Hardworking and reliable Volkswagen Transporter

Volkswagen Transporter is one of the most reliable cars in the minivan class. The model is considered a successor to the Kafer machine, previously produced by a German concern. Thanks to its thoughtful design and unique technical characteristics, the Volkswagen Transporter has become extremely popular all over the world. This car has undergone relatively minor changes and practically did not succumb to temporary influence. VW Transporter is the largest representative of the Volkswagen family. The model was also offered in Multivan, California and Caravelle versions.

Volkswagen Transporter review

A light commercial vehicle is designed to transport small loads or people. It is equipped with gasoline or diesel engines, manual transmission or automatic transmission. Body type: all-metal van or cargo - cab with flatbed. On new models, not a hydraulic unit is installed, but an electromechanical unit. Now the basic versions are equipped with Cross Wind Assist - a system that stabilizes the car in strong gusts of wind, electronics that will help keep the car on the rise, and other systems. Now the salon has an updated multimedia system, there is a built-in 200-volt socket.

Typical “sores” of a car

This car has an inexplicable appeal that holds demand and attracts attention. Small things have to be repaired quite often, but the reliability of the bulls is not an empty phrase.

• It is recommended to regularly inspect the car for pockets of corrosion. The bottom, lower parts of doors and frames are especially susceptible to this.
• Steering wheel breakdowns are common. The entire rack and pinion mechanism has to be replaced. Models with power steering may have leaks.
• It is recommended that the liquid cooling system be checked daily for leaks.
• The gearbox often breaks down.
• If you have no intention of exhibiting your car at rarity exhibitions, then you can solve problems with the engine by installing a modern unit. Moreover, even tractor engines were installed on conveyors.

To make life easier for owners of vintage cars, books on repairing Volkswagen Transporters are published. Everything is detailed - with diagrams and instructions for solving the main problems of the car yourself.

Model history

The first minibus was produced by Volkswagen in 1950. Dutchman Ben Pon created the Volkswagen T1 and laid the foundation for the Transporter model range. The car was produced in the city of Wolfsburg. It was a rear-wheel drive minibus that could carry up to 850 kg of payload. Eight people could ride in the car with the driver. The T1 was produced from 1950 to 1966.

The body dimensions were 4.5 x 1.7 x 2 m, and the wheelbase length was 2.4 m.

It was equipped with a manual transmission and was equipped with one of three engines, which were located at the rear:

• 1,1;
• 1,2;
• 1.5 l.

The second modification, VT2, rolled off the assembly line in Hannover in 1967. It was an improved version of T1. The cabin became more comfortable, and the front glass was made from a single piece. The design of the rear suspension has been redesigned, making it more reliable. The engine cooling also remained air-cooled, but the volume increased slightly. VT2 was equipped with four types of power units:

• 1,6;
• 1,7;
• 1,8;
• 2 l.

The buyer could choose a manual or automatic transmission. The body dimensions and wheelbase length did not change.

Further development of the Transporter was as follows:

• The T3 is the latest model with a rear engine. ICEs were installed in both gasoline and diesel engines. Completed with manual and automatic transmission;
• T4 - began production in 1990. The car became the most popular of all Transporters and was produced until 2003. The internal combustion engine was moved forward, the car became front-wheel drive. The suspension has also been improved;
• T5 - began to be produced in 2003. They were produced with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. They are still in production, and the car has become very popular in the EU and CIS.

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The latest modification of the Volkswagen Transporter is the T6 2017.

Price of new and used Volkswagen Transporter

Price tags for the new Volkswagen Transporter depend on the configuration:

• “minimum wage” with a short base – from 1.633-1.913 million rubles;
• Kasten with a long wheelbase - from 2.262 million rubles;
• Kombi with a short wheelbase - from 1,789-2,158 million rubles;
• Kombi with a long wheelbase - from 1.882-2.402 million rubles;
• Chassis/Pritsche Eka with a long wheelbase - from 1.466-1.569 million rubles.

There are quite a lot of used versions of the Volkswagen Transporter on the Russian market, so their prices vary greatly.

The third generation (1986-1989) on the go will cost 70,000-150,000 rubles. Volkswagen Transporter T4 (1993-1996) in normal condition will cost 190,000-270,000 rubles, Volkswagen Transporter T5 (2006-2008) - 500,000-800,000 rubles, Volkswagen Transporter T5 (2010-2013) - 1.1- 1.3 million rubles.

Specifications VW Transporter

Currently two models are produced: T5 and T6. Their technical description.

The lineup

There are several models available to choose from. Let's look at the two most popular groups:

1. Volkswagen Transporter pickup - designed for light commercial transportation. It is also used by private individuals to transport personal property. Loading up to 1 ton of goods is possible.
2. Volkswagen Passenger Transporter is an option for transporting people. There are up to 9 seats including the driver's. The backrests are made foldable.

