volkswagen transporter road test reports and car reviews

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.

Volkswagen Transporter 174 sportline kombi 2009

I’ve just bought a 174 Sportline Kombi van after owning a ex AA t4 swb. I thought after trouble free motoring I was pushing my look and law of averages says sooner or later it’s going to let me down, here we go; I have never ever ever had so much go wrong with a vehicle in my life and we own a commercial garage so we’ve seen our fair share of bad vehicles. My 174 after 2800 miles is on its 3rd turbo after constant ecu light on and constant limp mode. The heater will not clear the screen, I left it running for an hour outside work the other day and from half way up the screen it still didn’t un-freeze the screen. The next thing to go was as I was pulling out of our drive I pressed the foot brake and the pedal was solid, as though the servo had packed up, enter the RAC again. They came out and told me it was the abs kicking in, well no it wasn’t, so he told me there was nothing he could do so my wife went out the next morning and it did the same thing, foot pedal solid, then it works fine after pumping a few times. I’m awaiting VW’s response but I will never buy another VW again, the sportline is badly made, badly finished off, not as quick as everybody makes out. I’m disappointed after owning a well made, well finished off t4. I’ve had the RAC out to my 174 3 times and the AA out once. Never again, if i can get rid I will.

Volkswagen Transporter T30/T28 102/130 SWB 2009

Just had 12 of these on hire for 4 weeks. Main faults were 5 of them need new gearboxes, either gears crunch or dont go in at all. 1 had the door handle fall off on the inside and out making the door totally useless. All have gone back to the hire company totally battered and in need of warranty repairs. Load space is appaling due to the large wheel arches inside the back. Once loaded the van is extremely unstable. Whenever you have a passenger in the van who isnt a midget they continually put the hazard lights on with their knees. Worst vans ever.

Volkswagen Transporter 2009

I’ve just bought a t32 window van 1.9pd102 but there was no handbook with the van, can anyone help me to buy one anywhere? i have tried everywhre without success, thank you.

Volkswagen Transporter T5 104ps SWB 2007

I have a transporter for my business, a 57 plate which has just clocked 80k with very little faults other than a couple of rattles. People with turbo faults need to understand that VGT turbos need time to warm up before setting off flat out and to cool off after they have been worked hard. Doing this a major fault can be avoided. Drive shafts on front wheel drive vans will fail from time to time especially when van is fully loaded I would not have or recommend any other van than VW!

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.

Volkswagen Transporter Sportline 174ps 2007

I bought my Sportline new in 2007. Its now late 2009 and I have just clocked up 75,000, no mercy, trouble free miles. The only fault I had was a broken cooler pipe bracket which caused a rattle. Top van in my opinion. Those people with continual problems I can only guess its the way you drive’em..pussies!!

Volkswagen Transporter 2.5TDI T30 LWB 174 Sportline 2006

I’m on my 4th Transporter and it’s the dearest at £27,000. I’ve never had as much trouble with a vehicle ever. At one point it was in the dealers for 7 weeks with a fault they couldn’t find. As I write this I’m waiting for a return call from the dealer regarding my 2nd Turbo that went nearly 3 weeks ago. It’s had so much go wrong I can’t remember half the problems, but there have been at least 20. I’m seriously thinking of changing my van but not VW.

Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 102bhp t5 2006

I bought a 1.9 102bhp t5 when it was 15 months old and initialy I was very impressed with it but then couldn’t get into any gear with out crunching. I took it back to the dealer and they changed the gear box oil and all was ok for a while. Next it started to wobble when doing speeds of 42-60mph. I took it back to the dealer but they couldn’t find the cause. It continued to wobble so I took it back again and this time they put a new steering rack on. This didn’t solve the problem so made another visit and this time had a new gear box fitted. The problem was still there so another visit to the dealer and a new drive shaft on the driver’s side has been fitted but this still hasn’t fixed it. The 3 year warranty is up soon, what do i do??

Responses to this review

This problem is normally p/s drive schaft or please check tyres for flat spots, I know this as I was master tech for VW - The Rab from County Antrim

Vehicle is not fit for purpose - involve trading standards as to your rights of return, also ask the RAC to do a purchase survey to ascertain the vehicle validity. I suspect that vehcle has been seriously damaged in transit to showroom and dealer had had to fanny it up rather than lose the purchase price and not been able to complete the repair. Also, take the vehicle for a stringent MOT to a garage that does cut price MOT as they are looking for work - the more it fails the more work they get. Summarise all that and contact VW UK and ask them for a new vehicle, at the very least extend the warranty for another 3 years - John jongon7@yahoo.co.uk McGonigal from Scotland

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.

