Overview of the Volkswagen Transporter
In 1950 Volkswagen used the Type 1 (better known as the Beetle) as the basis for a commercial van it called the Type 2 (and eventually the Transporter). Now in its sixth generation, the Transporter continues to be offered in an almost bewildering array of options with variable roof heights and wheelbase lengths. There are even spin-off people-movers in the form of the seven-seater Multivan and nine-seater Caravelle.
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER GENERATIONS (SINCE 2004)
2004-2015
2016 on
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 7.3 to 8.7 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs from about $403. Volkswagen Transporter parts and accessoriescan be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
Ford Transit
Hyundai iLoad
Mercedes-Benz Vito
Renault Trafic
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2004 to 2015)
Plenty of Transporters were bought by fleets or companies and worked hard from day one.
So check the service history to see what's gone wrong in the past and then check that the vehicle hasn't suffered skipped services. Be wary of an example with a big tow-hitch or one that has dented and mangled bodywork in the load area.
Some turbo-diesel versions were susceptible to fractures in the fuel lines due to vibration, but we reckon the affected cars would have showed up by now.
Make sure you check the operation of all the electrical gear and the central locking to ensure that the body computer is working properly. Try to obtain both ignition keys for the Transporter on purchase, too, as they're expensive to replace and need to be coded to the car. That's not exclusive to VWs, but it's worth remembering.
