[Closed] Whats better about vw transporters than other vans??

...i currently run an 04 vauxhall combo... But finding as im getting busy its barely big enough?

Looks better in waitrose carpark?
T6 is launched next month.

owners of aspirations of being a 60s hippy in their air cooled bus?

Same reason a Golf is better than a Focus.

...my other vehicle is a golf+ as it goes ;))... Can an 8x4 go in the swb version??

The T5 makes the road come alive.

After perusing the T4 forums i nearly fell into the trap of believing they were the coolest vans and that were indestructible as long as they had a regular service. Then i had a chat with 2 mates whos partners had t5's. And unsurprisingly they seemed to have just as many problems and issues as other vans.

I have a bit of a theory that owning a van will empty your wallet regardless of the make and model.
Vauxhall have just replaced the 4 injectors on my 6 year old Vivaro that has a design fault. It has a tendency to let water into the engine bay if the run-offs are blocked which can and will corrode the injectors. But apart from that i really like it. It drives very well and has a large roomy back. Which will soon be converted for a weekend bike / campervan.

I think there has been an amazing piece of marketing done by VW to convince people that the are by far the best vans out there. And a great many people do believe it.

The badge

It's like an iPod in a world of generic MP3 players init?

There's nothing measurably better about it, but the heritage means there's a cult following, which in turn means there's a wealth of bits made specifically for it along with knowledge around it.

Resultingly, the residuals are higher, which further increases its appeal.

I think the T4 built the reputation when the alternatives were pretty cheap and nasty. It's not that the T5 is a bad van, it's just the others have got a lot better.

Mac cheers... Yeah the new ones twin turbo super efficient... Hoping to go self employed so maybe some buisness leases to consider & vat back?.

It's no different as to why you would choose an Audi over a SSANGYONG.

VW looks cool, all other vans are a bit of "You can't polish a turd, but you can roll it in glitter"

Get a Sprinter sized vehicle if carrying 8x4 in big quantities. Vito SWB Dualiner with seats out took 8x4 but the SWB van with bulkhead wouldn't. Not sure if that helps much with a T5 😀 but I would get a tape measure out before buying if that is the main criteria.

I've driven most vans that're out at the minute and they are the nicest to drive, and have the nicest interior. They are a nice place to be, which if you buy one as a lifestyle vehicle not a work van is what you want.

However, if I were spending my own money not someone else's the Vauxhall Vivaro/Renault Trafic/Nissan Primastar is a close second. The interior isn't as nice but is fine, they're quiet enough and drive very car-like. They're also much cheaper.

The others, well, I'm not convinced by a lot of them in that size category-

Vitos- Rust
Peugeot Expert etc- Very poor quality, many ill thought out design features and incredibly noisy. Also had the side door fall off one going down Glencoe at 50mph.
Transits- Fine. Nothing more, nothing less
LDV Maxxus- possibly the worst. I have had the gear knob come off and they feel old very quickly.

It's different with seriously big vans, but Vauxhall and VW (and Mercedes by default) are still top of that list for me.

Its historic rather than current.

The old T4 was

1) Fully galvanized
2) Independent suspension when others were still using leaf springs
3) Front and rear discs when others were using drums on rear
4) Stylish - Always designed with the Transporter evolving in mind
5) FWD - Mercedes tried and ballsed it up so no competition in car like handling vehicle characteristics
6) Insane residuals which were maintained by both dealers and private buyers with more money than joe blogs

There is loads more but tbh the T5 is nothing like the class above the rest van the T4 was. The T4 was competing with the pile of shite Vito with FWD and horrible engine and rust. The LDV at the time was a 30yr old design and the Transit didn't really have a small version as it was just a downrated BIG transit rather than the custom of today.

The vito IMO (I have years of selling both) is the better van now in nearly all respects. It gets to the point where tbh its not worth the debate. Someone likes the VW or they like the Vito.

