VW T5 – is 98000 miles a lot?

We’re looking at a VW T5 camper and it’s done 98k miles in 8 years. A friend tells me that these things go on and on – to 400k miles and beyond. I have no idea what to think or indeed worry about.

Just wondered if you wise motorheads can confirm that or give me some context to think about that 98k miles and age?

What’s the service history like ?

89k isn’t a lot if its got full service history and had everything done that’s needed, and done on time since new.

As above, service history is key, ideally main dealer or a Vw specialist they’ll go for ages but do need looking after as with any turbo diesel.

Thanks both.

Check for timing/cam belt changes and make sure the services are up to date (miles or date) give it a good drive and check some VW forums on what to look for in a bad one.

Mine’s just clocked 80k in 6 years; drives as per new TBH. It’s the 2.5Tdi, however the 1.9 is a tough engine too. O/S Half shafts tend to go between 60-70; worth checking it’s already had it’s failure!

“full VW service history” they say.

Check it thoroughly.

And you can always phone and check its genuine.

I know someone who was stung with fake service history booklet on a T4 and ended up with Cambelt going and buying a replacement engine.

The service book said it was done six months earlier at a main dealer who had never seen the van before.

Great advice, thank you.

Another question: how much would it typically cost to have a tow bar fitted?

Not sure if its relevant at all, (being the TDi engine it might be), Stafford Audi will do the belt on the Galaxy/Sharran & Alhambra for £249. (One if the technicians is a key chap on the Galaxy owners forum & set the deal up IIRC.)

One of my sons gets an Audi diesel in the workshop for servicing twice yearly that’s got over 285,000 miles on the clock. No dramas with high miler VAG engines provided the oils changed regular.

I think clutches often go between 80 & 100000 miles but I stand to be corrected.

My mates had £3500 worth of warranty work in the first 3 yrs. He still bought a T6 though.

Another mate had to had some kind of shafts replaced due to towing on his LWB T5. It had about 80000 miles on it. He was way under the towing limit too.

Sorry if all that sounds negative 🙁 but it’s why I bought a T4 instead.

check that it’s always had the longlife oil (should be if main dealer), or it’s been changed a lot.

never heard of 400k tbh but there are a couple of 200k vans on http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=147

also what engine is it? the bigger engines will probably have had an easier life. (i wouldn’t have the 174 though; too many issues imho)

Carry out all the checks. Check underneath, arches etc etc.

“Full service history” when someone is selling can be twisted. It may have just 4 stamps in the book. The owner would then say ‘oh its longlife’. I’ve seen full dealer history cars that have the last 2-3 stamps as noddy indie garages ‘yeah but it was full main dealer upto 2008’.. 😆

The 1.9 is a great engine however its still an engine. 100k can be alot on any car’s engine.

I had a t5 that had done 165k in 2.5 years and it still felt like new. All the 5 I’ve had had done over 100k so I’d not be worried at all by 98k with decent history.

Its not a lot if the price is right, but don’t overpay.