Which one

Looking at buying a T5 (2nd hand)which engine would be best.I want to keep this van for some time.

Seems to be a few issues with faults.What do  I need to look for or do I go merc vito instead.

 I have a t5 85 roadmark and apart from the clonk (which has come back ) it has`nt caused me any trouble althought it has only covered 22000 miles , the trouble seems to come from the bigger engine models . As i only carry decorating materials and golf clubs the 85 engine suits me fine and could`nt be described as underpowered at all , i have found that the service and "care" of my vehicle when at the van centre to be somewhat " industrial " but you could say that about any manufacturer i suppose . One bit of advice i was given not just on here but from work colleagues was DONT BUY A VITO !!!!!!

The clonk is covered and i think it`s on about it`s 6th or 7th fix , mine was registered dec 2004  .

The general rule on this thread/forum is not unlike 'global warming', mention it often enough and people will fall for it!

The poll we had recently indicates only 2 people with engine trouble but loads with electrical and trim trouble!

http://www.brick-yard.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13503& amp;PN=10

But there must be loads of us out there more than happy with both 4 & 5 pots.

Thanks for the advice I will take reg number to dealer before making any purchase.

I just need to find one first thats not white(hopefully)and within 150miles of Leeds and has rear tailgate or wing doors with glass.

The poll we had recently indicates only 2 people with engine trouble but loads with electrical and trim trouble!

An interesting point but I remember several different people mentioning turbo, flywheel and gearbox problems only on the 5 pot engines. I thought that generally it had been established that the four pots (& there five speed gearbox's) gave less trouble? I don't think anyone's trying to score points here but just trying to give the best advice. It'd be good to get some inside knowledge on this from VW, on warranty claims: 'what's most reliable? four pot or five pot?'

When speaking to the technician after my last big T5 repair, I asked him this exact question.

He said that faults had developed in more or less equal amounts across the 4 and 5 pot's , but it was the 5 cylinder models that had the " big " failures. ( engines/box's and turbo,s )

 

After reading all the faults it makes me wonder how good these vans are.

I want something that is reliable and not been sold on to me because its had problems.Even with a warranty it does not mean its reliable it just means VW pick up the tab.

I was looking for 2005 or 2006 model 1.9 102/104 but its got me thinking T4 might be a better choice.Might even consider toyota.

Studioman wrote:   ... And the Toyota, whilst very reliable is also very very boring!

The Toyota Hiace diesel I test drove before buying my T5 didn't handle very well on the highway and was very very very noisy (I would need to wear ear-plugs to stave off industrial deafness on a trip).  But based on my past experiences with several toyotas I would expect it to be as reliable as a stone axe, something that cannot be said about all T5s.

Yes i used to have one and on the rare occasions we had 3 in the front it must've looked hilarious, all squashed in like sardines!