Responses to this review

It could be the power steering belt. I've just had mine done after experiencing left hand turn juddering on pull away. It's cured the problem - M Lewis from England

It's just your four wheel drive sysem thats all. Same happens in jeeps in 4WD. the van you have is in full time 4WD - John Radsom from London

Hi, I have an older synchro Transporter and it does that, it's like the brakes are on when you tight turn, all 4wd are like that, it's just the way they are don't worry - Andy Horton from Yorkshire

I have a t5 transporter window van, at 70000 miles the dual mass flywheel (what a thoroughly c**p piece of design) packed up, two grand later back on the road, asked VW dealer if is this a model problem? No he said, never had one in before with this problem, b******s I thought, as his nose gave pinnochio a good run for his money. I digress, your symptoms are similar to my early stages, next will be transmission rock on clutch take up followed by a bang. Bon chance mon brave!! - Anthony Norton from Devon

Volkswagen Transporter 2001

I bought my 2.5 Transporter new in 2001 and it’s now 11 2009. I’ve never had a thing go wrong with it. It is serviced once a year, not by a vw garage as they are a rip off. I have nothing but good to say about the VW Transporter.

Volkswagen Transporter 174 ps t5 2009

I,m now on my third T5 174 ps. The first was a 54 plate which went back to the dealer over 20 times with the same fault, plus problems with the turbo, discs and pads at 20k. I valeted the van at 1 year old with 30k on the clock and gave it back to the dealer with the log book and keys telling them i was rejecting the vehicle as it was not fit for the purpose.They then sold me an 06 at really good rate inc. part exchange, which i kept for 3 years with no problems until the week after the 3 year warranty ran out, then it fell apart mechanically. I now have an 09 model which has just notched up 4k and developed an intermittent noise which is getting more regular and sounds like the flywheel as it’s when the engine is under load either accelerating or throttling off. I took it to the dealer who said bring it in when it’s noisy and they,ll have a listen. Reassuring!!!! I’ll work more local if it helps shall I ?! We also have a T5 130 ps on a 55 plate, which has been perfect,so perhaps the 174 is just too much of a beast.

Volkswagen Transporter 2006

I have just bought a T5 56 reg Transporter. With only 52,000 miles on the clock, what could go wrong? In 5 weeks of ownership I’ve had to fit a new clutch and flywheel, front shocks, tailgate light,it’s been bad at starting and now it’s in for a central locking fault. The dealer had the van for 4 days this time and they still can’t locate the fault on the central locking. The van is of poor build quality but the service from the dealer has been very good though.

Responses to this review

Me too. I bought a 56 plate T5 in September. It has had front shocks, clutch, central locking fault, starting fault, injector seals and the turbo blew up. The van has 57,000 miles on it - Graham Foggo from England

Volkswagen Transporter 2007 T30

I bought the van 2years ago, loved it when first got it and still like it now. I haven’t had any problems with it, apart from 2 fly wheels, which VW fixed under warantee. Although I must admit I’m worried it could happen again. Looking forward for the T6.

Volkswagen Transporter t30 2.5 130bhp 2007

I have always bought VWs as they are German and have a reputation for superb reliability and build quality. However after having this van for a year I can honestly say I’ll never buy VW again. When you pay nearly £20,000 for a van you would expect only minor faults. So far I’ve needed a new wheel bearing, new radio, new wheel discs (because my brakes wore into the discs). This van doesn’t have brake wear sensors as standard because it was too expensive. On a £20,000 van! That little job cost me nearly £600. The VW staff are awful, they still think that their vehicles are brilliant and refuse to believe that they could go wrong. I’m just of to Southern Motor Group (VW) now to get my diesel particulate filter sorted. Another bloody day off work. Don’t know if I’ll get it sorted under warranty, apparently VW are getting really picky on what repairs they will carry out under warranty. I’ll be buying Japanese next time, all day long. Do not buy this van. I’d sell mine tomorrow if there wasn’t a recession on!

Responses to this review

Spot on mate, tell me about it. Mine is a 55reg from new and I've just spent over 5k on repairs, they just fall apart - Dean Plimsoll from Dorset

I’ve got a 174 Sportline Kombi, brand new sep 09. I’ve had 3! yes 3! turbos, the wiring loom stripped due to a electrical fault that in the end they told me it was number 3 turbo up the spout and now the brake peddal is solid for the 1st application servo problems? Heater won’t clear screen for love nor money. I had a brilliant t4 before this and the t5 sportline kombi is the pits, my milage is 2800miles. What a heap - Rich Smith from 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!

Volkswagen Transporter T30S 174PS 2007

My van was delivered to me with no miles showing and on a transporter. Few extras included. I love the van, great handling, brilliant to drive. I’ve done nearly 60K now. All good, so far. Now for the down side, the intercooler went at 30k, cracked exhaust manifold at 35k, alternator and air con. drive coupling at 57K. Fortunatly everything was done on warranty with no quibble, but just started to lose coolant so it’s going back in at my expense this time. Fingers crossed, it might be time to get another new one...

Volkswagen Transporter t30 1.9 2004

What can I say? I have always bought Volkswagen and this is my first Transporter. After all the hype of the vans I thought I couldn’t go wrong. But since owning the vehicle I have had the pressure house from the intercooler blow off, all tyres have at some point worn in one place like they are bulging (baffled the guys at my local tyre place). I bought the van when it was 4 years old (70k with 12 month warranty), only they never put it on the system as having a warranty. 2 weeks ago the fly shattered taking the clutch and all other clutch related parts with it. Fly wheel seems to be a very problematic part, these should never go before about 200k but VW reckon they don’t last much longer. They tried to charge me £175 for picking up the vehicle from the motorway. Anyway, 2 weeks later I am still struggling and fighting the warranty on this as the parts alone are up to £900 plus the splines on the drive shaft have gone. 4 hours to find the fault at £50/hour plus a further 6 hours to fix. I need to buy a new van and with the VW being so costly I will definately think again, may even consider a Ford, yes, things are that bad.

