Which Transporter to Buy?

[dottyscotty]

Hello everyone!
I'm new to this and think I posted this message in the wrong place yesterday!

I'm after a SWB Transporter for carting around things like loads of firewood and sacks of DIY rubbish but also to sleep in the back of (I won't be doing a camper conversion, just a basic, removable bed platform) and I need to be able to get the 250 miles to Edinburgh in fairly good time quite regularly.

I'd be very grateful for any advice on whether I need th 2.5tdi engine or whether the 1.9tdi would be more than adequate?

Also, I've seen an ex Motability 2.5tdi with full service history and a new automatic gearbox, 92k on the clock. Any advice about the automatic? It drove very smoothly and seemed to pick up speed well but I know the Transporters have a gearbox issue anyway and wonder if that's worse with an automatic?

Any thoughts at all...
Cheers!

[paul b]

I speak from experience of T5 Transporters, not T4s.

Mine is an 85bhp 1.9 TDI van. It picks up speed quite nicely, and continues on until about 85-90 when it really runs out of puff. However, it is the most economical van I have owned, I am pretty sure I'm getting between 35-40mpg.

With regards to the gearboxes, I don't know about the automatics but the 6 speed manuals seem to have the most problems. Mine is a 5 speed, it's on 104k and the gearbox is <touch wood> perfect still.

The ride position in the T5 is excellent. Never have I been so comfy in a van. I've owned Fiat Doblo's, Scudo's, Renault Trafic's and none of them compare to the T5.

I also have a 2003 Renault Trafic, the gearbox (6 speed) lasted just 35k in that and it is a very common problem. Stear clear of them, I wouldn't use it if it wasn't a company van !

Possible trouble spots:

Ensure the steering doesn't make a sort of chattering noise on full lock while stationary. This is a failiure of a bearing in the alternator. I had exactly the same problem with my A6. The part costs about £70 but if you are handy with a set of spanners then it can be done yourself.

Glovebox handles. Mine was broke when I bought it and to buy the whole glovebox is about £50 plus another £50 to make it work because it cannot be opened/closed without the lock, whether you use it or not. Apparently they're prone to snapping (although I didn't snap mine ).

I also highly reccommend that the correct oil is in the engine. Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 is correct, and costs a fortune (£70 for 10 litres, you need to buy 10 because the capacity is 6 litres not 5). It does, however make a huge difference, mine runs much quiter with the proper stuff in.

Good luck !

Paul

[dottyscotty]

That's brilliant info Paul! Thanks for taking the time.

[paul b]

That's brilliant info Paul! Thanks for taking the time.

No worries.

Anything else I missed ?

Paul

[edwardo]

T5 Sportline FTW

I have a T4 1.9td. Thats enough for me, converted it into a day van and all is well

[JAMEST5]

hi i recently brought a T5 transporter. i have a 1.9 tdi with the 104bhp version. as mentioned previously the driving position is excellent, with adjustable seat hight and steering height and rake and reach adjustable im sure it will be more than comfotable on your long journey. at motorway speeds it is quiet and relaxing and is an all-round nice drive. the engine pulls the big weight well and doesnt need to be pushed hard.

i think for carrying wood and diy rubbish around the 1.9 would be fine for your use. fuel economy is good too around 38-43 average

hope you find the right van for you

[Tony M]

I have a T5 Sportline. 27-29 mpg. 120mph+. What else would you want?

[edwardo]

Sportlines and the Evil Kenevil of the van world

I'm after one