Thinking about chopping my Combo van in for a T4 probably, or a T5 possibly.

I understand the difference between the two, but finding the aray of engines totally bewildering.

Seems like the T4 has just the two old rattly but seemingly bullet proof oil burners under the bonnet, whilst the newer T5 has several engine options, but slightly less reliable apparently?

Anyone in here had any experiences of these creatures, as I'm looking at using one for work and doing a 'leisure/camping' conversion on it.

T4's are obviously cheaper as they're older, which is most attractive.

My dad has a 51reg - T4 i think? Its done 180k now and is an absolute nail. He hates it! It is an ex Europcar van though. Not sure what the spec the engine is, just that its a 1.9 apparently turbo! Engine is bullet proof though but slow as anything...its also got a choke!!

My dad has a 51reg - T4 i think? Its done 180k now and is an absolute nail. He hates it! It is an ex Europcar van though. Not sure what the spec the engine is, just that its a 1.9 apparently turbo! Engine is bullet proof though but slow as anything...its also got a choke!!

Yea, I believe they aren't exactly a rocket ship, but for work and leisure, it doesn't really matter that much I suppose...within reason.

Had a quick look on the VW forum, and some seem to really rate the old 1.9 TD over the more modern TDi variants of the T5, but I really don't know what to think tbh.

The T4 has a few engine choices, 1.9TDi & 2.5TDi seem to the popular ones but there are N/A versions of both. All are as you say fairly bullet proof but the 2.4 & 2.5's are known for going through the fan belt crank pulleys, IIRC there was a recall on them. T5's just seem to suffer with the usual VAG Diesel engine problems

Personal choice T5 sportline purely for the looks

Edited 13 February, 201115 yr by Big Gray