Volkswagen Transporter Kombi. 2006

I love my van and really look after it, it has always been serviced by the main dealer and I very rarely drive it hard. It just keeps going wrong. I’m on my 3rd gearbox, I had a knocking from the steering column and a leaking sliding window within 60K. Luckily it was all fixed under warranty by the main dealer with the minimum of fuss. Its now out of warranty and has covered 75K and has kindly just spit out parts of the turbo into the intercooler. The Turbo alone is £1100 from VW so I’m expecting a £1500 bill. Also the heater controls are jamed so they will only work on the window, haven’t priced the repair on that yet but its got to be in the region of £200-£300. Its such a shame these great vans are so costly to keep on the road. When its out of warranty it will cost the same as the monthly payments on a new one to keep on the road, should I go and buy another one?

Responses to this review

In answer to your question, no. But the only real alternative is the Merc, but read the reviews on that! Crikey! The bigger question is does anybody make a car or van that is capable of high mileage and daily use that does not fall apart these days? AD from England

I'm just looking for a reliable van. Got a vivaro, which has just done 200000. It's still going but have had to recon the gearbox. I got a newer vivaro, which seems to have come with the problems everyone else has had. Does anyone out there have the answer we all want? - Michael Curson from County Antrim

Its not the most stylish van in the world but read the reviews on the Toyota Hiace - they are bulletproof. Latest versions come with aircon as standard - Chris Bark from Nottinghamshire

Volkswagen Transporter 174 Panel Van 2004

Quite simply the worst van I have ever owned. If anyone is contemplating buying one, please do some research on the web first. 42 days at the dealer in 3 years. Faults include - turbo, ecu, water pump, flywheel, clutch, gearbox. The final straw was a driveshaft stripping its spline without warning 100 miles from home, requiring a return trip on the back of a recovery vehicle (for the first time in over 30 years of driving). All the above faults are known weaknesses on the 5 cylinder variants (again, dont take my word for it- ask one of the mechanics at the main dealer. It is not a question of if it is going to let you down, it’s when). Decent van centres are few and far between; my local one, who seemed to cause as many problems as they cured, have thankfully closed down.

Volkswagen Transporter 9 seater 2008

Comfortable for passengers, not much boot space unless the lwb version. Seemed to drive top heavy around corners. Very dissapointed.

Volkswagen Transporter 2.5 diesel turbo 2003

I went through 3 clutches in the first 6 months. From new I’ve had wires snap in door loom - a common problem. This is not as good a van as I would have thought!!

Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 Trendline 2007

I purchased a VW Transporter 1.9 Trendline brand new in 2007. The cost was £14,000 and I was very disappointed with the van from day one. It was scrubbing the tyres on both sides on the front very quickly. The van never felt like it was driving true and I only got 25 to 28 to the gallon. I heard a lot of positive things about the Transporter’s but I was not not impressed. I will stick to Renault, I have had several without any issues.

Volkswagen Transporter Caravelle 2.8L V6 2007

I have it since new. 3rd radio, 2nd auto gearbox, 3rd instrument unit, fuel pump and a million minor hicks up which I already learned to ignore. So far I can’t afford to by a new van. Honestly, is there anything better?

Volkswagen Transporter T5 2003

A great all round vehicle that does what it claims to. Great for converting to camper or mobile caravan.

Volkswagen Transporter 104bhp 2004

Has anyone got any ideas what it could be? I have recently bought a t5 with 175k on the clock. It has been in the garage for a good seeing to - cam belt, filters change etc. After the engine has warmed up an a longish journey (after approx 1hour) the engine starts losing power and juddering, it then stops as if it clears and may not happen again for sometime. Has anyone got any ideas what it could be?

Responses to this review

I've had what sounds like the same problem. No answer as yet to the cause. I was wondering if you'd had your fault resolved? - A Duffy from England

It's the engine exhaust cleaning itself - Laine Parker from England

I have the same problem with no results from two mechanics who can’t seem to work it out. Any news on yours? - Mitch Anderson from Bedfordshire

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.

Volkswagen Transporter 174 2008

I’m on my second 174. Just bought a Chip Express chip kit for it. Fitted in 10 minutes and you can really tell the difference. The standard van is fast but now!

Volkswagen Transporter t5 /t30/i.9/swb 2004

Hi, I love my Transporter but had the same problems as Jodie in Devon - offside drive shaft spline failed at 50,000 miles. I bought a new drive shaft for £150+VAT. I hope it will be OK.

Responses to this review

It will be ok as normally, you should replace also spline schaft as it is longer than the old one - The Rab from County Antrim

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.

