2006 VW TDi T5, 2.5litre Transporter Trakkadu

Common in Europe but not here, I drove one around Europe in 2006, (not a Trakkadu). My guess would be rubber hoses and belts would be a vulnerability simply because parts would be difficult to find in some places as would mechanics familiar with them. Sorry I'm not aware of specific problems they may have. The Transporter van clocks up millions of kilometres doing deliveries through Europe so there must be forums with information. The UK is a good start because they speak English. Most car forums have a sticky on the front page of common problems and solutions. Good luck with it.

https://www.productreview.com.au/p/volkswagen-transporter.html

I've a 2006 transporter van. No belts on it. I'd get the hoses checked.
Great to drive, I've used it to tow a boat from Adelaide to Borroloola and back twice, excellent economy and comfort. My only criticism is that plastic bits seem a little fragile, but maybe I'm more clumsy than I think.

The Major .

I wouldn't touch one .


Just my opinion

Good luck if you do .

Cheers

.

The ‘sealed for life’ autos are well known for failing. Google VW Watercooled Australia. Some good threads there.

TheMajor
I would recommend a thorough inspection of such a vehicle by an unbiased tester who DOES know somesomething about the vehicle, not just a look see type of vehicle check as many do.
While I like the concept for travelling because it suits certain peoples needs, I regard it as a risky thing unless very sound and provable history is known. Not the history written in service books by dealers, they mean nothing at all, only proof it went to a dealer premises. Service book proves abilty to fill in books.
You may be able to get it's VIN and ask a dealer to check it's service and repair history on their VW link and it may reveal info to allow a wise decision to be arrived at.
Because it is an uncommon vehicle if trouble was encountered, most repairers won't know much about them and even dealers who should know, will be far away from where it has broken down. Repair parts aren't as common as for other vehicles either. Cost unknown, but would they be cheaper than other makes?
A vehicle trader certainly knows what is what, a mate of mine ran a wreckers for about 35 years and traded them too. They know.
If transmission trouble was had, getting someone to repair it would be a problem, yes it can be done but the issue in doing so may not be worth the excitment experienced at purchase time.
I used to rebuild electronic auto boxes for the wrecker, a few different brands including Hondas which are quite different but sort of similar to DSG, but no VW boxes though. No one seemed to ever want to have a VW or touch one. Probably far less issues in Europe but here in OZ the game changes.
My son bought a VW Golf and dealing with the company for warranty was a nightmare and they had no interest in providing statutory warranty. That can mean any niggles which can be present in a used vehicle have not been addressed.
There are a myriad of transmissions and 2 or 4 wd. which one is it? One may have a good reputation and others of VW not so good. If you can find out the actual specs of what it has others might be able to provide info zeroed into the actual specs and appointments of the mechanicals.
I do not know the prices but $40,000 seems high, to me, for a 12 year old vehicle, depending on distance and condition of course.
If it had a conventional auto design, which has proven itself through 70 years of worldwide development, I would favour that rather than a DSG type box.
My back ground is automotive mechanic trade + teaching the trade.

I read MM's reply above and endorse that view. A company who has used them has experienced the worth of ownership. I am not surpised at them getting rid of them asap. I have recently, often driven a VW van with a DSG box and sometimes it will accelerate surprisingly fast, so fast you can almost rearend others, while other times at takeoff it hangs, won't change and won't get going until it decides the time, not you, it is almost dangerous and unless you are acutely aware of it's everchanging behaviour, it WILL catch you out. I do not want to own a VW.
Cheers
RMD

I have a T5 Four motion with the 7 speed DSG. Twin Turbo 2 Litre. Magic vehicle and great to drive. Under body protection is a bit light on for rough dirt road but I have not had troubles by taking it easy. Fellow users who regularly, and on time, service don't seem to have any problems.

VW keep really good records so would suggest a pre-purchase service and a talk to the service manager to be included in the purchase price.

I am able to add the vehicle is a manual AWD and travelled 93,000 kms by original lady owner, regularly serviced by VW then private mechanic and in immaculate condition.
I have noted the automatics have problem with gearboxes but don’t know if the same applies to manual. I appreciate all comments by the forum and am finding your comments invaluable. I too would hate to have my daughter stranded on her travels so far from home.
Cheers
The Major

Hello and Thank You to everyone on the Forum who replied. I truly appreciate all your information and opinions and learnt a lot. You will be pleased to know my daughter is not going ahead with buying the 2006 VW Trakkadu. I think she liked the idea of a custom fit out for her gear and dear old Dad paying for it in an as yet unknown 4x4 vehicle! Thanks Forum :)
The Major