Interesting Facts

• In Germany, production of the Type 2 T2 ended in 1979, but the history of the van did not end - after a break, it began to be produced at the Volkswagen plant in Brazil - production continued until 2013.
• The head of the design department was Gustav Mayer, who literally devoted himself to transporters. Many successful engineering solutions were embodied in the bully thanks to his efforts.
• The correct designation of the transporter is Volkswagen Type 2 T2. Type 2 is a different model designation from Type 1, which was the Beetle. The first, second and third generations had this prefix in addition to T1, 2, 3.

Options

Since 2015, there have been many variants of the T6. There are four main ones:

• Kasten – there is an acoustic system, electric windows, central locking with remote control, side mirrors are electrically controlled;
• AllCity – has a tire pressure monitoring system. The car is equipped with emergency call equipment “Era Glonass”;
• Kombi – the package includes: air conditioning, heated driver’s seat, folding seat backs;
• Flatbed with cabin - aluminum folding sides, rear window without heating. The cargo platform has 6 loops for attaching mounting straps.

VW service support is 12 months. The Volkswagen Transporter minibus is sold with a warranty; during servicing, only original spare parts and consumables are installed.

Pros and cons of the model

The Volkswagen T6 model is considered very successful. Main advantages:

• the car is equipped with electronics that make driving easier;
• several versions of MT6 allow you to choose a minibus according to your needs and capabilities;
• fuel consumption is reduced. Compared to VT 5, it decreased by 2.5 liters (per 100 km) in the city and by 4 liters when driving outside the metropolis.

But it is worth noting the disadvantages: the ground clearance has decreased to 165 mm, which makes the car less suitable for driving on bad roads. A number of users are unhappy with the plastic inserts on the dashboard.

Gasoline or diesel

If, when purchasing a Volkswagen Transporter, the problem arises of choosing between a car with a diesel or gasoline engine, you should take into account that the fundamental difference between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine is the method of ignition of the combustible mixture. If in a gasoline engine a spark created by a spark plug ignites fuel vapors mixed with air, then in a diesel engine spontaneous combustion occurs under the influence of compressed air heated to a high temperature.

Diesel and gasoline engines have their advantages and disadvantages

It is generally accepted that a diesel engine is more durable, but cars with such engines are usually more expensive than gasoline versions, all other things being equal. At the same time, among the advantages of diesel, the following should be mentioned:

• its efficiency - fuel consumption is usually 10–15% lower than in gasoline engines;
• higher reliability due to the absence of an ignition system;
• environmental friendliness - the level of CO2 emissions is lower than in gasoline engines.

Diesel, as a rule, has more traction, but is also noisier. Among its disadvantages:

• increased “sensitivity” to low-quality fuel - repairs in this case can be quite expensive;
• more expensive maintenance;
• problems with starting in frosty weather.

Despite the fact that more and more diesel cars are being produced all over the world, in Russia such cars are still noticeably inferior in popularity to gasoline vehicles.

VW Transporter with diesel engine has TDI badge on the radiator

Competitors and similar cars

One of the main competitors of the Volkswagen Transporter commercial vehicle is the Ford Transit. And also VW’s compatriot – Mercedes Benz – Viano. Other analogs of Volkswagen Transit:

• Fiat - Ducato;
• Toyota - Hiace;
• Renault - Trafic;
• Peugeot - Boxer;
• Mercedes Benz - Sprinter.

According to surveys of owners who evaluated all presented models, VW’s main competitor is the Korean Hyundai H-1 Starex.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Volkswagen Transporter T2, like its predecessor, is distinguished by its laconicism and minimalism (with the exception of luxury models).

• What is captivating about the car is its simplicity. This is a car that will become a reliable hard worker and will work, regardless of the year of manufacture. You can always find suitable spare parts. It’s expensive to order relatives, but at flea markets, Avito, and in social network groups you can find a large number of used parts.
• This is a passenger chassis, so many parts can be taken from passenger cars. In many cases, spare parts from Soviet cars are suitable.
• T2 can be loaded to the maximum, but strictly no more. It will maintain balance and poise because the chassis is based on a precisely thought-out weight distribution system.
• The suspension will last almost forever.
• In the second version, interior heating appeared.

On the forums you can find descriptions of problems, but there are no complaints about the concern’s shortcomings. The owners of this car are always satisfied with the hardworking bull.

• The disadvantage is the motor noise. But in reality, no attention was paid to this in the last millennium.
• What is unusual and difficult for many is the orientation of the steering wheel - it is installed, like on buses, almost horizontally.
• Shifting gears is not easy to master. The lever is located low and has a large amplitude.

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