Used Volkswagen Transporter

What to know before buying: Volkswagen Transporter

From 5 forum threads and 2 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The T6 is roomy and practical, with useful touches designed for everyday commercial work.[6]one sourceT6
• One T4 1.9 diesel owner praises its reliability: around 350,000 km, no recovery-truck visits and annual preventive servicing.[2]one source
• An owner describes the long-wheelbase T4 with the 2.5 petrol engine as roomy, lively even when loaded, and reliable.[4]one source
• The T5 family offers many body and engine configurations, while the Multivan cabin has rail-mounted seats for flexible layouts.[5]one sourceT5

Typical faults

• One T5 intermittently lost charging without illuminating the battery lamp; after battery and alternator replacement, the excitation wire or central electrics module was suspected.[1]one sourceT5
• T5 driveshaft splines can wear; a knock or clicking when moving off is a reported warning sign.[3]one sourceT5
• On the T6, dirty wheel bearings can disrupt wheel-speed sensors and trigger ABS/ESP warnings and multiple fault codes.[6]one sourceT6

  2015–2024

• A failing T6 auxiliary belt may first produce a shrill squeal, then affect the power steering and air conditioning or damage other components.[6]one sourceT6

  2015–2024

• The T6 2.0 TDI can suffer a faulty fuel-pressure sensor, indicated by engine and glow-plug warnings and code P0191.[6]one sourceT6

  2015–2024 · 2.0 TDI

• After standing, corrosion on T6 brake discs and pads can cause squeaking or grinding; replacement may be needed if braking does not clear it.[6]one sourceT6

  2015–2024

Which engine and version to take

• A documented T4 1.9 diesel is worth considering: one owner reported reliable service at around 350,000 km and about 8 L/100 km in town.[2]one source

What to avoid

• Do not buy a T5 2.5 TDI without a thorough specialist inspection: forum reports flag head, turbo and injector risks, plus repeated engine replacement.[3]one sourceT5

What to check at the inspection

• Seek full service history and signs of an easy life. Overloading and skipped maintenance shorten van life, while chemicals or damp debris can conceal rust.[7]one source
• For a T6, verify recall work, especially for fuel hoses, door locks, airbags and incorrectly specified tyres.[6]one sourceT6
• On a T6, switch on the ignition and check the ABS/ESP lamps; if they remain lit, scan wheel-speed faults and inspect the relevant bearing.[6]one sourceT6
• On a T5, move off slowly and listen near the wheel for clicks from worn drive splines; turn the steering and check for jerks or clicks from the top mounts.[3]one sourceT5
• On a T5, try reversing uphill: heavy shudder may indicate clutch wear. Also watch for smoke during start-up and acceleration.[3]one sourceT5
• On a T5, check charging voltage and scan the central electrics module; loss of charging does not always illuminate the battery warning lamp.[1]one sourceT5

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — Volkswagen Transporter T5 problēma ar ģeneratoru. · forum
2. [2]forum.110km.ru — Отзыв о Volkswagen Transporter T4 1993 года VW ... · forum
3. [3]vwbus.club — Слабые места Т-5 (если они, конечно есть)... · forum
4. [4]forum.110km.ru — Отзыв о Volkswagen Transporter T4 1997 года VW ... · forum
5. [5]vw-life.lv — Volkswagen - семейство Т5 - VW-Life.lv · forum
6. [6]uk.haynes.com — VW Transporter T6 common problems - Haynes Manuals · press
7. [7]carsguide.com.au — Volkswagen Transporter Problems & Reliability Issues · press

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