Volkswagen Transporter 174PS Kombi SWB 2007

It’s just awesome. Knocks spots off a Vito. It’s (very) fast, comfortable, economical, good to drive, reliable. It will hold its value and is built like a tank!

Volkswagen Transporter 174 lwb 2006

First of all, rapid, it really does drive well. I’ll give 2* for that plus Smith Knight Fay Manchester have looked after me. Problems- electrics went within two weeks, wing mirrors folded in, no indicators etc. 5 visits to workshop for low break fluid. 2 slave cylinders, 1 turbo, 1 clutch, another electrical unit that stopped it from starting. VW reliability? Van has only done 30k.

Volkswagen Transporter 2004

I think that these cars are pretty good. I would recommend them to any one that I now and they would see where I am coming from. They are a good work horse and I have use them for a while now and had no problems. So, that is why I would recommend it to anyone.

Volkswagen Transporter 2007

I have a 2007 Transporter; from the 3rd day of having it the particulate filter started blocking up. It has probably been in garage 10 times for this problem; they tell me to get on motorway in 3rd gear and keep my foot down - great if you can afford to do this every week (I cannot). Now I have had 3 red lights come on altogether and they now tell me its going to cost me £2500 for a new filter - not good and not happy. Why cannot VW sort there act out with this problem?

Responses to this review

Unfortunately this is a known problem with all modern cars. I had a vauxhall Zafira from new that spent more time at vauxhall than I had it - Kevin Elliott from Hertfordshire

What these people told you about 3gear was wrong as normally it is 4/5 gear 2000rpm for 20 minutens as this increases temp till 600c and cleans the kat when all lights are on. It’s too late, sorry, kat is 100% blocked. I know this as I was Master Tech by VW for 5 years and had this problem loads of times - The Rab from County Antrim

Volkswagen Transporter 104 tdi 2006

Hi, sounds like some people get a bad van. I bought my van brand new in 06. I’m a same-day courier, this van has been exellent. The amount of problems I can count on one hand, it has just clocked up 195,600 miles and has been fitted with its first set of discs today. In the past it has had a rear wheel bearing which it didn’t need as the noise was wrongly diagnosed; it turned out to be a tyre. At 125000 miles the turbo went, this was replaced as part of the 2 year unlimited mileage warranty. The only other money spent on it is oil and servicing. I have had various vans in the last 15 years of courier work, my last one was a old shape caddy in which I did 312000 miles and was very good. This has led me to buy another VW. Renault, Vauxhall, Citroen and Ford are not in the same league, guys at work drive various vans, most of them crap, you get what you pay for believe me. Hope this helps anyone considering buying VW.

Volkswagen Transporter t30 130bhp 2004

Bought new on a 04, it runs fully loaded constantly full of tools, it grips over fields and winds down country roads like a train, pulls trailers excellently, current problem is when you hammer it and it decides 2000 rpm is enough, just a quick off-on and its away again, yes I had the gearbox problem at 12000, couldn’t select reverse when stationary, VW did this free of charge. I have finally found the latest Goodyear tyres don’t blister, they do actually wear out, mechanic fitted from new 8000 miles and all four where blistered, "not a tyre problem though!". It drives like a car not a heavy van. I love it, we have a 06 Vito all I can say is - don’t knock the VW until you have tried one. It would get stuck in a puddle, unlocks doors if it feels like it, loves engine oil, needs two people to lift front electronic windows, seats are like a park bench. Remember accountants design and build new vehicles, not engineers.

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.

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.

Responses to this review

I had the same problem at 78000 miles, I doubt I will be getting another, I will avoid dual mass flywheels like the plague, what a c**p design, I’m sure VW could do better - Anthony Norton from Devon

Volkswagen Transporter Kombi 2009

Having recently purchased the van three weeks ago and having covered around 700 miles to date, so far so good as they say. The only shocker I have had is the road fund tax being at £400 / 12 months because of the issue of the details on the log book as recorded as being a car and not a van on the log book. I have seen other comments made on the subject and it seems a hard pill to swallow on the fact that it has a couple more seats than a van and you pay a penalty. I thought the Government were trying to encourage car sharing, another Labour faux pas I guess to add to the list.

Responses to this review

My 06 T32 SWB Window van has the high road tax on it, VW called and changed it about two weeks after I collected the van, just emailed BBCs Watch dog with the problem - Adam Maunder from Cornwall

Volkswagen Transporter 2006

I bought my van from new and the road tax has doubled in the last 2 years because it is registered as a diesel car. I have spent all that time trying to get the details on the log changed. DVLA can’t alter the details, VW won’t alter the details. They say because it has extra seats it has to be classed as a car. I was not told at the time of purchase that although I was buying a van, it would be registered as a car and I would be spanked for road tax. The really frustrating thing about this is that some vans are registered as LGV’s - it’s just pot luck who enters the details on the registration document. I would like to hear from anyone who is experiencing the same problem or from anyone lucky enough to be registered as LGV. Let’s get this problem sorted - Watchdog here we come!

