Couple of quick answers needed please! T4 related.

[iluvbrownale]

Hi guys, first time T4-er

Woke up this morning and I need to buy a van. Am looking at a T4 SWB tomorrow. It's a 2002 with 196,---kms on it. Manual, 4cyl petrol. Taken as trade by VW dealer.

Questions:
- I am assuming timing belt due at 200,000kms?
- What should I budget for replacement? (I will build this cost into my offer)
- Any specific T4 things to look for?
- I have heard that the gearboxes are a weak point and am assuming manual is a safer bet than auto?
- will my 5x112 Golf GTI MK5 wheels fit?

Any other advice?

Cheers

Mike

[iluvbrownale]

Nobody can even tell me the timing intervals??

[Transporter]

It used to be 60,000km, will also depend what parts are you using as well, in any case it's not longer than 7 years or 105,000km whichever comes first.

[Zebt]

Not sure on the timing belt interval, think you are correct at 200k, either way it should be budgeted for if not done.
Yes, gearbox is weak point, should be checked for top up every 10k for best results. I would not buy an auto if I were you.
Cat converter another problem, listen for a rattle/unpleasant noise during acceleration and smelly exhaust fumes a give away for a failed cat, they are not cheap.
If it has AC ask when it was re-gassed.
Assume the dealer will lie about absolutely everything!
I owned a Syncro for a while and it was generally a good vehicle but got worried as it aged.
Get a compression test done on it if you can.
Check for rust repairs around the windscreen seals, this is a weak point, make sure they have been done well.
Good luck.

[iluvbrownale]

Cheers guys. After putting aside the morning, I went down to the dealer - name and shame time - Volcan Ford/Southern Classic Cars VW in Wollongong and it turns out the head gasket is stuffed. Why oh why did they not tell me until I got there. He was just "being honest". Yeah, thanks....24 hrs earlier would have been better seeing as we had talked on the phone and communicated by SMS that morning.
Needless to say I walked. Away. Annoyed.
Going to keep looking for a LWB after all. Can't believe the number out there where the service history/books have 'been lost' too. Suppose this comes with the territory buying a sub $10k vehicle. Only ever bought new cars or specialist classics and this new experience isn't exactly endearing...

[jets]

- I have heard that the gearboxes are a weak point and am assuming manual is a safer bet than auto?
- will my 5x112 Golf GTI MK5 wheels fit?

Manual gearboxes are fine, autos not so good.
Re. wheels need to be load rated for max. weight of van, could have insurance implications as well as general safety.