[JSMC]

I need to know the following for a VW Transporter 2.5 TDI swb 2003 model

fuel economy
tax details


thanks!

anyhting else would be helpfu also if you own one of these vans

[WCE]

Sorry I cant help you with your questions. Just thought I'd say they are great vans. I have one and it is the best van I have driven. One bit of advice I do have though - make sure if you buy one that the cambelt is changed. The transporter cambelt is prone to failure if you neglect changing it at the recommended intervals. Apart from that they are fantastic! One good point is the T5's have a 12 year anti corrosion warranty. They are built to last

[JSMC]

your confusing me here??

you have one of these vans but can't tell me how much it is to tax it or the fuel economy on it

[WCE]

I don't know what the exact figures of the fuel economy are- Sorry!  My transporter is a 1.9 td not a 2.5. My transporter is a T4 and is older than yours. I don't know if your tax works the same as mine as it falls into the old two tier system. I pay £101.75  for 6 months. I have just checked and the transporter you are looking at falls into the new system (the date of change was 1/3/2001). The new system if I am honest is a bit of a mystery to me but, if you can find out the co2 emissions then the rates are all laid out here:www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524
Hope that helps! 

[WCE]

Although if you google it the fuel figures are there! I have just done so and it seems about 40mpg is the average for a 2.5l transporter.

[JSMC]

found one of these with 55k on clock, however the last service in the book was 04 with 31k on it. Van has had 3 owners from new. So from 04 it has done 26k seemingly.

dunno what to do

[WCE]

I don't quite know ether! I do know that the T5 had a MAXIMUM service interval of 18000 miles (or two years) and a MINIMUM of 9000. The services depend on usage. Is the one you are looking at a T5 or T4 (like I have - they still based their services on just mileage then - 12000 intervals). In case you didn't know the T5 came out from 3/10/03. If you look here: www.vanlocator.co.uk/van-for-sale-marques.php?van=11 This tells you all about a T5. The one thing I will say though is it would appear that the servicing has been overlooked. If I remember correctly, VW include 3 year/100000 mile whichever is soonest)  servicing from new. If   that is the case then why did the owners not get it serviced at a VW dealer? To me that could be an indication of neglect (the servicing is usually sold with the van not the original purchaser i.e it is transferable). On the other hand the mileage is ok and VW engines are bombproof. If the price was right and the van seemed to be in good condition  I would buy it. If I did I would get it serviced (including cambelt change!) straight away but the price should reflect this lack of servicing. One other question is it a private sale or from a dealer?

[JSMC]

it's a dealer and van will be in there workshop for a few days being checked out prior to oging on forecourt.  Yeah the servicing is throwing me a bit to be honest.

[WCE]

Well that is actually better than a private sale. Yes you will have pay VAT but there is more comeback if something goes wrong with a dealer. Look with your eyes and pick up any faults. Use these to drive down the price. Then tell the dealer that you want an AA (or similar) inspection undertaken, Say that if you buy it then you will pay the cost however if you don't then he pays. If the dealer has confidence in the van he will be happy with this arrangement if not then walk away. If he agrees to an inspection and you are happy with the outcome then buy it! When negotiating the price, thats when to mention the servicing. If you want the van then tell him. Then beat him down on price. (using the faults that you have already noted). Then mention the servicing If the price is around the price that you are looking to pay then tell him you will have it on condition that it is serviced (including cambelt change!). If the dealer has faith in the van he should be happy to do this. Also don't forget dealer warranty? Make sure some is included (even if only a month) and if you do find any faults after purchase then make sure you get them sorted in the warranty period. Thats what I would do. Hope it helps!

[WCE]

Look with your eyes and pick up any faults.

Ps I meant not with your heart - ie don't let your heart rule your head. If you see something thats not right then make a mental note of it - no matter how minor. All these minor points can be used in getting the price down!

[Mike Roper]

I've had a T5 2.5 54 plate since 5000 miles ,now 52000. Running around youll get around 500 miles to the tank which is around 31 mpg and costs £90 odd . Mine has been on longlife servicing - is due for its third service now.Intervals depend on how you drive. The 2.5 5 cylinder engines have chain not belt on cam so dont need changing.Mine has had new flywheel (clutch judder on hill) on warranty,also driveshaft. Water pump leaking slightly now but I have to pay as warranty out.
On a good run youll get 40 mpg.
Mike

[WCE]

The 2.5 5 cylinder engines have chain not belt on cam so dont need changing.

You learn something new everyday! This is correct I just checked! The cambelt issue must only apply to 1.9's.

[WCE]

I've had a T5 2.5 54 plate since 5000 miles ,now 52000. Running around youll get around 500 miles to the tank which is around 31 mpg and costs £90 odd . Mine has been on longlife servicing - is due for its third service now.Intervals depend on how you drive. The 2.5 5 cylinder engines have chain not belt on cam so dont need changing.Mine has had new flywheel (clutch judder on hill) on warranty,also driveshaft. Water pump leaking slightly now but I have to pay as warranty out.
On a good run youll get 40 mpg.
Mike

Did you get 3 years/100000 mile servicing?

[Mike Roper]

They have 3yr warranty but had to pay for servicing- £250 at VW.
Mike

[JSMC]

are these vans FWD?

[WCE]

That i do know!  Yes

[WCE]

They have 3yr warranty but had to pay for servicing- £250 at VW.
Mike

So the servicing wasn't included. I always thought that it was.

[Mike Roper]

I bought mine ex demo ,5 months old so maybe it is on new ones I dont know.
Mike

[NWH]

Sorry I cant help you with your questions. Just thought I'd say they are great vans. I have one and it is the best van I have driven. One bit of advice I do have though - make sure if you buy one that the cambelt is changed. The transporter cambelt is prone to failure if you neglect changing it at the recommended intervals. Apart from that they are fantastic! One good point is the T5's have a 12 year anti corrosion warranty. They are built to last

Get a new 1,they don`t have cam belts.

[NWH]

found one of these with 55k on clock, however the last service in the book was 04 with 31k on it. Van has had 3 owners from new. So from 04 it has done 26k seemingly.

dunno what to do

The last service would have been a whils ago because at that mileage the next service is near on 5-£600 at least.