Responses to this review

Yes I know what you mean but I’ve dropped lucky for once. I have a 2007 shuttle with the nine seat option, its a 2.5 long wheel base, 130 bhp, my mate has the same vehicle in a 6 seat kombi, same engine but a short wheel base , his road tax is £400 per year whereas mine is £210, bonkers - Neil Jackson from Nottinghamshire

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.

Volkswagen Transporter T5 2004

My partner and I have had our T5 for 3 years, it was bought 2nd hand with 79,000 on the clock from a VW dealer and it is now sitting at 170,000. All that we have had to replace is the Water Pump and Altenator. To be honest the van has never needed anything else. Thank you our trusted T5 xx

Responses to this review

I have had three water pumps on 90k and no other problems... touch wood. I have the T5 130 2.5tdi and my beef is that it canes the oil and eats brake pads. On the motorway it’s a dream to drive but around town its a bit of a pig - Adam Amith from Dorset

Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 swb tdi 2004

Bought new 53 plate from Ashford Kent main dealer who are less than useless. Recalled for steering rack safety mod within weeks, now judders at low speed! Engine refuses to do over 2000 revs in 2nd gear at random times! Loads of bits fall off, for example, passenger window winder, driver’s door handle etc... rear spring broke. I am an electrician and carry light loads only - at the 1st MOT VW said it needed new pads AND DISCS! At 30,000 miles local garage said discs still fine at 65,000! Heater pipes to dash/windscreen seem to have become loose as poor demisting and dashboard top gets unbelievably hot! Traction control is bl@@dy dangerous - wet road, T-junction, up slight slope, CANNOT pull away without locking TC button out as brakes grab and release alternate wheels causing van to jump up & down. VW say nothing wrong! Lately ABS light comes up and stays on until ignition turned off and on again, VW say can’t happen! Couldn’t believe a modern van costing £13,000 + tax comes with cassette/radio, manual windows/mirrors and a handbreak that can’t hold it on a hill! Plus side, comfortable driving position... good handling... was hoping van would last another 3 years until I retire but worried it won’t!

Volkswagen Transporter Kombi T30 104bhp 2006

I bought a Transporter Kombi T30 104bhp with 105,000 miles already on the clock. An ex VW Service Vehicle with full VW History. Well, I’ve had none of the disasters that seem to be mentioned in these reviews except a slight intermittent power steering problem. It fails randomly and I only notice it once a week for a few seconds. Other than that it drives superb. It wont accelerate at low revs, especially in second gear, and its not the fastest of models but it does accelerate reasonably well and on the motorway it will cruise as smooth as silk at 80/90mph. I expect a lot from any vehicle I buy and if it doesn’t perform it gets the chop ASAP but this is a pleasure. I drove a Merc Vito 110 to compare before I bought the VW - dreadful driving position and as you may notice on a lot of Merc Vitos... they are rust buckets on wheels. I am a fan of VW/Audi but I was passenger in a Renault Traffic Sport recently and jeez, that thing flew like the wind. Noticeably very quick, and a Vauxhall Vivaro 115 crew cab (all done up with tints and alloys/ lowered) blitzed me at the lights few weeks back.... So...confused?? I am.

Volkswagen Transporter TS85PS 2003

If everything in life was as reliable as a VW..... we would be well and truly up the creak with out a paddle. My van has had new gear box, clutch and fly wheel replace at 95K under warranty. Clutch failed again at 190K - main dealer replaced it but missed the fly wheel which need replacing a week later, and two weeks later the gear box has completely collapsed and needs replacing. Always have had squeal on tight cornering, high pressure hoses replaced frequently plus problems with back door. I would never ever have one of these vans again. As for prices of main dealers!! For example - new clutch, main dealer £900, specialist in Leeds £500 Hmmm no-brainer really.

Volkswagen Transporter t5 102 t28 swb 2007

Bought this van after having my previous t5 which was 9 months old had gearbox problems... only to have the same with my new van. Whenever it goes to the main dealers they say they can’t find problem; very unhappy as van was £13000 + vat and I don’t expect this type of crap. Wish I still had my old escort van which was sound... too many other irritating problems too mention, wont buy another for sure!

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.

Volkswagen Transporter 2002

I have a T5 Transporter Van T28 with 2.5 engine, bought new in January 2003. Apart from the 4 re-calls and a fault with the brake-peddle double switch, which took some months by the Main Agent to find, it has been quite good. But now it has developed a squeak from the dashboard just above the passenger’s airbag. This it intermittent, but is very apparent for most of a journey (may be 50 to 100 miles) it will then cease for a similar period, if you are lucky. You can get some relief by removing the speaker cover (near-side front) and pressing down on the exposed area. (The wife cannot sit pressing down on it all the time). It is also apparent whilst cornering. Hitting a pothole will sometimes stop it, until you meet the next one when it will return. Of course the Agents have never had this problem before!!! They are willing to dismantle the complete dash, at £80 per hour, but will give no assurance that they can correct it. I see from the letters that mine is not an isolated case, has anyone found a cure? If so please let me know.

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.

Volkswagen Transporter 2005

Many recalls for handbrake failure... check recalls list.

