Transporter T5

[Gwilli]

Hi new to the forum I have cross posted this from whirpool forums as I thought this may be a better place to ask.

I am after some advice on a VW Transporter T5 I have looked around and have found lots of different opinions some say the early models had better quality control others say they ironed out the bugs in the later models.

I am looking at spending around 24K for an Auto LWB preferred
been thinking about fitting it out for camping.

I have found a 2004/05 Model LWB Auto 128KW with 96 000 kms for $22 000

I am guessing the age would be a problem if I where to re sell though I think I will keep it for at least 5 years if not more.

There is also a 2005 Model LWB Auto 128KW with 185 000 kms for $16 500
Would the amount of Kms be a big problem if it has been serviced regularly?

I have also went and drove some 2008 model ex ambulance transporters with
120 000 kms around the same price but they seemed a bit banged up on the inside and they dont have any service log books a little wary on those.

Have looked at 08 models with similar Kms and they are all around the $27 000 mark which is a bit much for me considering I still have to pay stamp duty and insure it.

I guess my question is am I be better off paying a bit more for the low kms Van
or go for the cheaper high Kms Van

Or should I save a bit more money and wait for an 08 model?

The only other option I have thought of is a Caddy Maxi Van I found a 2010 model with 60 000 kms still under warranty for $24 000 it might be a bit tight for camping though.

Babbling on a bit sorry
Any advice welcome

Thanks

[Ivo]

Have you looked at the auctions?

Car Auctions, Buy a Car, Auto Auctions - Pickles Auctions Australia

Government Auctions

I have got my last 3 cars at Pickles, are ex govt vehicles and all and been significant savings over dealer prices.

I would buy the latest model with the lowest km's that you can afford. Next would be older with very low kms.

[Gwilli]

Have you looked at the auctions?

Car Auctions, Buy a Car, Auto Auctions - Pickles Auctions Australia

Government Auctions

I have got my last 3 cars at Pickles, are ex govt vehicles and all and been significant savings over dealer prices.

I would buy the latest model with the lowest km's that you can afford. Next would be older with very low kms.

I have had a look at the Auctions and they do have some alright deals but most are Manual Transmission and pretty high Kms.

I did see a 2007 model with only 11 000 kms for $29 000 I offered them $24 000 but never got a return call ha.

I will keep an eye on the Auctions I might just have to be patient and wait.

[Ivo]

Just take your time, and the right van will come along. But when it does make sure you know your stuff so you don't miss out. When it comes to auctions, set you limit and don't go over it. Even better get a friend to bid on it as they don't have any emotional attachment to it.

[Sunny43.5]

I can only pass on this much information we own a T5 128kw 6spd auto bought new in 2005 . There has been some problems that have surfaced on this forum and the brickyard . Water pumps fail miserably early, newly fitted ones seem to last much longer , The auto is "sealed" for life so you have to get it serviced yourself VW don,t seem to want to do it or if a problem arises all they will offer is a new tranny $12000 . Now some later ones even on this forum have had cracked mainfolds and some 1.9,s manual transmisions have also failed , naturally timing belts have to be done on the later ones the early ones were gear driven so no belt to worry about [they should all have the gear driven system ] So best advice for peace of mind check for service records whatever model you buy or look at . Howard