Newbie looking at a used 2008 T5 Transporter

[sonnyshines]

hi guys. ive come here for some advice on these T5 Transporters. Ive been reading some people are very wary of the Auto transmissions ....

So the one ive looked at is a 2008 Auto Diesel Crewvan. has about 156k on the clock and has log books and service history. The dealer says its been well looked after (surprise surprise lol)

He is asking $14k for it. These Crewvans are not as common so maybe thats pushed the price up.. no idea.

so what do you guys think? is that too much and / or should i be steering clear of these T5 autos anyway because of the potential very costly repairs?

its only going to be used for weekend recreation etc. im not putting tens of thousands of Ks into it per year thats for sure...

thanks!

[Kiels3927]

I would be checking the method & timing of gear box services & look for a special guarantee on that.

If you search about here a bit, you'll find that VW Australia once deemed that the boxes didn't require oil & servicing for life, but finally decided that wasn't all that flash & gradually morphed into a full sump-off-and-filter-change routine, that were too late in cases like my one owner Multivan with 175k on the clock which just went through a two clutches & the works rebuild at only $3-4K less than the van you're looking at. Last box service & tick OH were 15k earlier.

[sonnyshines]

thanks Kiels. so i just check the log book and service history for that sort of detail?

do you think $14k for a 2008 T5 Crewvan with 156k that looks is decent condition is a reasonable price or overs?

[Rebuild]

I'm pretty sure it wasn't a service item for a few years from 2004(1st of the T5's), so it may not show up in the book.
The official line early on, was the boxes were "sealed for life".

edit: became a service item around 2010-2011, according to umai(see link lower down)

Just had mine fixed after 160K, but had been doing my own servicing as best i could.
The Torque Converter Auto (NOT DSG) T5 thumps into drive when cold

[Kiels3927]

The book will likely only say that the level of service applicable to the time was carried out. Remember over that time it could be nothing, an oil change only, or a sump off oil & filter change. I had them all with my 2007.

If the seller knows the vehicle, you would expect he could elaborate; if not, then it's unlikely that the information you would like is available.

I can't comment on the price.

[Sunny43.5]

[QUOTE=Rebuild;1291413]I'm pretty sure it wasn't a service item for a few years from 2004(1st of the T5's), so it may not show up in the book.
The official line early on, was the boxes were "sealed for life".

edit: became a service item around 2010-2011, according to umai(see link lower down)

Correct but even then VW dealers would still NOT remove the sump , just drain the fluid through a bolt hole and refill from another bolt hole at the top , with ours the filter was already partially blocked from years of driving . So they refilled with new fluid which flushed out more debris which then completely blocked the fliter destroying the box only 5 kays from the dealer . Personally if its at a VW dealer then take whatever they say with a pinch of salt , from my experience its doubtful they paid more than $5K as a trade in as as soon as they see thta its an auto they will screw the owner and not have the decency to use a lubricant . Se at $14 K if the auto failed they would still have a little bit to play with after a rebuild , like Kiels said VW price for the box around $12K ours cost $8500 for an independant auto shop to rebuild . After two years of hounding VWA and Germany VWA paid 50% goodwill payment towards the rebuild cost .

[Kombi]

Are you aware that you can buy a manual 4 motion ?
I wouldn’t buy one without proof of transmission service.

[sonnyshines]

thanks guys. after reading some comments and other threads here, and elsewhere online, im just too nervous shelling out $14k on something that could easily cost me a bomb down the track. its a shame because i really loved everything else about the van. oh well i guess ill keep looking