After that you get the Ford, Vauxhall, Renault etc. They are not built to the same standard but then most of the people that buy them don't work them as hard either. If its just going to be used as a camper or glorified pimp mobile running a few hairy bikers about then pretty much any van is upto that. Some of my customers do 60,000mls per annum in vitos and I remember customers towing 3t behind T5's and wondering why driveshafts broke.

Work I would buy a Vito or if you fancy it a VW. If I was loaded then I would buy them for private use as well.

Otherwise I would buy a Transit Custom as it will be more than upto the job, cheaper and a bit more resale value than a Renault or Vauxhall. Don't discount the Hyundai (Forget the name) Spec seem impressive and warranty is about 5yrs I believe. Just don't expect T5 residuals......

Better fuel economy and holds it's value better than Merc or Ford.
That's based on our testing of all three and then finally buying a T5.
We are averaging 41.5mpg after a year of driving it.

Munrobiker, i have never had a Vito but are the more recent ones still prone to rust? I thought after 2004 / 2006 or thereabouts the bodies were galvanised.

Also i have just looked at the new vivaro range. 1.6l engines throughout?? Cant see that working on loaded vans.

And any vito 2006 onwards has no more or less rust issues than VW's.

They both rust if the galv has been broken. Neither rust if the galv is in place. Simples

The Crafter is made by Mercedes it is a rebadged Sprinter.

Same reason a Golf is better than a Focus.

So arguably not as good?

Current T5 will not beat a current Vito on fuel. Like for like.

Strange that, I don't believe I have ever seen a crafter with a Mercedes engine in. It may have the body but it definitely doesn't have the drivetrain

I have an old T5. It's had its fair share of faults but the main difference vs 10 year old Vitos / Transits / Vivaros etc. is that the body has not rusted to bits and the interior is still in good and relatively un-rattly condition. That said, if I was looking at a new van now I'd seriously consider the Vito and Transit as the VW doesn't stand out in any respect any more.

as im getting busy its barely big enough

You can get pills for that.

:))) ^^^ gimmee em!!

We have a 53 T5 with 125k that we bought for £12k, put seats in the back and windows in. I still love it 7 years in and the value is probably c8/9k still so depreciation could be one reason to buy. Had you spent £12k on a Transit 7 years ago what would it be worth now?

Never broken down, drove back from Spain last Summer with no issues. So mechanically fine.

Can you put a value on the feeling of "I really like this thing?" Its probably no better than a Transit/Vivaro, mechanically, but I get pleasure out of it that i might not get from another van.

@ Littlesthobo I was generalising as the phrase "Mercedes by default" irked me. Mercedes build the chassis/panels and ship it all out in kit form to VW so I have been informed. The two Crafter's I had (admittedly in Australia) had Merc VIN plates.

There's a big image thing - many people will drive around in a nice Transporter as their 'Car', when most won't in a Transit for example - it doesn't matter if your a butcher, baker or candlestick maker - in a Transport you look like a surfer, biker, kayaker, extremer ironer - in a transit/vivaro etc you look like a Pikey.

This means amazing residuals, seriously The California day-van Transporter is the slowest depreciating vehicle in Britain, but some margin and the rest of the range isn't far behind.

They're also arguably the best looking vans you can buy.

Saying that it's an image VW rightfully earned - going back a few years even pretty new Transits would covered in rust marks, Vivaro's had poor engines / gearboxes and short lives, and even Sprinters weren't too good to get rusty bodies and mechanical problems even though they cost a fortune whereas VW vans would still look decent when they were 10 years or mote old.

I think these days the rest have caught up, the new Transit is good looking (it's just a shame they still only seem to sell them in flat white with black plastic trim) the Vito is good looking and well built but they can't crack the imagine the VW has built up since the 60's.

Vanman, I have been to the Mercedes production line in dusseldorf and watched Mercedes and VW chassis being put together. They are/were (They are finally parting ways soon) built on Mercedes production using a Mercedes workers etc etc.

The difference is the Mercedes workers curse every Crafter that leaves the site and they most definitely don't have the same engine.

