Buying used: VW T5 Kombi (2004 – 2010)

The Volkswagen Kombi has a storied history and remains highly popular as transport for people and goods (or as converted campers). Examples from the ‘50s, ‘60s and even the ‘70s are much sought after and prices are rising as they become rarer. As the years sped by, so the power outputs (and sizes) increased. The T5 detailed here has built a strong following among tour group operators and large families alike.

gray Volkswagen van parked behind black bricked wall under white cloudy skies at daytime

WHICH MODEL?

On the diesel side, you have a choice between the well-known four-cylinder 1,9 TDI with 77 kW and 250 N.m of torque or the five-cylinder 2,5 TDI with 96 kW and 340 N.m. In the more luxurious Caravelle model, the latter engine offers generous outputs – 128 kW and 400 N.m of torque. On the petrol side, there was only one choice – a 3,2-litre V6 with 173 kW/315 N.m and a Tiptronic gearbox. This model was available until 2007. Facelifted T5s saw a trio of 2,0-litre TDIs introduced with 75 kW and 250 N.m, 103 kW and 340 N.m or 132 kW and 400 N.m (thanks to a pair of turbos). The previous diesel derivatives were discontinued last year.

Load capacity is this vehicle’s forte, with eight safety belts and luggage-capacity figures of 624 to 3 598 dm3. If you need to go (slightly) off-road, you may want to look for a 4Motion, which has four-wheel drive.


WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Engines

Turbos and EGR valves may need replacing. Readers who reported such failures indicated average mileage of around 150 000 to 200 000 km, while some were replaced at much lower distances and some lasted up to 250 000 km. Also, bear in mind that the cambelts need to be looked after. These should be replaced every 90 000 km on the 1,9 TDI. The 2,5 TDI uses gears to drive the camshaft. It’s good practice to replace the water pump at the same time. Some reported water pump expiry mileages of around 120 000 km.

Transmission

The biggest culprit here would be the dual-mass flywheel, installed on the diesel variant to smooth out low-speed vibration. To prolong the life of this expensive item, do not lug the engine. In other words, don’t be shy to use some revs. Depending on the driving characteristics, these flywheels can go at any mileage. Vehicles that are used for long-distance cruising rather than city trips will experience fewer issues.

Suspension, brakes and wheels
Some owners mentioned problems with the ABS unit. These caused confusion because they also affected the functioning of the fuel gauge and occasionally the speedometer. Some reported noncommunication between the ABS sensors and the ABS ECU unit, so the problem is more likely electrical by nature.

Electrical

If the central locking is troublesome, have a look under the carpet below the driver’s seat. There’s a connector that can lose its connectivity due to corrosion and subsequently fail to operate the door locks properly. A possibly related complaint is that the tailgate unlocks (without any doors unlocking) after pressing the unlock button on the remote, followed by it re-locking after 30 seconds. This is linked to the car re-locking itself when it’s unlocked with the remote and none of the doors has been opened – a common feature on most cars. What happens here is that the car fails to detect that one of the doors has been unlocked. In fact, another owner had a similar problem with the driver’s door that couldn’t detect that it had been opened. After the driver sat down, all the doors locked …

General

If you really need the power, opt for the 2,5 TDI. However, the 1,9 TDI is likely to provide a lighter load on your wallet, both on the purchase price and maintenance. Ensure that you use 50 ppm diesel whenever possible and change the engine oil regularly.


SUMMARY

It seems impossible to predict whether your used VW Kombi for sale will be problem-free for years or experience expensive problems at low mileage. To be most sure - visit Group 1 Cars for a certified pre-owned VW Kombi. Choose wisely and keep your people mover properly serviced.



Article source: https://www.carmag.co.za/news/buying-used-cars/buying-used-vw-t5-kombi-2004-2010/

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