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2005 volkswagen transporter reviews
volkswagen transporter reviews by year of make: 1994 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 T30 Read all reviews
The Volkswagen Transporter offers high level cab comfort with many seating, heating, storage and entertainment features. An impressive standard safety package means you can rest assured the Transporter's occupants and load will be safe.
Gavin Hall, South Africa
Volkswagen Transporter 128 kw 2005
Bought my 5 cyl t5 second hand with 38000km on the clock. Shortly after the power steering reservoir started overflowing with engine oil from a bad seal on the pump. Cost a new pump, fortunately under warranty, but other than that a brilliantly versatile vehicle with so much power and economy to boot. best vehicle I have owned. Have a set of chains for mud in Swaziland and let the tyres down for the sand in Mozambique. 16" wheels are the secret for clearance also remember to switch off electronic traction! Also own a very reliable Audi A4 and a new VW Beetle which has been trouble all the way, so win some lose some I guess.
Submitted: 11/02/2010 10:53:05
Dene Millward, Somerset
Volkswagen Transporter 174 kombi 2005
owned this van now for 3 and a 1/2yrs,no major probs yet ,just oil in coolant,fixed on warrenty twice!!! Had chip conversion to raise HP a few years ago; don’t bother, save your money, went from 31-33 average mpg to 25 average with no big discernable notice in performance. Taken it 5 times to south of france on various trips and so far not as much as a glich. It’s used every day for towing 1.5ton diggers and compressors and again as yet no clutch or gearbox problems. I dont drive it hard, just pottle around, sorry to hear there can be so many probs. I nearly bought a Merc instead of VW, both solid vans just preferred the looks of the VW, I’m glad I chose it though I have heard of gearbox problems but think that might just be 1.9 versions. Time will tell on reliability but I’m planning on keeping it for another 4-6 yrs.
Submitted: 09/02/2010 10:04:41
Roger Williams, Sussex
Volkswagen Transporter T5 2.5 130Bhp 2005
Had van from new, it’s nice to drive and good on fuel. After 24 months had a loud bang, no gears and it was the drive shaft completely snapped in half but under warranty so was lucky. Now at 4.5 years had the power steering pump, oil cooler and water pump go . I had reported oil light issues to VW while still under warranty but they said they could not find a problem until now and they are now arguing saying it isn’t their fault for not checking the original fault properly. So be warned VW are an arrogant bunch of W*&^%r’s and will never admit fault. Has any one else had this problem as we need to get together to make them listen.
Submitted: 05/02/2010 20:16:08
Brett Vilnis, Australia
Volkswagen Transporter T5 128Kw 6Speed Manual 2005
I’m from Australia and have a 2005 T5 2.5Lt 6Speed manual with 123k on the clock. This is a expensive car down under. It’s the best van I have ever owned when it comes to power and comfort, bloody brilliant ! I use it for work and often spent weeks in central Australia. I wouldn’t call my trips hard, demanding would be a better word. At 120k the power steering pump exploded leaving me stranded in 48 degree temperatures for 4 hours before I flag down help. $1900.00 AU to fix it. Two weeks ago BANG no gears, no speedo, still waiting to hear from the mechanic why and how much $$$$. Sounds like input shaft. Breaking down where I go can kill you! I can no longer trust this van in the Australian Outback so today I purchased a 2009 Crewman T5 2.5Lt, 228Kw with 6 speed manual, 4 motion with optional RH door and towing pack. Drive away with 12 months rego this cost me $52000.00 AU I almost purchased the Benz but went for the VW again? I hope I’ve done the right thing but I’m a little worried after reading this review section.
Submitted: 31/01/2010 20:54:49
David Colman, Norfolk
Volkswagen Transporter Mini bus 2005
I drive a T5 transporter shuttle bus as a taxi, the back windows are a c**p design and have been broken countless times over the last four years, the triptronic gearbox has now packed up after 294,584 miles. It is the fastest van I have ever driven (132 mph would you believe), the body work is perfect. Taking in account that it’s a night taxi, where you are picking up drunks that abuse the vehicle, this is to my mind the best bus on the market. Well done Volkswagen.
Submitted: 20/01/2010 09:09:26
Anthony Norton, Devon
Volkswagen Transporter t5 window van 2005
Initially i was very pleased with the bus, comfortable and practical for me, my wife, four kids and three labradors. There is always a slight offset pull when accelerating, I put this down to heavy load. Hang on, this is a commercialy rated veh. major beef at 78000 miles dual mass flywheel disintegrated as did drive shaft, what a stupid cheapskate design,if there is too much torque/transmission shock, improve and strengthen mountings and components. To pass cheap designs onto customers who end up with expensive bills I feel VW are totally betraying the trust of loyal (not for long) customers. P.S. Who designed the rubbish sliding door windows? Having read everybody elses beefs I am filled with dread for the next 100000 miles.
