I'm looking at getting a T6 as a family and all round vehicle, due to a change of job my current company car will be going and I need something with a load of space and room for 3 rapidly growing boys in the back.
The T6 also offers the getting changed in the back bonus, including the kids when they've been racing.
Is the 102ps engine one worth getting or will it not pull the skin off a ride pudding, as I've seen one with that engine that i like.
I've currently got a new BMW 5 Series estate, so you can envisage the amount of junk we cart around as a family of 5. I don't like traditional people carriers either, so that's not an avenue worth exploring.
Don’t think you get a sixth gear in that variant. I have the 150ps version and it’s fine. You could remap the 102 version but you wouldn’t have a sixth gear for the motorway.
Oh yeah, just noticed that. Cruising gears are good
We went from a 204 E Class to a 180 Caravelle (T5.2), yes it's slower put oodles of grunt when loaded. Caravelle is an MPV on the V5 not a commercial, more mod cons and we run ours with only the bench seat in, but have the option of 7 seats. Tows better than the E Class too.
That's the t6 I have. Does fine for all.round biking duties and it'll be fine pulling the caravan on the motorway to the south of France returning 30+mpg. Normally 45mpg three up with bike kit.
I drove the higher powered 6speed one and it was pretty nice but mine will sit at 70 on the motorway with no noticeable strain.
Remember it's 50 on an A road, 60 on a dual carriageway and 70 on motorway.
Remember it’s 50 on an A road, 60 on a dual carriageway and 70 on motorway.
I get the motorway thing, but why the other speed restrictions?
I get the motorway thing, but why the other speed restrictions?
because they know no van user has ever properly loaded or lashed down their load
So is it a legal requirement?
Yes, not exceeding the speed limit is a legal requirement 😉
Unless you get a Shuttle or a Caravelle, my Shuttle is an MPV on the V5.
Pretty sure you're not allowed to speed in them either tbh, its just that the numbers are different
Oh right, so it's because it's classed as a commercial vehicle with a payload, thanks.
Commercial vehicle with a gross weight over 2 tonnes. Which is pretty much every van other than really small ones, and even then you need to be wary (e.g. Caddy is on lower limits, Berlingo isn't)
This thread makes me sad - we got rid of our T5 Mutivan (what they call the caravelle over here in CH) last year. We miss it really badly! It was the 7 seater version, during the week we left the 2 pilot chairs in the middle, but weekends and big trips we took them out, slid the bench forwards and had an epically large load area.
Flexibility was awesome.
We had the 204ps BiTDi 4motion version - not exactly economical, but with winter tires on it kicked anythings ass in the snow.
big_scot_nanny
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This thread makes me sad – we got rid of our T5 Mutivan
I feel your pain, we got rid of our T5 Kombi last year and miss it badly
Can I ask those who sold, why they did? Just interested as I would like to get a van at some stage (which would have to do double duties, as most seem to).
Remember it’s 50 on an A road
Yep and the amount of car drivers who don't seem to realise this is amusing. I'll be happily rolling along at 50mph with a rep-mobile inches from my rear bumper trying to push me faster.
I’ll be happily rolling along at 50mph with a rep-mobile inches from my rear bumper trying to push me faster.
I'm not sure they would moderate their behaviour if they did realise. Thing is, the closer they get, the less you see of them in the blind spot, so it's rather pointless anyway.
We honestly wish we'd not bothered with the Merc and gone Caravelle instead rather than when we did, always makes me smile to drive it. Great for load lugging on hols for four of us plus two dogs. I built a huge shelf last year that sits over the dogs crates, made a huge difference for carrying a lot. VW service and support has been excellent compared to a car dealer too, perhaps that's just my experience. Hoping our engine niggle is sorted too as we don't plan on getting rid anytime soon. It will be replaced with a T6 version of similar spec.
Yep and the amount of car drivers who don’t seem to realise this is amusing. I’ll be happily rolling along at 50mph with a rep-mobile inches from my rear bumper trying to push me faster.
Driving along a single carriageway section of the A303 the other day , with a mountain of traffic behind me, I would liken it to a rolling start behind a pace car on a race track. The BM's and Audi were snaking left and right ready in anticipation for the upcoming dual section. Then it's the race up to 60 for a couple of miles 😜
If you are buying second hand it might be worth looking at late T5s. Same body/shell, same engines but no ad blue too worry about.
Can I ask those who sold, why they did?