Volkswagen Transporter T32 130 WINDOW VAN 5 SEATER 2006

My window van costs me £220 for six months duty, seems excessive for van with 130 ish HP. If you have a window van of similar spec what are you paying in duty and is it classed as a diesel car on your log book? Could you let me know. Fairly pleased with the van, funny flat spot now and again, in traffic mainly when on and off the gas around 40 to 55 mph, when this happens the engine fans run slowly after the vehicle is stopped, engine temp stays at 90 and the exhaust smells very hot!. Lights also flicker slightly when it happens at night?? VW have updated the ECU but it happens around twice a month? No fault codes show apparently. When the engines going well it goes like a rocket, stiff T32 springs are hard at slow speed but it corners very well at speed and stays flat without roll. Buy another? Not sure.

Responses to this review

I also have a similar problem. Have Vw got to the bottom of it yet? - A Duffy from England

Hi, as I’ve replied to somebody else, I have a 2007 lwb 2.5 130bhp manual 9 seater shuttle, and road tax costs me £210 per year , my mate has a 6 seater kombi same year same engine in a short wheel base, and he has to pay £400 - Neil Jackson from Nottinghamshire

Volkswagen Transporter Transporter 1.9d 1994

Great van! I got this van about 2 years ago with over 140,000 miles on the clock. The van is now up at 175,000 miles and the only things I have had to change are a ball joint and a power steering belt. I know other people with other vans. One friend has a 5 year old Transit that has more rust on it than my 14 year old van! I was looking at buying a new van and was considering a Vauxhall or Renault and have heard nothing but poor reviews from friends who own them. BUY a VW - They are expensive for a reason!

Volkswagen Transporter LWB 174 Van 2008

This van has been a total pleasure to own. It’s my 4th T5 as I get a new one every year as I travel up to 60k a year. I never had a single breakdown on any of them in over 200000 miles... No real problems to speak of really - just good quality vans as they say - you get what you pay for. When I part exchange every year it’s still worth very good money... Top vans VW! Thanks!

Volkswagen Transporter t30 174ps lwb 4motion 2007

Driving on M60 motorway in Manchester, when a coolant warning light came on, advising me to stop and check coolant levels. Pulled over to hard shoulder and saw that the coolant reservoir was full to the top with engine oil. Don’t know about any of you lot, but where I come from that’s ’head gasket failure’. Got 17k miles on the clock. Never take van over 2500rpms and now this after a year of premature and incorrect settings on the Diesel Particulate filter. Bulb holder on interior light had never been fitted to the front cab from the factory. Complained to VW and they explained that there must be some mistake. VW would never make that mistake. Sick of reading maps in the dark after 4pm and when I switch my ignition off have to carry a torch. Van needs to have handbrake cable tightened as van rolled down a hill and nearly went into a large pond in someone’s garden. Bounced off someone’s fences. VW van centre mentioned that it’s a good idea to leave van in gear on a hill for extra safety. VW Assistance came round and diagnosed problem with my van as a ’blown’ cylinder head gasket. He was shocked as the engine looked brand new and was very apologetic. VW Van centre Manchester reckon I can get my van back in 5 days. That’s good when you’re a very busy heating engineer in Manchester.

Volkswagen Transporter 2.5L Manual Turbo POS 2008

Worst car I have ever owned by a mile! 700km - new turbo fitted, wiggle door lock with any key (not moving enough to unlock) and passenger window winds down to help thieves steal the car, VW wont supply radio unlock code, dash board fails intermittently, oil leak on motor, oil leak into turbo, flywheel has been replaced, plastic jack holder busted from factory, remote control lock not working, 1 month off the road in repair in 7 months of owning the car, 15,000km on the clock and 7 services later car still doesn’t run properly. No control over engine speed with throttle from time to time, car shut-down in middle of freeway in front of truck. When backing off throttle then applying power again car surges dangerously and without warning rather than apply power smoothly. Has all been detailed to dealer and all they can do is tell me they will give me a loan car as a reward and that I am even lucky to get that! Car now owes me $65,000 and only cost me $50,000 the rest is lost income :( VW are a pack of ****** who don’t care for their customer once the money is in the bank. Will never buy one of these lemons again. If you have had problems similar can contact me simpleminded69@hotmail.com

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...

Responses to this review

I have had the same here. Went in for a 65,000 mile service and told I have an oil leak into the power steering and the coolant is leaking too. I have already had a new clutch which broke to bits after 25,000 and all the window trims replaced. This should not all happen within 4 yrs on a commercial van. I am not pleased - Mike from Devon

Volkswagen Transporter T130 lwb 2006

Had absolutely no problems whatsoever with my T5 after 20,000 miles. Would like to comment on a review by a previous reviewer SHAAZAD HASSAN from LANCASHIRE who reports he has had problems with the diesel particulate filter. It is a common condition T5 drivers encounter apparently, but you will only experience this if your constantly doing short journeys & not allowing the engine to reach running temperature, which you should be doing whatever vehicle you drive! The filter will get clogged with the worst of the ’cold engine soot’ constantly on short journeys & will resort to safe mode. Running temperature on my van is achieved after 4-5 miles driving on A or B roads which I’m happy with, also considering the filter is the main reason my vans emissions are so low, costing me £120 for 12 months road tax!