Submitted: 12/01/2010 23:39:05
Brian Ruttle, Northern Ireland
Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 tdi 85bhp 2005
VW transporter 1.9 tdi 85 bhp with 116,000 miles complete, no issues up to now. today during cold weather got stuck in 4th gear. I left until mid day and all ok again. got checked out and water got into gear linkage cables and froze. To fix it will require new linkage. (currently tried to get water out with wd40 and grease) all in all I’ve had this van from new and I would recommend it to anyone.
Submitted: 08/01/2010 21:42:30
John McNally, Warwickshire
Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 2005
I bought this van in 2005. Great until just a month before the warranty ran out, so it got the clutch repaired. However, 20,000.00 for a van without brake wear sensors on it has cost me 600 pounds. Then a week after the warranty ran out the alternator buggered up costing 450 pounds. Then the turbo intake pipe blew off costing a further £105 pounds. Now the 5th gear is buggered and it’s about to go in to find out if it’s a 500 pound job or a 4,500 pound job. Not impressed now. The van layout is great and the drive comfortable but for a working van that has just hit 110,000 mile (90% motorway miles) this cannot be good.
Submitted: 11/12/2009 22:40:33
Paul, Buckinghamshire
Volkswagen Transporter 130 ps , 4 motion 2005
This is an excellent vehicle, mine has done 150k so far and the only fault I can find is that it judders when pulling away with full lock on; it feels like the brakes are pulling on or the four wheel drive is cutting in, not sure, but when clutch is dipped it rolls freely. Once you are moving or using a bigger turning circle there is no problem. Has anyone had the same problem or at least similar? I would be interested to know before paying for the VW garage to take a look.
Submitted: 14/11/2009 22:34:45
Colin Harrison, England
Volkswagen Transporter T30 TDI 2005
Not done 60,000 miles yet and its had a water pump & now a gearbox & clutch - £4000 of repairs in 2 months! Appalling reliability!! Very, very disappointed with the vehicle - also extremely disappointed with VW Commercial - they would not help us at all. I do not consider that this it is acceptable, that a low mileage vehicle, only 4 years old should have such major mechanical failures. This vehicle has been main dealer serviced and well looked after by us. It seems that VW’s reputation for engineering and customer service is not what it was!
Submitted: 22/10/2009 08:37:13
Roy, Hampshire
Volkswagen Transporter T5 2005
I bought a VW Transporter T5 for taxi work, beautiful to drive and very comfortable. In fact, our clients love it. Service charges are very reasonable and I like the long service schedule that comes with the vehicle. Down side is the vehicle has only done 200,000 miles and has had to have some serious cash spent on it over the 4 years eating away at any profit it has made for the business. At 110, 000 miles Turbo blew on M25 with customers on board, then needed new clutch at 120,000 miles, new gear box 128, 000miles approx and now at 200,000 miles a damn new ABS System has just been fitted with very little change from VW out of £1800. Excellent to drive, but I doubt I will buy another one for taxi work again. They just don’t appear to be able to cope with the vehicle continually stopping and starting.
Submitted: 22/05/2009 09:56:27
J Bettley, Gloucestershire
Volkswagen Transporter 2.5 130bhp 2005
Van bought new April 05, apart from 2 driveshafts, a water pump, oil in the coolant, and a few other issues, no major mechanicals etc. Van has now done 300,000 miles 4 years on and has NEVER had a clutch!!!!!!!!! This is after a mixture of solo motoring, towing a 2 ton twin axle trailer and towing a 1500 kg twi axle caravan!!!!!!!!! My secret - CRUISE CONTROL. Best thing ever invented. Previous vans 88bhp 2.5 T4 160,000 miles and 102bhp 2.5 T4 360,000 miles, neither had new clutches throughout my ownership. Yep you guessed it both had CRUISE CONTROL.
Submitted: 14/04/2009 10:46:42
David Todd, Yorkshire
Volkswagen Transporter 2.5 lwb 130bhp 2005
I bought the van two years ago with 24000 miles on the clock and have loved every minute. I’ve had a lot of work vans, mainly Transit’s (poor), and a T4 that was great. I have had my T5 chipped 165bhp so now engine is even more impressive. I have done all the oil and filter changes and a set of brake pads, front and rear. No faults at all, now on 48000 miles. The van gets driven very hard and I am always impressed how it performs. I hope this carries on as it is.