Will most likely be getting a new van sometime this year as the Berlingo will be going. I've been (longingly) looking at T5s but as it's a work vehicle and head firmly rules heart, the cost is too high. Having looked at most, I think the new tranny will fit the bill of cost vs practicality when it comes down to it. The level of tech in the tranny cab is way above that in a T5. Base T5s have nothing.

I ran a t4 which I bought used , in 2005, at 48000miles for £5000. I then put another 90000 miles on it and sold it seven years later for £7000.
It ran like a dream, but then had been bought with fsh and I kept it up to scratch.
If I hadn't been offered a T5 at a ridiculously cheap price ( think,at least 6000 under forecourt price, ) with only 58000 miles, I'd still be in the t4.
Good transporters, either t4 or t5 are exactly that and hold their values.
I have seen shockingly badly maintained ones masquerading as campers / surf vans / day vans. Take away the scene tax and they'd be worth very little.
Transporters are nice to drive. The T5 is head and shoulders better than the t4, no more of that daft torsion bar front suspension.
T5 can be expensive to maintain, but what isn't these days ? Good maintenance is king !

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Yep, the 84 bhp basic variant is a great van.
The optional extra steering wheel makes it even betterer.

Owned t4 t5 and vitos but one other van I had that was far more reliable .....Toyota hiace, wish they didn't stop making them in 2012, ok doesn't have the cool factor etc etc but usually 40% cheaper than the same age of the former

For me, it's too narrow and over priced in the used market. The residuals are great but you have to pay the lifestyle tax up front.

Awesome input from everyone as always! ...all is clear now.. Not ;)))

you can rearrange the badge to say pornstar

I've got a 2006 Vito 120, looking at new Vito or T5 sportline in next year.
My mate had a Vito Sport X then got a new T5 sportline in 2012. Absolutely hates it. We went to the airport in it the other day and it squeaks and rattles shockingly, has broken down 3 times since new. Vito is far better according to him.

I've got a 2006 Vito 120, looking at new Vito or T5 sportline in next year.

Had T4 as camper/workvan. Now just as camper. Great van but silly prices now. If it's a pure work van can't you look for best lease deal and off load at not great loss when you've killed it.

n a transit/vivaro etc you look like a Pikey.

I've owned transporters, vivaros and vitos (mutiples of each) and there is a lot of scene tax with vw's but that gives great residuals. They do have their problems but generally less than other vans in my experience.
Vitos still rust far more than transporters. The galvanising must be easier to damage. From what I see at auctions they have improved a little but are still way behind other commercial vehicles.
Trafic/vivaro are quite a good compromise for many people. Again they have problems (injectors and gearboxes) but these are known. They are nice to be in and drive and prices are low.
Transporters are definitely the nicest places to be and for me are the best looking. You pays your money and takes your choice.

I think one recurring theme that clouds the debate is that a lot of people are not comparing apples with apples. Comparing a battered plain white basic model abused transit against a 140bhp metallic paint, well maintained T5 Sportline isn't helpful or objective
The more sensible posts clearly say that they all have problems, it's all down to which one you prefer and how deep your pockets are

Edit: fwiw I think the Renault Trafic is the nicest to drive but I ended up buying a Transit camper based on the quality of the conversion

through my work i get to drive many vans. many are well used/abused work horses, many are brad new rentals.

have driven many T4s, T5s, Vitos, Sprinters, one Crafter (ca. 2008 model), Transits (new and old), Citroens and Fiats.

one T4 that i drive regulary has over 600,000km on it and has a rough life being driven hard through the Alps. lots of dents and scrapes, but amazingly no rust. the engine still pulls well despite being caned to the limit.

have driven the V6 Vito for several weeks through the Alps delivering transalpers' luggage. pulls well in a straight line, but loses all momentum in corners due to the traction control. the gearbox was a bit vague and clucnky. also, it has less load height as it is rear wheel drive when compared to the T5 (i think/so i have been told) which may be a problem when transporting ply sheets. it was also a complete rust bucket despite it being only five years old (think it was a 2007 model and was sold to some Polish last year as it failed its German MOT equivalent). the interior build quality wasn't all that, either, despite being a higher-up-the-range model.

