Overview of the Volkswagen Kombi
The Volkswagen Type 2 is the original monobox people-mover, born in 1950. Forming part of the German brand's Transporter series, it is known by different names around the world, such as Microbus, Campervan, or the Kombi that is the favoured named in Australia (where it landed in 1965). It's synonymous with the 'flower power' generation of the 1960s and 1970s, and beloved by backpackers, surfers and enthusiasts. Later Kombi generations were engineered completely differently: water-cooled rather than air-cooled, and front-engined and front-wheel drive rather than a rear-mounted engine driving the rear wheels.
VOLKSWAGEN KOMBI GENERATIONS
1965-1968
1968-1979
1979-1990
1992-2003
2005-2008
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption (2006-2008)
1.9L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 8.0 to 8.5 litres per 100km
2.5L 5-cylinder: 12.6 to 13.4 litres per 100km
2.5L 5-cylinder turbo diesel: 9.6 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Contact the nearest Volkswagen service centre. Volkswagen Kombi parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO VOLKSWAGEN KOMBI
Honda Odyssey
Kia Carnival
Hyundai iMax
Toyota Tarago
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: VOLKSWAGEN KOMBI (2005-2008)
Everybody wants a VW Kombi. Or so it seems. But the really early cars are now the realm of the hard-core enthusiasts who need to be on their toes to keep these antiques running.
Which means, that if you must have a Kombi to actually use, then the later (T5) variants are the ones to go for.
A much more modern design, these vehicles were not without their faults, starting with everything electrical.
Make sure you include the keyless locking in your inspection as a new key can cost plenty by the time it has been cut and coded to the car.
Check for oil leaks from the engine and where it meets the transmission and take a close look at the condition of all the belts and hoses under the bonnet. The oil on the dipstick should be clean and clear and not black and thick.
Make sure you check the condition of the tyres, too, as plenty of Kombi owners over the years have confused the legend of VW reliability with the reality of modern motoring.