Submitted: 16/02/2009 09:40:36
Stewart, Hampshire
Volkswagen Transporter T5 2005
At first I was very happy with van, now not so sure. Last year the flywheel shattered while driving at moderate speed in 5th gear - replaced under warranty, now out of warranty the gearbox needs replacement at an advised cost of £1700 plus VAT. Did not expect a bill of this magnitude for a van I have owned from new and looked after, full service history etc. approaching 70000 miles, disappointed with you VW.
Submitted: 11/02/2009 09:11:33
D Thomas, England
Volkswagen Transporter T 5 130 BHP 2005
New water pump and turbo. Faulty central locking and brake switch. Uses more oil than diesel - pile of s**t.
Submitted: 06/02/2009 09:11:19
John, London
Volkswagen Transporter 2.5 TDI Executive 174 2005
Having bought the vehicle new from a main dealer I feel compelled to let people know what they are letting themselves in for. The car has been in to the dealer more times that I can remember. After day 2 of owning I had to return the car because the Air Con had failed (kept overnight) resulted in leaking pipe. Then returned on a further 2 times for the same problem, each time re-gassing needed. Now for the good stuff. How about replacement Water Pump, replacement Sat Nav unit, consistant rattle from rear bench seat, replacement gearbox (common at 65,000), replacement Turbo Charger, replacement Battery, all this was luckily covered under warranty. But then 10,000 miles and just 2 months out of warranty rear shocks leaking and then just yesterday the icing on the cake. Travelling down the M1 Motorway in the middle lane all power lost, dashboard lighting up like a Christmas Tree, resulting in Head Gasket Failure. VW customer service is not worth the phone call. All they tell you to do is take to the main dealer then they will see what they can do (maybe a goodwill gesture??). This car has been serviced at every interval by the dealer themselves. They failed me on my MOT saying that rear shocks are leaking and Brake discs are dangerous (Total bill approx £1000??). I then took the vehicle to an independent garaged for repair work to be told that "shocks do need replacing, brakes are a little low but still have life left in them?? Total repair bill inc MOT £248 with original VW shocks fitted. Would I buy another one? Hell would have to freeze over first. Take my advice and go to Mercedes and buy yourself a proper Van/People carrier.
Submitted: 29/12/2008 10:08:32
Jodie, Devon
Volkswagen Transporter 2005
I have a three year old T5 Transporter van, bought new in July 2005. In September this year, when the vehicle was six weeks outside its warranty, the offside drive shaft and inner spline failed. Even the VW mechanic said a component like this "should never fail in the lifetime of a vehicle like this". I had just had it serviced at the VW dealership, Murrays, in Plymouth because I believed their lies that if I did this, even after the warranty ran out, I would be shown good will for being a loyal customer. I got it towed to Murray’s and had an incredibly frustrating week (without transport) trying to get them or VW UK to value my custom by showing some good will towards me and this £500 repair. To add insult to injury Murray van centre had done the repair without my express permission. I had told them to wait until I knew if there would be any good will, but they ignored me (probably because I am a woman) and did the work anyway. They even had the cheek to tell me they would not charge me for taking the part out and putting my broken drive shaft back in. I looked into getting the repair done elsewhere as I thought it may cost less, but because the part can only be bought from VW and I would have had to of added the cost of towing to the bill, not to mention not having transport for a further few day, this was not a viable option. I was forced to give Murray my business. This was even more infuriating when they informed me I would have to pay over £100 extra if I wanted to take away the drive shaft that had failed, which was outrageous given that it belongs to me and I had paid for a new one. This van has done less that 35,000 miles and very little work in it’s lifetime as I use it for surfing and camping. I was quite complimentary of VW Transporters until this happens but now I have lost all faith in my van and VW as a brand. I am shocked and disgusted that the component failed, that VW would not do anything to help, and at the treatment I received as a customer of Murray van centre. The manager and the sales man were incredibly rude to me and very unhelpful, far from the ’valued customer’ treatment I was lead to believe I could expect.
Submitted: 12/12/2008 17:18:44
Angela S, England
Volkswagen Transporter 2005
Many recalls for handbrake failure... check recalls list.
