Advice on buying a VW T4 Transported TDi Automatic (YEAR 2000)

[t4newbuyerman]

Hello,
I am currently looking at buying a VW T4 transporter 2.5 TDi Automatic Diesal (Year 2000). It has done 178,000 KMS. It has been fitted out with a rear air conditioning unit and back seats that fold down into a double bed. I will ideally be getting this for weekend getaways/general trips up the coast etc.
I had a mechanic look over the van and there are a few things that need to be fixed, i've listed them below and if anyone could give me any advice it would be greatly appreciated. I did a test drive and quite liked how it felt (i'm not a big car person so don't know what to look for aside from the very basics etc.), I also really like the fact that it has the seats that fold down into a bed. The van is in immaculate condition inside, only had 2 previous owners and one was an older gentleman who didn't use it very much.
List of issues:
Little bit of rust found around windscreen
Engine oil dirty and low
Oil leaks found around rocker cover, turbo housing and front of engine
Starter motor slow to disengage
Oil leak found around transmission housing
Passenger side outer drive shaft boot showing wear
Front suspension bushes show some wear, repair as required
Engine performs OK but is noisy in operation under load
Some knocking evident in front suspension
Fan belt noisy on cold start
Obviously there are a few things that need to be looked at but I feel that if I can get it at a good price and the repairs aren't ridiculously expensive I feel like it could be a great van. If you guys/gals could let me know your thoughts it would be HUGELY appreciated.
Thanks!!

[Sunny43.5]

Welcome to the Forum . The bushes if replaced will probably fix the clunking also check out the rear engine mount it has a rubber bush that collapse and can cause unusual knocking as well . Windscreen rust is a common problem if you are keeping the van long term I would remove the front screen and have it fixed properly .Other members will be able to shed more info on some of the other issues , and as for some parts the UK is the best place to get better pricing .

[Umai Naa!!]

When was the transmission last rebuilt?

[t4newbuyerman]

When was the transmission last rebuilt?

I'm not sure if it has been. It hasn't missed a service and there is a full log book history.

[MadMentalist]

Hi and Welcome,

First off these are great van's (I currently own 3, one in the UK and 2 here in Aus) if they are looked after and if you can do some things yourself.

As Sunny said, rust is pretty common around the windscreen and can be repaired if needed.

A few of my own findings with a 2003 tdi auto:
Now, the auto box is a week point if not serviced properly and by all accounts even major VW service centres were unaware of the 60K service schedule of the box. There are no specific indications in the service book either! Auto box rebuilds are expensive, I paid $4.5K for one although it was in regional QLD (Luckily I only paid $500 for the complete van).
Parts in general are expensive unless you can source from Europe and labour can be from someone who knows these vans.

As for the rest:
Dirty and low oil means the last owner wasn't too careful, oil leaks probably common for the age/kms (rocker cover gasket and main seals would fix 90% and probably have never been done). The same could be said for bushes etc., basically coming to the end of their serviceable life and time to get them replaced.
When you say the engine is noisy under load is that knocking or induction noise? The air intake sits directly in front of the driver so you can really hear the turbo induction.

If I was buying I would be getting it for a very good price then giving it a major service including all drive belts, cam belts (x2) if no evidence of being changed around 120K, auto box oil as soon as you possibly can including a clean out of the auto box sump pan, renew all bushes and perished rubber items required.

Once done these are great weekender vans (just look at the following in the UK!) and are generally reliable if looked after properly and it should go on for another 200K Km without too many drama's.

Good luck if you decide to bite the bullet

MM

[t4newbuyerman]

Thanks for the reply, what do you think would be a good price for it?

I'm not to sure if it is knocking or induction noise, the mechanics report just said 'engine OK but noisy under load'.

[MadMentalist]

It kind if depends on the asking price. Only two on carsales from a very quick search were between 6 & 7 grand. If you can knock them down a bit for the work required from the report it could be a good deal. Entirely up to you though!

[jets]

I have owned two T4s going back to around 2004. My experience has been very good IF they are serviced properly & no bodges from previous owners. My local VW parts manager reckons the T4 goes forever. The auto would be my main concern although my first T4 was an auto & behaved itself while I owned it.