Responses to this review

I have the same van but pay £180 for 12 months tax. Can I ask how you got yours to be different? Thanks - Ian from Fife and Kinross Shires

Volkswagen Transporter T30 4motion 2008

This van is only 3 months old, it has already had a new turbo, intercooler, drive shaft EGR valve and every gasket along the exhaust replaced. It has had all new bonnet support rubbers as they stick to the underside of the bonnet and stop it from opening. The handbrake was adjusted at a week old due to rolling when pressing the clutch to start. Since then this van has rolled down my drive and caused a large amount of damage upon impact with my garage. VW say tough, you should leave it in gear. I have had this van inspected by VOSA, it even rolled away for them. It appears that when the handbrake is applied to hot rear disks, once the disks cool they contract, causing the pads to loose grip. That means that this van is an MOT failure at 3 months and it doesn’t comply with construction and use regulations for sale in the UK. If any one else is / has suffering / suffered with the handbrake issue please contact me @ ian@applianceservices.co.uk.

Volkswagen Transporter 130ps 2.5 tdi t30 swb kombi

I will never buy another of these vans - poor quality and a poor service from the main dealer. Leaking driver’s door; back to the dealer three times - never rectified properly and now get wind noise instead. Turbo air pipes failed at 6 months; side loading doors rattles - never resolved. Clunking noises when making slow full lock turns; clutch judder although the dealer could not find it. This was just before the warranty ran out. It is now much worse and needs a new clutch/flywheel; the van has only covered 36,000 miles of light use then a few weeks ago the water pump has failed, total pants.

Volkswagen Transporter 2004

Bought my T26 in 2004 and have covered 34000 miles now and must say this is superb. Apart from the steering problem in the early days and the usual brake light switch replacement the van is all I expected from VW. Cannot agree with some of the previous comments about the T5.

Volkswagen Transporter 174 window SWB 2006

Superb van. Yes, a few niggles like a new steering coupling and leaks from windows and rattles but nothing that can’t wait until next service each time. The 174 engine is a joy - power and economy in equal measure. 40k miles now and very reliable. I cannot imagine a better all round vehicle.

Volkswagen Transporter 2006

Hi - husband bought one of these about 2 years ago - last Christmas it broke down and had to be taken to dealer with a turbo problem; it stayed there for 3 weeks as parts had to be ordered in (must have been coming from the moon)!!! In September past it went in for routine service and it was discovered that it needed new steering rack. This van has only done 31,000 miles - does not get any driving abuse whatsoever - have rang customer services but may as well have been talking to a brick wall!! Can’t afford to change this van but we probably have to. Absolutely disgusted with this service.

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!

Volkswagen Transporter Trendline 2007

Hi to all people who have bought the Transporter. Stop running the Transporter down - it’s one of the best vans on the road - maybe you all bought from poor dealer with no good after-service. I have the ’07 Trendline; from new with major conversion done. I am very happy. So spend bit more money on new model.

Volkswagen Transporter t5 2004

BEWARE; do not buy the t5 Transporter, I’ve had my t5 for just over a year and I’ve had 2 alternators; 3 fan belts; the heater’s and coolers don’t blow or clear the condensation from windows; the gear knob split and came off in my hand; I had to glue it back on; the drink’s holders fell to bits (they wouldn’t glue back together). The driver’s door handle cover keeps falling off and to cap it off I’m told today that I’m looking at a new gearbox - teeth have sheered off the main drive. This van has done 80k but light work; I honestly thought that when I bought a t5 I had made a good choice... HOW WRONG I WAS TO BUY A VW T5! I couldn’t wait to get rid of my Vito but would swap it back for this pile of crap straight away.

Volkswagen Transporter 2004

I got my T5 August 2008, was at first very happy. But as time has gone on I’m becoming increasingly unsure. I got it from a massive garage in Sittingbourne, obviously I cannot say their name, but i would not go back. The bloke said to me they don’t need cam belts until 100,000, I then found out its 60,000. I wanted a van I didn’t have to spend loads on. Too late I suppose. Anyway, its going in for a service, and cam belt. I already have the squeak in the dash previously mentioned, the rear door lock does what it wants when locking, the van judders when steering; when idling and the vents in the dash don’t blow cold, as the dials are knackered. Not the sort of thing you expect from a 54 reg vehicle. And I have found this all out in ten days, so what’s left to come. Seriously doubt the build quality with these new t5’s, I really do.

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.

Volkswagen Transporter 2.5 TDI T30 lwb 130 2006

Mine is coming up to 3 years old and the end of it’s warranty. Initially I was delighted with it. Very comfortable, bags of power and torque and if I drive it carefully I can get 36mpg quite heavily loaded with tools and equipment and a rather heavy false floor and drawer arrangement. Early on I experienced intermittent toughness in the steering at high lock. At it’s first service at nearly two years old I was told I need to take it back for a factory recall on one of the steering linkages. Today is in VW van centre having a new water pump and power steering pump fitted together with a burst hydraulic hose in the steering system. They’ve had it for two days now and it looks like I may not get it back today as they don’t seem to stock many parts. From all the reports above I’m starting to fear that this could just be the beginning of some more expensive repairs. I was planning to keep the vehicle for at least 10 years, but I think it might be time to trade it in.