Submitted: 12/12/2008 16:51:27
C May, London
Volkswagen Transporter 2005
When HOT engine oil begins to bubble up into your power steering reservoir and spill out over the engine, I consider that a dangerous mechanical failure. A sealed unit which malfunctions in a dangerous manner should be VW’s responsibility. IT’S NOT WEAR AND TEAR - IT’S A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH A VW COMPONENT THAT ALLOWS CONTAMINATION OF THIS CRITICAL FUNCTION (steering) BY ENGINE OIL. When a VW mechanic diagnoses the fault over the phone and on inspection describes it as a "dangerous common fault" VW should show concern. THEY HAVE NOT AND IT’S A JOKE DON’T BUY VW!!!! GREAT PRODUCT, BAD CUSTOMER CARE VW - THEY JUST DON’T CARE IF YOUR STEERING FAILS APPARENTLY...
Submitted: 05/11/2008 15:09:42
Paul Bancroft, Devon
Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle 2005
I have a LWB Shuttle 2.5 Tiptronic, and as far as being a van is concerned it is fantastic, incredibly comfortable, great workhorse, seriously looks the Biz! And it’s great to drive apart from a persistent intermittent fault that VW say they cannot find, even suggesting that it doesn’t exist even though they have had the van SEVEN TIMES and their master technician has witnessed the fault whilst passenger in the vehicle (he even suggested the likely cause!!!!) BUT, it would seem VW is reluctant to effect any repairs. I have read on other forums regarding the DSG gearbox, that a number of people are having serious issues too, but VW seem uninterested in resolving these problems. Clearly the VW of the new millennium is far removed from that of the previous!
Submitted: 09/10/2008 11:39:48
Martin Norman, England
Volkswagen Transporter Window Van 2005
As with any new vehicle, I guess, first impressions great. I had to have a new clutch & flywheel at 18,000 due to a bad shuddering. They also replaced a leaking water pump. A wiring fault which kept the rear wiper firing up at all times, even though it was switched off. They broke the plastic wiper cover whilst doing this, it’s never been replaced. There has always been a problem with a flat spot in 2nd gear, when pulling away after idling at traffic lights etc. VW carried out an management update, which made the vehicle more flexible in the lower gears, but has never cured the flat spot and it reduced fuel consumption. Both sliding windows had to be replaced, due to leaks, n/s twice. Second n/s window, catch broke first time it was used. I have been waiting forever for a VW regional technician to road test vehicle for an apparently untraceable vibration that occurs between 40&50 mph. This, coincidentally appeared shortly after it had been in for the replacement clutch/flywheel. Southern Motor Group in Croydon have been bulshitting for months regarding this and VW GB have been complicit in coluding with them over this matter. They told me it was the wheels out of balance, I had only just had new tyres and rebalance two days before. Then it was the alloy wheels ’out of shape’ They fitted a set of new steel wheels and tyres. ’no change’ They had the vehicle for weeks in total, for road testing, which consisted, I later found out, of one of their staff members using the vehicle as personal transport, putting hundreds of miles on the clock and using gallons of my fuel. I believe that the third year Van Centre warranty, is not worth a light. When it’s been back to them during this period, I firmly believe that they just leave the vehicle standing in the yard and do sweet FA to it. Strangely they would never give an invoice for warranty work supposedly done during this period. It went back for clonking noises from the steering, noisy steering pump, at low speed. The handbrake has never been efficient from day one. The only way to make it work half securely is to pump the foot brake and nearly pull the lever out of the floor. This is a known problem, but VW say "it meets the required standard" I guess they knew from the off. "Refer to handbook," it advises that you should park in gear and kerb your tyres to make sure that it doesn’t roll away. I know many owners who have had this problem resulting in vehicles rolling away, causing damage to their’s and other vehicles. I’m still waiting for VWs Regional Technician to road test the vehicle. I have my doubts that such a person exists, or that VW are capable of diagnosing the problem. Having owned a T25 for 15 years, I thought, obviously mistakenly, that I could expect the same reliability. The future does not bode well.
Submitted: 10/09/2008 09:21:26
Richard Payne, Worcestershire
Volkswagen Transporter 130 tdi kombi 2005
This van has been in the garage more times than I can remember. Problems such as leaking rear windows, clutch, steering vibration, water pump, paint problems around side door handle, power steering fluid problems, loss of drive to gearbox due to input shaft worn, rollers on doors not rolling, clunking sound on steering full lock when turning slowly. All items have at some point been rectified under warranty but now the warranty period is up I wonder if its time to call it a day with this van at 65,000 miles. It has no way been as good as the 6 other t4 vans that I have owned, all of which have done above 110,000 miles. As a self employed electrician, a good van is why I paid 20k plus for this one and other lone vans I have had have felt like the quality element as gone.
Submitted: 11/07/2008 11:25:11
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