Volkswagen Transporter

Submitted: Thursday, Jul 28, 2005 at 10:29

ThreadID: 25131 Views:5564 Replies:3 FollowUps:1

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Ian Stewart

Good morning.

I am considering the purchase of a VW Transporter in 4-motion AWD form. Has anyone had any experience as to this van's capabilities on rough ground and costs of running on tour? I realise that it's not a full-blown 4WD but my wife and I do would rather a vehicle like this. I would be getting the 2.5L turbo diesel version if I proceed. I am impressed by it's power and it would potentially be fairly frugal on fuel.

Thanks for your feedback.

Ian Stewart.

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Reply By: muzzimbidgie - Thursday, Jul 28, 2005 at 18:42

Thursday, Jul 28, 2005 at 18:42

Ian, I know nothing about the AWD version, but our company has just ordered the 2.5 diesel 2WD version for work, after having a 2.5 petrol model for the past 8 years and just over 300,000 klm.

They are a very solidly built and well engineered vehicle.
The 2.5 diesel is a 5 cylinder, just like the petrol one.
Parts are expensive, however we have had a good run with this one, with a few repairs needed because of little accidents caused drivers pretending to be mechanics.

Cheers,

Muzz

AnswerID: 122590

Reply By: Member - RockyOne - Friday, Jul 29, 2005 at 11:53

Friday, Jul 29, 2005 at 11:53

Lucky you..I too am very interested in the VW,but did'nt realise they make a AWD..Even keener now..If,like me,you are not bothered by a little road noise,get it fitted with a much more aggressive tread pattern,just make sure,if it does'nt have a center diff (besides the fr/rear ones) that you always run tyres of the same circumference (forget diameter,that's nor accurate enough) measured,of course,around the active tread using a tape measure..We would love it if there is a LSD in the rear diff also..Disipline yourself to keep the spare rotated with the other tyres..At our work we get a lot of VW transporter Vans coming in for pick-ups.. They like them..No service problems and they carry heavy lods incl 44 gallon drums of liquid etc.Rougher,corrugated country roads..Run with lower tyre pressures..Carry a quality portable compressor..There are after-market VW parts specialists..(I had 14 years of VW beetlle as FAMILY vehicle..Amazing cars)

AnswerID: 122695

Follow Up By: pedro1 - Monday, Aug 15, 2005 at 15:17

Monday, Aug 15, 2005 at 15:17

An interesting UK site where they test the 4MOTION T5
in soaking wet & muddy off road course.
I heard a rumor that VW Australia are evaluating a
factory modification to give raised clearance ...
Hopefully we will see some vans with this in the not so distant future !