Volkswagen Transporter t30 174ps lwb 4motion 2007

Van bought new in Sept 07 from Manchester VW van centre. Engine is currently BPC engine code (2.5tdi DPC). Currently covered 14.5k miles with mixture of motorway and urban driving. Clutch pedal is almost at biting point when 10mm off the floor. Diesel particulate filter has had two firmware updates to the ECU, under warranty. Have to drive everyday for approximately 10 minutes twice a day on the motorway at 2000-2500 rpm’s to regenerate the DPC otherwise the filter gets blocked and the van switches over to limp-home mode with a 50% reduction in power output. This is a real pain in the butt and is a big waste of fuel at current prices, especially when you are carrying 2000kg of payload including piperack/roof rack and 3 section ladders etc. Costs me around a tank of fuel a month to carry out this environment friendly procedure which wastes more fuel and then contradicts what it initially was there to achieve as you are doing unnecessary mileage. The company that manufactures the Diesel Particulate Filter for the VAG group is called BASF Catalysts based in Ludwigshafen in Germany. Coincidently, my wife is employed by this company as a Travel manager and has contacted the appropriate department internally/unofficially in Cheadle, Cheshire at the Stanley Green site. The response of the R&D manager at this firm was that there is a problem with the settings/parameters in the ECU program which need setting up correctly and that there is a superior technology available to VAG group called DOC filters. Unfortunately due to cost they didn’t adopt this technology. They went for the more cost effective one which in turn causes me more aggravation and wasted diesel and time. My van is fully loaded and I mean everything on the options is excluding left-hand drive. Seems to be dying a death systematically and gradually. What happened to German build quality.

Responses to this review

Try www.brickyard.com or the brickyard etc.., it is a VW website for enthusiasts, there is a modification for this, it does mean blocking the egr valve but it has good reports from owners. Good luck - Richard H from England

Volkswagen Transporter 104ps 2004

absolute pile of cra* !!!!!! i have had to many problems to list but main one is flywheel and gearbox , i have had 3 replacements already which were carried out under warranty however it has just gone again outside warranty so i have been given a big repair bill ( currrently being disputed with vw customer care ) i would seriously urge any one looking to buy a t5 to look at something else i have spent hours in the garage with this van and now have so many bits falling of i have got to the point where i superglue them back on myself, from a really pi**ed of plumber.

Volkswagen Transporter T30 SWB 2.5 tdi174 bhp 2004

What can I say... Bought mine 3 years ago 2nd hand from a VW dealership. Until this year/last month it’s done well. With 69K on the clock now, just had a new water pump, new starter motor and new clutch.... Due the high performance of the van (174 bhp), VW have done some fancy stuff with the fly-wheel (Duel-mass or something similar) to get the power output. So if you have a T5 2.5tdI (130 or 174) and it starts juddering whilst pulling off in 1st of reverse, be warned - it will cost you a hefty repair bill.

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.

Volkswagen Transporter T30 130 BHP 2004

I have 26,500 miles on clock, the vehicle has failed its second MOT on front n/s shock absorber. The van still looks like new but I’m not a happy self employed joiner.

Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 tdi t28 104 2004

Fantastic to drive great comfort eats the miles effortlessly! But starting to have doubts about its reliability and ruggedness. My vehicle has done 65000 miles bought new in 04 mostly motorway work light loads not thrashed is currently in a thousand bits with gearbox failure and has been for two weeks waiting for a 4th gear to arrive! Asking at 3 service centers why it should get stuck told it was a mystery and that it is normally the 6 speed box that gets stuck in first and second, is this a common fault perhaps? While the gearbox is out I am fitting a new clutch as everything on this van takes so long to do. The dashboard has developed an annoying squeaking which I am still trying to stop . This is a long term project for me one day to be turned into a camper van so I hope nothing else major occurs! Great to drive not so sure about reliability not something I would thought I would say about VW as I have owned several and also run an LT!

Volkswagen Transporter T26 1.9 tdi 2004

I have owned 3 of these VW vans in the past 10 years, they have all been great. Unfortunately though the ALL NEW T5 VW Transporter is a disaster it has broken down 5 times now and has been towed back to the dealership. The faults i am having are not isolated they are becoming more common now there are more of these vans around and some are reaching 4 years old with high mileage. The faults i have experienced are expensive to repair and even though VW have admitted they are due to faulty parts they will not replace them now i am 3 weeks out of warranty. The problems i have had include the entire range not just the T26. This is a great van; i have never been so comfortable sat in my van waiting for the AA to recover me from the hard shoulder of the M1. If you want a van you will love for 2 years and loath for the rest of the time you own it, buy a VW T5 Transporter.

Volkswagen Transporter 2.5 TDI T30 lwb 130 2003

I’ve had this van from almost new and I would recommend it to anyone. Solid as a house and very comfortable to drive thanks to fully adjustable drivers seat and steering column. This is a van that will just run and run and not let you down.