Company wouldn’t let the missus hold onto her company van after she left them - bastards
Early T6's don't have adblue, well mine doesn't.
No adblue in mine.
Sold a T5 years ago missed it bought a caddy, not quite right, accidentally drove a t6 bought one. It's just to make my life easier for bikes and holidays.
102 is enough, good torque. 5 speed gearbox is also fine, 6 is a little quieter on the motorway but that's all you gain. 102bhp version is most fuel efficient.
I do a bit of selling transporters and depending on budget etc might be able to help.
I didn't know that, about 50mph limit. Does that apply to MPV type vans? Mine is a multivan which is registered in Spain as a turismo, ie family car, so you don't pay commercial rates on the toll routes. The M6 toll charges full whack though, so I'm guessing the 50mph limit applies.
we left the 2 pilot chairs in the middle, but weekends and big trips we took them out
I did that once... What are they, 40kg each! Left them in since then.
Hmm, I've a 150 6 speed T6. It's the same drivetrain used to pull a fully loaded Crafter. I only use the thing for bikes and firewood. My only gripe with the 6 speed is that first gear is too short for everyday driving with a light load. Otherwise, plenty of power and returns 44-ish mpg. I'd drive the 5 and 6 speed before deciding.
It's not exactly the same dave as crafter is RWD and the same engine is also used in a golf, it's just the general 2.0tdi that is used in lots of places. Crafters also come with a 109bhp variant and the 2.0tdi in them has problems that transporter ones don't.
Can I ask those who sold, why they did?
My knees, well, especially my dicky right knee.
I'm tall, there not a massive amount of true leg room for the driver, I could not get my right leg stretched out which was very painful after a days skiing or biking, or on long drives.
Other than that, stupidity and rashness!
Cali Beach here - super flexible, like a Caravelle but better 😉
Oh and eye-wateringly expensive these days. Sorry.
Check the V5, N1 is designed and constructed for the carriage of goods with Commercial speed limits, M1 is designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers, and has car speed limits.
Hence my Shuttle is M1 and car speed limits apply.
On paper the Euro 6 diesels are more economical and lower emissions, however in real life driving they aren't, factor in Adblu and repeated DPF regens where the T6 struggles to do 30MPG for 25 miles. My T5.1 was actually cheaper to run.
The new transit customs are better equipped, have a nicer interior, are more reliable and are cheaper. Of course they don’t look as cool to middle aged men in animal t-shirts if that’s your scene but if it isn’t they are worth a look.
On second T6 here used mainly for work & occasional family / summer trips stuff, bit of a mobile work shed really. Couchy has points, once with one though they do seem to hold the price well because of the 'scene'. Last one bought for £24K, sold for £20.5K 3 years and another 30k miles later so not too bad a loss over that time. Mine have been Highline DSG autos, original was a 140 non ad blue, latest one is 150 ad blue type. Lovely to drive especially in stop start traffic. Newer one is a lot quieter for some reason. Fuel consumption 30-40mpg depending on how driven. OP if you have not tried a DSG one yet, give it a go, you'll be a convert. Some people will slag off reliability of DSG but I only keep mine under warranty period. My original one did have a DMF failure at only 12k miles but was replaced under warranty. For me it's something that does what I need without taking too much of a hit over the ownership period but I
did always really like the old D4D Toyota Hiace's we used to have years ago, they never ever went wrong, I wish they were still made as proper Japanese ones with auto boxes available over here (not Proace), I'd have one tomorrow.
On paper the Euro 6 diesels are more economical and lower emissions, however in real life driving they aren’t, factor in Adblu and repeated DPF regens where the T6 struggles to do 30MPG for 25 miles. My T5.1 was actually cheaper to run.
Except my euro6 t6 has no adblue and on the journey from Yair to home 18miles returns 45mpg. Which is pretty much what it returns when sitting at a nice 50.
COuchy - more reliable? that's the not the info I'm seeing with 5-7k service intervals due to ad blue contaminating the oil. A number of other problems too. Not saying transporters are perfect but transits definitely aren't either.
Are the door hinges fit for purpose yet on transits? I prefer my T5 to the new Transits we had at work, despite having about 5x the miles on it.
If we’re pointing out flaws - do the rear sliding windows still let in water like they’re wide open on Transporters?
