100hp will be painful, not sure if that model comes with the 6 speed box, as has been mentioned it's worth seeking out if you're going manual.
Personally I'd go newer and higher mileage over an older lower mileage example although condition is everything.
I also think LWB is a no brainer, it's 40cm bigger but that makes a big difference and there's very few compromises, yes it doesn't quite fit in a parking space but it's still only as long as a long car.
Personally I'd go newer and higher mileage over an older lower mileage example although condition is everything.
I also think LWB is a no brainer, it's 40cm bigger but that makes a big difference and there's very few compromises, yes it doesn't quite fit in a parking space but it's still only as long as a long car.
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