also via the same company i get to drive a Fiat Scudo/Expert thing. it works. a bit ropey and gutless, but it drives and it stops.
oh, and they have two Citroen Jumper things. i know they are not exactly mid-sized vans. had one that kept cutting out and going into limp mode. the next year i had it again and despite having been to the garage it had the same problem... or so i thought. turns out the other Jumper had developed exactly the same problem as the first. the fault couldn't be identified and both were quickly sold to somewhere in Eastern Europe.

i thought the Opel/Vauxhal/Renault Vivaro was ok. it pulled well and has a larger, more useable load space than other vans of its size, but i thought the interior was very plasticy and the cab was loud.

recently picked up a LWB Transit Custom from Enterprise for a 1300km round trip to Düsseldorf from Munich. had 600km on the clock. the instrument panel was attractive/well laid out and it had all the fancy mod-cons, but it rattled lots (something loose internally in the drivers and sliding door) and felt spongey and not-so-ever inspiring at speed (165kmh).

last year we started looking at vans with the view to converting it into a camper for bike holidays. on the back of my experiences with the motors mentioned above and after much umming and ahhing and having looked at the contenders we went for a 2.5ltr, 130bhp LWB T5 Caravelle with all the bells and whistles: leather seats, heated captains with arm rests, air con, cruise control, reverse camera. was originally looking for a "rough'n'ready" motor without any fancy gizmos... until the GF found out how to work the search function. more than i wanted, but now convinced many of the things i didn't need i now do.
another thing that swung us towards the T5 was the sheer amount of after market stuff available. oh and the looks.... the Vito and Vivaro being the only real alternatives just didn't look as solid and their interiors were not as well finsihed.

the T5 is a pleasant place to be even in standard spec (having previously rented and used many T5 for work and pleasure). it sounds cliché, but it does drive more car-like than any of those mentioned above. load space isn't as generous as in the Vivaros, but it is nicer to drive as it doesn't feel so van like.

although a solid engine the 1,9ltr feels a bit under powered on climbs or when fully loaded and i would say the same of the 140bhp 2ltr engine. despite having more horses than our 5 pot 2,5ltr 130bhp the 2ltr doesn't have that low down torque and i feel you have to work the engine more to get up to speed.

Whats better about vw transporters than other vans??

I dunno... Can't quite put my finger on it.. 😉

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I've got a 2006 Vito 120, looking at new Vito or T5 sportline in next year.

It's a van WTF is the sportline for? just drive to the speed limit,

I drive at least twice a year to Austria, sometimes towing a trailer, and do at least 50 miles a day regularly.
The van is our main family vehicle, so we want something nicely finished inside with plenty of poke for safe overtakes on autobahns etc.

A vito extra long will take 8x4 ply with one rear seat out, you just lean the ply over very slightly.
It will also take a Ducati 1098 at a slight angle with the same seat out.

Has anyone had DPF problems with a modern van?

Or do they just get driven hard?

SWB trafic, 11 years old, has had a replacement gearbox and the previous owner replaced the injection pump, I drive it everyday and I would have a new one if funds allowed. It will take 8x4s laid flat and is overall a more spacious van than a T5.

Sorry for the stupid question, but why the ply wood references? Purely to demonstrate usable space, or are there just a lot of joiners here?

Sorry for the stupid question, but why the ply wood references? Purely to demonstrate usable space, or are there just a lot of joiners here?

People pretending they want to carry stuff other than bikes in the back.

Primastar/traffics drive lovely but the fact you can't do an 8x4 against the side does my tree in. The lwb is just under 10foot which is better.

I love my 2.5tdi 5pot t4. It's black as well which makes in achingly much more cool innit

...you put "other stuff" in them too?? #onlyforbikes #vanlife :))