Transits also have issues but not as many as a VW and they are cheaper, with regards to the doors ford sorted that whereas out 14 T5.1 still had leaky windows same as our 06...The new tranist with its big touchscreen is much better in the cab than the VW. Spec a T6 to the same as a limited transit and it’s very expensive.
But each to their own as the VW still looks better and a tranist will always have a builders image. Buying privately you can’t ignore the easy resale on a VW either
T5 owner here & will give my opinions.
T5/6's do hold their money, but as Transits are cheaper in the first place, ownership costs aren't that much different.
More aftermarket customisation options & people to do it for the T5 (i've just had caravelle sliding seats in leather/alcantara installed in my Kombi).
The cab area of the new T6 is a massive improvement over the rattlebox T5 (try driving down a rough road with the cup holder pulled out in a T5).
Transits are probably no worse to drive, neither compares with a car despite how much koolade you drink.
The Transit custom Kombi think has a fixed bulkhead & seats. Not as versatile as the T5, unless you go for the minibus type tranny.
180 DSG on 45K miles, 3 yrs for me with no problems.
180 DSG 4wd with superchips 220bhp on 60K, 8 yrs with no problems for my dad.
Edit.
Second set of leaking sliding rear windows for me though. No probs for my dads.
Well, I've spent a few days looking at the vans on various websites and went down to a place today to have a look at a few that caught my eye on their website.
Pulled in and noticed this one sat right outside their front door, it's a late '16 plate SWB T6 140 BHP / PS or whatever it is, with full electric pack and all that, nice low miles, one owner, can't wait to pick it up.
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180 DSG on 45K miles, 3 yrs for me with no problems.
180 DSG 4wd with superchips 220bhp on 60K, 8 yrs with no problems for my dad.
Look up egr breaking up and ending up needing a new engine..
I love our t5.1 caravelle. Proper family game changer. However, it’s also the worst built vehicle I’ve ever owned (and I’m an Italian car nut) Read as much as you can before you commit. 102/110/140 lumps are mechanically identical. Map just determines output and can be changed, easily. 180bitdi lush but potentially a time bomb (see below). 204/199bitdi different again, watch for cracked heads. 5sp box has a reputation for being temperamental. DSGs are reliable so long as they get their 40k Fluid changes. Headlights are comedy poor in both t5 and 6. LED factory option pricey but worth it. M1/N1 speed limit thing is cobblers. It’s down to Max Governed Laden Weights. (M1/n1 purely determines taxation class). Caravelle/Shuttle taxed as cars, hence mine costs me an eye watering £560/yr. Along with 23mpg it’s a right earner for the treasury.
Front suspension is made of cheese. Bushes from a polo, top mounts from god knows where, drop links that die every 20k. It’s not up to the job, but at least it’s relatively simple to work on.
The EGR thing is the worst bit about the 180bitdi. Beautiful engine otherwise. The EGR cooler is made from aluminium and so gets eaten by the hot acidic exhaust gases (who’d a thunked it?). This then gets re-ingested by the engine as aluminium oxide which is essentially grinding paste, destroying bores, valve gear, turbos and all the shells. Only fix is a £6k (£10k from VW!) transplant of engine, turbos, DPF and Cat. Thing to look for (and run away from) are EGRCs with either no revision number or A b or C stamped on them. rev D is sort of safe but maybe it was swapped after damage was done. I’m trying to stop mine for eating itself & have just fitted an oil cooler to keep the runaway temps at bay (130c oil temp was a regular occursnce ). I weigh the oil it uses and keep a spreadsheet to use as evidence when I have to go cap in hand to VW. We all will eventually. Issue affects T5.1 and T6 with this engine. 199/204 is unaffected.
Steve, that 140 looks awesome!
Pulled in and noticed this one sat right outside their front door, it’s a late ’16 plate SWB T6 140 BHP / PS or whatever it is, with full electric pack and all that, nice low miles, one owner, can’t wait to pick it up.
Hope you’re going to declare all those mods to your insurer? Might as well just send them the entire Demon Tweeks catalogue 😉
The vehicle tax class is important. M1 is for the carriage of people and gives you the same speed limit as cars. N1 is for the carriage of goods and you get van speed limits.
Hope you’re going to declare all those mods to your insurer? Might as well just send them the entire Demon Tweeks catalogue
Of course, theres not really a lot done, wheels, (suspension is factory), it's a Highline with factory electric pack, front air dam, painted side bars, windows and the upholstery so, it's coming out as pretty reasonable with me & the wife on there too.
